July 26, 2012
Story by Brandon Steinert
Deferred maintenance on facilities has been a long-running problem for public institutions across the state, as funding is allocated to other, more pressing needs.
Facilities can only take a backseat for so long before they have to become the priority. That is the case at Barton Community College, as several one-time capital improvement projects have been identified as necessities.
“As part of the budgeting process, capital items are budgeted for each year. Due to increases in enrollment over the past couple of years, the college’s cash reserve has increased at the end of each fiscal year,” explained Mark Dean, Barton’s Dean of Finance. “There are a number of one-time capital projects that could be completed in the next fiscal year with the use of some of the cash reserves.”
Of the many maintenance items needing attention, the ones identified as having the greatest need are: new carpet for the Administration Building ($40,000), new carpet for the Kirkman Visitor Center ($45,000), new glass and doors for the Science and Math Building storefront and the addition of a vestibule ($80,000), a back-up generator ($527,000), replacement of the floor in the Kirkman Practice Gym ($185,000), repairs to the north and west wall of the Kirkman Building ($120,000), creation of a space for a future welding lab ($150,000), enhanced audio/video ($145,500) and lighting ($250,000) systems for the Fine Arts Auditorium and the remodeling of the Athletic Office Complex ($100,000).
The total of these projects comes out to about $1.65 million.
The accompanying list provides a more detailed explanation of each item.
These items will be explained in greater detail at an upcoming Student Union open house and ribbon cutting event at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2. The public is invited to attend and see the Union’s new look after its renovation in the last few months.
The following projects are being provided as possible projects for FY13. The projects selected would be one-time projects that could be completed with the use of some of our reserves:
Science & Math Storefront/Vestibule – Most of the storefronts (glass doors and entrance glass) on the campus buildings were installed in the 1968/1969 timeframe. Doors wear out and the entrance glass is single pane glass. This entrance is on the north side and also lacks a vestibule. The doors-and-lock assemblies are in need of replacement and the installation of a vestibule with insulated glass will increase the energy efficiency of the building.
Backup Generator (9 yr. payback) – The upper campus sole power source is the utility company. Over the past year, we have had a number of power failures. When the upper campus loses power, we are unable to support any of our online operations as well as Fort Riley. With a backup power source, we are able to receive incentives from the utility company which will pay for the backup generator in approximately 9 years.
Welding Lab (space only) – At one time, Barton had a welding lab on campus. Due to program changes, the space was redefined for expansion of the CNH program. Barton has had multiple requests to provide welding certification and training on the campus. This addition encloses an alcove of the Technical building which would provide the space for a future welding lab.
Kirkman Visitor Center and Administration Building carpet replacement – The carpet in both areas is worn and is in need of replacement.
Kirkman Wall Repair – The north and west walls of the Kirkman activity center leak whenever we have measurable rain. With the current floor covering (Sportcourt) the water does not damage the floor. Both walls need to be repaired to eliminate the infiltration of water into the building.
Kirkman Practice Floor replacement – The Kirkman activity center floor is a Sportcourt surface (plastic). The floor will be replaced with a combination of a rubber surface (track) and wood surface (volleyball & basketball) for a surface more suited to these activities.
Athletic Office Complex remodel – The athletic office complex is made up of cubicles which house our coaches’ offices, which lack privacy and are overdue for an update.
Enhanced Light & Sound System for the Auditorium – With the renovation of the Auditorium, both the lighting system and the sound system are in need of major upgrades.
