PRESENT: Clint Hanson, Tom Haley, Tom Serafin, Rick Mitchell, Tammy Boucher, Ry Weisiger, Peter Warburton, Mike Reardon, Deb Bulkley, Ryan Quinn, Sandy Valine (recording secretary), Dan Morris
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Clint Hanson called the meeting to order at
2. MINUTES OF
PREVIOUS MEETINGS November 13, and
A motion to approve the minutes of the two meetings was made by Mr. Mitchell and seconded by Ms. Boucher.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
3. IMMEDIATE
BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
B. CONSENT AGENDA
□ Bus stop at 649 6th Range Road, recommended by Ms. Beaudoin.
□ Revision
of 2007 Schedule to reflect change in Primary Day to
□ 2008-09 School Care/Cigna Insurance Rates
□ Field Trip Request
A motion to accept the consent agenda as presented was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
4. OLD/UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
Information presented in the board packet was reviewed. Mr. Haley presented a preliminary tax rate forecast to the board members. A summary of information was also presented to the board members. Examples of unanticipated expenses, transfers between budget lines, special education trust funds, and effects of the budget “freeze” were highlighted for the board. It appears that the district will need to develop a deficit appropriation warrant article, largely due to unanticipated special education costs. This could also have an impact on the 2008-09 budget. A couple of examples were shared.
Do we go forward with the drafted warrant article?
A motion to approve the deficit appropriation warrant article of $350,000 was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Weisiger.
Mr. Haley stated that the budget is in tough shape, but that could also change rapidly. The principals are not spending a lot of money. The administration is being very cautious and is hopeful that there will be money in the lines. We are using more energy so far this year due to the weather. Three plow-able snow storms are due this week. Last year, it was January before the temperature dropped to below 50*.
Do we want to provide the information in the packet to the Municipal Budget Committee? Mr. Serafin suggested that the information would be very helpful to the budget committee. Updated information based on current numbers would be completed closer to the time of the budget committee meetings.
There was also concern about the shortages due to this year’s budget and a frugal budget outlook for 2008-09.
The budget committee is aware that there is a possibility of a budget deficit appropriation warrant article coming.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Weisiger asked about the flooring replacements and the potential for liability. Mr. Quinn stated that he did not feel that that was the case. The flooring replacement is due to stains rather than rips and health concerns. Carpets noise reductions, but tile is definitely cleaner.
At Hill/Village the list of items to be included:
Sinks- Currently there are not any sinks in Health Office/Office toilet area. This raises concerns in regard to health practices and has been considered for a number of years.
“Quiet Rooms” have to be safe rooms. The size of the space and concrete walls could potentially be dangerous for students who need a place to cool off. Making the rooms smaller and adding padding to the walls would be beneficial.
Playground fencing needs more permanent barriers, we are currently using cones to block of the driveways and parking areas.
Entrance Coverings. The awnings were removed this summer and there should be some type of inclement weather covering.
Roof tiles in MPR are not sagging but are discolored from bus fumes.
At TRS
Activity Signage was designed to be
a communication tool. It would be at the end of the entrance on
Window sill repairs are necessary as one fell last year, and this is now a safety issue. This is really a preventative maintenance item.
Floor replacement is needed due to rippling of the carpet. Upstairs will continue to be carpeted for noise.
At
Parking lot re-striping is needed to clearly identify lanes and spots
Locks in gym is a safety issue. We are not able to secure that area currently.
Bathroom partitions are a replacement
Flooring replacement
Football tower electricity- Football booster’s request to sell food to cover costs
Fume Hoods in the lab are related to safety concerns
Roof
Mr. Hanson would like to reaffirm the board’s direction.
The board discussion included putting in the budget the use of the road trust fund and administrative reductions mentioned. Depending on the recommendation of the Budget Committee and the tax rate forecast, reduction in force may be the next step if the rate is not approved by the Municipal Budget Committee. It is a rough estimate that possibly 5 positions at the K-8 level, as well as many other items, would have to be discussed further. Delivery of services would be affected by additional cuts based on the projected tax rate.
A motion to approve the budgeting for three early retirements was made by Mr. Weisiger and Mr. Mitchell. Six people have applied for early retirement is year.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
Water and sewer rates are projected to increase by approximately 7%. Based on the projections from the savings due to the Honeywell project, the increased costs should be covered.
B. DISTRICT MEETING PLANNING
The calendar was shared with the board including budget committee meetings.
February 2 is the public hearing on the budget.
The three School Board presentations are scheduled to begin Thursday, December 20.
5. NEW BUSINESS
A. POLICY REVISION
This policy change is mandated by the State Board of Education State Standards Compliance.
A motion to waive policy on adopting policies was made by Mr. Weisiger and seconded by Ms. Boucher.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
A motion to approve the Revision to the First Aid and Emergency Medical Care (JLCE) Policy was made by Mr. Serafin and seconded by Mr. Mitchell.
ALL IN FAVOR
THE MOTION CARRIED
6. OTHER BUSINESS
A. CITIZENS’ COMMENTS None at this time
7. ADJOURNMENT
Next scheduled meeting is
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS None at this time