BUFFALO COMMUNITY CENTER /
GENERAL INFORMATION
PROJECT TYPE AND USE:
The
Buffalo Community Center Committee (BCCC) is a non-profit entity that is
involved in developing a portion of the existing Buffalo High School (BHS)
for use as a multi-purpose community center. Emphasis is being placed on
providing a facility that will be available for use by our young people,
as well as for the many individuals and community groups that exist in
the Buffalo, Kaycee and Johnson County area.
CONTACT:
Buffalo Community Center Committee
(307)-217-0117
Email:
bccc@vcn.com
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The Buffalo Community Center (BCC) will utilize the
gymnasium, auditorium and the 1988 addition of the
existing Buffalo High School (BHS). The remaining sections of the
existing facility will be removed. Site, ADA (American Disabilities
Act), HVAC and efficiency remodeling will be completed on the remaining
structure.
The gymnasium will be made available to the
Community for recreation use, including: youth and adult practice space,
league play, tournaments, and walking
space for senior citizens. This space will also be available to the
school district for supplementary use, including: practice space,
scheduled games, P.E. classes, and for any special school events.
The auditorium will be available to community
stage and theater groups, for civic, economic and social gatherings, and
for cultural and artistic events. In addition, the kitchen area could be
used for light catering or for cooking classes.
The 1988 addition will be available for numerous
uses, including: classrooms, art rooms, office areas, training rooms,
conference and meeting rooms, storage-rooms and could be available to
the school district.
PROJECT HISTORY:
A sequence of events has
lead to the inception of this project. During the last few years the
Johnson County School District and the State of Wyoming identified the
need for new school facilities in Johnson County. As a result, new high
school and middle school facilities projects were created in Johnson
County. These projects are nearing completion.
In February, 2001, the
Wyoming Rural Development Council assisted Buffalo and the Buffalo
Chamber of Commerce in a community assessment. The results of that
report can be accessed at their website,
www.wyomingrural.org. One of the areas of discussion was capital
facilities; the need for a multi purpose center is addressed several
times within the assessment. The document also cites several various
funding options for this type of facility, with a recreation district
being a source.
The current social and
economic environment in Johnson County has left many groups, including:
youth, adult, senior, recreation, government, and education, searching
for facilities that can be made available for the development of their
programs. Traditionally, the school system was able to provide certain
facilities to these groups. Due to an increased level of demand for
space, the school district can no longer be expected to provide these
facilities that are fundamental to the well being of the community. The
governments of Johnson County and the City of Buffalo are also not able
to directly provide these facilities.
The recent inception of
certain state level programs provides a unique, and never before
available, opportunity to acquire existing facilities, to obtain
sufficient funds for the renovation of these facilities (capital
improvements), and institute a mechanism Recreation District) by which
the proposed Buffalo Community Center can be maintained and sustained
for years to come. These programs include:
1)
Wyoming Business Council’s Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program (CFP).
2)
Formation of a Johnson County Recreation District (JCRD or RD). The
JCRD will be organized according to rules set by Wyoming Statute.
The
Wyoming Business Council’s Community Facilities Grant and Loan Program (CFP)
will provide funds for the renovation of the existing facility at no
cost to the Johnson County School District, Johnson County or the City
of Buffalo.
Upon completion of the renovation, operations management
of the BCC will pass on to the Johnson County Recreation District.
Funding for these continued operations will be provided through a
recreation mill levy, established by Wyoming statute and initiated by
the Johnson County School District. Development of this facility will
provide a legitimate base for the Recreation District yet will only
require sustained funding of about 20-25% of the proposed 2007
Recreation District Budget ($450,000).
These program funding
sources will relieve the Johnson County School District, Johnson County,
and the City of Buffalo from the burden of funding the renovation of
this facility and the responsibility for maintaining these facilities.
Due to program requirements, however, these agencies may be required to
participate as indirect sponsors and participants for the implementation
of a Recreation District, and for other underwriting duties typically
required of agency program policies. Due to the county-wide nature of
this project, the CFP grant will require, on behalf of the Buffalo
Community Center Committee, that the Johnson County government
sponsor/be the grant applicant.
THE MISSION OF THE BUFFALO COMMUNITY CENTER COMMITTEE (BCCC):
The mission of the BCCC is:
1) To facilitate the acquisition and renovation of
the existing Buffalo High School by securing a Community Facilities
Grant (CFP) in the amount of up to $1,500,000 from the Wyoming Business
Council.
2) To establish a win/win working relationship with the Johnson
County School District, Johnson County, the city of Buffalo, the Johnson
County Recreational District, agencies of the State of Wyoming,
including the Wyoming School Facilities Commission, Wyoming Business
Council, State Legislative Branch and the Governor’s Office, and the
Community of Johnson County.
3) Upon completion of remodeling the facilities, operations
management of the BCC will pass on to the Johnson County Recreation
District. Development of this facility will provide a legitimate base
for the Recreation District yet will only require sustained funding of
about 20-25% of the proposed 2007 Recreation District Budget
($450,000). This funding will be provided through a recreation mill
levy, established by Wyoming statute and initiated by the Johnson County
School District.
4) Organize support from all aspects of the Community, including
individuals and groups, affected by the development of the Buffalo
Community Center and its sustained operation. Emphasis is being placed
on providing a facility that will be available for use by our young
people, as well as for the many individuals and community groups that
exist in the Buffalo, Kaycee and Johnson County area.
It is our firm belief that everyone in this County can
and should expect to benefit from this project! The Buffalo Community
Center Committee (BCCC) will provide a very positive and proactive means
for social and economic development in our Community by being the
initial thrust, motivation and mechanism to make this project a reality.
RELATION TO QUALITY OF LIFE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
The Buffalo Community
Center (BCC) will fill a need identified by many community individuals
and groups. It will provide a place where the community can gather to
promote and develop their programs in a safe and consistent manner.
Many additional social and economic pressures have been placed upon our
community recently. Public agencies are not in a position to adequately
deal with these issues. This project will help provide positive social
and physical support for our youth and adult population.
The BCCC, being a community
based organization, rather than a governmental or agency-based entity,
will be able to enhance the communities quality of life and promote
economic growth, by developing the Buffalo Community Center.
Needs assessments generated
by various social and economic community groups, such as the 2001
Wyoming Rural Development Council Needs Assessment and the recently
completed Johnson County Recreation District survey; clearly define the
need for a community center that contains space for recreation, arts,
education, etc., for all ages in the community.
Local clubs and
organizations need a local Recreation District that can help them
promote, recruit, and organize; they need facilities for education,
storage and programs. The facility and Recreation District that we are
proposing can do all of these things
PROJECT’S COMPLEMENT TO OTHER DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES:
This project will
compliment Johnson County’s different development initiatives. Local
business groups, including: retail, motels, restaurants, and businesses
that support this community will all benefit from this project. This
project will provide needed space for youth and adult recreation
programs and groups, such as the YMCA, Johnson County Soccer
Association, and Youth Basketball Clubs. Social and educational
development programs will benefit from the use of this facility. Many
of these groups are volunteer based and struggle with program continuity
created by the lack of facility space! The Needs Assessment of the 2001
Wyoming Rural Development Council clearly points this out.
The BCC project will
benefit the school district by providing additional practice and game
space that is not currently available or that can not be potentially
provided by the existing facilities. Parents and children should no
longer be required to attend 5:00-7:00AM and 5:00-10:00PM practice
sessions, but will be able to attend during normal afternoon hours.
Undue strains, caused by extreme hours, to complete homework will be
reduced. Demands on coaches will be normalized as well. The development
of a positive education and recreation experience for student athletes
will be greatly improved.
Youth and adult programs
that are currently funded by grants will also benefit from the use of
this facility. The BCC will be available for future community groups
and the facility can be incorporated into community master plans and
needs assessments. We envision the Community Center to provide
everything from luncheon facilities for the Red Hat Society, to storage
for the local Red Cross Chapter, to gym space for an indoor youth soccer
tournament, to art rooms for the Boys and Girls Club as some examples.
Future public and private
programs will continue to grow within our community. The BCC facility
and the Recreation District management can provide the physical and
administrative legitimacy required by many of these programs.
DETAILED INFORMATION
KEY ASSUMPTIONS:
Community, Committees, Government and Agencies
Establish support from all community sectors!
-
A win/win working relationship and transition partnership will be
established between the BCCC and the Johnson County School District
(JCSD).
-
The BCCC will facilitate by organizing community support, provide
the mechanism for facility acquisition from the Johnson County
School District #1, obtain the WBC Community Facilities Grant, and
facilitate the transition from School District to BCC to Recreation
District.
-
The Recreation District must be created by the Johnson County
School District. The Recreation District must take eventual
stewardship of the BCC, and provide ongoing facilities and program
support. The Recreation District will continue to acquire public
and private funding. The Recreation District must be a full
functioning board, with a paid full-time coordinator, supporting
facilities, and ongoing local programs. Members of the Recreation
District Board will be appointed by the school district, but the
BCCC does not envision the Recreation District Board to simply
function as a standing committee of the Johnson County School Board
or an ‘ad hoc’ committee which only meets periodically to distribute
funds to existing clubs and organizations. The Recreation District
must be a valuable asset to the community, with a working budget of
$450,000.00, and it must provide local citizens with a service
or it will not be viable.
-
The appropriate City and County governing bodies and State
agencies, including the WBC and the SFC, must support this community
initiative. And the appropriate local governing body must be
willing to facilitate the requirements set forth.
OTHER ASSUMPTIONS:
Ownership: The non-profit BCCC will acquire deed to the
existing Buffalo High School facility for an agreed minimal amount
($10.00) from the School District. This deed/ownership will initially
provide the necessary authority for obtaining grant funding and
ultimately provide a mechanism for future program and tax funding. The
building asset will satisfy the matching funds requirement set forth by
the rules of of the CFP.
One of the established
mandates of the State Facilities Commission (SFC) dictates that when
approving new school facilities project dollars, the local school
district must not be burdened with the additional sustained
maintenance costs associated with preserving old school facilities.
Such will be the case of this project. Ownership transfer of the
existing Buffalo High School facility to the BCCC will satisfy this
provision.
FUNDING MECHANISM
1. Capital Improvements:
It is the intention of the BCCC to acquire a grant through
the Wyoming Business Council’s Community Facilities Grant & Loan Program
(CFP) for the required improvements to the existing Buffalo High School:
“Governor Freudenthal stated in his 2005 State of the State
address that he supports efforts to develop new funding partnerships
between local governments and the state to provide community facilities.
The Legislature responded by creating the new Community Facilities Grant
and Loan Program with a $7.5 million appropriation. The purpose of the
program is to assist communities with grant and loan funding to
construct local enhancements to a school building or facility or
preserve former school and government facilities that have existing or
future community uses. All projects must be related to economic
development or quality of life enhancement. Facilities may be space for
community gatherings and functions, recreational, swimming and athletic
facilities for community members, particularly youth. Contact
Shannon Stanfill, Community Facilities Program
Manager at 307.777.2841 or contact your
Regional Director.”
See:
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/community/txt_facilities.htm
CPF:
“Purpose
The purpose of the CFP is to assist communities to preserve former
school and government facilities that have existing or future community
uses.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants are: counties, incorporated cities or towns, joint
powers boards or other local governmental entities. A joint powers board
may apply with the written approval of all participating agencies to the
joint powers agreement. An eligible applicant may contract with a
Community Development Organization or a State Development Organization
to use grant and loan funds from an approved application.
Match Requirements
A grant in an amount up to $250,000 for a project shall require a
minimum match of 10 percent (10%) of eligible project activity costs. A
grant in an amount over $250,000 but not more than $1,500,000 for a
project shall require a minimum match of 15 percent (15%) of eligible
project activity costs.
Contact
Shannon Stanfill, Community Facilities Program
Manager at 307.777.2841 or contact your
Regional Director.”
See:
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/community/txt_cfp_program.htm
Application for up to
$1,500,000.00 will be made. These funds will be used for capital
improvements to the existing Buffalo High School, including: site and
parking improvements, new HVAC and lighting systems, structural
improvements, ADA compliance, and general renovation requirements.
The budget
($720,000.00+/-) reserved by the SFC for removing the existing Buffalo
High School should be reduced significantly because we will be only
removing certain portions of the building. We will ask that the costs
of removing these existing portions of the building remain in the SFC
budget.
Rules for the CPF:
STATE OF WYOMING
COMMUNITY FACILITIES GRANT AND LOAN PROGRAM
RULES
See:
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/word/irc/community_facilities_rules_final.doc
2.
Funding Required for Sustained Operations of the Facility.
The
responsibility of the BCCC is to acquire and improve the capital
facility. It will be the responsibility of the Johnson County
Recreation District to take stewardship of the continued operations of
the facility. This will be achieved by the implementation of the
Recreation Mill Levy allowed by state statute.
In essence the Recreation
Mill Levy will provide, for the 2007 annual budget, approximately
$450,000.00. By statute, these funds are to be used for Recreation
District facilities and associated programs. It is important to
note that this means a taxation of approximately $9.50 per $100,000
of assessed value. The Recreation Mill is a local tax on assessed
valuation and to be used for recreation related use.
Of this $450,000.00,
approximately 20-25% ($90,000 - $112,500.00) will be reserved for
the operations of the BCC, including: utilities, insurance,
maintenance, etc. The remaining budget will be used for other
county-wide projects and programs. Emphasis on county-wide:
to include Buffalo, Kaycee, and all remaining areas within Johnson
County!
A recreation District
may be established by a school district for the purpose of providing
a system of public recreation. Such districts are governed by a
board of trustees appointed by the school board. The implementation
of this1 mill levy does not require a vote by the general public,
but is simply initiated by the school board.
The Johnson County
government is in the position to levy an additional 2 mills or
approximately $1,000,000.00. For purposes of discussion we have not
included this additional source of revenue.
An Example of how our budget will compare to the Worland Community
Center Complex:
Steve Hunt, Director of the
Worland Community Center Complex (WCCC) has graciously provided us
with a 12 month cash flow and their 4 year budget projection. These
numbers are based on actual experience.
The Worland Community
Center Complex is a close example to our project: The original
school facility was decommissioned, and the Washakie JPB was created
to take ownership and apply for funds for renovation and expansion
of the multi-purpose community center. The WBC awarded
$1,446,000.00 for this project.
The Worland
Community Center Complex 12 month cash flow includes the following costs
that would be comparable to our simplified Recreation District
operations budget:
2007 General Operations
Gross Wages $122,400
Benefits
$ 21,660
Payroll Taxes $
14,520
Supplies (office, main, oper.) $ 38,150
Advertising
$ 2,100
Accounting and Legal $
12,000
Telephone
$ 3,000
$213,830
2007 Building Costs
Utilities $
70,000
Insurance $
17,000
$ 87,000
General Operations Costs $300,830
2007 Building Costs total $87,000.00 and General Program related costs
total $213,830.00. We are projecting a general budget of $450,000.00
for our RD.
Increased Building Maintenance Funds should be assumed
during future periods.
3. Private and
Public Match Funds
Additional funds could
be sought from both private and public sources. The spotlight that
is generated by a “tangible project” (BCC) will make this assistance
more attainable. Industry sponsors should be approached.
Enhancements to the
BCC should come from grants and donations. We feel that it would be
important to contact local/regional energy and minerals companies
regarding long-standing pledges as well. The economic climate has
changed in the State of Wyoming.
RELATED INFORMATION AND WEB
SITES:
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/community/cfp_program.aspx
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/cf_community_enhancement_facility_needs_assess.pdf
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/community/txt_cfp_portfolio.htm
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/CFP_Projects_Awarded4-06.pdf
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/cfp_profiles/CFPWriteup-WCCC.pdf
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/cfp_profiles/CFPWriteup-PVCC.pdf
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/community/txt_cfp_portfolio.htm
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/CFP_Freq_Q&A.pdf
http://sfc.state.wy.us/index.aspx
http://sfc.state.wy.us/2005Plan/Johnson%201%20-%20(2%20)%20Project%20Report%20-%20FINAL.pdf
Council (WRDC)
www.wyomingrural.org
OTHER COMMENTS/NOTES CONCERNING TOPICS
ASSOCIATED WITH THIS PROJECT
Recreation District Deadlines:
Organization of
Recreation District – next School Board meeting during September
Mill determination must
be in place by 1/1/07.
CFP Deadlines:
See: CFP Funding Cycles
@
http://www.wyomingbusiness.org/pdf/irc/CFP_2006_Cycle_Hearing_Dates.pdf
Last date given: 10/06
– 11/06
The BCC is an
important justification for the creation of a Recreation District.
The BCCC envisions that
the RD will use the mill levy for ongoing management of programs and
facility maintenance. The BCC should require approximately 20-25% of
the estimated mill levy.
The RD will be able to
benefit from funds that the facility may generate.
The RD will be able to
pursue additional monies from public grants and from the private sector.
The Governor has allocated funds to revitalize old schools and
government buildings. Johnson County will be receiving impact funds
from mineral/gas exploration. More jobs have been created and we will
continue to grow in population throughout the region. It is indeed the
right time to save a structure that would take many millions to replace.
Enhancements to the
BCC should come from grants and donations. We feel that it would be
important to contact local/regional energy and minerals companies
regarding long-standing pledges as well. The economic climate has
changed in the State of Wyoming.
RECREATION DISTRICT (RD)
The RD will be organized
through the JC School Board according to rules prescribed by Wyoming
Statute. The RD will be responsible for approximately $450,000.00 in
revenues generated by the 1 mill levy. It makes good sense for the RD
to be the vehicle to oversee, manage, and ‘call the BCC home’. The two
go hand in hand. We have seen separate economic impact studies that
show that Johnson County is in serious need of social and recreational
indoor facilities. This is the most appropriate use of funds! This
board (along with a host of other boards) would otherwise spend time and
money renting office space and trying to procure facility space for
activities. A board overseeing a budget of this size requires a full
time staffed office.
The RD is a legitimate,
legal, and efficient means that can truly represent all of the separate
community groups and organizations. The RD will provide equal access to
the facilities for all groups. School owned properties cannot always
provide equal access. The RD board members will be appointed by
the Johnson County School District.
The RD can:
Access federal and state grants
Provide management and maintenance
funding thru mill levy
Team up with county for additional
funding – The RD becomes a PARKS and RD.
Pursue private donors, companies,
trusts, etc.
Local organizations that can benefit
directly benefit from space provided by the BCC include:
YMCA
Youth Basketball Youth
Gymnastics
Blast Soccer
Community Theater/Orchestra Bridge Players
Ice Skating Group
Worlds of Music Knitters
Youth Baseball
Cloggers Scrapbookers
Men’s & Women’s
Private Music/Band Lessons Quilters
Softball JC Arts & Humanities
Book Clubs
Skateboarders Missoula Children’s
Theater Investment Clubs
Men’s Basketball
Boys & Girls Club Adult Continuing
Education
Hunter Safety Classrooms Private
Dance Recitals Youth Summer Classes
Boy & Girl Scouts
4H Club
These groups could
benefit from having additional space, including gym, auditorium or
classroom or storage. In addition, they could benefit from having a
centralized location with a ‘receptionist’ to answer questions and have
schedules/information available.
In addition to the above
groups, Southern Johnson County residents might also look at: youth
recreation programs, damaged park/recreation facilities, Harold Jarrard
Facilities, Deke Latham Rodeo, Dog Trials, Sheep Herder Rodeo, etc………
YMCA
The local YMCA will also benefit from space
provided by the BCC. The YMCA, much like the schools, has provided
facilities for a wide variety of recreation activities, sometimes at the
detriment to their own programs. Due to the tremendous demands for
recreational space in our area, the YMCA is stretched beyond their
capacity. The YMCA needs additional space to expand their own programs
and be relieved of the burden of providing facilities to other groups
and clubs. For example, the YMCA would have access to additional gym
space, at the BCC, for YMCA basketball league play and tournaments. The
YMCA could continue to grow their membership programs and use additional
classroom or storage space at the BCC. The RD could not be involved in
operating private enterprises/businesses. The RD could, however, help
raise funds, attain grants and supply hardship scholarships or
memberships. The fundamental philosophy of the RD should be to help
programs that are in place, and as the need arises, continue to aid in
the growth of recreational opportunities.
HOW CAN THIS PROJECT BENEFIT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT?
The BCC will be able to offer a real time solution by
providing the use of supplemental gym, classroom and events space.
Additional gym space will relieve the extreme pressures created by the
lack of sufficient space for practice and scheduled games. This will
benefit kids, parents and school staff. Practice times can be held in
the afternoon rather early mornings. “A” and “B” teams and the different
sports groups that are competing for space at the same time, will
benefit from the BCC.
Additional classroom space in the BCC may become necessary due to
economic and growth impacts being experienced in Buffalo.
School gatherings, such as band events or presentations will be able to
use the BCC space. Auditorium space (band concerts, etc.) will be
available before, during and after school hours.
Dual playground facilities and P.E. facilities will be available.
IMMEDIATE CONCERNS OR CONSTRAINTS
THAT THE SCHOOL HAS:
There are immediate time constraints.
There are physical constraints/concerns when the schools
move from existing buildings to the new facilities
Budget concerns must be addressed – demolition, etc.
SFC space specifications must be maintained. It is the
BCC’s position that these can be met
by our new proposal and design concepts.
The SFC has meet with
the BCCC and has agreed to work toward the goals of this project, noting
that it is the ultimate decision of the local school board as to how and
which facilities will be involved.
TAXES
The tax created by the additional mill levy is the only
significant negative community issue. Tax levies are always hard for a
community to establish, but the RD has demonstrated the minimal impact
on individuals that this mill will have when considering the immense
positive social and economic impact delivered to the community as a
whole. It should be noted that of the approximate $450,000 generated by
the mill levy, 80% come from minerals, and 20% comes from
others ($90,000.00). It is the BCCC’s sense that the issue will be
accepted by illustrating the incredible benefits, provided by this
project, to the community. There is 80-90% support for the formation of
the RD. These favorable percentages far exceed odds that are generally
experienced by most tax issues.
For the many reasons stated above, RD’s are becoming more the norm,
rather than the exception in most communities in the State of Wyoming.
This mill levy does
not go to general vote, but is simply initiated by the School District.
Again, it is important to note that this
means a taxation of approximately $9.50 per $100,000 of assessed
property value.
----- Original Message -----
From:
Dave Spencer
To:
krr
Cc:
Shannon Stanfill
Sent:
Friday, September 01, 2006 11:28 AM
Subject:
RE: Buffalo Community Center
Ken,
This email
is to confirm that I will be able to meet with your committee on
September 5th. I have reviewed the preliminary material you
sent me last week and it looks like a good project for our Community F
School
Facilities Grant Program. The idea of tying the project to a recreation
district, mil levy definitely is a positive step forward in answering
many of the weaknesses of the previous discussions last spring. I also
like the concept of saving more of the facility for youth recreation as
that is a high priority of the CF Program. The addition of that, to the
Auditorium proposal will ensure a much higher chance of success in the
CF application. I will review the grant requirements with your group on
the 5th and we can develop a schedule on how to proceed in
supporting the funding proposal. The final support of the school
district appears to be the only missing piece at this time. I will look
forward to seeing your additional information and meeting with you and
the group on the 5th. Have a good weekend.
Dave Spencer
WBC – North
East Region Director
Short Version Of Buffalo Community Center Proposal / with Maps and
Photos
