Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
MENTONE - Drainage, soil and seepage were just some of the problems the Tippecanoe Valley School Board members heard Monday evenings.
Ray Kinder of Kinder Construction told the board that he added stone to fill a room-sized hole that developed at the bus garage.
The board complained to Kinder that it was never informed of options available to them before the stone was brought in.
The project, already over budget, has been plagued by improper drainage and hillside seepage along with water from the heavy rains.
Alan Heltzel said there is a definite subsurface drainage problem, and that one could see water boiling out with sand.
Ken Siebert, who is also working on the project, said he did not foresee the need of the additional stone, but no soil testing information was available and he didn't understand why.
Bruce Andrews was informed by the representatives that the site needed to be de-watered and a drain line placed.
Board member Rod Eaton told Kinder that, technically, because the additional stone was laid before the board was consulted, the company was in the wrong and the corporation didn't have to pay for it.
"I could take the stone if it's not paid for," Kinder said. "I can't see where I mistreated you."
The board decided to have soil engineers from Patriot look at the situation. "We need to get moving on this," said Andrews.
Eaton later offered a solution: "I'm willing to take some of the blame if you take some of the blame. We could split the difference. We should have been notified sooner."
Kinder said he is still looking for the project to be completed by early September.
In other business, toy show promoter Tiffany Adams successfully appeaed the board's decision last month to reject a date for a toy show in the school gym. The board had refused the date because the show would be held on a Sunday.
Adams told the board that the show raises about $1,500 for the FFA and members help work at the show.
"Not to have a show is a slap in the face," she said. "I want to help the program."
When asked why the show couldn't be held on Saturday, Adams told the board that on Saturdays everyone is busy. "This is a family event. Am I a bad Christian to miss one Sunday at church for a show for the community?"
Andrews told Adams that he didn't know of anyone who was opposed to the show. "The concern of the board was the timing of the event and the use of the school building on Sunday."
Adams said every year she must convince the board to have the show. "I get nothing out of it. The kids lose, not me."
Further requests for building use on Sundays must be made in person, the board decided.
In other matters, the board:
• Approved the hiring of Julie Meyers, special education; Steven Backus, social studies; John Chubb, music; and Tana Tinkey, band. Also approved were Diana Bussard, custodian; Ron Shewman, freshman football; Eric Thompson, boys JV basketball; Jack Shambaugh, girls tennis; and Chad Patrick, boys varsity assistant basketball.
• Received the resignations of James Bueter, band; Mindy Metzger, girls basketball; Ron Bechdolt and Jennifer Williams, custodians; Bill King, head custodian; and Jeanne Makula.
