Ask Mr. Answer Person. A reader asks lots of questions about the school bus garage and parking on Pole Line Road

Jan asks:  Does the school district own the place on the Pole Line Road where the school buses are parked?  If not, how much is the rent and what does the contract include?  Are maintenance and/or mechanical repairs done in the bldg.?  Does the district have a mechanic on staff?   If rented, is the contract put out for bids?

Mr. Answer Person says: Thanks to Superintendent Mike Haluska who responded to your questions. The District does not own the current bus garage.  That property is owned by Bruening Rock Products, Inc. and the lease agreement is in the third year of a three-year agreement.  The monthly rent is currently $3,375 per month and expires on July 1, 2013.  The lease has not been "bid" since it's never been brought to the attention of the District that another facility exists that could accommodate the needs of the District.
 
Regarding repairs done there, some minor repairs are done at the garage (oil changes, etc.).  Major repairs are typically done at Hawkeye Truck and Trailer, as they are able to service warranty repairs in addition to other work they perform.  Jim Samuelson, Director of Transportation, performs minor repairs for the District.  The District does not have a certified mechanic on staff.  In addition, the buses are inspected by the State of Iowa twice per school year and the Decorah fleet regularly receives high marks.