What amounts to a second step in the probable transfer of former school buildings in Burns by the Laramie County School District No. 2 board of trustees to the town of Burns was accomplished Tuesday night at the new Burns Elementary School.
A public hearing was held to gather comment on this question: "Should Laramie County School District No. 2 proceed with the process of property disposition as such, allowing the Town of Burns, Wyoming to receive deed and property title to the North and South Buildings that are currently entitled to West Elementary, a property owned by Laramie County School District No. 2?"
Board of trustees chairperson, Esther Davison explained the board, at the request of the town, had on Sept. 10, 2009 provided a letter of intent to transfer ownership on behalf of the town. That letter was used by the town to apply for a grant which is intended to be used to improve the energy efficiency of the buildings should the town acquire them.
"This is where we are set right now," Davison said. "The letter said the board had the intention to turn over the buildings to the town."
Tuesday’s public hearing was step two for the board, but was several steps into the process by the town. During the comment section of Tuesday’s agenda, Burns mayor Phil Oakes served as the town’s representative and explained the town’s intentions for conversion to other uses and how that would be paid for.
Oakes first thanked the board for the opportunity it is giving the town regarding the building transfer. He followed immediately by outlining what funding is in place already for improvements.
"We have $300,000 in 6th penny money and $450,000 in a grant for energy efficiency so far," he explained. "We are in the process of applying for a second grant of $250,000."
Of immediate need is the installation of a sprinkler system in the two gymnasiums. Until that is accomplished, a fire watch must be maintained during any time the public is using the gymnasiums.
Oakes gave a comprehensive list of uses for the buildings, including the move of the town hall and offices.
"The rest we will use for a business incubator," Oakes said, adding interest has already been expressed for the opening of a recreation center, restaurant, day care and as offices for the STRIDE Learning Center for use when making home visits in the area. Attorneys and law enforcement agencies have also voiced interest in having offices in the buildings.
Of the money to be used by the town on the buildings, Oakes said windows in both buildings would be replaced, insulation installed, furnaces in the south building replaced, and light fixtures replaced with LED lighting.
"We do not feel utilities will be a problem when these improvements are in place," he added. "We would close down other town buildings including town hall. We don’t look to make money, only enough to cover maintenance and utilities."
While talks currently center on only the two permanent buildings, a modular owned by the district is also on the property.
"As for the modular, if the district wants to give it to the town it will make an excellent retail space," Oakes said.
The district is not yet sure if the state facilities commission will allow reutilization of the modular at a different site.
Board member Patty Epler asked Oakes what would happen if the town did not have enough money to maintain the buildings.
"We are changing the Main Street lights to save," Oakes said, explaining further changes coming to save the town on its utility bills. "We anticipate utilities dropping from $45,000 to $8,000 once the work is done. Should it be a problem we can put the buildings in cold storage. But I seriously doubt it will come to that. I would not pursue it if I wasn’t confident."
Next seeking public comment the board heard from Burns resident Jim Clark.
"I want to thank you," he told the board. "This could really help our community out. You have helped with this building, the athletic fields. They are selling features for the town."
Troy Decker, LCSD2 facilities manager, asked Oakes about the town’s water storage upgrade. Oakes said that improvement — at $930,000 250,000- gallon water storage tank is included in the Omnibus 1 bill currently before the state legislature.
"We’re just waiting for them to cut the check," Oakes said, adding he anticipates that project to be completed within a year."
With no other comments, Davison brought the hearing to a close.
"We now begin the process of negotiating how to get this done," she said.
