dawgnut

smitty I don't have to disprove something I am not worried about. You are the one that keeps digging up trash that "might" happen. This is not a concern of mine therefore I am not going to take a lot of time looking into it. I will let folks like yourself that appear to want to worry about the stuff in life that could happen. Do you drive a automobile smitty. You have a better chance of getting killed in a wreck than you do of our property values dropping that far. So why do you drive? If your logic is true then you should walk every wear you go! You wouldn't even think of going against those odds now would you. As far as my interest in the School System! I have told you before so you must be spending to much time digging up wild obscure "facts" that no one but yourself and CARE are worried about to pay attention. I don't have any interest in the school except that I do want the best that's all! And for your next question yes I am a property owner, yes I own multiple pieces of property, yes I will pay more than the average tax payer will. No I am not worried about it. I will overcome! I don't live in the land of FUD!

What I have to say is this, Global Warming could be true the polar ice caps could melt and if it does Port Arthur will go under water before we do so they may be forced to join our school district. Or wait if you want to believe the Farmers Almanac then a Category 5 hurricane will hit Port Arthur this year, if that happens then they may lose 30% of their property values because it all gets blown away. No wait even better, Swine Flu may kill 50% of the people and in that case who is going to be forced to join who? smitty the bottom line is you choose to look at all the negative things in this life, I don't choose to live my life like that. I don't believe there is anything that we can't overcome, you appear to believe that you will be overcome by everything. None of your FUD is going to make me change my mind, because that is who I am, I believe all things are possible. What do you believe?

Pure old scare tactics! If you can't convince people to see it your way drag up some stuff that's so far out left field that they may believe it! Just more FUD that's all.

How could he have a weak mind with a head like that??? Yea you right Rider Mr. Barrow must have been very proud sitting in the stands. You couldn't miss his son, he was the one that looked like Jack in the box's son. I didn't know they made helmets that big ;D

Turf Help Educational Programs Publications Research Prospective Students News Personnel Alumni Synthetic (Artificial) Turf vs. Natural Grass Athletic Fields With the increasing popularity of youth sports, especially soccer, and the necessity for building more and more athletic fields, many communities are considering constructing synthetic (or artificial turf) athletic fields. Even the Arkansas Razorbacks are considering the move as outlined in a recent article published on January 17, 2009 in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette by Tim Murphy titled “Artificial surface is coach’s desire.†Yesterday’s artificial turf is much different than today’s synthetic in-fill systems in that the new in-fill technology creates a field that looks much more like the real thing (natural grass). The purpose of this turf tip is to provide some additional information regarding synthetic fields so that you’ll be more informed the next time your community is considering a switch from natural grass to artificial. Maintenance It is a myth that synthetic fields require less maintenance than natural turfgrass fields or to say that artificial turf fields are maintenance free. Synthetic fields require 1) additional infill, 2) irrigation because of unacceptably high temperatures on warm-sunny days, 3) chemical disinfectants, 4) sprays to reduce static cling and odors, 5) drainage repair and maintenance, 6) erasing and repainting temporary lines, and 7) removing organic matter accumulation. In a recent presentation by the Michigan State University, Certified Sports Turf Manager, she cited that the typical annual maintenance costs of her artificial turf fields ranged from $13,720-$39,220, while the typical annual maintenance costs of her natural turf fields had a similar range of $8,133-$48,960 (1). Long-term costs Long-term costs are less with natural turf fields compared to synthetic turf fields. Artificial fields need replacing every 8-10 years, whereas a natural turf field does not need as frequent renovation and can be renovated at a much reduced price compared to an artificial field. In a 16-year scenario, Fresenburg came up with an annual average cost for each field type as follows: the natural soil-based field, $33,522; the sand-cap grass field, $49,318; the basic synthetic field, $65,846; and the premium synthetic field, $109,013 (2). Disposal costs When artificial turf (in-fill systems) needs renovating every 8-10 years, there is a hidden cost of disposal. Because the field is filled and top-dressed with a crumb rubber material (typically made from ground automobile tires), the material may require special disposal. Disposal costs are estimated at $130,000 plus transportation and landfill charges (3). Warranty concerns Artificial turf (in-fill type) is a relatively new product. As such, its complete life span and maintenance requirements are not fully known. When considering the purchase of one of these systems, the answer to several questions should be researched prior to purchase. These questions include (adapted from Natural Grass and Artificial Turf: Separating Myths and Facts)(3): Will the artificial turf manufacturing and installation company provide a warranty specifying the expected life of the product? Will the selling firm provide a warranty bond for the life of the product? This will ensure that there is some legitimate recourse in the event of a product failure even if the seller is no longer in business. What is the longest period of time the artificial field being specified has been in use at another school, college, or university? What conditions or maintenance practices will void the field’s warranty? Does a single warranty cover all aspects of the artificial field’s soil base preparation, base materials, artificial turf materials, etc; will there be separate warranties and warranty voiding conditions for each element, some of which could contravene each other? What is the minimum and maximum financial investment in specialized equipment that must be purchased to maintain the artificial field at a level that will provide maximum playing conditions and maintain the warranty? What level of technical training is supplied, recommended, or required for the maintenance crew in order to properly maintain the area and the warranty conditions? What are the warranty requirements or recommended processes to address each of the following repair or replacement demands of the artificial surface: Damage caused by fire? Large and small areas. Damage caused by vandalism? Discoloration of areas caused by wear pattern differences? Replacement of areas caused by wear or other physical or weather-related damage? Player preference A recent survey of 1,511 active NFL players by the NFL players association found that 73% of the players preferred playing on a natural grass system, while only 18% preferred artificial turf (4). Nine-percent of the players had no preference. Player injuries There is a lack of research comparing injuries incurred on new in-fill artificial fields vs. natural grass fields (5). There are data indicating that the traditional artificial turf fields increased athlete injury, primarily due to increased surface hardness. Although actual data are not available, anecdotal data are available from NFL players. Players were asked in a 2006 survey “Which surface do you think causes more soreness and fatigue to play on?â€. Five-percent felt like natural grass systems increased fatigue, while 74% felt that artificial turf systems were more responsible for fatigue (5). Twenty-one percent felt they were the same. In the open comments section of the survey, the most common comment was “make all fields grass to prevent injuries.†Potential increases in infections An aspect of synthetic turf that is now receiving increased scrutiny is the potential for increased incidences of infections among players that play primarily on in-fill systems. In a report titled “Texas Football Succumbs to Virulent Staph Infection From Turfâ€, at least 276 football players were reported to be infected with an antibiotic-resistant staph infection, a rate of 517 for each 100,000 individuals (6). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta reported a rate for the general population of 32 in 100,000. These infections were primarily associated with increased skin abrasions associated with synthetic turf and the risk of infection that might occur off the field from infections. In-fill systems must now be routinely treated with special disinfectants to reduce the likelihood of infections, adding another cost to the maintenance of these fields. High temperatures Artificial fields cannot be played on all the time due to temperature build-up on warm-sunny days. Artificial field surface temperatures have been documented as high as 199°F on a sunny day with an air temperature of 98°F (7). Researchers at Brigham Young University reported that the surface temperature of a synthetic football field on campus averaged 117°F, with a daily high of 157°F (8). On an adjacent natural grass field the surface temperature averaged 78°F, with a daily high of 89°F. Researchers at Penn State University studied the effect of using irrigation to reduce surface temperatures of synthetic fields and discovered that temperature could be decreased with irrigation, but the effects were short-lived (20 minutes) (9). Because of these high temperatures, an artificial field will remain largely unusable during warm days. Additionally, practicing on an artificial field could increase the incidence of heat stroke, muscle cramping, and overall athlete fatigue. Coaches holding practices on synthetic fields will need to monitor athlete health more closely and will need to limit the duration of practices on these surfaces to reduce the risk of athlete injury. The images below comparing air, water, bermudagrass, sand, asphalt, and synthetic turf surface temperatures illustrate how hot a synthetic field can reach during a warm day. Going green With continuing efforts to increase the sustainability of all of our communities, a synthetic turf is a move in the wrong direction. Synthetic fields do not require fertilizer or pesticides, which may make them seem environmentally friendly but keep in mind the following: Synthetic fields are made of plastic and then in-filled with pulverized rubber particles instead of plants as on a natural grass field. Both the synthetic turf and the rubber must be disposed of when the field reaches its life capacity (8-10 yrs). Natural grass fields require renovation less frequently with much reduced renovation costs. Synthetic fields do not cool the environment like natural turf. Synthetic fields and natural grass fields have similar irrigation requirements since both need irrigation in warmer months and little to no irrigation in cooler months. Synthetic fields do not help to filter air and water pollutants. Synthetic fields do not fix CO2 (carbon-dioxide) and release O2 (oxygen) as do natural grass fields. The net carbon loss for a synthetic field is high, whereas a natural grass field will have a net carbon gain despite the need for fertilizer and some pesticide inputs to maintain a natural grass. I don’t dispute that there are certain situations in which an artificial field might be an appropriate choice and I don’t disregard a coach’s preference. We also do not dispute that an artificial field could host more events each year, which could be beneficial in certain situations. WHERE DO YOU GET THE MONEY TEN YEARS FROM NOW TO MAINTAIN or REPLACE THE NEW FIELD? I am all in favor of NEEDS in our community but not WANTS, I am one of the, "adamantly opposed to any portion of the bond being athletics", people you talked about above simply because I don't see the need. We have one of the best natural field turfs in the state, something to already be proud of, press box is fine just repair both press boxes, build some schools, I don't agree with tearing them down either, but I agree we need something better than we have now. A little less of a bond without stadium upgrades would have been much easier to pass, especially in our times today. I will still vote in favor but trying to sell the bond because of wants at a football stadium isn't going to get many votes..... Again, just an opinion.... I AM just SIMPLY very proud of our field and the tradition of our field. The problem with facts about turf is that everyone that does a study has different numbers! It all depends who is doing the study which way the data is skewed. I know the guy that sells most of the chemicals to the schools around here for their natural fields and he has another set of numbers. It really comes down to who you want to believe.

The City does not have anything to do with the School System. They are separate entities!

It's time for everyone to use the rights that we have in this country and vote. A lot of people think that their vote does not count but in an election such as this every vote counts. This thing could be decided on just a few votes.

Forever is a long time, you talking recent history or forever?

Yea sounds real good till you analyze their letter. It's full of half truths and pure baloney.

Same on song and dance smitty but never any solutions just trash talk. Everything wears out, are you still driving the first car you ever bought. My dad has not worn out a set of tires in the last fifteen years, but they dry rot and you have to replace them. This just maintain what we have and we will be OK is not logical thinking. We will not be OK and it will cost us more next year to do the same work, why wait and spend more money? There is only one reason, that is that you don't want to improve the schools ever. As some have said you just want them to fail.

Where are you going to get that money, from your magic money tree? Cut what fat? You guy's just want to stir up trash that's all. Nothing but trash! If these people are so bad then why haven't we heard anything before now? Because your just throwing mud because you don't want the bond that's all. If the bond would get defeated then we would not hear from you ever again. So why wait, we don't need to hear from you now!

Hey, I am just a simple old (my daughters remind me often that I'm older than dinosaurs) football fan that has always thought that the best defense was a great offense. Get the ball and keep it, so why wait for their onslaught. Let's get four wide outs and line up and snap the ball! Hey if I can't watch a good game then why not have a little fun waiting for the season to start!

WOW.....tough crowd ;D

What are you trying to do bigdog confuse me with the facts? It's a whole lot more fun to believe that something underhanded is going on in the District. We all love just the hint of a scandal even if it's not true! Any person that can't see through this smoke screen needs to watch politics a little more. The best way to keep the opposition from mounting an offense is to keep them on defense. Make them chase their tails all day trying to defend their positions. The only solution that has been brought up is to increase the maintenance budget. I would love one person to show me how. Show me a School District, City, or State that has excess money. There's not one. They all have more needs than they have funds. So how do you increase any departments budget, the only way is to take the money from someone else. If you look at most schools, salaries are the top budget items. So what are you saying, cut salaries and increase the maintenance budget. The only way to increase one budget is to cut someone else's budget. So if you believe the folks that say we can do all the repairs on our schools without raising taxes or passing a bond then who's budget do you want to cut? Teachers? Transportation (new wellness program, make all the kids walk to school, they will not mind a little rain every now and then)? What the anti-bong group is really saying is they don't want new taxes and they don't care who it hurts. They are totally selfish, it's all about them. If there was another way to do this without a bond or without raising taxes don't you think every school district in the USA would be jumping on it like a chicken on a June bug. You bet they would! Who wants to raise taxes? No one in their right mind. Look at the things that have been written about the board, the administration and the leadership in Nederland. Do you really think these folks would subject themselves and their families to this if it was not necessary? I don't think so! Would You?

What about solutions smitty, or is slinging mud all you can do? You don't answer any questions either, so maybe your no better than the people you are trashing. It's easy to stand on the outside and throw rocks, but it is a little harder to do the job. Give me some solutions to the problem, but you don't have any that are viable, just trash talk that's all!

Come on smitty, I have been denying just about everything you have been saying! You use just a little of the truth and twist it to your advantage. I have a question for you, what's the solution to our problem? You want to blame all of our problems on the Administration, but what you don't propose is a solution. Our schools will not get fixed pointing the finger at people they will only get fixed with solid solutions. Do you have a solution, or are you just part of the problem? You say we don't need a bond, OK fix our schools without one, enlighten me, show me how to do it, don't just talk trash give me some solid practical ways that we can bring our schools up to where they should be without raising taxes! by the way, I am not a lawyer that's why I hire good ones! Never get advice from someone who knows less than you do, find an expert it will cost you less in the long run!

Not a threat at all, anything you say on any board can be taken in multiple ways and some ways you may not think about. smitty has made accusations about the leadership in the Nederland School System. If he can't back it up and someone takes exception to the accusations he may find a person knocking on his door some day with legal papers. I am not making any kind of threat, just a statement of what can happen when things get out of control. People have been terminated because of the things they wrote on the internet. You are not totally anonymous on the internet and if the legal folks want to find you, they can that's all I am saying.

You say all this, but you could be the biggest story teller in the county. You just keep on slinging the mud, but then again that's about all I would expect for someone who has made the post you have. And by the way, I would be real careful about making accusations that you can't back up. You can be found and you can be held responsible!

Well said!

Every restroom in every school has ADA problems. Every school that has sprinkler systems doe not conform to State regulations on backflow prevention. Again you guy's are just throwing up trash, you don't really know, you just talk to your anti-bond friends and stir up garbage.

It appears that all of our problems could be solved by hiring smitty and bondcrusher09 to work in the Maintenance Department. From their obvious expertise in maintenance technology they could probably keep the buildings in top shape and reduce the budget to boot. But all of this is a smoke screen you guy's would be against the bond no matter what package it was put in. All you can do is point fingers at everyone else, how bad they do their job, I would like to see anyone of you try and maintain the property with the budget they are given, then again maybe not we probably wouldn't have any schools left to rebuild. It's real easy to stand on the outside and throw rocks but it's not as easy to actually do the job. If you are not a member of the NISD Maintenance Department then you just think you know, you don't really know at all.

smitty are you trying to tell us that you aren't biased? Every bond has good and bad points, all you talk about are the bad nothing good. Your bias comes out every time your fingers touch the keyboard.

smitty I am not one of those folks that just talk trash. I pay taxes on multiple properties so I am not just going to get an increase one one house as most folks will! There is not any "shortsightedness" to it, some people can see beyond their own self indulgence and see what others need. My family has one more year in NHS so none of my children will benefit from the new buildings, I am not a contractor so I will not benefit from the buildings, but what I am is a taxpayer that can see if I don't do it now it will cost me more in the future.

smitty you must have been born during the Lincoln administration because buildings do matter today! If you try to upgrade any building you have this little matter of ADA to contend with, new fire codes, wind storm codes just to start with. It's cheaper to tear the building down and start over. Kid's today use everything visual, you can go back to the chalk board if you want your kids to be dumb and rocks, but if you don't then you better have some realy cool technology. As far as the cost of the stadium upgrades, go ahead wait a couple of years and you can pay 2.5 for the same thing. Simple math in construction cost you wait, you pay more like it or not.

Come on guy's face the facts, we don't have any pride, honor, or tradition in the pound! We are just mindless drones that don't have a clue what to do so we just copy the tribe. Everybody knows the only place talent can be located is on the sunny shores of the Neches. We must accept our fate and be assimilated into the common consciousness and listen to the backward mask LP's of old that said "fear the tribe" or was that "Paul is dead?" Not sure any more because like they say if you say it long enough they will believe it!