School Board approves $5 million construction contract

At its regular meeting on Thursday, Nov. 9, the El Dorado Springs School Board approved the construction contract with Branco for $5,024,000. Board Members present were Chad Whitesell, Benny Brower, Mark Burley, Terry Shepherd, Greg Beydler and Darrell Eason presiding. Member Josh Floyd was absent.

Cassie Sanders of Kaysinger Basic Regional Planning Commission addressed the board about updating the Cedar County Hazard Mitigation Plan. She told the board that participation in the plan is mandatory if communities want to be eligible for disaster relief and disaster funding in the event of a disaster or for pre-disaster mitigation funds. A workshop will begin at 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, in the El Dorado Springs. Community Center Banquet Room. The same meeting will start at 1 p.m. that day in the Cedar County Health Department, 807 Owen Mill Rd. Stockton. Ms. Sanders told the board about other meetings on the topic.

In its consent agenda, the board approved the payment of bills totaling $452,004.19.

In discussing the nine alternates to the construction plan, Superintendent Mark Koca said the duct work and balcony will come out of the gym. He said, “Basically, the time has come for us to select which alternates we are going to pursue and approve the contract so we are operating legally.”

“There were nine alternates on the original request for proposals.” He went over them individually.

“They have been trying to get me to let them screw the deck down on the gymnasium. I’ve been saying no, no, no because I don’t want to see screw points coming through the metal deck.

“I don’t want to see those screw points coming through the roof and I sure don’t want basketball and volleyballs hitting those points, so we are having a discussion about that was well. That one is as tough call.”

“The last one (Alternate 9) is the entire new mechanical system on the High School Gym where they will put four new units on just the High School wing and air-condition and heat that gym with new duct work. The old duct work would come out. The unit above the balcony would come out.” They would replace the problem bank of units which were outside the northeast corner of the gym.

He said the balcony will come out.

The board approved installing the new unit for the High School for $264,000.

Supt. Koca calculated how much interest the construction money is earning. He said, “When the project is over with and I’ve earned all the interest I think I can earn, I should have $5,669,984 to spend on the project.”

So project to date: architectural expenses to date: $367,000 and change, construction expenses – $64,190. Which leaves me with $5, 238,708 to finish the project. The base bid is $5,024,000.”

He went over the costs for testing the project and $50,000 to install the bleachers in the gym. We also have a balance of $101,000 on the architect’s contract which leaves me with about $33,000 left  over for whatever alternates we are going to do.

He said, “I think they are going to scare up some more money in savings. Obviously 33 grand is not going to pay for all these alternates so we are looking a dipping into local funds to move forward with this.”

He said it will be three or four months before the board has to make a decision on things like wall graphics but on some other things, “We’ll need to know pretty quickly.”

“Any thoughts or suggestions on how we should go?”

Greg Beydler said he thought they should go with Alternate 9 on the HVAC. “We might was well do it right. That could save us money in the long run.”

Supt. Koca said, “That’s a lot of money but the good news is we can spread it out over two fiscal years so that will help immensely.”

The board discussed what type of roof material to use on the new school.

Beydler said, “If we can get that cost savings of $30,000, go ahead and try it: The new type of roofing.”

“Then in 10 years or so when the next roof is scheduled to go bad the board will know if it works.”

The board approved filing dates for Dec. 12 to Jan. 16 for the two seats on the board currently held by Benny Brower and Josh Floyd.

The board approved updates on several regulations and policies.

The board approved a budget revision.

The board tabled a policy and regulation change on non-traditional students.

In executive session, the aboard approved Travis Payne as wrestling coach and Derek Scroggins as his assistant.

Supt. Koca gave a report on conference affiliation. He said several conferences which refused to let El Dorado Springs join over the past 25 years, are about to implode.

Supt. Koca said, “I could say a lot about that, but I won’t.” He continued, “I think it has advantages for us. I don’t really see a downside for us. It would give more stability in the long run.”

High School Principal David Rotert said, “Buffalo and Warsaw made it clear they are with us and the original five.”

Supt. Koca said, “Stockton expects to be down to (a High School enrollment of) 250.”