Bangor Township Board of Education Regular meeting minutes for July 12, 2004

construction update - don haeger, wakely and associates

Don Haeger distributed copies of the Change Order to Board members. Mr. Balash stated that this had also been included in his notes to the Board last Friday. Mrs. Klida asked that Mr. Haeger review the items individually. Mr. Loop stated that the Buildings and Grounds Committee had requested information on the cost per classroom to see if the numbers corresponded. Mr. Kennedy was supposed to get that figure. Mr. Haeger stated that he would provide this.

Mr. Haeger explained what “owners request” meant in response to Mrs. Klida’s question if this was work being requested by building administrators. Mr. Haeger reported that these are projects not requested by the contractor or were due to an error by Wakely. They may not be specifically requested by the “owner”, but there is a need for them to be done in the building. Mr. Haeger also stated that these projects can be done with the contingency money. Mr. Loop explained the process for selection of the options to be done.

Mr. Haeger announced that Mr. Kennedy wanted him to present the quotes for the mechanical balancing work that would not exceed $28,000. He said that $30,000 had been set aside for this. Mr. Balash explained that this work had originally been pulled out of the bid contract so the district could be in control of who would do the work. This was placed on the Action Item Agenda as item 6D.

reports

Board Committees: Mr. Loop reported that a Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting had taken place to discuss the change orders presented earlier by Mr. Haeger.

A statement was made that Mr. Kennedy would now be providing information on the prevailing wages as it came in. The information was not available when the first FOIA request was received. It was requested by the Board that Mr. Kennedy get them a running list of the change orders requested and when they were approved by the Board.

Superintendent: Mr. Andress reported on the MET8 test results and distributed copies of a report to Board members. He also stated that he would be attending the Bangor Township Board meeting with Mr. Ruhlig to discuss the Recreation Program.

Mr. Andress presented Board members with a memorandum and pre-audit information as provided by Steve Lenar.

Assistant Superintendent: Mr. Heinrich updated Board members on a proposed program that was discussed at the last Board meeting. He explained that the ISD will be discussing leasing the space at one of our buildings, and they would run the program. He should have more information at the end of this week.

Administrators and Directors: None

action items

Mr. Kowalski asked that Item A be moved to Item E.

Change Order Approval for Building Projects: A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare, supported by Patrick Shaffer, to approve the change orders as presented earlier in the meeting. Motion carried unanimously.

Empower the Personnel, Policy, and Finance Committee to Approve the Balance of July Bills: A motion was made by Barbara Skowronski, supported by Terrence O’Hare, to approve this request. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Kowalski stated that this would be posted as an open meeting.

Discussion of FOIA Request: Discussion took place regarding the denial of the FOIA request by the Ironworkers union for prevailing wage information. Mr. Kowalski stated that he would like Mr. Kennedy to provide this information to the individuals writing the requests. He also said that he was not aware of Masud’s involvement in repealing of prevailing wages. Any further information regarding

this will be handled by Mr. Allsopp’s office.

Mrs. Klida said that she would like to see this information when it becomes

available as well. Mr. Kowalski stated that all Board members should see this information.

Mr. Andress stated that he had no idea Mr. Masud was involved in any litigation regarding prevailing wages.

A representative from the contractors’ union stated that Masud’s office was the attorney for the ABC’s (Associated Builders and Contractors) and has tried twice to have the prevailing wage appealed.

Mr. Kowalski said that, in the future, these matters will be referred to Mr. Allsopp, the district’s local attorney. The union representative referred to the new FOIA request that included change order and budgetary information. He also asked who reviewed the change order information. He was informed that this information was reviewed by Mr. Haeger and Mr. Kennedy.

At this time, Mr. Kowalski stated that if the union representative had any further requested, he would need to talk to Mr. Andress about getting the information.

Mrs. Klida stated, as a point of order, that FOIA requests need to be referred to the district’s attorney first.

Mr. Kowalski asked that, after the request goes to the attorney, this information be provided to the Board, as well as the requesting individuals.

Approval of Mechanical Balancing Contract: A motion was made by Terrence O’Hare to accept Hi-Tech Test and Balance as the mechanical balancing contractor with the cost not to exceed $28,000. Motion was supported by Barbara Skowronski.

Mr. Balash explained the vendor’s background as presented by Rob Kennedy to

Mr. Balash. Mrs. Klida asked Mr. Balash to follow up on this and would like something in the Board packets. Mr. Loop explained that Mr. Kennedy had worked with the individual from Hi-Tech, and he had come highly recommended by him. Mrs. Klida suggested that Mr. Balash check references as well. Motion carried unanimously.

Strategic Plan Facilitator Discussion and Recommendation: Mr. Andress reviewed information as presented in the Board packet regarding a strategic planning meeting. He proposed getting a facilitator from a local college and use the format from the Kalamazoo plan that Mr. Kowalski had suggested.

Mr. Loop felt that this was a high-priced plan. He did not believe this could be arranged at this time. He would like to see the seven Board members and the administrators get together and discuss strengths and weaknesses, as well as how to improve various areas, i.e., test scores. He would like to formulate a plan for improvement, evaluation, and how to do this.

Mr. Kowalski wanted to have a goal-setting meeting with staff and association presidents attending during the second week in August. He would like copies of the Kalamazoo plan given to the association presidents and administrators.

Mrs. Klida felt that this session would work better if there was a facilitator - somebody who is not attached to the district. Mrs. Klida asked if a facilitator from Delta or SVSU would be available to come in for this meeting. Mr. Andress said that he would try to arrange this and show them the model.

Mrs. Klida suggested that Board members call Cara Barcia with available dates and times for this meeting. No action was taken at this time.

other items for discussion

Athletic Director Contract: Mr. Kowalski asked Board members for permission to sign the contract for the new Athletic Director. Mrs. Klida said that the parameters had been set for that position, but did not think you could use the old salary. Mr. Andress explained that the number of contract weeks had been changed, as well as the pay rate. Mrs. Klida said she could not approve something that has not been approved by the attorney. Mr. Kowalski asked about the other administrators’ contracts. Mrs. Moore informed Board members of the lengths (number of weeks) of those contracts. Mr. Kowalski asked for a motion from the Board to approve the contract after Mrs. Klida reviews and approves it. Mr. Loop asked if the attorney had reviewed the contract. Mr. Andress said “no.” Mr. Shaffer asked if Mr. Ruhlig was aware upon his interview if the contract was for 48 or 46 weeks. Mr. Andress said that this was not discussed.

Mr. Kowalski asked if, once Mrs. Klida and Mr. Allsopp review the contract, it was the general consensus of the Board that he sign the contract. This was the consensus of the Board.

Mr. Balash asked if the Buildings and Grounds Committee should be empowered to approve any change order items that need to take place before the August meeting. The change in policy last year increased the limits for approval by the Superintendent and the Buildings and Grounds Committee.

Mr. Kowalski felt that a special meeting be scheduled to approve these change orders due to the cost.

Mrs. Klida asked for Board members to get their requested committee assignments to Mr. Kowalski.

At 7:00 p.m. a motion was made by John Loop, supported by Barbara Skowronski, to adjourn the meeting.