July 2010 Board of Directors Meeting Recap

The Heartland Board of Directors held its regular monthly meeting on July 13, 2010.

Public Forum
No one was present to speak at the public forum.

Discussion Items
Johnston Regional Education Center Plans and Specifications
Ms. Sheila King and Mr. Steve Prall provided an update on the Johnston Regional Education Center (REC) plans and specifications. At the June Board meeting, the Board requested that a geothermal study be completed. FRK Architects completed the study and found that a geothermal system for the building would cost $1,197,600 with a payback period of 10 years. The estimated cost includes $67,900 worth of rebates. The cost of a new VAV system was estimated at $1,058,500 with $42,100 worth of rebates.

Mr. Prall recommended modifying the mechanical plan that was proposed at the June board meeting. The revised plan would keep the current boiler system, improve the ductwork and return air systems, upgrade the control system to gain efficiency and make modifications to capitalize on return investment when the Agency is ready for Phase II of the building’s remodel. It will also honor the work done by stakeholders in the last 18 months including the print shop relocation and installation of the chillers and sound booth.

Phase II construction would begin in the summer of 2014, allowing time for analysis of the Johnston REC usage and functions to make further renovations aligned to service delivery needs and infrastructure service life issues. It would also allow the incorporation of a geothermal system.

Newton Regional Education Center Update
Mr. Prall provided an update on the Newton Regional Education Center. Negotiations with the Newton Community School District have gone well, and he has had a chance to tour Emerson Hough Elementary School and talk with architects about layout and design. He also met with Newton school board members last week who were supportive of the Agency’s desire to lease a portion of the building. A lease agreement is currently being finalized and should be ready for approval at the August board meeting.

Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct/Whistleblower
Ms. Nola Bond provided a revised first version of Board Policy 419 Disclosure of Wrongful Conduct. The policy was updated based on recommendations from the June meeting to include language changes about who should be notified when there is a complaint. It also provides specific follow-up after an investigation has been conducted. Board members will have a second reading of the policy at the August meeting.

Chief Administrator Comments
Dr. Paula Vincent thanked the Board and staff members for the work in her transition to the Agency. She has been amazed by the preparation done to make her transition successful. She expressed her delight to be at Heartland and continues to learn more about the Agency.