Fwd: Your 30 second update building and grounds update

[Dave Barker as Communications of PTA at Sagamore Hills Elementary School]

-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:	Your 30 second update building and grounds update
Date:	Wed, 23 Sep 2015 20:39:18 -0400
From:	Dan Acker as Building and Grounds of PTA at Sagamore Hills Elementary School <buildinga...@sagamorehillspta.org>
To:	adminis...@sagamorehillspta.org, trea...@sagamorehillspta.org, Dave Barker as Communications of PTA at Sagamore Hills Elementary School <communi...@sagamorehillspta.org>, ptab...@groups.sagamorehillspta.org, julie_m...@dekalbschoolsga.org

Ok, maybe a 5 min update....

 

Hello all,

1.  The net cover is now on the Aquaponics tank.

 

2. Marty Bennett, head of the Beautification Committee with the Sagamore Hills Neighborhood Association (SHNA), has graciously offered for the SHNA to pay for a landscaper to clear out the shrubs, weeds and ivy from the front of the school property.  They have identified that they want to clear out the front property extending from the exit driveway to the corner of Kodiak and Alderbrook, then up Kodiak to the entrance of the school. Addidtionally, he has volunteered to restore (clean, maybe paint) the wooden Sagamore Hills Elementary sign, which I think is really cool for them to offer.

Sounds as though they have put aside at least $4000 to do the work. They would like to clear the land in December of this year. If we agree and accept their generous offer, we need to mark any shrubs that are worth keeping. I can walk the property with a landscape designer I know and anyone else interested.  He promises there will be no chemicals sprayed. I think this would be a good opportunity for us. If anything, it allows the school to be visible again from the street. The only cost to us would be a dumpster for the refuse.

 

3. I have called an Oct 3rd work party from 9a.m.-12pm.  We can affix the soccer goals where Coach Hamilton wants them, weed the bog area, take the fence down on the bog side, and take the platform down that is half broken.

 

4. Principal Taylor and I are going to take a second look at the stuff on the cafeteria side of the property at the water bog pond. Tasha Messer has a vision of an outdoor classroom with STEM activity in that area.  Our hypothesis is that what is out there now isn't very valuable and served its purpose. However, I dont know the history of that water bog area and would like to know more. Looks like there was quite a bit of work done out there at one time.   I met with Mrs. Messer and Scott McMahan and we surveyed what was out in that area now. Scott is an expert in anything that grows out of the ground, so he gave us a "state of the union" as to what is out there and its potential value. Scott has been involved in projects like this before and would be a HUGE asset to the planning and implementation of Tasha's ideas. Our goal was to demo the area first, if the PTA and Julie agreed. However, I would like to walk it with Mrs. Taylor first and get her take on the area. I think the weeds and dangerous stuff could come out first, such as the broken fence and broken platform. Scott did mention to me that the vine on the arbors has gotten WAY out of hand and should be cut off. He did say that the Bradford Pear on the corner is in a bit of trouble.  Once the dangerous stuff is gone, I suggest we take a deep breath and start considering ideas for a potential plan.

 

5. I have not secured a date for the goats to invade and eat every weed along the entire creek bed. I have received the blessing of Mrs. Taylor, but do I need the PTA to also give me an official YES to spend $600 for the goats?

For sure it will be after Oct 8th. The goat guy said the willow tree near the large bridge is in his way of the fence. Personally, I think the tree is a bit dangerous and is now growing out over the concrete. However, it does look like the kids have some fun on it based on the ramp I saw propped up against it.

I think it would be cool to do something neat to enhance the kids experience when the goats are here.

 

6. The final flower box up front isn't built yet but will be soon.

 

7. I am in negotiations with the Sagamore Hills Hardcore Hardwood Club (SHHHWC) aka John Lenz and Friends to consider a plan to thin out the giant oak tree over the bog area. It has a giant limb that is looking quite suspect, along with other small limbs.

 

Thanks guys. I welcome any comments or suggestions.

 

 

Dan Acker

Building & Grounds 2015-2016

PTA at Sagamore Hills Elementary School

[Debbi]

Dan I am not on the bldg and grounds committee (just an interested in being informed about it all) but huge props to you for taking this all on.  Kudos about the goats!  We have them on our street corner (Bruce and Briarcliff Rd) every year or so and it's so entertaining to watch how they devour and clear the lot in a short amount of time.  We have also had them behind our property line and seen their work up close and got to know the guard dog - Sweet Pea - since we have coyote sightings often.  I wanted to make a mention that there was a pack of coyotes entertaining people at 3 am last night right over there in case you missed it on the neighborhood board.  You might inquire about the guard dog since that is another element to consider with the kids if it is during school or this long weekend break.

Your efforts are appreciated!!!