The gist
Westlake Town Council approved a $2.14 million contract with Geo Surfaces on Aug. 5 to make drainage and irrigation improvements; and add new turf, goal posts and soccer goals to both fields, according to the agenda. The action comes after several donors and the Westlake Academy Foundation expressed interest in making the improvements.
About $1.64 million will be reimbursed to the town by donations, according to the agenda.
“We have a great opportunity here,” Town Manager Wade Carroll said. “We were approached by several donors in the town who would like to increase or improve the facility there at Westlake Academy.”
The fields experience drainage issues that make them unusable for a period of time after rainstorms, according to the agenda. Officials were already considering repairs after conducting a geological survey on the fields, Carroll said.
“But these donors have come forward and said they would like to assist us in doing those things,” he said.
Breaking it down
Geo Surfaces submitted one of three bids considered by town officials and was one of the two finalists. Geo Surfaces offered a longer warranty for turf compared to the other finalist, which was the deciding factor, according to the agenda.
Acting as Westlake Academy’s board of trustees, council members also approved an agreement with Nema 3 Electric Inc. for installation of permanent lighting at the football field. Officials aim to finish the light installation before the start of football season, according to the agenda.
The project plans for four light poles to be installed around the football field. The light poles were donated by a company that manufactures light poles for NFL and collegiate football stadiums, according to the agenda.
“I really do appreciate people in the community stepping up,” Mayor Kim Greaves said. “There’s a lot of people involved with this, but it's going to make a big difference for our athletic programs and our school.”
Also on the agenda
Council members also approved a $141,212 agreement with Playground Solutions of Texas to install a large shade cover over two playground structures at Westlake Academy. In addition to the shade structure, the project includes replacing the wood chip playing surface on the smaller playground with a padded artificial turf, according to the agenda.
Another motion approved by council authorizes up to $284,500 for the purchase and installation of new cameras and door access controls for Westlake Academy. The price covers installation of 84 cameras, 45 access control doors and software to operate the security measures.
The state will cover about $203,540 of those costs with two safety and security grants, according to the agenda.
