Option 1 centers on the upper field at VHS, which is also known as Sellitto Field. Forte’s plan would have it turfed for use by lacrosse, soccer, marching band and football. This plan also includes rebuilding and expanding the tennis courts and adding 30 parking spaces. (The tennis courts need to be redone because they were created on the same problem fill as the upper field.) Total cost: $4,481,960.
Option 2 would give more options to more activities. It would remediate the environmental issues on the upper field so it could be used for phys ed classes and practices, then turf the lower field, Doc Goeltz Field, for usage by lacrosse, soccer, baseball, softball, football, and the band. Like Option 1, it would also rebuild and expand the tennis courts and adding 30 parking spaces. Total cost: $5,181,960.
Option 3 would only remediate the upper field for phys ed classes and practices, and fix the tennis courts. Everything else would be put off for a later date. Forte didn’t provide a cost estimate on this option.
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The referendum meeting did not discuss a plan that has been floated by the Verona Eagles–the youth football and cheerleading group–as an alternative to the new field construction on the Hilltop. But Eagles President Mike Passero, revealed at the meeting that he and Frank Ferrari, the president of the high school football parents group, the Fifth Downers, had met with Town Manager Joe Martin on Tuesday morning to talk about that plan and possible town funding of work to school fields. Passero and Ferrari said that Martin assured them that he would make a presentation to the Town Council, which could lead to action at the Council’s next meeting on Tuesday, January 21.
You can read Forte’s entire presentation here.
I’ve read the letter put forth from Mr. Passero on behalf of the Eagles with his suggested plan. I happen to think it makes a lot of sense and look forward to seeing how it is received at the meeting on the 21st.
My question is this: if Mr. Passero’s plan is accepted, would it require a new referendum, or can those funds just be allocated to a different project? Considering that the referendum also covers a technology investment as well as building and security improvements, it seems as though it would be best if a change in the planned field spending didn’t effect the timing of the vote, and that these projects can start as soon as possible. Does a new referendum have to be written to explicitly lay out the planned spending for the money?