During the South Plains College (SPC) Board of Regents meeting for April, Pete Stracener was appointed as the Position Two Board of Regent moving forward.
Chairman Mike Box administered the Oath of Office as Stracener’s wife, Cathy, was also in attendance to show her support.
SPC President Robin Satterwhite provided his regular President’s Report which consisted of a handful of action items but began with a construction update.
The construction project for the newly named Aquatic Center (formerly the Natatorium) has remained on hold as the college has worked with the project architects to find some cost savings in the design.
Satterwhite stated the group has identified roughly $120,000 to $150,000 worth of savings by reducing the classroom size and staff restrooms.
The priority for the college in regard to the project being on hold has been a soil sample that was taken from underneath the shell of the pool. It was explained that the testing of the soil sample takes an extended period of time, but they were able to finally receive the survey results.
Satterwhite explained there is no indication that there would be an issue, but there is no 100% guarantee until the shell of the pool is completely removed.
“At this point in time they feel comfortable that they do not anticipate any issues other than what they originally planned for which is the normal prep for the pool,” said Satterwhite.
Looking at a start date, the demolition of the pool is to begin April 21. Satterwhite did add that the college has been looking into adding a clause in the contract that allows the college to change the scope of work in the event the pool is demoed and there is a lot more that needs to be addressed.
“All indications are that will not be the case, but we want to have that…” said Satterwhite.
An update was provided to the Board in regard to the truck driving school SPC has been working on to move to the Rail Park in Levelland along Highway 114. Between the college, LEDC (Levelland Economic Development Corporation) and the U.S. Economic Development Association (EDA), Satterwhite stated the project has made significant strides toward approval.
Highlighting the work between Director of Continuing Education and Workforce Development, Jay Warnick and Executive Director of Administrative Services, Nick Castillo, the two have been working closely with EDA and LEDC Director Justin Balderas.
The grant proposal will be for $3 million with a 50-50 match between the LEDC and EDA at $1.5 million each.
The LEDC Board approved the $1.5 million match during their monthly regular meeting Thursday, April 17.
The next step in the process is for the Levelland City Council to approve the grant proposal in a special meeting set for Monday, April 21, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
Satterwhite added that the EDA has taken a look at the grant proposal stating they were satisfied with the grant proposal as it stands.
With the approval of the LEDC and the needed approval of the Council, once both are obtained the college can formally submit the grant proposal to the EDA.
In previous conversations regarding the project, the goal has been to relocate the truck driving school from the Reese Center to Levelland. In addition to the truck driving school, the facility will accommodate the Police Academy in terms of the driver training and additional workforce training.
SPARTAN has also shown an interest in the truck driving training with bus drivers in addition to school districts possibly being able to utilize the training as well.
Satterwhite provided an update on the needed roof repairs stemming from the damages sustained from the May 2024 storms.
A bid package was published in the News-Press April 13 newspaper. Walkthroughs are scheduled for April 28 and bids will be opened May 2. Satterwhite noted that any bidder can respond on one roof, or they can respond on all of the roofs. He added that this is a requirement by FEMA.
Proposals will be provided to the Regents around May 8. Satterwhite explained that the time from May 2 to May 8 is a short timeframe but is where they are at to keep a reasonable pace in the process. Satterwhite stated that his desire is to begin the repairs once summer begins to avoid repairs going into the fall.
Regent Richard Ellis asked about the funding on FEMA’s side in regard to the storm damages. Castillo explained that the college has completed a few smaller projects and has been seeing a consistent 75% in funding.
“We have gone through the whole process for acquiring the grant for a few small projects and that's gone very smoothly,” said Castillo. “FEMA has worked really well with this along with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) which is the actual grant recipient as we are the sub-recipient for that. We are very confident with that 75% as long as we do our part which we have been.”
Satterwhite also thanked Castillo for his efforts in coordinating with FEMA.
The Texan Dome will be getting some attention as the gym floor will be getting sanded and redone which is the first time in nearly 20 years.
The Board approved the action item for $52,583.79 with the services being provided by Arbo’s Floor Service.
“We have done a really good job of taking care of it (gym floor). We varnish it every year and put the appropriate sealing on it every year,” explained Satterwhite. “You can only do that so many times until it needs to be replaced.”
Regent Joe Tubb emphasized the proper way to take care of a gym floor is to limit the number of times a floor is sanded and the care the gym floor in the Texan Dome has warranted a sanding.
A couple design concepts were provided to the regents to consider. Satterwhite explained that there will be some adjustments to the final design before the work begins.