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NR-S evaluates bus storage needs

With the NR-S School District’s buses set to endure another winter out in the elements, discussions are ramping up about building a new storage facility next year.

The NR-S Building Committee met on Wednesday, Nov. 10, to continue discussions on the possibility of building a new structure that would house the district's school buses. Prior to the meeting, building committee member Patti Larson had traveled to Minnewaukan, Fessenden and Carrington to tour their respective storage facilities.

Larson and the committee members poured over the details of each facility, developing a list of pros and cons along the way. Features from the various structures that piqued the interest of the building committee included heating, room to park buses outside, and proximity to the school.

The committee went on to discuss the basic parameters and requirements for any future structure. The facility would likely require six bus stalls, each with 14-by-14 foot openings, and the structure itself would likely be around 120 feet across and 60 feet deep.

Building committee member Mike Jacobson suggested looking into a “bare bones” structure for now; one that’s just enough to get their buses out of the elements.

“I’m thinking bare bones for right now,” Jacobson said. “What if we just went to the lumber yard and said ‘give us the price on a pole barn, enough to accommodate six doors with 14 foot openings?’ ...Just bare bones, this is what it would cost, and then we go from there.”

However, rather than a pole barn, Business Manager Dave Skogen suggested using a stick-frame structure, which he believes would allow for greater flexibility in how the building might be utilized in the future.

“To me, stick frame makes a ton of sense,” said Skogen. “Historically speaking, pole barns and stick-frame buildings are usually pretty close price wise, as far as bare bones. ... If all of a sudden at some point we didn’t have any buses, or had just the Rocket bus, then we have two-thirds of a building we could utilize for something else.”

The committee seemed to agree that a stick-frame structure is the best option. However, further details such as a location, and whether or not to add plumbing and heating, have not been settled. A rough cost estimate for the project has also not been created.

According to Skogen, nearly $400,000 is still available in the building fund, with money also available in the school’s general fund should they need it. Skogen also noted that the price of the project will depend on the price of lumber, which he says is increasing, and the price of steel, which remains high.

No motion regarding a new bus storage facility was made at the committee meeting, and none is expected until at least December. However, the entire building committee seems to have decided on at least doing “something” to get their buses out of the elements.