By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

LUTCHER – Plans for the new stadium at Lutcher High School are on schedule, according to architect Perry Segura, and school board members remain confident the facility will be complete by the start of football season.

A contract was signed in March with J. Reed Construction for a price of $1.5 million, and preliminary work is now being done before construction can begin in earnest.

After shop drawings are approved, the contractor can begin foundation work, said Segura.

Segura also pointed out that some decisions may have to be made now regarding field material so drainage does not become an issue in the latter stages of construction.

“If you intend to do a turf, we might need to direct some drainage,” said Segura. “If you know you’re going to do it, we can prepare for it.”

St. James Parish School Board Vice President George Nassar said he thought taking care of the matter early was the preferable option.

“Can you all come up with the plans for what we need to do now?” Nassar asked.

The Building Committee also discussed the project at Paulina Elementary School Monday.

Work on that project has been halted by the Pontchartrain Levee District, which first required the district obtain proper permits before digging and then halted all digging within 1,500 feet of the Mississippi River levee because water in the river is higher than 11 feet.

Because of these delays, the contractor is requesting additional compensation. This includes a general cost of $223 per day as well as additional costs associated with storage and insurance extensions.

Segura said he understands some of the costs but suggested the board not pay the entire amount.

“We don’t think he has been delayed because he has done a lot of work,” said Segura.

The nature of the delays also called the district’s responsibility for financial losses into question.

“I think we need to look at other means to pay for the delays,” said Nassar.

The committee also discussed adding more restroom facilities at the Lutcher High School baseball and softball field.

Segura said up to two fixtures could be added per restroom without increasing the size of the building. The facilities have had drainage issues in the past, however, and committee members wondered if adding more facilites would compound these problems.

“Can the lift station handle it?” Nassar asked.

The committee decided to hold off on making any permanent plans until more information could be gathered.