Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association Summer Conference ‘09
Ames Community Schools

 

Wednesday, July 15th

Ames Middle School was the backdrop for the 2009 Summer ISBGA Summer Conference activities. This is a huge facility that was a stop for the group at quarterly conference in winter of 2008 when the building was completing its first school year.  A hot steamy breakfast with all of the trimmings appeared in the lunch commons serving section at 7:AM with the conference attendees quickly lining up to sample the offerings. The coffee was strong and hot, the dining area full of energetic conversation and the anticipation of the day was building. All attendees converged on the large auditorium and at 8:02 AM the group was welcomed by ISBGA President  Ray Rowe and Rick Hoeing, Operations Head in the Ames Schools.  Associate Super Tim Taylor addressed us as the group he has observed as, “always backing into their parking spot at work”. . . . “I soon realized this facilitated a quicker response time when a call for help came as you folks respond to a big number of building support activities”. “ I have begun to do this too. .. .”  Smiles appeared throughout the group. ”You all work and support meaningful mission statements throughout Iowa school districts and I want to personally thank you”.

Keynote speaker Del Point from Hillyard steps up to the podium and shares his ‘unique’ life experiences that had an important message for us all. “Today’s economy, H1-N1 flu, terrorism activities has been a troublesome period of adjustment, assessment, and action – however, if you buy into the doom and gloom you contribute to the problem”.  “Remember the highlights of your life, mine was a special friend named Eddie”. “When Eddie passed away there was loss but lasting memories”. “Think of the memories, keep them alive in your heart, have fun at work and above all keep your sense of humor – these are things that will keep your head above the water in the tough times”.

9:06 AM the attendees emptied the auditorium and headed into the vast expanses of the middle school to class rooms for the day to workshops and classes ranging from hard floor care to care of custodial equipment to heating system PM best practices. Ultra violet building exams, renewable energy strategies, mold identification and remediation classes we full and very busy all sessions – great information received by the membership. 11:AM the vendor show in the middle school field house was packed with vendors and very well attended. Equipment vendors, chemical suppliers, bleacher service, lighting engineers, asphalt reps, roofing reps, HVAC reps, grounds equipment. . .. nothing was missing in the 2009 Summer Conference.At noon a great offering of sub sandwiches was offered up to 370+ attendees with membership and suppliers networking through a working lunch.

At 3:PM drawings we conducted at the end of the vendor event with useful hand tools, work apparel and services received by the lucky attendees.

At 5:10 PM the ISBGA Board of Directors met at the Quality Inn & Suites with  directors Dale E., Greg C., Kyle H., Pat H., Todd H., Pres. Ray R. and Executive Director Gene G. in attendance. Discussion began with checking of fund levels the association coffers can have being a ‘non profit” organization. The group agreed an audit of the books is in order since this had not been done for some time. Also, treasurer Kyle H. to acquire a debit card (2K limit) in lieu of a checkbook for bills and cash purchases occasionally needed at conference locations for needs of the group at that time. Limit of 1000.00 for audit and services transfer was agreed on by the group. Also, mature CD funds to be moved from old account to Wells Fargo of Sioux City for easier management by acting treasurer. Motion by Dale E. / seconded by Pat H. – ayes all for financial activities. Reports to follow. Exec. Director Gene Graham’s executive directors contract was evaluated with a 3% pay increase unanimously approved by the board. Director Graham was asked to evaluate the association’s computer hardware systems for his use for future needs of maintenance or upgrades. No other contract changes were made.

Scholarship distribution was discussed to include 6 additional 500.00 scholarships due to the favorable treasures reports. Also, discussion into expanding the qualifications list available to the scholarship applicants in the future to make new high school graduates eligible as we consistently have great applications from these kids. This possible change to the scholarship application will be discussed at future board meetings. (Side note )executive directors E-mail correspondence after conference to include additional scholarship applicant with details in next secretary’s report. The board discussed the possibility of eliminating fees received for quarterly and (or) summer conference sign up – no action taken and will table until fall. Discussion of minor Summer Conference hour changes for next year - Ames has offered this wonderful site for next years conference and the board agrees this is a great central location that works well for the entire membership statewide - board action plan to finalize at a later date.

Future quarterly meetings likely to include fall at Centerville Sept. 8/9 or 15/16. Winter Marshalltown Jan 10/11 or 14/15. Spring at Clinton April 15/16. All dates and locations will be finalized and notices sent as they develop. A motion to adjourn board meeting by Pat H. / seconded by Greg C. ayes all.

Thursday, July 16th -  sunny skies and warming up quickly.
7:AM continental breakfast in the middle school commons dissolves to the classrooms again at 8:AM for the second day offerings.  Indoor air quality, steam trap maintenance, management of hazardous chemicals all had standing room only attendance. Once again great information gathered up by the attendees.

11:25 PM ISBGA Executive Director Gene Graham steps to the front of the group in the commons to wrap up the summer conference event and bid farewell to attendees. Drawing out of names for the ISBGA grand prize drawings began with cordless drills, carpet fans, hand tools and work apparel for use back at winners respective districts.
Everyone reminded to be safe at work and drive safely back home.

Summer Conference adjourned for another year.

Respectfully submitted by Todd Huff, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds, Mason City Community School District and Secretary of
Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association.