Glasgow Scottie Upcoming Facilities Bond Tidbits

The election will be administered by the Valley County Election Administrator and will be a mail-ballot election.

Ballots will be mailed out on Sept. 29 and must be returned by Oct. 17.

Tidbit 1

What will the proposed $8.58 Million Dollar Facility Improvements Bond include?

#1 – Replace the failed 80-year-old boiler at Glasgow High School to assure our students will have adequate heat in the winter months.

#2 – Extensively repair damaged roofs at Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School to assure that we can keep the inside of our buildings free from the outside elements and avoid partial or potentially complete structural collapse.

#3 – Replace the failing asphalt track with a Post-Tensioned Concrete All-Weather Track at Scottie Field to assure we can continue to hold annual regular season events and large postseason events for the community of Glasgow.

#4 – Replace the unsafe natural grass football field with Synthetic All-Weather Field Turf at Scottie Field to assure player and officials’ safety and turn the complex into a “Community Bowl” that can be used year-round by the youth and elderly of Valley County.

#5 – Replace the partially-failed incandescent lights with cost-effective LED light technology at Scottie Field to assure the facility can be used for school and community events in the evenings.

#6 – Fix the traffic circle in front of Irle Elementary School to alleviate student and parent concerns and make the area safer and more efficient during high-frequency travel times (AM drop off and PM pick up)

Tidbit 2

When would construction begin? What is the timeline for completion of each school bond project?

Boiler installation is currently underway at Glasgow High School, under an emergency loan, and is expected to be completed before this winter hits!

Crews would begin Scottie Field renovations as early as May 23, 2024. The turf field would be ready for our first Home Football game on Friday Sept 6, 2024. The Track would be completed before the snow flies and it would be ready for the Scottie Invitational on Friday April 4, 2025. Fall and spring athletes would NOT miss a season on the home facility.

Both the GHS and GMS roof repairs would be completed in the spring/summer of 2024 and be ready for students the first day of school on Monday Aug. 26, 2024.

With the available funding; architectural work on the Irle School traffic circle would begin in the winter of 2024-25 with a goal of beginning construction in June of 2025.

Tidbit 3

How old is Scottie Field? When was it last updated?

Construction began in 1976; but funding was an issue and slowed its overall process to a virtual standstill. In 1978, the Glasgow Sports Club, accepted the challenge to sponsor the project and assist the district in its completion.

The dream was not realized, however, until the grandstands were erected when a Bond Levy was passed by the voting public in the spring of 1982. On April 10, 1982 the Scottie Invitational Track Meet was the first event held in the new complex. By fall of 1982 the Scotties were playing football adjacent to Glasgow High School.

There have been NO updates made to the football playing surface other than routine maintenance and upkeep since its inception.

An asphalt base for the track at Scottie Field was completed on Sept. 1, 1981. There have been NO updates to the asphalt base of the track since its inception. The track has received two rubberized resurfaces in its lifespan; one on Oct. 10, 1990, and the other on Sept. 18, 2000. The only other repairs on record are a rubberized surface patching on Oct. 31, 1997, and a Re-Spray/Re-Stripe on Sept. 10, 2006.

Tidbit 4

How long have plans been in place to address the facility concerns listed in the upcoming school bond?

- For Scottie Field it was 12+ years ago, the spring of 2012, when planning began for a March 13, 2013, bond election to address a deteriorating athletic facility.

- For the boilers it was spring of 2023 when one of our two boilers at Glasgow High School failed while the weather was still cold.

- For the roofs it was spring of 2023 when the School District contracted with McKinstry to complete a facility needs assessment that produced alarming information about GHS and GMS.

Tidbit 5

How old are Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School?

Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School have both been serving the community for over a half a century and the bones of both buildings are holding up quite well, however, during a recent contracted facility assessment the Glasgow School District received alarming reports on the conditions of both roofs. It was recommended that both roofs undergo extensive renovations to prevent further deterioration, including any partial or complete structural collapse.

Glasgow High School is in its 55th school year. It opened in August of 1969.

Glasgow Middle School is in its 63rd school year. It opened in August of 1961.

Tidbit 6

How many school-related events are currently held annually on Scottie Field? Do we anticipate more opportunities with an UPDATED facility?

Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School use Scottie Field for many athletic events each school year to give our kids an opportunity to compete in front of a home crowd and to help stimulate the economy of Glasgow and Valley County. Based on a 10-year average; these are the school-related events currently being held on Scottie Field:

Football– 11 to 14 Games Per Year

Five Varsity Regular Season Games, One Annual Red and White Scrimmage, Four Junior Varsity Games, Four Middle School Games (including the three-school Jamboree), One or two Varsity Playoff Football Games; with potential for four playoff games in a given season.

Track & Field– 11 Meets Per Year

Four to five Regular Season HS Meets, One Regular Season MS Meets, two to four HS/MS Postseason Meets, one GHS Stuco Special Olympics Meet.

Yes! A new facility will allow us to keep the longest-running Top 10 Meet in the state in our community Glasgow! It will open up opportunities for further postseason dates in Track & Field and allow us the ability to pursue a Class C Football Pre-Season Showcase (like the one we host for Basketball in December). We would also bid on any potential neutral site 8 Man State Football Championship Games through the MHSA. Upcoming… Day 7’s Tidbit will highlight non-school related and other opportunities that will be possible with an artificial surface at Scottie Field.

Tidbit 7

What events/activities could be moved to Scottie Field if an artificial surface is installed?

–Glasgow Recreation Department Activities! Including Third to fourth Grade Flag Football, Fifth to Sixth grade Grade Tackle Football, Youth Soccer Leagues for ALL ages of Glasgow youth, and countless outdoor summer youth programs.

–Youth Baseball/Softball Practices! The 8U 11U and 14U Glasgow Softball Association leagues, T-Ball, Cal Ripken Minor League, Cal Ripken Major League, Babe Ruth, and the Glasgow Reds Legion Program would have a suitable place to practice when weather or field conditions are less than suitable.

–HOPE Annual Event! (formerly Northeast Montana Relay for Life). This long term event that used to be held at Scottie Field was moved due to concerns over field use and ultimately the event was never the same after moving locations. Is a revival possible?

–GHS Physical Education Classes / Sports Cross-Training! Our Grade’s 9-12 kids will see expanded education opportunities outside of the gymnasium as the game field would become usable in the fall and the spring while school is in session.

–HS Football Team Practice! We would be able to practice every day on our game field and eliminate the costs associated with maintaining the grass practice fields.

–Outdoor Entertainment Venue! Community Movie Nights, Fundraisers, Dances, Concerts, Weddings are possible.

–Community Bowl! Facility would be open 24/7-365 days a year for community use. Open gate policy on Scottie Field will continue and be enhanced for the youth, adult, and senior citizen population.

Tidbit 8

How much money has been raised? What happens to the funds that are already raised for the “Scottie Field Recharged” project if the bond is passed?

Currently there has been $40,200 cash raised for improvements at Scottie Field by valued community members and organizations. This total includes separate $10,000 donations from both Cottonwood Inn and Suites and the Galen & Karla Zerbe Foundation. The only funds used with the “Recharged” account so far have been for expenses related to the June Alive at 5 style community session at Scottie Field and the upcoming Informational Videos that will be released to the public this month! The Recharged Committee remains committed to rolling ALL remaining funds to paying down the tax burden on the community if the facilities bond is passed.

At this time, we would like to recognize the Glasgow Tourism Improvement District for their most recent $10,000 donation to the Scottie Field project. This is the official press release for this matter and the third donation of $10,000+ since the project was announced. Glasgow TBID is an organization that maintains its operational balance on the basis of a local “bed tax” by our local hotel/motels. The group specifically supports any and all efforts towards events and community projects that will help put “heads in beds.”

A fully operational Scottie Field is absolutely crucial to this initiative as over 20 annual events come to Glasgow each year with over 30 communities/schools involved; which directly benefits our retail stores, gas stations, restaurants, and hotels/motels!

Tidbit 9

What is the difference between a levy and a bond?

The easiest way to think about it is that Levies are for Learning and Bonds are for Buildings. The following was provided by our friends at Glendive Public Schools:

LEVIES = LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

(Library Books, Curriculum, Staffing, Building Operation & Maintenance, and Needed Improvements, etc.)

BONDS = BUILDINGS - MAJOR CONSTRUCTION

(New Buildings, Major Renovations, etc.)

LEVY–

A ballot measure asking voters to agree to a property tax to collect a set dollar amount for a specific number of years. They are used for operational costs and capital improvements. Local levies bridge the gap between state funding and the true costs of operating a school district. There are many different types of levies. Some examples include: General Fund, Building Reserve, Transportation, Tuition, Technology, etc.

REPLACEMENT LEVY–

A levy asking voters to replace an existing levy that is scheduled to expire.

BOND–

It is like a mortgage for the schools, except instead of borrowing from a bank, the district finances the cost of long-term projects through the municipal bond market. When placed before voters, the school district is asking for the authority to sell bonds and then pay the principal and interest on those bonds using money collected from property taxes. Bond proceeds are used to purchase or construct new buildings, renovate and modernize existing buildings, add or upgrade infrastructure systems, and purchase additional equipment. Bonds are used to finance the projects because the payments to the investors are made over a period of 12-30 years thus spreading the costs of the projects over a long period of time which reduces the annual impact on property taxes.

Tidbit 10

What would have the last "activity-based" bond paid for in 2013 and what is that cost difference today?

In March of 2013; the Glasgow School District had the opportunity to pass a secondary facilities bond in the amount of $2 million. That bond called for these same Scottie Field improvements. Including a NEW All-Weather Track, Artificial Football and Softball field. It also included full paving of the high school parking lot and the enclosure of the courtyard commons area at the front of Glasgow High School (surrounding the Scottie Dog statue). That bond 10 years ago failed with 41 percent out of the 2,082 voters voting in favor of the project.

Now in 2023; the amount is $5 million for a NEW All-Weather Track, Artificial Football field and LED field lighting. (58 percent of current proposed bond)

Due to the ever-rising cost of materials, labor, and equipment costs, overall inflation, this same project from 2013, not including a softball field, a paved parking lot, or an enclosed courtyard now comes with a price tag that is two and a half times higher. Punting these projects down the road will not save money and it becomes increasingly difficult to make it a reality. What does this cost become by 2025?

Tidbit 11

When was the last "activity-based" bond passed by Glasgow School District voters?

25 years ago! On Nov. 3, 1998, over 60 percent of 2,033 voters elected to support a school facilities bond that would largely see improvements to the school's athletic facilities. The bond was for $1.115 million and included:

-Construction of a brand new Weight Room

-Construction of Handicapped Gymnasium Bathrooms

-Replacing all the wooden bleachers in Scottie Gymnasium

-Renovating Scottie Gymnasium locker rooms from two to four to better accommodate tournament teams

-New lockers for all of GHS (locker rooms and main hallways)

-Rubberized resurfacing of the Track at Scottie Field

A project that surely highlights the crazy differences in cost inflation. What does this project cost today? This was very extensive and is similar to the project in front of our voters this fall.

Tidbit 12

Who would pay for the majority of this school bond through their property taxes?

This information is available to the general public. Over 45 percent of the yearly payment on this school bond would be paid for by the following Glasgow School District tax paying organizations/corporations (in order):

Northern Border Pipeline

BNSF Railway Company

Northwestern Energy- T&D

Northwestern Energy Corp.

Nemont Telephone Corp.

Montana Dakota Utilities - Gas Distribution

Montana Aviation Research Company

Cottonwood Inn Inc.

Norval Electric Cooperative Inc.

Williston Basin Interstate Pipeline

Tidbit 13

What would an approved school bond cost me per month as a tax-paying citizen?

$100,000 Home -- $4.88

If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of 1.25 gallons of gasoline per month.

$200,00 Home -- $9.75

If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of 2 small-sized (12 to 16 oz.) coffees per month.

$300,000 Home -- $14.63

If you own a home valued at this rate it would cost you the equivalent of one medium (single topping) pizza per month.

Are you a landowner, business owner, or do not fall into any of the above categories? Please use this tax calculator to determine your exavt tax impact for the upcoming school bond:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1mKgyeRuorOhY1fsd19_3797rpVt57d9_yhXF3OdbiLQ/edit?usp=sharing

Tidbit 14

What are some of our current issues with the Track at Scottie Field?

1. A six foot-wide sinkhole has developed in Lane 1 on the straightaway. This has caused us to remove lane 1 from competition recently when hosting track meets. Complete structural collapse is imminent due to our drainage issues associated with the Football field. It is now creeping into Lane 2 in the same area.

2. The west runway (Triple/Long Jump) is now experiencing sagging and is displaying signs of complete failure.

3. Nearly 50 percent of our track's rubberized surface is now loose or deteriorating to the point of no repair. The cracking and loose sheets of rubber is a safety hazard.

4. The southeast and northeast corners of our track have large cracks that have developed over time. These cracks expand and contract depending on the temps and widen up to four inches at their peak. They are from the surface, though the asphalt underbelly, to the gravel base. The southeast corner has developed its own sinkhole, due to this cracking, and it's affecting all eight lanes during competition.

5. The East runway (Pole Vault) has experienced complete deterioration and is no longer viable. A portable runway has had to be used in order to limp this area along for competition.

Tidbit 15

Why is a post-tensioned Track beneficial?

--Durability in poor soil conditions! The concrete slab actually floats and performs independently due to constant cable compression.

--Resistance to cracking! The post-tensioned slab is kept in a constant state of compression, so it remains durable during weather fluctuations and extreme conditions (north east Montana)

--Improves drainage! Reduces water holding areas and provides a consistent slope allowing for a highly competitive surface.

--Makes use of existing sites! Reduces removal costs and potential unforeseen subgrade conditions.

Tidbit 16

What is the life expectancy of a post-tensioned concrete Track?

Benyon sports reports a life expectancy that could exceed 50 years! Post-tensioned concrete tracks are now commonly referred to as “lifetime” tracks in the athletic complex industry.

Introduced by the French in 1933, post-tensioned concrete has now been in use for over 90 years worldwide. It was introduced to United States construction in the 1950s. Bridges are currently being constructed with 100-year life expectancies, leaving those in Track construction with the belief that Tracks are also capable of lasting much longer than 50 years.

(PTC) tracks are expected to last a minimum of three times longer than asphalt tracks. Scottie Field is currently a deteriorating asphalt track.

Tidbit 17

Glasgow Schools offered a Public “Q&A” Session on Sept. 13 in the GHS Cafeteria with the Glasgow School District Board of Trustees. This session is available online: http://www.facebook.com/GlasgowHighSchoolScotties/videos/158558667292851/.

Glasgow Schools and the Scottie Field Recharged Committee are committed to transparency and making sure the public has firsthand knowledge of our failing facilities. This is the fourth “Community Session” since the Scottie Field Recharged project was announced.

1. Community Presentation and Q&A Session in the GHS Auditorium with Jared Petrino (Fieldturf) and Kris Koessl (A&E Design) - Thurs. April 13

2. Alive at 5 style. Free waterslides and kids carnival. Scottie Field Tours and Q&A sessions every 1/2 hour with AD Flaten - Wed. June 28th

3. Scottie Field and Boiler Tour + Q&A with 2 Board Chairmen and AD. Free game tickets for those in attendance. - Sat. Aug. 26

4. Q&A Session with GSD Board of Trustees - Wed. Sept. 13

Tidbit 18

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital has just announced an incredible $250,000 donation towards our construction projects associated with the current proposed school bond. What does this mean?

FMDH is committed to a $250,000 donation that is tied only to the passage of the bond. If the bond passes then the announced $250k goes immediately towards paying down the tax debt; therefore lowering the tax request for the bond. If the bond fails, the $250,000 would be returned to FMDH and is not available for any improvements to Glasgow Schools facilities.

Combine this very generous $250,000 with our current $33,000 in donated funds and our current public tax request for these projects drops from 8.58 million to 8.297 million!

Tidbit 19

Did the Glasgow Middle School receive a new roof recently? Is it still under warranty?

No. The Glasgow Middle School roof has not had any major repairs in 40 years and there is no current warranty in place to cover the area of the roof where all the repairs are needed.

During the 1983 and 84 school years. $153,426 was spent during those two years of repairs. The same year as the second addition to the Middle School building.

Small repairs were also made to the GMS roof in 1993 ($5,280), 1995 ($6,800), and 1996 ($8,561) for shingling. Also, $118,110 in 2008 and 2009 school years and $36,995 in 2011 and 2012 school years for patching and repair.

Tidbit 20

Was the Glasgow High School roof recently repaired?

No. Glasgow High School has had zero roof repairs since 2011. That particular repair was a small patch job for $46,492.

The High School was built in 1969. The first small roof repair occurred in 1987 at the cost of $50,460. In 1993, there was a gym roof repair in the amount of $7,260.

The biggest roof repair in the district occurred in 2002 at GHS, with two repairs totaling $272,292, this is a different section than what is currently needing repaired. In 2009, there were two separate small repairs for a total of $75,640.

Tidbit 21

What are some of our current issues with the football playing surface at Scottie Field?

The football playing surface was first “crowned” in 1976 when construction began on the Scottie Field complex making it 47 years old.

By the mid-1990s Scottie Field began to show severe leveling issues, with dips and valley’s littered throughout its playing surface. It features multiple “crowns” and does not currently function as a safe playing surface for players, coaches, and officials. It is by any measure, one of the worst game fields in the state.

Underneath the surface needs to be completely revamped. Regardless of a shift to an artificial surface or a return to natural grass, we would need to start over from ground zero and address the underlying issues. Many of our issues currently plaguing Scottie Field (football playing surface and the heaving of the track) are related to an ineffective drainage system. We are dealing with sloping, a deterioration/breakdown of all materials associated with our hydration system, and the unforgiving climate that is the northeastern Montana tundra. All of the above is compounded by our current field location and its poor soil content.