The first layer of the renovated Kinnelon High School track has been installed and the project is continuing to move forward, according to Business Administrator Jim Minkewicz.

The total cost of the project is about $327,000 and the new track will have a six-year warranty, Minkewicz said. The 12-year-old track was recommended for repair after the condition of the surface had deteriorated. Minkewicz said the base of the track had deteriorated as well and was in poor condition.

The renovations have not been consistently ongoing, rather, in conjunction with activities at the high school.

"They coordinated the layers with the games," Minkewicz said.

Several more layers are needed before the final stage, striping, is completed. Minkewicz said the entire project is expected to be complete by the end of the month. Kinnelon Public Schools Board of Education Member Keith Dama said Thursday it is important for the public to not be deceived by the fresh appearance of the track.

"Even though the track may look like it's ready for use, it will not be ready for use for at least another three or four weeks," he said.

Board President Margaret Zybrick also updated the board on the status of conversations between the Kinnelon Council and Kinnelon Board of Education on possibly installing artificial turf on the high school field. Zybrick said the coordinating committee that has been formed to consider turfing the field met and provided information to engineers who will further evaluate the project to determine whether it would be feasible for the board of education.

Dama said the time being spent considering the project by both entities is critical because numerous factors need to be considered, such as scheduling availability for borough use against board of education use.

"It's a little more complicated than using the soccer field behind Stonybrook School, for example," he said.