There's good news and bad news
Architect tells school board 'mechanical contractor more than two weeks behind schedule'
Thursday, December 21, 2006

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Dana Cimrhanzel, co-owner of H&C Construction (second from right) watches as crew members begin paving work at the new school site. H&C began paving on Monday of this week.

Architect Jim Singleton had some exciting news and one disappointing report for the SISD Board at their December 13 meeting.

The good news was that several items, which have been on the wait/maybe list, have been added to the new school.

Singleton was disappointed that he had to report a delay in the construction. He said the mechanical contractor is about 2-2 1/2 weeks behind schedule.

"We can't install ceiling tiles until the HVAC piping system is in place," he said. "I wish they were further along. Sterling Structures is doing everything possible to speed up the mechanical contractor. The building is looking good but for that mechanical work."

He said the finish date had to be moved up to February 12.

Singleton said the paving contractor is the positive point in the project with work continuing on schedule. He also reported that the grading and top soil on the back side of the building is completed.

He said ceramic tile installation is going well, with the kitchen and bathrooms all done.

"We're just waiting on that one contractor."

Singleton was excited about being able to add many items back into the project which were not included in the original contract.

The list included nine items, namely:

  1. One and one-half inch asphalt paving surface.
  2. Circular grain bin top with lettering at entrance.
  3. Glass partition between gym and cafetorium.
  4. Painting of all exposed steel structures in gym.
  5. Side basketball courts.
  6. Added epoxy walls and ceramic in bathrooms.
  7. Covered walkways.
  8. 2x2 ceiling grids instead of 2x4.
  9. Addition of 1/2" hardwood floor in gym.

"Adding these items will not affect the contract debt," Singleton said. "Sterling Structures has worked very hard to save money wherever possible and we have been able to add these things without any added expense."

The contract changes were approved, 5-2.

"We've been able to do this project for the amount budgeted when many said we needed nine million," said Singleton. "This was possible because of a great construction manager contractor. I am proud of our working very hard to accomplish this."

Board president Denise Overton praised Singleton and his company for their hard work and professionalism.

Michael Huser requested a list of what has been added and what can still be added.

When asked about a move-in date, Superintendent Lawrence said, spring break.

Following project discussion, the board approved a payment of $756,646.29 to Sterling Structures.

Superintendent Lawrence said the district also has approximately $140,000 in funds to be used for other classroom and building needs.

$100,000 of this amount is part of the interest earned from the lease purchase bonds. Singleton and Lawrence said the interest money can only be used in the building project and for no other purpose.

Lawrence said this will be used to install dry erase boards and cabinets in classrooms and any other items that may be needed.

The $40,000 includes a previous $30,000 and recent $10,000 donation from the Green-Dickson Foundation and will be used for special electrical needs for the vocational building and for science lab needs as requested by the foundation.

The board passed two budget amendments to transfer these two amounts into the building construction project.

The board also heard a report on the district audit for the year ending August. 31, 2006.

Chris Culak of the auditing firm of Roloff, Hnatek & Co. L.L.P. said the audit went well with full cooperation and all materials available for the audit.

He said SISD was given an "unqualified opinion," the highest level of assurance auditors can give.

The superintendent's report showed revenues of $1,762,724.49 and expenses of $846,958.69 for November, leaving a cash balance of $3,080,506.18.

Current local taxes collected amounted to $1,624,847.64, leaving $603,629.50 unpaid. The district has received $10,540.49 in delinquent taxes. Interest earned during the quarter amounted to $23,462.43.

Mr. Lawrence reported that the district enrollment as of December. 6 was 526, down by 10 since November 2. He added that three new students have since enrolled.

He also told the board that the cafeteria received a 100% approval with an unannounced inspection. The board expressed appreciation to the cafeteria staff for their good work.

The board approved the District Improvement Plan as presented by Janette Berkovsky, secretary of the planning committee.

The plan includes objectives and strategies to implement the mission of Shiner SISD which is "to help all Shiner students learn all they need to know to successfully assume the various roles of a productive American adult."

The board also:
  - accepted a bid of $600 for the 1995 GMC bus,
  - approved TASB Update 79, and
  - approved interlocal participation between SISD and the local government purchasing cooperative.

reprinted by permission.
The Shiner Gazette is published weekly in Shiner, Texas.
Agnes Sedlmyer, Managing Editor and Myra Lampley, News Editor
Contact them at 361-594-3346, or by e-mail at shinergazette@sbcglobal.net.


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