The project to install artificial turf at the high school soccer stadium moved a step forward at the Feb. 24 school board meeting.

With a quick voice vote, board members approved a $52,000 agreement with Architerra PC for architectural and engineering services for the design and installation of the artificial turf field.

The only audible no vote came from board member David Kennedy.

District Superintendent Richard Sniscak reported the full cost of the artificial turf is estimated at $1.5 million but may change due to unknowns related to stormwater management.

He said the target date for completion of the turf installation is fall, 2015, but may be held up by a lengthy permitting process.

As part of the federal Clean Water Act, the district will have to obtain permits for pollutant discharge and elimination through regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Sniscak said the engineering work performed by Architerra PC will determine what kind of base structures will be needed for the turf and this will affect the cost of installation.

The board approved the artificial turf project in November 2014, with a 5-4 vote.

At that time, Sniscak said parents of sports participants requested the turf because their children are at a competitive disadvantage without it when nearly all other schools have the turf.

He said the facility needs renovation, and maintaining the natural grass is not feasible.

The field is used not only for soccer but also for field hockey and lacrosse.

At the November 2014 meeting, several parents and others spoke in favor of the turf.

Resident Dave Burke, however, raised concerns about the cost and safety of the material, which includes crumb rubber particles from recycled automotive and truck scrap tires.

Sniscak then reported school officials are very concerned about safety, and the artificial turf material had been thoroughly vetted.

Payment for the turf will be taken from the capital reserves and will not impact the millage rate in the 2015-16 budget, Sniscak said.