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May 27,
2004
The
Catawba County Board of Education met in a called session on May 27,
2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the County Schools’ Administration Building with
Chairman Wyant presiding. The following members were present: Mrs.
Blackburn, Mrs. Sherrill, Mr. Scott, Mrs. Butler and Mr. Sigmon. Also
in attendance were Superintendent Ann Hart, Assistant Superintendent
Rick Sherrill, Attorney Crystal Davis, Finance Officer Sondra Wolfe,
Maintenance Director Mark Bumgarner, Construction Coordinator Ernest
Williams, Assistant Construction Coordinator Rick Sain, Public
Information Officer/Grants Writer Sonya Gordon and Architect Atilla
Orkan. Mr. Biggerstaff was not present at the meeting.
Tracie
Setzer represented Observer News Enterprise. Also in attendance was
Christina Cupo who represented the Hickory Daily Record.
The
meeting opened with a Moment of Silence followed by the Pledge of
Allegiance led by Mrs. Blackburn. The agenda was unanimously approved
upon a motion by Mrs. Butler and seconded by Mrs. Blackburn.
Public Hearing:
Attorney
Crystal Davis conducted the Public Hearing phase of the meeting for
comments concerning any agenda items. No person present wished to
address the Board on any agenda item.
The
following item of Old Business was transacted:
Superintendent Hart reviewed background information regarding
construction costs for the new Maiden High School. Original estimated
costs for the new school were $26 million dollars. Bids were received
on May 26, 2004 and were over twenty-one percent from the estimated
costs in September 2003 resulting in five million dollars over budget.
Due to increases in steel, copper, building supplies and gasoline,
Construction Coordinator Williams presented to members detailed
construction cost information and other options to consider in efforts
to absorb the five million dollar shortage. He also gave some
additional construction cost increase information and an example of
another project under construction by the County that is being affected
by the rising costs.
Construction Coordinator Williams presented the bid tabulation
information, including alternate costs, on the new Maiden High School
project. Recommended contractors included: general contractor (LeChase
Construction), plumbing contractor (Cam-Ful Ind.), HVAC (Associated) and
electrical contractor (Port City). Construction Coordinator Williams
opened the floor for any questions or discussion from members.
Superintendent Hart and Construction Coordinator Williams emphasized to
members that costs could not be cut any more without programs beginning
to feel the affect of the cuts. Three funding options were then
presented to members: Option One: Request additional funding -
$5,255,330; Option Two: Divert funding from next elementary school -
$5,255,330; or Option Three: a. Use reserve funds for future
construction projects (fiscal year 2003-2004 funding) - $1,350,000; b.
Delay funding of furniture, equipment and technology (until 2005-2006) -
$1,000,000; c. Request additional funding - $2,905,330. Members
discussed the bid tabulations and funding options and unanimously agreed
to Option One, which would be to ask for the additional funding from the
County Commissioners. Option Two and Option Three would also be
presented to the County Commissioners. Mrs. Butler made the motion,
pending the funding outcome from the County Commissioners, to accept the
Base Bid as presented including Alternate Bid Four, Alternate Bid Five,
Alternate Bid Six and Alternate Bid One if possible. Mr. Scott seconded
the motion. Mr. Sigmon abstained for the electrical portion of the
vote. All members were in favor.
Chairman
Wyant introduced Assistant Construction Coordinator Rick Sain who was in
attendance at the meeting.
Public Comments:
Attorney
Davis conducted the Public Comments section of the agenda at which time
no person present desired to address the Board.
There
being no other items of business to be conducted, Mrs. Sherrill made the
motion to adjourn. Mrs. Butler seconded the motion with no opposition.
The meeting adjourned at 1:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Charlie C.
Wyant, Chairman
__________________________
Ann Y.
Hart, Secretary
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