By Jolene Farley
Discussion continued at the Hills-Beaver Creek School Board meeting Monday night on the locker room project at Hills-Beaver Creek High School.
"Before we proceed I want to make sure we have the money sitting there," said board member Lloyd DeBoer. DeBoer added he wanted to see more than one plan for the project.
The board voted unanimously at the March 12 meeting to retain the services of Group II Architects, Sioux Falls. Although the firm provided a rough cost estimate to the district for no fee, no further work will be done without direction from the School Board.
At the July 16 meeting the board was advised by Superintendent Tom Knoll that the $200,000 previously earmarked for the project would likely not be enough. Knoll said plumbing costs added tremendously to the cost of the project. The board tabled the issue until all board members were present.
Knoll began the application process for a $150,000 Health and Safety Levy for the district.
Funds generated from the Health and Safety Levy could be used for the locker room project because current locker rooms are below grade and are not handicap accessible, according to Interim Superintendent Darold Williams
He cautioned the board about using the $200,000 in general fund money.
"Do you want to use general fund money when enrollment could decline? Once the fund is down low it is really tough to build back," Williams said.
Board member Gary Esselink suggested checking into ways to continue using the existing locker room facilities for the younger athletes.
"You want it functional," Esselink said. "We should be looking for something bare bones."
According to board member Ann Boeve, the biggest problem with the existing locker rooms are the showers have limited water pressure or donÕt work and the rooms are dark and donÕt dry well.
"I donÕt care to see it die," said Boeve. "We need to see what our options are."
Williams suggested calling the state to determine if other Minnesota schools have completed similar projects. If so, these districts could be contacted for cost information. He said a construction management company could also help.
"Why can't we do it locally?" asked Boeve. "I don't think anyone is looking for fancy here."
H-BC staff should have input on the project, according to Williams. "They'd have an idea what would work most effectively."
The board indicated at the Monday meeting the district would likely be unable to afford the proposed fitness center without additional outside funding.