The Greene County Schools board spent considerable time at its Oct. 21 meeting dealing with athletic facility issues.
Early in the agenda, under “old business,” the board rejected all bids for a restroom and ticketing building at Linduska Field due to the bid amounts being higher than the board is willing to pay.
The bids ranged from $539,000 from Big Lake Construction of Des Moines to $759,000 from Keystone Construction Services LLC of Waukee.
The board had expected bids in the neighborhood of $400,000.
Ken Hagen of OPN, the firm hired to help the district through the bidding process, said the high cost of diesel fuel was one of the factors in the high bids. He said that even going through a value engineering process would save only 10-12 percent. Reducing the amount of new paving, reducing the number of fixtures in the restrooms, and eliminating air conditioning were considered.
“I wish I was here with better news,” Hagen said.
Superintendent Brett Abbotts reminded the board that the costs presented were only for construction and didn’t include architects’ costs, engineering, or surveying, or building code review. Those costs have already been paid and total about $70,000.
Board members Tim Riphagen and Connie Boyd both said they would not be in favor of reducing the number of toilets in the building.
There is still time to rebid the project had have it completed by July 1, 2027.
After discussion, board member Megan Holz read the scripted motion to reject all bids and to authorize the superintendent and the architect to review the project scope and re-solicit bids at a later date.
The board went ahead and approved a resolution setting a public hearing on using SAVE revenue for an athletic infrastructure project for Nov. 11 at 5:15 pm.
The board later denied a request to renovate and upgrade the former weight room at the middle school for use as a wrestling room for middle school wrestlers. Community members and businesses have already donated money toward the project.
The wrestling room is in a self-contained building and is currently used only for storage. Adding to the expense of the project is that the HVAC system dates back to the 1960s and needs to be replaced if the building is to be used.
Activities director Dave Wright had originally planned to ask the board to approve an amount not to exceed $10,000 from district funds and $5,000 from the activity fund for new mats, subflooring and wall mats. That was before learning the status of the HVAC system. The HVAC system adds another $14,300 to the project. Total request from the district was $24,300.
Nelson asked if there was enough space for all teams to practice without using the room at the middle school. Wright said there was space but scheduling would be a problem. Middle school boys wrestle before Christmas and middle school girls wrestle after Christmas, but high school girls and boys wrestle from December through February. Wright said there’s a comfort level with girls and boys practicing at the same time.
The entire cost could come from the physical plant and equipment levy (PPEL) fund.
Daubendiek said she was apprehensive about spending from the PPEL fund, not knowing what other needs might arise. There is also money available in the SAVE fund, but the Linduska Field project is coming from that fund.
Boyd said the board committed to boys and girls wrestling and now needs to spend the money to allow that to happen. Riphagen called the expense “an ouchie,” but “we have to do it.”
Abbotts said he’s “incredibly appreciative” for the way community members step in to fill gaps, and suggested more fundraising could perhaps help with some of the cost.
Holz said much effort has been put into growing youth and school wrestling in the community and that youngsters need a safe facility.
Daubendiek said she has a bigger problem with the condition of the locker rooms at the middle school. Nelson suggested the school could fund the HVAC and hope community members funded the mats and subflooring.
Riphagen made a motion for the district to cover $23,400 for the project. Boyd seconded. Nelson and Daubendiek voted no. Riphagen and Boyd voted yes. Holz recused herself because a business in which she’s a partner donated to the project. The motion didn’t carry due to the no vote.
Abbotts suggested a motion could be made for a different amount. Boyd asked if the two who voted no would like a different amount or just didn’t want to the project.
“My hesitation is let’s have one year under our belt and then I’m getting totally on board. Let’s see where we’re even at and what round two brings because our numbers change.” Daubendiek said.
Nelson agreed. Wright asked if the district would approve the purchases if community fundraising covered the entire cost. Abbotts said that would be do-able.
