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Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association Fall Conference ‘09Centerville Community SchoolsWednesday, October 22nd, 2009 Honey Creek Resort became the meeting place for this years fall conference. This was a very unique setting in that this is a new state run facility,(unlike any other state run facility we have ever been to J), designed for recreational activities of the general public. The resort address is 12633 Resort Drive, Moravia, IA. but is located on Lake Rathbun’s north shore over looking the entire beautiful north shore area. Resort is VERY conference friendly in that several meeting rooms reside in a designated wing attached to the support service area. Ample parking, wireless, big beautiful lodge and entryway, breakout rooms, indoor water park, golf, first class rooms and a delicious lunch chili recipe. A great choice by Director Gene Graham for our fall meeting. 8;12 AM - Up is Ben Purcell from Signature Marketing based out of Richmond MO. and Tim Wolf from Kai-Vac, Inc. (Not that far south of our fall conference). His group specializes in ‘cleaning for health’ – somewhat of a different approach to other presenters that we have had in regards to the cleaning process. Technology advancements are the theme with the presentation in that how can an individual ‘prove’ that clean is in fact “clean?”. In specialized areas, a way to prove a level of clean is needed.
Utilizing a measuring tool called an ATP (meter) –(A-tri-phosphate), a measurement of bio-pollution and organic matter can be determined. The matter or FOMITE can have a numerical value assigned from any tested surface using a test process similar to using PH swab strips. The process can read virtually all surfaces from rest room floors, student desk tops to food process areas and hospital surgical areas – with very accurate results when done correctly. The rain is still pouring down hard as we fill the bus to head to Centerville for a tour of construction projects at their SR High. As we entered the front doors and shook off the raindrops, a large picture of Simon Estes is proudly displayed in the front center of the foyer. Mr. Estes is an alumni at Centerville High which many of us were not aware of. He drops in for visits when in the area from time to time and remains very active in the community. Also at this point we are looking at three different walls with three different ages of construction – 1917, 1930 and 1997. Many upgrades for securing the building envelope in the 1930 and ’97 areas with geo exchange applications utilized there. On the way to the lower level to see a weight room remodel in progress a few of us in our group became part of the cross country team practice in the halls and steps – FUN! We discussed how well the coach and team have adapted to the construction process and the monsoon like weather conditions outside. The weight room remodel will give them almost double the space –in the 2800 sq ft range. Epoxy terrazzo floors in the completed areas, done very well and surprised some in the group who thought it was aggregate. This is a real life school seeing real life changes over the years and it was pleasure to visit. Thank you Ed Shirley and crew for sharing your construction project with us. Back on the bus and return to Honey Creek for board meeting – Friday, October 23rd, 2009 8:10 AM - 38 members fresh from a hot robust breakfast file into the conference room to hear from Greenville Ohio’s Larry Fisher representing ActivTek Environmental. More technology applied to the school environment in that there is RCI (radian catalytic ionization) equipment now available, and affordable, for reducing air borne particulates that carry bacteria and odors. Highly specialized equipment of the past has been scaled up slightly to accommodate larger facility application. This equipment is labeled under the Active Pure label and is well worth the look if you choose to investigate an easy way to kill the overpowering air in an active SR High locker room. An absent presenter enabled the group to roundtable perhaps the biggest news to hit the states educational system in decades – budget cuts up to 10%. Discussion covered many considerations from members from around the state that they or their respective district may be considering. Just a few items heard by the group –
The entire group was receptive to stepped up network sharing to planning developments in their districts as the next year approaches. More budget reduction planning strategies will no doubt be shared and highlighted in the coming conference dates. President Ray Rowe calls for motion to adjourn conference, Motion by Dale E. seconded by Pat H. adjournment at 10 :15 AM. If members have questions about conference or their operations, contact Gene Graham at ISBGA ‘world headquarters’ at isbga.gene@cfu.net Respectfully submitted to the best of my knowledge by Todd Huff, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds, Mason City Community Schools and Secretary of Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association.
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