School storage facility under consideration

The cost of a potential outdoor storage shed to be built at Summerland School dominated a majority of the school board’s Monday evening meeting.

Superintendent Kyle Finke said the “price tag might be getting up there.”

Finke told the board he contacted Bob Sukup, an architect, who visited the site of a proposed 40 x 75 foot building, outfitted with a drain, water and electricity.

“Do we still want that in the building?” Finke asked.

The proposed structure would house pole vault and high jump pits, hurdles, machinery, extra desks and one-act play production props.

At Monday’s meeting, the board approved a claim to Sukup, for $1,900, for services provided.

Nate Schwager said he talked to a local contractor and an idea originated to break the project into different phases.

“We’d get under the architect limit we need,” Schwager said.

“Which is $118,000,” Finke interjected.

The superintendent discussed the building with KSB lawyer, Steve Williams, who reported a statute exists covering a building under consideration.

Since the structure falls under the 5,000 square foot limit and would not house 20 or more students, it falls under the parameters of the statute regarding the architect limit.

“I’m just trying to find a way to make it a more feasible project. You start talking $300,000 to $400,000 for a storage facility, it’s not gonna fly,” Schwager said.

Board member Jeremy Wagner suggested a 60 x 40 foot pole shed, built on concrete, could run the district $70,000.

“I’m not saying that’s the way to go ... comparing steel to wood, we may be putting something on the property with a 15 to 20 year lifespan. That is an appealing number,” Wagner said.

Finke said the proposed building could be pared down.

Board president Steven Thiele expressed concerns with the proposed location.

“We need to make sure everything drains right,” Thiele said, stressing the importance of building a structure that is usable for its intended purpose.

The project will need to go through a bid process.

Board member Austin Twibell asked if the bid process should include “all the bells and whistles.”

Thiele cautioned against collecting bids only to reject them. He estimated a wood-frame structure could shave 15 to 20% off the final cost.

Discussion on what infrastructure needs to be included ensued.

Thiele said depreciation funds could be used to finance the project.

“If we build this, the Clearwater (shop) facility would go away. We’d sell that and proceeds could go toward the shed and the depreciation fund pick up the balance,” Finke said.

If separate contractors would be hired to complete the structure in phases, Thiele asked who would manage the project?

"Are we asking Tony (Tabbert) and Mr. Finke to manage that?" Thiele asked. "One of the big values I see in an architect is not only getting the right things on paper but asking the right questions so we get the right facility."

Finke said during discussions with Sukup, he indicated two fee structures for his services: lump sum or a building percentage.

"Is this a $20,000 deal or $50,000?" Schwager asked.

Thiele said he believes there's a way to have an architect's expertise and utilize local contractors for certain elements of the project.

The board agreed to table the project, giving Finke time to discuss fees with Sukup and to get pricing for a lumber package for the building.