By Trent Moore
The Cullman Times
—
To allow more time for the installation of a new eight-lane track at Cullman High School, the city school board has waived a clause that would fine the track’s contractor — Civicon — for not finishing the project sooner.
The new eight-lane rubberized track is part of a $2 million renovation of Oliver Woodard Stadium, which also includes the installation of artificial turf on the football field, new visitor’s side bleachers and a re-design of the old drainage system.
The Cullman City Schools board had originally required Cullman-based Civicon Contractors to complete the track within the next few weeks — or pay the school system $1,000-per-day until it was done.
“In our contract with Civicon, they had a due date to finish things up, just like a student would have for a homework assignment,” Superintendent Dr. Jan Harris said. “But, to get the track finished in the way the vendor required, we will add 10 days to two weeks to the final project time.”
Due to some issues with installation work done by sub-contractors, Civicon manager Brian Roberson said it will take a couple of weeks longer to ensure the track installation is handled correctly. The track should be completed around the end of September.
“There were too many inconsistencies with how some sub-contractors put [the base level of asphalt] down,” he said. “It was not good enough.”
Roberson said a specialized crew has since been brought in to correct the asphalt base, which must cure for at least 30 days before the collegiate red rubberized track surface can be installed.
“We’ve hired a sub-contractor out of Georgia now, who specializes in track installations,” he said. “Instead of trying to manipulate what was there, the decision was made to re-do it and make sure everything is done right.”
Harris said the delay has not created any major problems, since it should still be a few months until the school hosts any track events.
“We’re just putting the finishing touches on the project,” she said.
Once the track is complete, school officials hope to join the rotation of high school campuses that host some state and regional cross country events in the area.
“We have sent a letter to the AHSAA (Alabama High School Athletic Association) and are trying our best to be able to host the state track meet soon,” Cullman High School Principal Sheila Phillips said. “That would be a great thing for the community and a benefit to everyone.”
To pay for the renovation work, the school board had originally planned to use a federal bond, though the stadium could not be built using those funds due to a change in federal policy.
The school board has since asked the Cullman city council to assist them in getting a bond, which will then be paid back entirely by the school system, with no cost to the city. School officials hope to raise enough money through community donations and fundraisers to pay off the $2 million bill. Approximately $700,000 has already been raised.
* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.
