School Board takes recommendations and moves quickly to begin work
The Greater Jasper Consolidate School convened to discuss the findings of the structural engineer Phil Brumleve and Scott Steftenagel, Clerk of the Works on the most recent updates. Based on those findings and recommendations a preliminary plan would be determined by the school board.
Dr. Jerrill Vandeventer opened the meeting by thanking the staff, the volunteers, the community, and the businesses that have helped with the disaster since it occurred last week.
Vanderventer also stressed to the board the importance of hiring an architectural firm as soon as possible. He indicated to Phil Brumleve and Scott Steftenagel to reiterate his plea to the school board to find an architect to consult immediately.
The board requested that Brumleve and Steftnagel give their appraisal of the situation so far and their recommendations.
He then described how the gym collapsed or the process that occurred as it failed. He described how one of the main supports bent under the weight of the roof and according to preliminary reports from the insurance adjustor, the water. The support bent to about 20 degrees angle on the north wall and the south wall support bent to about a 40 degree angle before the beam became disconnected from that support and collapsed.
He was especially concerned about the adjoining wall to the school cafeteria. He stated that although these walls had an expansion point between them, if the north gym wall were to be blown down it would damage the cafeteria wall possible causing blow back into the cafeteria. The board continued to emphasize safety for the children but expressed concern about them getting around the barriers put in place to gain access to the gymnasium.
Brumleve and Steftenagel met with three different demolition companies Monday. The companies toured the wreckage and made some initial assessments.
Brumleve indicated that the demolition companies could have bidding completed within 1 ½ to 2 weeks from today if the contract was announced soon. From that initial two week process an engineer from the chosen company would take about two weeks to assess the gym and then it could take two more months to demo the structure.
According to Brumleve the first floor above the basketball court still appears to be structurally sound, however he wouldn’t be sure until the demolition exposed those areas. At that time a decision could be made in whether to reuse that portion in the new building or to raze it.
John Gunselman attended the meeting representing German American Insurance. He had met with Steve Norris, an adjustor for the insurance company that covers the school structure. Norris is considered a specialist in this type of disaster. Norris and Gunselman had examined the site and even went up on the roof to possibly determine the cause of the collapse. Norris’ preliminary findings have led him to believe the damage was caused by water accumulating on the roof. Further examination has to be completed before the official reason for the collapse is released.
“He (Norris) said the roof was in good condition prior to the collapse.” Gunselman said. “He has been on school roof’s that had trees growing from the drains. To quote him, there weren’t any bats, balls, or cans on the roof; it was well maintained.”
School Board President Nancy Habig inquired about the timeline for the demolition, to which Brumleve stated it would take two months to demo after the time required to bid the contract and examine the site.
“Oh this is getting long,” Habig muttered.
The board inquired as to the length time to getting a new building up. Steftenagel stated he had been considering that question and his best estimate today was 16 months.
Vandeventer emphasized if the board were to wait on hiring an architect to begin work on the new building it could add another three months to that timeline.
Faced with this estimated length of time the board moved forward on several key decisions to shorten that estimate.
The board decided by unanimous vote to:
- Declare a state of emergency.
- Fasttrack finding an architect.
- Permit the demolition process
- Secure Lynch, Harrison, and Brumleve as the consulting group for the project.
- Hire Scott Steftenagel’s firm.
*Concerns were raised about moneys for the architectural firm however this service is covered by the insurance company.
