Schools OK light project

By MIKE WEST, Courier Editor

Board of Education members, after some discussion, voted to proceed with plans to upgrade the lighting at Cannon County High School's football field.

“Do we want to proceed with this project?” asked Chairman Randy Gannon, who said the poles do need to be replaced. The lighting is also old and fragile, he said.

“We need to get started as soon as possible,” said Board Member Bruce Daniels, who moved for approval of a plan by Facilities Systems Consultants to design and serve as project managers for the upgrade.

Daniels said the board had “kinda been kicking it to the curb” since learning of the issue.

The Knoxville-based company's plan called for $5,500 for design and $4,000 to serve as project manager. Larry Headla, an engineer, is representing Facilities Systems Consultants.

The $9,500 price does not include any of the lights, poles and related costs. That will be bid separately and will be funded by the 2014-15 school board budget.

Gannon seconded Daniels' motion.

Board member Chris Blackburn said he didn't favor passage of the measure until he saw some firm prices for the project.

Gannon said the board would favor the “most economical” method of replacing the lighting.
“You may want steel poles, but you are going to get wood,” he said.