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2006 Winter Conference Thursday, January 26th at 8:01 AM the winter session of the Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association was officially kicked off by our president Ray Rowe with introduction of Don Peterson, Director of Operations for Ankeny Schools and the district Superintendent Dr. Kent Mutchler who expressed warm welcome. Don and his staff handles 10 buildings in Ankeny with one of the first ‘big’ geo-thermal projects in the state of Iowa in 1996. Very positive feedback on this heating / cooling system thus far and looking more and more to be proven technology. Don must find it very interesting to work with Dr. Mutchler – Dr. Mutchler would much rather be out on a skid loader or a backhoe in the 52 degree temperatures we were seeing outside this day. . .he reflected how they definitely didn’t want him in a snow plow Words of ‘partnership’ and shared experience with the B&G staff at all districts were the keys to successful school facilities Kent expanded. Dr. Mutchler came across as a very connected caring super who relates and understands our duties – no doubt a pleasure to work with him. Next – Mr. Mac Roberts from Spartan Chemicals covered the ever growing movement toward “Green” products. It is a catch phrase we see becoming more of a ‘compliant’ phrase that some states in the union are beginning to require. Green ‘standards’ are being created and set in place in these areas and it may be just a matter of time before they could be required in public facilities everywhere. IAQ issues, allergies, CFC’s, dyes, butanes all come into play with our cleaners - Mac explained what makes green cleaning products ‘green’ and even offered up some ideas on products coming down the road that are ‘bio-products’ for cleaning. This could raise a few eyebrows at the state house in that soy beans not only make good diesel fuel, but a pretty darn good vandalism remover solution too. Samples of some of these products were available to see and interest in the attending membership was high. (Greenseal.Org) – is a website we were encouraged to access if questions arise after we returned to our districts. Thanks to Mac Roberts for a very informative presentation. Next up – Kent Candee from EMC Insurance on IAQ – Defining ‘acceptable’ IAQ in schools. Many in our group have been in touch with Kent one way or another and hopefully not in their respective district with a difficult situation. Kent is and has been a huge help to districts with IAQ problems and has a great track record in his diagnosis. There are approximately 360 districts in Iowa and Kent has been in almost half of them - wow ! Good presentation with tons of information and with three things to take away from if nothing else –
Thank you Kent – we will hope our membership utilizes EMC’s services if the need arises. Friday, January 27th , 7:AM. Officers business meeting is called to order over early breakfast. Old business – continued work on scholarship committee selection. Contract renewal for the ISBGA Business Director. Summer conference dates set (July 12th – 13th) in IOWA CITY – looking for indicators of attendance. Conference committee members to do most of the work via internet with reports at spring session. New business – Membership drive considerations being discussed – we are growing – we want to get even bigger. Agenda items for future sessions being considered with input from all officers attending. April (spring meeting) set for Clinton, Iowa where elections for officers will be held. Motion to adjourn 8:00 AM 8:10 AM Mid America Energy steps up to the plate and begins an
outpouring of examples of energy savings tools that are available
from most all of our utility companies. Cost calculating software
for verification reports and equipment payback. What to buy in
the way of lamps and bulbs and what not to buy. Construction 9:15 (open discussion session involving the attendees on various subjects including). Scholarship program distribution to the membership. Website quarterly updates – along with possible access to forms (such as scholarship forms) in the future. Web Master update frequency of the ISBGA website. A motion was made by Greg C. from Clinton Schools and seconded to lower the summer conference registration fee to include school ‘districts as a whole’ and not for each individual from each district attending. Location considerations for ‘home base’ at IOWA CITY this summer – hotel rates, accommodations, workshops, etc. All members in attendance contributing too many good ideas and final plans will begin to form. 10:15 AM The membership bid farewell to each other and Ankeny to return to their respective districts. Details of the Spring Conference will be generated and sent out in plenty of time. Any questions or comments – contact Gene at the ISBGA “world headquarters” isbga.gene@cfu.net Treasures report attached - Respectfully submitted to the best of my knowledge. Todd Huff – recording secretary ISBGA |