Just a few days into the 2020 fall semester, the bus barn for Park County School District 1 caught fire and portions were severely damaged, as were five buses.

Last week the district accepted a bid for reconstruction of the damaged section of the structure.

Rob McCray, supervisor of support services, went over the bids March 9 with the board of trustees. 

There were two viable bids, one from Diamond Point Construction of Buffalo for $372,500 and another from Heart Mountain Construction of Powell for $685,000.

McCray noted that Diamond Point, which was the low bidder, “is the same contractor who built the ag facility.

“We have a good relationship with them already,” he said.

Trustee Don Hansen expressed some concern because of the $300,000 difference in the bids. However, McCray said he had no reservations on working with Diamond Point again, and the bid was in the cost range the district’s insurance company had indicated. 

Hansen queried whether the building would contain a sprinkler system. “I just think as trustees it is our duty to protect the district’s assets,” he said.

McCray noted there would be no cost difference between putting in sprinklers in the new portion of the building now or adding one later.

Superintendent Jay Curtis explained to Hansen there were several buildings that need sprinkler systems to be added, and it might be beneficial to do them all at once as a package bid.

“That way we can protect all of the district’s assets,” Curtis said.

Trustee Greg Borcher asked about the insurance payout on the damage.

McCray told the board the insurer would pay for the project, except for the $10,000 deductible. The check would come to the district, and the district would pay the contractor, McCray said.

New flooring

The next discussion before the board involved another project, with bids for the flooring replacement at Parkside Elementary examined. The flooring was the last item to finish the refurbishment of the school to bring it up to par with Southside and Westside, which are considerably newer facilities than Parkside. In the last three years Parkside has had a new sports floor in the gym, new door handles and locks to bring the doors up to district standards, a remodel of the library, the modernization of both restrooms in the gym, upgrades to the lunchroom, all new desks and chairs and a repainting of the entire building interior. Additionally, the exterior lamps and flag lighting have been replaced with all new LED lights.

“I’ve heard you can see them from space now,” McCray quipped. On a more serious note, he pointed out Parkside “Is in great shape for a 1948 building.” The work was accomplished using major maintenance funds.

The flooring will go into the remainder of the hallways — some flooring was replaced last year — and all classroom flooring will be replaced. The flooring consists of tiles of carpet or hard surfaces so that if one portion becomes damaged or soiled, it can be replaced without resurfacing the entire room.

Haskell Furniture, with stores in Lovell, Cody and Worland, turned in a bid of $94,723.74 while Decorating Ideas of Powell turned in the winning bid of $86,989.