DATE: November 28, 2007
PRESENT: Paul Endres, William Higgins, Tommy Lee Bychinski, Virgil Hartje
ABSENT: Joan Fordham
OTHERS PRESENT: Delores Rydberg, Barbara Gunderson, Kathy Schauf, Marty Krueger, Tim Stieve, Bill McClary, Art Carlson, Todd Liebmann, John Alt, Kerry Beghin
1 . Called to order at 8:00 a.m. by Paul Endres. The open meeting law requirements were met.
2 . Motion by Bychinski, second by Fordham to adopt the amended agenda. Motion carried.
3. Motion by Hartje, second by Higgins to approve the minutes with one correction under those present. Motion carried.
4. Update on Schematic Design. Tim Stieve discussed the design as it stands now and some changes that have been incorporated into the building. The basement has been put under the neighborhood area and we have been assured that enough sound absorbing options can be put in place so that it would not be too loud for residents. Shipping/receiving area is in back of the building. Question was asked regarding future options for adding on NH beds. Group has discussed future assisted living/senior housing buildings which were not included on these plans. Some board members will have questions about the possibility of NH bed expansion which needs to be addressed. We have planned for the possibility of the future need to close off the neighborhood into two smaller units of 10 - 11. options that have been considered so far. Jeri Zuber, of Horty Elving discussed the different options beginning with the one story facility with very long hallways from the town center to the neighborhoods. These long hallways were considered problematic from a time and cost standpoint. Discussion was held regarding a two story option. Generally 120 beds is the cut off for building a single story facility. Is not a significant construction cost savings with a two story building because in this facility a one story can be wood construction but a two story needs to be masonry or steel. Staffing is the driving issue and there were no staffing differences between the one or two story options. In a two story plan elevators are a big issue for cost and staff time. Connection to the outside is also important and generally people prefer to live on the ground floor for these types of buildings.
Current preferred plan includes basement level under the resident center where kitchen and laundry would be located. Food would be brought to neighborhoods via underground passages and up service elevators. We need to make sure we have explored all options. Recommendation was to build one story because size doesn't warrant two stories, costs are about the same for one vs. two stories, elevator costs and staff time are factor.
Different building material options were discussed including ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) buildings. ICF tends to have more insulation value and is sturdier than regular wood framing but is more difficult to remodel. Would use steel studs on the inside. Masonry building would cost approximately 20% more than wood construction. When presentation is made to board next month, cost differentials between various materials will be included. Safety of residents in severe weather, (i.e. tornado) was also discussed. Would not be able to move everyone to basement level so Tim Stieve suggested using the bathrooms in each room as a safe area, perhaps even reinforcing them.
Discussion of resident rooms included the fact that no built in furniture is shown which will make them more flexible and speeds up construction. Bariatric rooms will be built as well as "couple suites" with connecting doors - perhaps two suites on each unit.
Motion by Bychinski, second by Higgins that work continue on the one floor design now identified as "Campus A". Motion carried.
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) was discussed. Many questions have been raised regarding "going green" or having a LEED certified building. A number of things can be done that would not be costly which would earn points for energy efficiency but not enough to be certified. Many LEED items have extra costs associated with them. Normally would put in as many sustainable products as possible. Having a LEED building for the county would be a marketing tool. If the decision is made to have a LEED Certified building, the decision needs to be made now. Normally this firm specifies green, sustainable products such as low VOC paint, carpet squares etc. Also do energy envelope studies on buildings. Will get as economically affordable energy efficient building as possible. To be LEED certified there are 10 steps on mechanical side to get credits which relate to the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) standards. This is a mechanical guide which sets the minimum requirements for the energy efficient design (heating and AC) of a building. LEED gives 1 point for every 10% you go over these standards. The United States Green Building Council (USGCB) has a certification process done by a LEED accredited professional. The USGCB is a non-profit organization committed to expanding sustainable building practices. Owner must apply to build a LEED certified building and register it. As process moves along plans and building are reviewed and if certified a plaque is given. Several different areas are reviewed such as sustainable site, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, etc. More than half of the points that are earned are in the indoor air quality area. There are many things that can be done at no cost such as encouraging staff to ride bikes to work and providing a place to park them, buy a hybrid car, site building to minimize impact on the land, plant native grasses instead of just grass to mow etc. Are no grants for governmental agencies for "going green". LEED certified buildings also need outside commissioning agency that reviews the systems and certifies that they are functioning as designed. There would be approximately $70 - 80,000 in additional fees to do a LEED certified building. The costs for building a LEED certified building need to be presented to the full board and the decision made from there.
Discussion of project budget. Revenues and expenses were listed and discussed. Many numbers are approximate and will change over time. Owner Direct Insurance was listed meaning we will carry the Worker's Comp. for the project. Discussion held regarding Owner Direct Purchase and some areas that may be problematic, however does save significantly on sales tax. Added remediation of Wastewater Treatment Plant and disposal of abandoned buildings. Question asked regarding which committee of the board would make the decisions regarding the WWTP and abandoned buildings. These items will have to be dealt with at some future date. Are working on naming rights and the different options that are available and that work will continue.
Discussed how building should be delivered. Options are Design, bid, build; Construction management; Construction management risk. Different options were discussed and pros and cons of each debated. It was decided that Todd Liebmann, Tim Stieve and Kathy Schauf will meet, review the benefits and risks of each method and come back with a recommendation at the next meeting.
Update on timeline and process. Have been in the schematic design process. Looking at trying to have that completed for the December 18 County Board Meeting. Design development will then begin with bids going out in May, 2008 with construction beginning in July of 2008 and the move-in in the fall of 2009 - these dates are approximate.
Next meeting date December 17, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. Discussion held regarding meeting location. Next meeting will be at the Reedsburg Public Library in a conference room.
Motion by Bychinski, second by Higgins to adjourn. Motion carried.
_______________________________
Paul Endres, Chairperson