Mormon Trail

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

May 26, 2020

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 5:00 pm via a ZOOM electronic meeting. Answering roll call via ZOOM were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Board Secretary Peggy Rash and Superintendent Phillips were also present via ZOOM. One guest, Matthew Gillespie from Piper Sandler was also present via ZOOM.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Bear. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans voted aye to approve. 

The Superintendent of Schools and Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, and the Financial Advisor for the District, met telephonically in the Superintendent’s Office, at 12:00 Noon on the above date to open sealed bids received and to then refer the bids to the Board of Directors for further action at its meeting to be held at 5:00 P.M. on this date at the Mormon Trail Community School District, Humeston, Iowa.

This being the time and place for the opening of bids for the sale of not to exceed $5,515,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2020, the meeting was opened for the receipt of bids for the Bonds.

Sealed bids were filed and listed in the minutes while unopened, as follows:

Name & Address of Bidders:

Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

D.A. Davidson & Co., Denver, Colorado

Northland Securities, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota

FHN Financial Capital Markets, Memphis, Tennessee

BOK Financial Securities, Inc., Dallas, Texas

The Superintendent, Secretary of the Board, and Financial Advisor opened the sealed bids received, and the best sealed bid was as follows:

Name & Address of Bidder:  Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc., Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Purchase Price: $5,704,824.75

Net Interest Cost: $1,173,808.58

True Interest Cost:   1.815069%

The Superintendent, Secretary of the Board, and Financial Advisor for the School Board referred the bids to the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District for further consideration at its meeting to be held at 5:00 P.M. on this date in the District Office, 502 E. Main Street, Garden Grove, Iowa.

This is the time and place for the sale of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2020.  The bids were previously received and opened by the Superintendent of Schools, Secretary of the Board, and the Financial Advisor at a meeting held in the Superintendent’s Office at 12:00 Noon on this date.  The following bid was determined by the Superintendent, Secretary of the Board, and Financial Advisor as the best bid received.

Director Bear introduced the following Resolution and moved its adoption.  Director Cromer seconded the motion to adopt.  The roll was called and the vote was:

The President declared the Resolution adopted.

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE SALE OF $5,515,000 general obligation school bondS, SERIES 2020

WHEREAS, pursuant to notice as required by law, bids have been received at public sale for the Bonds and evaluated; and the best bid was determined:

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE Board of Directors OF THE Mormon Trail Community School District:

Section 1.  That the bid for the Bonds was determined by the Superintendent of Schools, Secretary of the Board, and the Financial Advisor to be the best and most favorable bid received.  Bonds are awarded, based on the following bid:

Bidder: Robert W. Baird & Co., Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Purchase Price: $5,716,277.80

Net Interest Cost: $1,124,402.20

True Interest Cost:   1.799220%

Section 2.  That the form of contract for the sale of the Bonds is approved and the President and Secretary are authorized and directed to execute the contract for sale of the Bonds on behalf of the School District.

Section 3.  That all acts of the Superintendent of Schools, Secretary of the Board, and Financial Advisor done in furtherance of the sale of the Bonds are ratified and approved. 

Section. 4.  The execution and delivery of the Representation Letter to DTC by the Issuer, in the form presented at this meeting with such changes, omissions, insertions, and revisions as the Secretary shall deem advisable is hereby authorized and execution of the Representation Letter by the Secretary shall be conclusive evidence of such approval.  The Representation Letter shall set forth certain matters with respect to, among other things, notices, consents, and approvals by Bondholders and payments on the Bonds.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 26th day of May, 2020.

There were no discussion items.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Bear seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. 

President Evans closed the meeting at 5:36 p.m. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held June 10, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove and/or via ZOOM. 

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________  

 Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

May 22, 2020

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 12:31 pm via a ZOOM electronic meeting. Answering roll call via ZOOM were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Board Secretary Peggy Rash and Superintendent Phillips were also present via ZOOM. Two guests, Maddie Shelton and Stevie Parmer were signed on via ZOOM.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Bear. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans voted aye to approve. 

With a motion from Cromer, Stacie Porterfield was approved as TLC Instructional Coach. Porterfield’s one-year contract will be paid at her normal teaching salary plus an additional $8000 stipend for professional development. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve.

Cale Moore was approved as a full-time certified teacher with his assignment to be determined later, with a motion by Bear, a second from Cromer followed by all ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans.

There were no discussion items.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. 

President Evans closed the meeting at 12:39 p.m. 

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held June 10, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove and/or via ZOOM. 

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________  

 Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Hearing

May 13, 2020

President Evans called the Public Hearing to order at 6:35 pm for public comment “on the proposed issuance of approximately $2,200,000 school infrastructure sales, service, and use tax revenue bonds.”    Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. There were 14 visitors signing in with ZOOM. There were no public comments on the proposed issuance of approximately $2,200,000 school infrastructure sales, service, and use tax revenue bonds. Smiarowski made a motion to adjourn with Cromer seconding. All present voted aye. Evans closed the hearing at 6:45 pm.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Regular Meeting

May 13, 2020

President Evans called the Regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:46 p.m. in the Garden Grove District office. Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Superintendent Kerry Phillips and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. There were 14 visitors signing in with ZOOM. Linda Horton, Humeston New Era joined the group at 7:10 p.m. Principal Stripe joined the meeting at 7:25 p.m.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Dachenbach. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

The consent agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Dachenbach. Motion passes with all present voting aye. There were no new open enrollments in or out of the District.

The following resignations were accepted with a motion by Cromer and a second from Smiarowski. Donna Binning, Brad Krutsinger, and Mike Snyder. All present voted aye to approve the motion. The Board would like to extend their appreciation and wish these staff members good luck with their future plans.

Contracts were next up for approval. TLC Instructional Coach: Smiarowski made a motion to offer the TLC Instructional Coaching position to Pam Woollis. Motion dies with lack of a second.

District TLC Lead and Data Teacher: Dachenbach made the motion to approve Chris Hilton the Disrict TLC Lead and Data Teacher position for 2020-21. Cromer seconded followed by the following votes: Evans aye; Smiarowski aye; Dachenbach aye; Cromer aye; Bear abstains. Motion passes.

Cromer made a motion to table action on the 5^th grade teaching position. Dachenbach seconded followed by the following votes: Evans aye; Smiarowski nay; Dachenbach aye; Cromer aye; Bear

aye. Motion passes.

With a motion by Bear and a second from Cromer, Deb Coffey will be offered the new Elementary Math Intervention / At Risk / MOC position. Mrs Coffey will move from Kindergarten to this new position for 2020-21. The following vote was taken: Evans aye; Dachenbach aye; Cromer aye; Bear aye; Smiarowski abstains. Motion passes.

Gloria Rumley will be offered the Kindergarten position contingent on Mrs Coffey accepting the Math Intervention / At Risk / MOC position. Motion by Dachenbach, second from Cromer followed by the following votes: Evans aye; Dachenbach aye; Cromer aye; Bear aye; Smiarowski abstains. Motion passes.

Keaton Gwinn was approved as head JV/ JH baseball coach with Varsity Assistant baseball duties contingent on state approval allowing Summer Activities for schools. Motion by Smiarowski, second from Cromer followed by all aye votes from those present.

Next up on the agenda bids were received by the Board for 2019-2020 Auditing services. With a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Bear, the audit firm of Faller Kincheloe & Co PLC was chosen to conduct the 2019-2020 audit for the District. All present voted aye. The bid from Faller Kincheloe & Co PLC was the only bid, of three sent, received for consideration.

Cromer made a motion that Claudia Brown be allowed to purchase the laptop she has been assigned and using for $500 upon her retirement after the current school year. Dachenbach seconded followed by all ayes to approve.

With a motion by Bear and a second from Cromer, followed by ayes from all present, the following Seniors were approved for graduation:

Chet Arnold

Daniel Barker

Beau Baughman

Macy Bradford

Zachary Hofmann

Keisha Howsdan

Luke Parmer

George Shanks

Briel Storm

Congratulations to the Mormon Trail Class of 2020!

Cromer motioned to table any action and refer the purchase of a pick-up for the District to the Transportation Director, Keith Indorf, once he begins on June 1. The motion was seconded by Dachenbach. All present vote aye to approve.

Remaining class funds left in the accounts by the Class of 2017 and the Class of 2018 will be moved internally within the Activity Fund account for general purpose expenses related to Activities. The action was approved with a motion by Dachenbach, a second from Smiarowski followed by ayes from all present.

A new Post-Issue Compliance Policy for Tax Exempt Obligations met approval for the first reading with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Cromer. The first reading of 704.2A was approved with ayes from all present.

Furlough action for COVID-19 hourly employees received approval with a motion by Smiarowski, a second from Dachenbach followed by ayes from all present.

Sharing agreements with Wayne CSD for sharing 80% Mormon Trail/20% Wayne Maintenance Director, Dan Utzke and Transportation Director, Keith Indorf were approved with a motion by Cromer, a second from Smiarowski followed by all aye votes. The sharing for both of these positions will begin August 1^st.

Master Social Worker Services will be purchased from Green Hills AEA for $13,322.04, including FICA and IPERS, plus benefits, including travel, to be determined at a later time. The services will include 38 days in the District. Motion by Smiarowski, second from Bear followed by all aye votes.

Smiarowski made a motion to approve use of Offering Terms/Participant Package for SAVE bonds. Cromer seconded followed by the following votes: Smiarowski aye: Cromer aye; Bear aye; Dachenbach aye; Evans aye. Motion carries

With a motion by Bear, a second from Cromer, followed by the following votes: Smiarowski aye: Cromer aye; Bear aye; Dachenbach aye; Evans aye, the following resolution was passed:

RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,200,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE bondS

WHEREAS, the School District receives revenue from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund (“SAVE Revenue”) pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 423F and an election duly held in accordance therewith on September 13, 2011 approving a revenue purpose statement (the “Revenue Purpose Statement”), the Board of Directors is currently entitled to spend SAVE Revenue for school infrastructure purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is in need of funds for the following school infrastructure project: to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has deemed it necessary and advisable that the District issue School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,200,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has complied with the provisions of Iowa Code Section 423F.4 by providing notice and holding a public hearing on the proposal to issue such Bonds:

NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved:

1. The Board of Directors supports the proposal to issue approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.
2. Eligible electors of the school district have the right to file with the Board Secretary a petition pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.4(2)(b), on or before close of business on May 27, 2020, for an election on the proposed bond issuance.  The petition must be signed by eligible electors equal in number to not less than one hundred or thirty percent of those voting at the last preceding election of school officials under Iowa Code Section 277.1, whichever is greater.
3. In the event a petition containing the required number of valid signatures is filed with the Secretary of the Board on or before close of business on May 27, 2020, the President shall call a meeting of the Board to consider withdrawing the proposed Bond issuance, or directing that the question of the proposed Bond issuance be submitted to the qualified electors of the School District.

If the Board determines to submit the question to the electors, the proposition to be submitted shall be as follows: Shall the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, be authorized to issue approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,200,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; with any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement?

PASSED AND APPROVED this 13th day of May, 2020.

With a motion by Smiarowski, a second from Dachenbach, followed by the following votes: Smiarowski aye: Cromer aye; Bear aye; Dachenbach aye; Evans aye, the following resolution was passed:

Board member Bear read the following resolution:

RESOLUTION DIRECTING THE ADVERTISEMENT FOR SALE OF NOT

TO EXCEED $5,515,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS,

SERIES 2020, APPROVING ELECTRONIC BIDDING PROCEDURES AND

APPROVING OFFICIAL STATEMENT

WHEREAS, at a special election of the qualified electors of the Mormon Trail

Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa,

held on March 3, 2020, the voters authorized the issuance of $5,515,000 of General Obligation

School Bonds for the District for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and

equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site; and

WHEREAS, this Board finds it advisable and necessary that bonds authorized at the

election be offered for sale for the purpose authorized at the election; and

WHEREAS, the Board deems it in the best interests of the School District and the

residents thereof to receive bids to purchase such General Obligation School Bonds by means of

both sealed and electronic internet communication; and

WHEREAS, the Board has received information from its Financial Advisor,

recommending the procedure for electronic bidding so as to provide for the integrity of the

competitive bidding process and to facilitate the delivery of bids by interested parties:

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE COUNTIES OF WAYNE,

CLARKE, DECATUR AND LUCAS, STATE OF IOWA:

Section 1. That the PARITY ® Competitive Bidding System described in the Notice of

Sale and the Electronic Bidding Procedures attached hereto are found and determined to provide

reasonable security and to maintain the integrity of the competitive bidding process, and to

facilitate the delivery of bids by interested parties in connection with the offering at public sale

of not to exceed $5,515,000 General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2020.

Section 2. That all electronic bidding shall be submitted in substantial conformity with

Iowa Code Section 75.14 and Chapter 554D.

Section 3. That General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2020, in the aggregate amount

of not to exceed $5,515,000, to be issued as referred to in the preamble of this Resolution, to be

dated June 25, 2020, will be offered for sale pursuant to published advertisement.

Section 4. That the Secretary of the Board of this School District publish notice of the

sale of bonds at least once, the last one of which is not less than four days nor more than twenty

days before the date of the sale. Publication will be in the Humeston New Era, a legal newspaper

published wholly in the English language, published within the County in which the bonds are to

be offered for sale or an adjacent County. Notice is given pursuant to Iowa Code chapter 75 that

bids will be received and acted upon by this Board at a meeting to be held at 6:30 P.M. on May

26, 2020.

Section 5. That the preliminary Official Statement in the form presented to this meeting be and the same hereby is approved as to form and deemed final for purposes of Rule 15c2-12 of the Securities and Exchange Commission, subject to such revisions, corrections or modifications as the Superintendent and Board Secretary, upon the advice of the District’s Financial Advisor, shall determine to be appropriate, and is authorized to be distributed in connection with the offering of the Bonds for sale.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 13th day of May, 2020.

Cromer motioned to approve a resolution authorizing Piper to distribute POS (Preliminary Official Statement) to prospective bidders. Dachenbach seconded followed by the following votes: : Smiarowski aye: Cromer aye; Bear aye; Dachenbach aye; Evans aye. Motion passes.

Smiarowski motioned to approve the bills and financials. Dachenbach seconded. All present voted aye to carry the motion.

There were no administrative reports.

The Board was recognized for their volunteer services with certificates as May is School Board Appreciation Month.

Cromer motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Dachenbach seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Evans closed the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held June 10, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Hearing

April 21, 2020

President Evans called the Public Hearing to order at 6:30 pm for public comment on the proposed 2020-21 Budget.  Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Dachenbach joined the hearing via ZOOM. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. There were 15 visitors signing in with ZOOM. There were no public comments on the proposed budget. Cromer made a motion to adjourn with Smiarowski seconding. All present voted aye. Evans closed the hearing at 6:45 pm.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Public Hearing

April 21, 2020

President Evans called the Public Hearing to order at 6:46 pm for public comment on the proposed 2019-20 Budget Amendment. Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Dachenbach joined the hearing via ZOOM. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. There were 15 visitors signing in with ZOOM. There were no public comments on the proposed budget amendment. Smiarowski made a motion to adjourn with Cromer seconding. All present voted aye. Evans closed the hearing at 7:00 pm.

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

Special Meeting

April 21, 2020

President Evans called the Special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 7:01 p.m. in the Garden Grove District office. Answering roll call were board members Cromer, Evans, Dachenbach, Bear and Smiarowski. Dachenbach joined the hearing via ZOOM. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Elementary / High School Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. There were 15 visitors signing in with ZOOM.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Bear. Motion passes with all present voting aye.

A Library services contract for 2020-2021 with Green Hills AEA was approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Cromer. All present voted aye. The contract includes 15 days @ $390.23 per day plus FICA and IPERS = $5853.45. Travel and other prorated benefits to be determined are also included.

Daniel Utzke was hired as Maintenance Director for the District at a salary of $32,500 plus single premium insurance. The 12-month contract includes standard vacation days, sick and personal days. Motion by Cromer, second by Bear followed by all ayes approve the motion. Utzke will be shared one day per week with Wayne CSD.

Marcia Roberts was hired as custodian for the District at $12.25 per hour plus single premium insurance. The 12-month contract includes standard vacation days, sick and personal days. Motion by Smiarowski, second by Dachenbach followed by aye votes from all present to approve.

Keith Indorf was approved as the District’s Transportation Director to start June 1 and to be shared with Wayne CSD starting August 1. This salaried position includes single insurance plus standard vacation days, sick and personal days. The position will pay $25,000 per year and will include driving duties. Motion by Cromer, second from Smiarowski followed by all aye votes.

Smiarowski made the motion to close school for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school as recommended by the state of Iowa due to COVID-19. Dachenbach seconded followed by aye votes from Bear, Evans, Smiarowski, Cromer and Dachenbach to approve the closure.

Cromer motioned to pay golf and track coaches one installment of their spring coaching contract. The remainder of the contract was cancelled with the cancellation of all spring activities by the state of Iowa due to COVID-19. The motion was seconded by Dachenbach and passed with aye votes from all present. Summer activities will be looked at later.

Smiarowski made a motion to approve the Proposed 2020-21 Budget. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Bear made a motion to approve the Proposed 2019-20 Budget Amendment. Cromer seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Cromer motioned that the meeting be adjourned. Smiarowski seconded with all voting in favor of adjournment.  Evans closed the meeting at 7:26 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held May 13, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

REGULAR MEETING

April 14, 2020

President Pat Evans called the regular meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Garden Grove Board Office. Due to COVID-19, there were 12 Guests signing in via a zoom link. Answering roll call were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Superintendent Kerry Phillips, Principal Becky Stripe and Board Secretary Peggy Rash were also present. Linda Horton from the Humeston New Era was also in attendance.

John Hansen with Midwest Construction Consultants and Chase Clark, Technology Director, each spoke to the Board during the Public Forum.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Cromer and a second from Dachenbach. Items 3 & 10 will be moved to the top of the action items. All present voted aye to approve.

The consent agenda which included the previous meeting minutes along with one open enrollment request out of the District that met requirements, were approved with a motion by Dachenbach and a second by Cromer. All present voted aye to approve.

First up under action items, John Hansen, Construction Manager for Midwest Construction Consultants was introduced to the Board. With a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Dachenbach, Hansen will be contracted to provide Basic Services (fixed fee of $264,825 plus other expenses), as well as, full-time On-Site Supervision ($9800 per month plus other expenses) for the new addition project for a K-12 building in Humeston. Midwest Construction will work with DLR, Architects for the project and be employed by the Mormon Trail CSD Board. All present voted aye to approve. The project will have a one-year warranty.

Second under action items, Chase Clark, Technology Director explained an opportunity for a Category 2 E-Rate internal connection project for the District. Services will be provided by 20/20 Technologies. The project will have a one-year warranty. Both Garden Grove and Humeston will receive services utilizing this funding. With a motion by Dachenbach, a second from Bear, followed by ayes from all present the motion passes to approve.

Bear made a motion to accept the resignation of June Nolte-Davis as K-12 Librarian for the District. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from all present. The Board would like to thank Davis for her years of service to the District and wish her well in her retirement.

There were no new contracts offered. A decision on coaching contracts was tabled with a motion by Cromer and a second from Smiarowski. All present voted aye to table until the next meeting.

Director Bear read the following pre-levy resolution:

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $5,515,000 GENERAL OBLIGATION SCHOOL BONDS, AND LEVYING A TAX FOR THE PAYMENT THEREOF

WHEREAS, the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, is a public school corporation, organized and existing under the Constitution and laws of the State of Iowa, and is not affected by any special legislation; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the School District in accordance with Iowa Code chapter 296 received a petition, which was signed by qualified electors numbering at least 25% the voters voting at the last regular school election, asking that an election be called, and at a meeting called by the President of the Board of Directors, within ten days after receipt of the petition, called an election and submitted on March 3, 2020, the following proposition:

Shall the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, be authorized to contract indebtedness and issue General Obligation Bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,515,000 to provide funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site?

and gave notice of the election and of the proposition; and

WHEREAS, the election was conducted on the date and the proposition was legally submitted, approved and no contest was made; and

WHEREAS, none of the Bonds authorized at the election have been issued, and it is now necessary to issue not to exceed $5,515,000 General Obligation School Bonds, and to levy a tax for the payment;

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE Mormon Trail Community School District, IN THE COUNTIES OF Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, STATE OF IOWA:

Section 1.  Authorization of the Issuance of School Bonds.  School Bonds in the amount of not to exceed $5,515,000 (the “Bonds”) shall be issued pursuant to the provisions of Iowa Code chapter 296 for the purposes approved at the election of March 3, 2020.  Additional action shall be taken by the Board of Directors to provide for the issuance of the Bonds upon the sale of the Bonds.

Section 2.  Levy of Annual Tax for the Fiscal Year 2021 Commencing July 1, 2020.  For the purpose of providing funds to pay the principal and interest of the Bonds due and payable in the Fiscal Year 2021 commencing July 1, 2020 (the “Fiscal Year 2021”), there is levied upon all the taxable property in the School District, $387,380 for the Fiscal Year 2021.

Section 3.  Levy of Annual Tax for Subsequent Fiscal Years.  Based upon the terms of sale of the Bonds to be issued, this Board will take final action upon the sale of the Bonds to issue the Bonds by resolution, provide for the assessment of an annual levy upon all the taxable property in the School District sufficient to pay the interest and principal of the Bonds within a period not exceeding twenty (20) years, and will file the resolution with the County Auditor of each County in which the School District is located.  The filing provides that the Auditor annually levy for collection from the taxable property of the School District until funds are realized to pay the bonds in full.

This schedule will be amended when the Board of Directors takes additional action upon the sale of the Bonds to provide for the issuance of the Bonds subsequent to the sale of the Bonds.

A certified copy of this Resolution shall be filed with the County Auditors of the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, who are instructed in and for each of the years, to levy, assess and collect the tax in the same manner as other taxes of the School District and, when collected, these taxes shall be used only for the purpose of paying principal and interest on the Bonds.

Principal and interest coming due at any time when the proceeds of the tax on hand are insufficient to pay the amount due shall be promptly paid when due from current funds of the District available for that purpose and reimbursement must be made.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of April, 2020. 

Motion by Cromer, Second by Dachenbach to approve the pre-levy resolution as read. All present voted as follows: Cromer aye; Dachenbach aye; Smiarowski aye; Bear aye; and Evans aye. Motion

passes.

Motion by Bear, second by Smiarowski followed by all aye votes to approve the Financial Services Agreement with Piper Sandler.

Motion by Bear, second by Cromer to approve the Dissemination Agreement with Piper Sandler. All present vote aye to approve.

Motion by Bear, second by Dachenbach, followed by all aye votes from Cromer, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Smiarowski to execute Engagement Letter with Piper Sandler. Motion passes.

The Engagement Agreements with Ahler’s and Cooney were passed with a motion by Bear, a second from Cromer followed by aye votes from Cromer, Dachenbach, Bear, Evans and Smiarowski.

Director Bear read the following resolution:

RESOLUTION FIXING THE DATE FOR A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,200,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE bondS

WHEREAS, the School District receives revenue from the State of Iowa Secure an Advanced Vision for Education Fund (“SAVE Revenue”) pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2; and

WHEREAS, pursuant to Iowa Code Chapter 423F and an election duly held in accordance therewith on September 13, 2011 approving a revenue purpose statement (the “Revenue Purpose Statement”), the Board of Directors is currently entitled to spend SAVE Revenue for school infrastructure purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors is in need of funds for the following school infrastructure project: to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors has deemed it necessary and advisable that the District issue School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, in the approximate amount of $2,200,000 for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement; and

WHEREAS, before said Bonds may be issued, it is necessary to comply with the provisions of Iowa Code Section 423F.4, and to publish a notice of the time and place of the public hearing on the proposal to issue such Bonds; and

WHEREAS, notice of the time and place of a public hearing must be published not less than ten nor more than twenty days before the public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the District:

NOW, THEREFORE, it is resolved:

1. A public hearing will be held in the Garden Grove Board Office, 502 East Main Street, Garden Grove, Iowa, on May 13, 2020, at 6:30 P.M., on the proposal to issue approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.
2. The Secretary is authorized and directed to publish notice of this public hearing in a newspaper having general circulation in the School District.  Such publication will be made not less than ten nor more than twenty days ahead of the hearing date, and be in substantially the following form:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED ISSUANCE OF APPROXIMATELY $2,200,000 SCHOOL INFRASTRUCTURE SALES, SERVICES AND USE TAX REVENUE BONDS

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Directors of the Mormon Trail Community School District, in the Counties of Wayne, Clarke, Decatur and Lucas, State of Iowa, will hold a public hearing upon its proposed issuance of approximately $2,200,000 School Infrastructure Sales, Services and Use Tax Revenue Bonds, which may be issued in one or more series over multiple fiscal years, pursuant to Iowa Code Section 423F.2 and 423E.5, for the purpose of providing funds to construct, build, furnish and equip an elementary school addition and to improve the site, including costs of issuance and a debt service reserve fund if required by the purchaser.  Any bond proceeds remaining after completion of this project will be used for other school infrastructure projects as authorized by the School District’s Revenue Purpose Statement.

The hearing will be held in the Garden Grove Board Office, 502 East Main Street, Garden Grove, Iowa, on May 13, 2020, at 6:30 P.M.

PASSED AND APPROVED this 14th day of April, 2020.

Motion by Cromer, Second by Dachenbach to approve the resolution to set the date for a Hearing, as read. All present voted as follows: Cromer aye; Dachenbach aye; Smiarowski aye; Bear aye; and Evans aye. Motion passes.

With a motion from Cromer, a second from Bear followed by ayes from all present, a second load of rock was approved for the softball/baseball fields.

The March 3^rd Special election results were certified with a motion by Dachenbach, a second from Cromer and ayes from all board members present. There were 411 votes for the first question, 228 votes against the question with a total of 639 votes cast in the District for the question asking voters, in summary, to authorize to levy annually over $2.70 but not to exceed $4.05 per $1000.

For the second question, in summary, asking voters to allow the District to Contract indebtedness & issue General Obligation Bonds not exceeding $5,515,000 there were 412 votes for the question, 227 votes against the question with a total of 639 votes cast.

Bear made the motion to use ISEBA for the District’s health, dental and vision plans for 20-21. Comer seconded followed by ayes from all present.

Coaches pay was tabled until next meeting with a motion by Cromer, a second from Smiarowski followed by ayes from all present.

Bills and Financials were approved with a motion by Dachenbach and a second from Bear. All present voted aye to approve.

Superintendent Phillips spoke to the Board about hiring a transportation director and custodians/ maintenance positions.

Principal Stripe reported to the Board about what teachers and students are doing to manage the closure of schools by the State due to COVID-19. She also reported the kitchen staff is putting in a lot of time two days a week to supply food to District families.

Secretary Rash fielded questions from the Board about the FY19 Audit report and the 20-2021 Preliminary Budget. She also talked about the 19-2020 budget amendment.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve the adjournment.

Evans closed the meeting at 9:35 pm.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer

MORMON TRAIL COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

SPECIAL BOARD MEETING

April 3, 2020    

Board President Evans called the special meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors to order at 6:00 pm via a ZOOM electronic meeting. Answering roll call via ZOOM were board members Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans. Board Secretary Peggy Rash, Principal Stripe and Superintendent Phillips were also present via ZOOM. 10 named guests signed on via ZOOM in addition to six unidentified guests.

No one wished to speak during the Public Forum.

The agenda was approved with a motion by Smiarowski and a second from Bear. Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans voted aye to approve.

The only action item was to discuss closing school until April 30^th at the recommendation of Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds. Cromer made a motion to follow the Governor’s recommendation and close school due to COVID-19, returning April 30^th. Dachenbach seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans to approve. There will be no activities during this time.

There were no discussion items.

Cromer motioned to adjourn the meeting. Bear seconded followed by ayes from Dachenbach, Bear, Cromer, Smiarowski and Evans.

President Evans closed the meeting at 6:07 p.m.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Mormon Trail Board of Directors will be held Friday, April 10, 2020 @ 6:30 pm in the District Office in Garden Grove and/or via ZOOM.

____________________________ ___________________________

              President, Board of Education               Secretary, Board of Education

_________  _________ 

Date               Date

These minutes are written as recorded by the board secretary and subject to approval at the next regular board meeting.   Peggy Rash, Board Secretary/Treasurer