LakeBentonISD #404

RegularBoardMeeting

September20, 2008 – 7:00 pm

Attendance: D. Busselman, M. Delaney, V. Becker, T. Schwing, M. Smith, R. Rudebusch, Superintendent Pankonen, C. Smit

Chair D. Busselman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and welcomed all guests and visitors.

Motion by Schwing, seconded by Delaney to approve the agenda with the following changes:

Add item 9.1: Review Elkton Transportation Contract

Add item 6.1.a: Discuss date(s) for Open House

Add item 9.2: Extracurricular Funding requests

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Becker, seconded by Smith to approve the minutes of the regular August 20th meeting. Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Delaney, seconded by Smith to approve the treasure’s report.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Rudebusch, seconded by Becker to approve August bills totaling $48,816.50. Questions about payments to K R Schoeler Enterprise, Inc. and questions about payments to SW/WC Service Cooperatives.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Rudebusch, seconded by Becker to approve payments of construction bills totaling $28,105.81. Questions about payments to Burns & McDonnell and SGN. The Burns & McDonnel consulting fees are for verifying that all systems are installed and functioning.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Delaney, seconded by Schwing to approve Student Activity Payments totaling $390.00.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

C. Smit provided a building project update.

Much of the project is completed or nearing completion. Due to the project being nearly completed, C. Smit reported that next month’s draw down of building project funds would be quite large.

C. Smit reviewed the initial proposal as presented for review and comment to the State. Using a cost breakdown provided by Winkelman Construction, Smit reported on actual vs. estimated costs. Upon conclusion of the costs breakdown, the project appeared to be at about cost estimate. The well field for the geo-thermal was not included in the original proposal and would require funding through a possible Lease-Purchase.

C. Smit presented a Lease Purchase Schedule estimate prepared by Joel Sutter of Ehlers & Associates. Upon conclusion of the building project when it’s more clear as to the dollars needed for a Lease Purchase, the board will review the actual Schedule and make determination on the details of an actual Lease Purchase. It was estimated that the payments would be able to be covered by the savings in energy costs of a Geo-Thermal system compared to other heating fuel costs.

C. Smit also presented the School District’s cost for the Street Project. The School’s portion would be about $32,000.00.

T. Schwing reported on a meeting held by the Public Relations Committee was suggesting that an Open House be setup for the week of American Education week. This would allow time for the building to be completed and cleanup to be finished. The public would be invited to view the newly completed building project. All board members felt that the timing would work out quite well.

T. Schwing also reported having been contacted by a member of the local newspaper wanting to do a 8-16 page color newspaper insert coinciding with the open house of the building project. Discussion was held about advertising in general. It was concluded that T. Schwing would contact the newspaper and get a clearer definition of what their intent would be for the newspaper layout.

C. Smit presented letters and other documentation in regards to the question of Severance Pay Under the Terms and Conditions of M.S. 125 D.05 Subd.3. C. Smit recommended that the interpretation of the statute be turned over to the Attorney General and have them render a ruling, provided that all parties are willing to accept the outcome and waive the right to appeal.

Motion by Rudebusch, seconded by Schwing to follow the recommendation of C. Smit and submit the issue to the Attorney General for an opinion based on the understanding that all parties will accept the opinion and waive the right to appeal.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Superintendent Pankonen requested that the agenda item discussing removal of the pay freeze for non-certified staff be tabled until after the Personnel Committee had a chance to meet and discuss the issue.

Under new business:

Superintendent Pankonen presented the proposed levy certification for 2009. Because of the building project the levy for Health and Safety are going to be much higher this year due to the asbestos removal. Last year the original Health and Safety costs that were a part of the Proposed Levy were dropped in the actual levy certification due to uncertainty of the proposed building project at the time.

Motion by Becker, seconded by Smith to approve the Proposed Certification Levy. The maximum levy limitation was approved.

Motion by Delaney, seconded by Rudebusch to accept a Temporary Transportation Employee notification with Nieema Thasing.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Schwing, seconded by Delany to approve Employee notification with Deb Rouge for ECFE Teacher/Coordinator and ECSF Special Education Teacher.

Motion passed by unanimous consent with Busselman abstaining.

Motion by Becker, seconded by Schwing to approve employee notification with Jeanee Delaney for the position of Census Taker.

Motion passed by unanimous consent with Delany abstaining.

Motion by Becker, seconded by Smith to approve the District 403b Benefit plan. The plan presented by Superintendent Pankonen included amounts for certified as well as non-certified for employees working a minimum of 1000 hours to be eligible. Approved non-certified groups that wish to participate will have their contribution matched to a percentage of their salary based on years of service.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Superintendent Pankonen presented updated information on the insurance claim from the bus accident. The progress has been slow. At the time it seems as though the Insurance Company is in favor of repairing the bus. The bus will be transported to Hoglund Bus Company where they can verify the estimate given to repair the bus. More details to come on a final decision.

Discussion was held on contracting LP for the coming year. Due to the amount being so small, it was decided to not do any contracting and just pay the price at the time of purchasing the gas.

Motion made by Schwing, seconded by Delaney to approve Substitute Janitor pay at $9.41 per hour.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

During the Superintendent’s report, Superintendent asked the board to consider:

Switch to consent agenda; instead of having a lengthy meeting have a workshop and a shortened regular monthly board meeting: and investigate paperless board meetings.

Superintendent Pankonen also reported that the Administrative Position continues to work many hours.

With some discussion by the board members it was decided that the additional hour of overtime be extended for another month. Motion by Rudebusch, seconded by Delaney to approve the one month extension.

Motion passed by unanimous consent.

Motion by Delaney, seconded by Rudebusch to approve an Elkton Transportation Contract at 1.70 per mile for 62 miles per day.

Motion passed by unanimous consent

Board member Smith reported from the Public Relations Committee that it is the wish of the elementary staff to have our students compete in academic related events such as spelling bees, etc. and that those activities require funds in order to participate.

Motion by Schwing, seconded by Smith to adjourn the meeting at 9:24 p.m. Motion passed by unanimous consent.

(Printed 1x, October 29

in the Lake Benton News)

NOTICE OF ANNUAL CITY ELECTION

To the Legal Voters of the City of Lake Benton:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the Annual Election for said City, in the Election District above named will be held at the LAKE BENTON COMMUNITY CENTER in said City, on Tuesday, the fourth (4th) day of November, 2008, between the hours of 7:00 AM o’clock in the forenoon and 8:00 PM o’clock in the afternoon of the same day, for the following purposes, viz:

To Elect:

One Mayor - Two (2) Year Term

Two Trustees - Four (4) Year Terms Each

Clerk-Treasurer

Dated October 20, 2008

(Printed 1x, October 29

in the Lake Benton News)