The Ad Hoc field use committee will meet again Monday. (I'm a member of this committee which hasn't met since August) The agenda can be found here.
On Monday the committee will receive an update on field usage at the various sites and the costs associated. The basic problem is that we have too many events scheduled at the stadium for the grass turf to withstand. This often results in a less then ideal playing surface for many events, at times events have to be cancelled or moved because of the condition of the field.
The committee is investigating alternatives, including a proposal to install artificial turf at the stadium. Other alternatives include moving events to other sites around the district, such as Ahuska park where many soccer games are played on the facility provided by the City of Monona.
Although artificial turf would provide a reliable playing surface able to stand up to continual all weather use, funding such an installation would be a challenge.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Entirely Uneventful
is how I would describe tonights board meeting. We start with a long closed session followed by a light agenda in the public portion. Craig will give updates on the upcoming election, the preliminary budget for 2008-9 and the Ad Hoc grade committee activities.
The only action items are under the Business Services agenda and relate to the Annual meeting date and the budget calendar.
The agenda can be found here.
The only action items are under the Business Services agenda and relate to the Annual meeting date and the budget calendar.
The agenda can be found here.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Annual budget flier
Last night the business services committee gave guidance to Mary Ellen to reduce the annual budget flier to a post card with notification of the annual meeting and a printed web address where the budget information can be found along with district contact information. The idea is to reduce the costs of the mailing while taking advantage of the internet to provide better information to the taxpayer. Last year the printed flier was out of date by the time it reached the public (even without the postal delay!) plus it is not really possible to give complete budget information on a single sheet.
My view is that when done right this will be an improvement in the quality of the information available to the public. Admittedly there would be a downside to some in the community who rely on the printed flier but I would like to make the entire budget presentation available on request to those people.
My view is that when done right this will be an improvement in the quality of the information available to the public. Admittedly there would be a downside to some in the community who rely on the printed flier but I would like to make the entire budget presentation available on request to those people.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Gluttons for punishment:
4 brave souls have submitted nomination papers to run for the 3 seats in this spring's election. They are:
Lionel Norton - currently a Citizen Member of Personel and Policy Committee
Jason McCutchin - long time Citizen Member of the Business Services Committee
Jessica Ace - current co-president of the Monona Elementary PTO
Mike Duplayee - current Board Member
Jason has forwarded a link to his campaign blog, it can be found here.
Lionel Norton - currently a Citizen Member of Personel and Policy Committee
Jason McCutchin - long time Citizen Member of the Business Services Committee
Jessica Ace - current co-president of the Monona Elementary PTO
Mike Duplayee - current Board Member
Jason has forwarded a link to his campaign blog, it can be found here.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Volunteers needed for Winnequah mural project!
Kristin writes:
We are putting together our volunteer schedule for the Winnequah Tile Mural project now. The residency officially starts on Monday, January 11 and will go for 2 weeks. There are 3 ways to volunteer for this part of the project.
1. Classroom Volunteer
The artists, Jeanne and David, are asking for 2 volunteers in the classroom at all times for those 2 weeks. The classroom volunteers will be helping the students get their wet tiles out and put away again at the end of the class time. Students may also need help working with the clay as they trace the drawings, and then outline them in coils, or build them up in slabs.
2.Glazing
Beginning on Wednesday, January 14th, adult volunteers will be painting the colored glazes on the tiles. This is a job that requires adults as it is best if the glazes don't overlap, and there needs to be 3-4 coats of glaze for each area of color.
3.Lunches
Finally, we are looking for volunteers who might like to bring a lunch in for Jeanne and David. The lunch volunteer can bring in anything - simple and easy is generally best. The Aurelius' are not picky eaters! Sandwiches and salads are great. We have found that it is fun for whoever is bringing in food to bring enough for themselves and then join the artists in the office conference room. Lunch is at about 11:30 each day.
Once you've decided what you'd like to do, take a look at the schedule below and decide what works for you. Then just let us know if you'd like to be in the classroom, glaze, or bring a lunch, and the for what days and times.
Schedule:
Monday, Jan. 12 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 10:50am,
and 1:40-2:20pm.
Lunch Host
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, and 2:30 - 3:10pm.
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, 2:30 - 3:10pm Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 15
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30, 2:30 - 3:10
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 16
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Saturday, Jan. 17. No classes.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Monday, Jan. 19 No classes, as it's Martin Luther King day.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 22
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 23 (Glazing only - the kids' contribution should be complete by
then. )
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
If you would like to participate, please contact
Kristin Sobol, kristinsobol@charter.net, 661-9534 or
Peter Kuzma, PETER_KUZMA@mononagrove.org
We are putting together our volunteer schedule for the Winnequah Tile Mural project now. The residency officially starts on Monday, January 11 and will go for 2 weeks. There are 3 ways to volunteer for this part of the project.
1. Classroom Volunteer
The artists, Jeanne and David, are asking for 2 volunteers in the classroom at all times for those 2 weeks. The classroom volunteers will be helping the students get their wet tiles out and put away again at the end of the class time. Students may also need help working with the clay as they trace the drawings, and then outline them in coils, or build them up in slabs.
2.Glazing
Beginning on Wednesday, January 14th, adult volunteers will be painting the colored glazes on the tiles. This is a job that requires adults as it is best if the glazes don't overlap, and there needs to be 3-4 coats of glaze for each area of color.
3.Lunches
Finally, we are looking for volunteers who might like to bring a lunch in for Jeanne and David. The lunch volunteer can bring in anything - simple and easy is generally best. The Aurelius' are not picky eaters! Sandwiches and salads are great. We have found that it is fun for whoever is bringing in food to bring enough for themselves and then join the artists in the office conference room. Lunch is at about 11:30 each day.
Once you've decided what you'd like to do, take a look at the schedule below and decide what works for you. Then just let us know if you'd like to be in the classroom, glaze, or bring a lunch, and the for what days and times.
Schedule:
Monday, Jan. 12 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 10:50am,
and 1:40-2:20pm.
Lunch Host
Tuesday, Jan. 13 Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, and 2:30 - 3:10pm.
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 14
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8 - 8:40am, 9:30 - 11:30am, 2:30 - 3:10pm Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 15
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30, 2:30 - 3:10
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 16
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 10:50 - 11:30
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Saturday, Jan. 17. No classes.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Monday, Jan. 19 No classes, as it's Martin Luther King day.
Glazers (lots of people!): 9:00am - 4:00pm
Bring a snack or drink to share, and maybe a cd to listen to.
Tuesday, Jan. 20
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Thursday, Jan. 22
Classroom volunteers (need 1-2): 8:20 - 10:50am, 12:15 - 1:40
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
Friday, Jan. 23 (Glazing only - the kids' contribution should be complete by
then. )
Glazers (need 6): 8am - 3:20
Lunch Host
If you would like to participate, please contact
Kristin Sobol, kristinsobol@charter.net, 661-9534 or
Peter Kuzma, PETER_KUZMA@mononagrove.org
This week in meetings...
December's Business Services meeting will be Thursday Jan. 8th at 5pm in the district offices. The agenda can be found here.
Items of note: "V. Update and Discussion on PMA’s 5-Year Budget Forecasting Model and Preliminary 2009-2010 Budget."
This will be our first look at estimates for next year's budget and will be a guide for the budgeting process this spring. It will tell us if we have to go through a budget cutting exercise this spring and how big that might be.
"VII. Discussion and Possible Approval of McKinstry’s Performance Contracting Agreement."
This item is to examine the facility energy upgrades proposed by McKinstry and winnowed down by the Energy and Sustainability committee. The current proposal calls for borrowing about $2.5 million for these improvements, which would be funded by energy savings with a payback of about 12 years.
The committee will also look at eliminating the budget flier mailing and move the annual meeting forward to October 5th.
The Ad Hoc Grade configuration committee will meet Tuesday Jan. 6th at Glacial Drumlin school. The agenda is here. It looks like they committee will spend some time defining its agenda.
Items of note: "V. Update and Discussion on PMA’s 5-Year Budget Forecasting Model and Preliminary 2009-2010 Budget."
This will be our first look at estimates for next year's budget and will be a guide for the budgeting process this spring. It will tell us if we have to go through a budget cutting exercise this spring and how big that might be.
"VII. Discussion and Possible Approval of McKinstry’s Performance Contracting Agreement."
This item is to examine the facility energy upgrades proposed by McKinstry and winnowed down by the Energy and Sustainability committee. The current proposal calls for borrowing about $2.5 million for these improvements, which would be funded by energy savings with a payback of about 12 years.
The committee will also look at eliminating the budget flier mailing and move the annual meeting forward to October 5th.
The Ad Hoc Grade configuration committee will meet Tuesday Jan. 6th at Glacial Drumlin school. The agenda is here. It looks like they committee will spend some time defining its agenda.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Sleeping on the job
Ok, I haven't been sleeping on the job, just too busy with the family, the holiday and work to pull together the focus it requires to keep up with this blog. A new year's resolution is to keep this up-to-date.
Just a few items of note:
Ad Hoc Facilities Committee documents can be found here. The December meeting was cancelled due to snow so there isn't an update on any progress. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan 6th (weather permitting!)
The 28 students on the Monona Grove Varsity Math Team won FIRST PLACE in the Madison math competition earlier this month. When will academic teams be greeted with the publicity and accolades of athletic teams?
At the last board meeting we received the report from the auditor for the 2007-8 fiscal year. The district received an "unqualified opinion": that is accountant speak for a positive review of the accuracy of district's accounting system. Mary Ellen VanValin deserves credit for managing a very well run financial system in the district.
McKinstry report a list of potential energy saving infrastructure investments totalling $2.7 million with an estimated payback period of 12 years. McKinstry would guarantee that the energy savings would exceed the costs of the repayment over a period of 15 years.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Just a few items of note:
Ad Hoc Facilities Committee documents can be found here. The December meeting was cancelled due to snow so there isn't an update on any progress. The next meeting is Tuesday, Jan 6th (weather permitting!)
The 28 students on the Monona Grove Varsity Math Team won FIRST PLACE in the Madison math competition earlier this month. When will academic teams be greeted with the publicity and accolades of athletic teams?
At the last board meeting we received the report from the auditor for the 2007-8 fiscal year. The district received an "unqualified opinion": that is accountant speak for a positive review of the accuracy of district's accounting system. Mary Ellen VanValin deserves credit for managing a very well run financial system in the district.
McKinstry report a list of potential energy saving infrastructure investments totalling $2.7 million with an estimated payback period of 12 years. McKinstry would guarantee that the energy savings would exceed the costs of the repayment over a period of 15 years.
Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Monday, December 1, 2008
Business Services meeting
The agenda for Wednesday's meeting can be found here.
The committe will review a proposal from Alliant Energy to provide the district with a low interest loan to fund energy improvements in the district. The loan is based on Alliant's estimates of savings from the energy efficiency investments made in the Glacial Drumlin School, and can be used to fund some of the energy saving work we hope to do in other buildings. The idea is to make the improvements self-funding, with the utility savings being sufficent to cover the loan payments. At the same time the committee will get an update from the Energy committee concerning proposed capital projects.
Most importantly we will receive and review the results of the 2007-8 budget year financial audit.
The committe will review a proposal from Alliant Energy to provide the district with a low interest loan to fund energy improvements in the district. The loan is based on Alliant's estimates of savings from the energy efficiency investments made in the Glacial Drumlin School, and can be used to fund some of the energy saving work we hope to do in other buildings. The idea is to make the improvements self-funding, with the utility savings being sufficent to cover the loan payments. At the same time the committee will get an update from the Energy committee concerning proposed capital projects.
Most importantly we will receive and review the results of the 2007-8 budget year financial audit.
Doug Wood posts on his blog:
This budget reduction would impact coverage of district as well as city meetings and events and has special significance now that Charter is no longer required to carry the PEG channel on basic cable.
Charter tried to drop PEG from the analog service last year and Andy expects they will try again next year. THe nearly 50% of Charter customers with analog only cable would be faced with the costs of upgrading to digital cable and digital tuners to receive the PEG channels. Internet streaming would help reach those constituents who don't have cable or might lose it because they only have basic analog cable. I think the connections between local government and citizens are tenuous enough already and we should seriously consider these upgrades as essential to good government.
Alderman Wiswell also proposes to eliminate the entire $7,700 amount in the CATV budget for 'new transmission methods'. That funding was proposed by the committee to pay for live web streaming and start up cost for the LPFM radio station (basically a low-cost, low-powered community radio station for Monona and immediate environs). I give the committee big kudos for this proposal that improve communication between the government, schools and residents and amongst the residents directly.
This budget reduction would impact coverage of district as well as city meetings and events and has special significance now that Charter is no longer required to carry the PEG channel on basic cable.
Charter tried to drop PEG from the analog service last year and Andy expects they will try again next year. THe nearly 50% of Charter customers with analog only cable would be faced with the costs of upgrading to digital cable and digital tuners to receive the PEG channels. Internet streaming would help reach those constituents who don't have cable or might lose it because they only have basic analog cable. I think the connections between local government and citizens are tenuous enough already and we should seriously consider these upgrades as essential to good government.
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