2009 Winter Conference
Boone, IA
Thursday, January 22nd, 2009
Warmer weather welcomes the membership to Boone High School Auditorium with ISBGA President Ray Rowe calling conference to order at 1:04 PM. Dean Berkland steps to the front to introduce Boone Superintendent Dr. Theron Schutte who is in the same mind set as the rest of us in that we are in for some major challenges. “All of us in the business of educating kids face ‘interesting’ times”.” We have budget changes, energy concerns, reduced enrollment, an endless list of puzzles to figure out daily”. “ We appreciate all that you do and please keep up the great work for our kids.”
First up – Bill Haman, P.E. and Manager of the Iowa Energy Center to give the membership a better grasp of wind turbine generation and practical application for schools. This program funding is from part of the dreaded ‘fuel surcharge’ we see on our monthly bills.
The northern half of Iowa is prime for this alternate energy, the southern half however have several areas that wind power will work too. A list of strong considerations must be met so the chances of a successful installation can be increased. Wind energy is not a ‘slam dunk’, but done correctly by qualified designers, contractors and selecting the correct equipment manufacturer the success of such a project is well within reach.
Power=1/2pAv3n is the formula used during equipment selection and location consideration. 1000’ is the magic number for clearance from buildings for safety by the way. Your kW per hour rate of 4 cents or more puts you in the category for consideration. Bill would be your first call if you get serious about wind generation at your district to be sure.
Next up Duane Van Hemert, Construction Advocate Team advisor working through the Iowa Association of School Boards. His main duty is to assist Iowa school districts with planning, design assistance, troubleshooting of their construction or remodeling projects.
Duane and his associates have been in the construction business for over 35 years. He has held the hammer and shovel, dug the dirt out from under his nails and carried the burden of a major contractor. His expertise and practical insight to design, materials, scheduling and sub contractor management make him ‘expert’ with any size project input / assistance.
What makes ICAP assistance attractive to school districts is you can select the level of service they provide, from project consideration overview with your school boards to full blown construction management from very start to finish.. . .you choose the amount of service. Best yet, ICAT does not work on ‘profit’, recall they work for the IASB and the service costs are MUCH lower as they are simply covering their costs. Duane’s group is a must first call for any major projects in you district.
A short tour of the SR High facility ensued and then on the road for the new Boone Middle School – open in 2006 the school is Geo exchange with 298 wells 200’ deep. Neat innovations from the cool instrument storage in the music wing to non slip kitchen floor tiles.
Big, bright daylight, colorful designs – a real leaning center with plenty of room to expand!
ISBGA Board members sets up shop at Colorado Grill for board meeting business brought to order by Executive Director Gene G.
Highlights – new internet page manager will start upgrading our ISBGA website (Rod Lantz) from Sioux City with work to begin right away at a rate of 30.00 per hr.. Approval motion by Pat H. and seconded by John O., ayes all.
CD certificates coming mature at Newton Bank will be transferred to Wells Fargo in Sioux City to be in closer proximity to new Treasurer Kyle Hueser (WITCC) in Sioux City. Approval motion by Pat H., seconded by John O. , ayes all.
April dates for spring conference in Sioux City discussed. Final conference info. to be forwarded in future.
2 new directors positions are opening up and will be filled at the same time elections for officers occurs at spring conference. A motion to adjourn by Ray R., seconded by Ken C. ayes all.
Friday, January 23rd, 2009
7:AM Breakfast breaks out in the SR High café at Boone – omelets, biscuits and gravy, bacon, muffins, OJ, Coffee, fruit and a loaf banana nut bread . . its cold out and it really hit the spot! Back to the auditorium.
8:AM Business meeting begins to inform membership of the actions taken in the directors meeting Thursday night. Dates of April 16-17 for spring conference at Lawton-Bronson near Sioux City set. Group asked for additional volunteers for summer conference at Ames – Pat H., Greg C. and Dean B. throw their hats in to help out.
Next up- perhaps the most raw, informative and factual presentation we have had at quarterly conference. John Metzger, Lead Firearms Instructor for the Iowa Law Enforcement Council and the states leading authority on terrorism in the public sector. All members who missed this meeting session missed the most complete, reveling and truthful recount of what has happened regarding past terrorist activities in the US and yes, in Iowa. We heard ‘declassified’ information that had a profound effect on the attending members. These minutes cannot reveal or do justice to the information we received. We have approached John after his segment for preliminary plans for summer conference as this information is just too important to not be heard by our membership as a whole. Make plans now to see this presentation this summer if it comes together. You will look at your facilities with a whole new set of eyes I assure you.
10:55 AM The wind is picking up from the north and road reports deteriorating- conference is adjourned with motion by Ken C. and seconded by Jeff R. – ayes all.
If members have questions, contact Gene Graham at the ISBGA ‘world headquarters’ at isbga.gene@cfu.net.
Respectfully submitted to the best of my notations by Todd Huff, Supervisor of Buildings & Grounds, Mason City Comm. Schools and Secretary of Iowa Schools Buildings & Grounds Association.
