Minutes from Building Committee Meeting - September 6, 2003 - 9 AM

Attendees: Dave Cain, Roy Koch, Tom Mowrer, Jim Nelson, and Carole Sarber

1.      Prayer 

The meeting started with prayer for various needs of the church congregation.

2.      Review successes since last meeting

Since the last regularly scheduled meeting on August 9 we had a special meeting on August 16 to begin the process of laying out the FRC. This was very fruitful and many ideas were discussed.

3.     Facility Visits - Visit to Sunset Valley Elementary - Sept 13 at 8:30 AM -- Need to inform AG

This meeting was set up by Cindy Barnhart. The members of the AG need to be informed and encouraged to attend. The meeting date was posted in this week's bulletin. Pastor Jeff will be asked to announce the meeting date at tomorrow's services. Roy Koch will send an email to all AG members who have email. Tom Mowrer will contact those who don't have email.

4.      Continue process to develop FRC layout

At our August 16 meeting we discussed the new programs that the FRC must support. It was decided that to support the programs the FRC must have a gym, kitchen, youth area, and spectator area. A stage was a want. Carole Sarber pointed out that new classrooms are also a must. Currently there are 12 classrooms in the church. Carole stated that we need at least 15 to support Sunday School and Wednesday night programs. After considerable discussion we developed a layout that supports all musts. A stage is missing but programs that would require a stage will be easily supported. The layout consists of a gymnasium with a 3 level structure adjacent to the gym. The lowest level will be on the same level as the gym. The main level will be on the same level as the current main floor (containing the board room, toddler's classroom, etc.). The upper level will be new and will be above the main level.

This design has a similar "footprint" to the one shown on the scale model in the narthex of our church. You can view photos of this model to get oriented on how the new FRC will fit with the current building. The general layout of each of these areas and the purpose of each is described below:

Discussion of Lower Level

The gymnasium will support a full size basketball court. It will be in the same place and the same size as shown on the original drawings developed by Mr. Frost for the FRC. However, on the East side there will be either bleachers or stadium seating. Stadium seating is preferred. However, the cost for stadium seating is unknown. This will take advantage of the current hillside that goes from the upper parking level to the lower parking level. The seating area can be supported by this hillside. The length of the hillside adjacent to the gym is about 119 feet. From Mr. Frost's layouts it appears that at least 5 rows of bleachers or stadium seats would be supported. Assuming about 3 feet is needed for each seat a total of about 190 stadium seats would fit. It would be best if the basketball backboards were retractable and attached to the wall. Portable floor mounted units will take too much space. An architect's opinion is needed to determine if the use of the hillside for seating is feasible.

The second part of the lower level is a 33' x 66' room that will be between the gym and the current lower level (currently containing the library, 3 classrooms, a bathroom, and the elevator). This new room will contain the kitchen (fully equipped to serve about 500 people), storage area, 2 restrooms, and a small lobby. This may be a tight fit. An option is to modify a current classroom (the one with no windows would be the best choice) into another restroom and more storage.

Discussion of Main Level

These rooms are on the same level as the current board room and the toddler's classroom in the back of the DMC area. Two new large (15' x 19') rooms are formed in the space adjacent to the current toddler's classroom. These rooms can be classrooms or one could be a classroom and the other a trustee's room. A hallway will separate these rooms and lead to the large room overlooking the gym. The large room (66' x 30') is designated for a dining area and restrooms with lockers. This new dining area could be used for funerals dinners thus freeing up the current fellowship hall and kitchen for some other use. The new kitchen will on the floor below this dining room. This could be a problem for food distribution. A dumb waiter could be installed. Also, the elevator will not be far away from the dining area. Windows will be installed on the wall facing the gym. Thus, activities could be viewed from the dining room. Since about 50' of viewing length will be present at least 20 people could view events from here. There will be a small area for lockers in the restrooms and no showers are planned. Storage may be a problem. One solution would be to devote the current board room to storage and move the board room to the current kitchen since the current kitchen may no longer be needed.

Discussion of Upper Level

This new level is not shown in the current architect's plans. It would shadow the main level. This would be devoted to the youth. A large (66' x 30') room would be provided for youth meetings and activities. This could have a small food preparation area and a sound system. The layout might be a lot like the one at Mars Alliance. Also, the wall facing the gym would have windows to view activities in the gym. This would result in 30 or so viewing slots. Adjacent to the youth area would be two large (19' x 15') classrooms. A concern with the upper level layout is whether or not it is possible to build. A review with an architect is needed to confirm that this level is possible to build.

Summary

The above plan meets all the needs and wants to support new programs. There is a full size gym. About 250 spectators could be accommodated for sporting events. For events (music, plays, etc.) that might take place on one end of the gym floor additional floor seating could be provided. The FRC has a large kitchen and a new dining room. The gym would be used for larger dinners. At least four additional restrooms are provided. At least three classrooms are added bringing the church total to at least 15. The large dining room and youth area could also be used for classes if needed. Finally, a spacious youth area is included.

The new three levels that feature the kitchen, dining room, and youth area are long and rather narrow. It would be beneficial if the width could be increased. If the gym could be moved about 8 feet further away from the current building then the width of these rooms could be increased from 30 to 38 feet. A discussion with the architect will be needed to determine if this is feasible. Another idea is to have the second and third floors "overhang" the gym for a distance of 8 or so feet. The feasibility of this idea would also need to be determined by the architect.

5.      Review overall plan for facility layout presentation to Governing Board

Sunset Valley visit - Sept 13
Meet with Advisory Group to discuss layout - Sept 20
Meet with Architect - early October
Finalize layout - Oct 20
Present layout to GB - Nov 11

This plan is on schedule. The Sunset Valley tour will take place next week. Tom Mowrer will set up the AG meeting for Sept 20. Governing Board approval for the architect meeting will be requested on September 9.

6.      Adjournment 

The next regularly scheduled BC meeting will be on October 11 at 9 AM.

Today's meeting was adjourned at 11:15 AM.