Broadwater Task Force - October 13, 2008

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School District No. 2, Yellowstone County

Billings, Montana

Broadwater Task Force

 

October 13, 2008

 

Call to Order

 

The Broadwater Task Force of School District No. 2, Yellowstone County, Montana met at Broadwater Elementary School, 415 Broadwater Avenue, Billings, Montana, on Monday, October 13, 2008. Chair Julie Anderson called the meeting to order at7:00 p.m. and let those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance. Committee members present were: Nate Allie, Sheryl Alpers, Julie Anderson, Weldon Birdwell, Jodi Cockburn, Dennis Deppmeier, Jon Dyre, Jim Hartung, Wendy Jam, Karin Lucas, Travis Niemeyer, and Rachel Romei. Also present was Broadwater Elementary principal Lee Kvilhaug, Trustee Kathy Aragon, and architect Keith Rupert.

 

Communication from the Public

 

No one was present to address the Committee at this time.

 

Tour of School by Principal Lee Kvilhaug

 

As the tour of the school began, Chair Julie Anderson reminded those present that this is a forward thinking project and asked them not to dwell on what could or should have been but to be thinking of how best to improve the school. Julie asked about enrollment numbers. Principal Kvilhaug said the current enrollment is 331. Principal Kvilhaug pointed out some things to consider such as how noisy the building is, squeaking floors, classroom size, not enough restrooms, limited availability to water for students, and accessibility. The building is not ADA compliant. The tour concluded at 8:00 p.m. when the Committee returned to the library for discussion.

 

Discussion: New Construction or Refurbishment of Existing Facility

 

Architect Keith Rupert handed out a proposed Bond Issue Planning Approach. Chair Julie Anderson wanted the Committee to vote tonight on whether to refurbish Broadwater Elementary School or to build new. Keith suggested the Committee wait to see the options, such as cost and time, before voting.

 

The question was raised regarding Broadwater School being on the National Registry for Historical Preservation and whether that would affect what options the Committee has in regard to the future of the building. Keith said whether the old building is torn down or remodeled is at the discretion of the community. However, if the Committee chooses to remodel the existing building, the National Register does have guidelines.

 

Discussion was held on how to promote the Community meetings. Kathy Aragon and Julie Anderson will work together on how to raise community awareness and involvement.

 

The next three meeting dates were set. The next meeting of the Committee will be held at Orchard Elementary School on Monday, October 27, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. The purpose of this meeting will be to tour the Orchard facility.

 

On Monday, November 10, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. the first of three Neighborhood Community meetings will be held at Broadwater Elementary School. Academic requirements, site restrictions, major building constraints, and possible options will be presented to the public while soliciting public/neighborhood input.

 

A Committee meeting will be held on Monday, December 8, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Broadwater Elementary School. Tentative agenda items will include architectural and space requirements, architectural and engineering field inspections, historical significance, land use/constraints study and options, preliminary budgets, and completion of initial LEED scorecard.

 

Further Committee and Neighborhood Community meetings will be set at the December 8, 2008 meeting.

 

Chair Julie Anderson moved to adjourn the meeting. Dennis Deppmeier seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.