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These two downspouts on the northwest corner of City Gym go underground and connect with two other downspouts on the northeast corner. All four dump into the alley between the two gyms and immediately enter 4th Street. Runoff from the new bus parking pad in the foreground also enters 4th Street. And, when that huge fire suppression water tank requires maintenance, all of the water drained from it will also enter 4th Street. This was designed by Jeff Potter Architects and approved by former Superintendent Ray DeSpain and the school board. After about 5 and 1/2 hours in executive session, the ICISD board voted unanimously on June 26, 2023, to name Dr. Sara "Nikki" Moore as the lone finalist for Superintendent. Here is her public page on LinkedIn, and here is her current school, Coldspring-Oakhurst CISD. There is a 21 day waiting period, as required in the Government Code. I don't know anything about Dr. Moore, other than my positive initial impression while passing her in the hall in the Administration Building during each of her interviews. She is comfortable and welcoming when greeting the public. That's a good start. She's got to hit the ground running. The Summer is budget season for public schools...and the current budget outlook for next year is unpleasant, to say the least.

A 2019 topo survey of the block where the City Gym and GMPL now sit clearly shows ICISD knew where the stormwater was going to go before construction started. Just look for the elevation numbers along the topo lines. Though not yet posted on the District's website, a posting on the front door of the Administration Building announces a second round of superintendent interviews at a board special meeting on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 3:00 pm. I've posted a photo of the agenda below. Note that it provides for possible naming of the selected candidate after the interviews. So, teachers if you are concerned about your 2023-24 salary, you might want to attend this meeting and speak at the open forum before they conduct the interviews. Here is the agenda:

At sunset and within hours of DeSpain submitting his resignation letter, a Uhaul sits in front of the ICISD superintendent's residence. In the foreground is the flood damaged Fleming Avenue that DeSpain leaves to all of his successors for the life of the City Gym building. In perhaps the most anti climatic board moment ever, ICISD Superintendent Ray DeSpain submitted his resignation to the board on June 19, 2023. Without any fanfare and with only one board member publicly expressing praise for his work, the full board voted unanimously to accept his resignation. No parent appeared during public forum to either praise him or speak of the damage done, yet another indication of how far removed this board and his office are from the community. At the same time, the CFO Robert Helms submitted a report that the ICISD budget for 2023-24 will be short hundreds of thousands of dollars. Budget cuts for teacher salaries is a certainty. See this post, DeSpain Blows Budget Just as He Leaves Town, for Helms' report and analysis of the board's response. The Board also interviewed superintendent candidates during this meeting. My comments are pending.

At his last meeting and as the UHaul trucks were arriving at the ICISD superintendent's residence for him to load up and move on, Superintendent Ray DeSpain directed his CFO Robert Helms to give out the bad financial news to the board members. ICISD missed its revenue projection this year by $840,000. Why? The 313 Agreement projections were off. Listen to Helms' full audio report on YouTube here. ICISD's 313 agreements are with Santa Rita East Wind and Langford Wind Power, according to the Texas Comptroller. The Langford 313 appears to have expired in 2022. 313's are basically tax abatement plans used by the State to attract businesses to invest. You can get more information here. The revenue from the Irion County solar farms was significant enough to cause the then ICISD Brian Gray to make them a selling point back in 2019 when advertising the financial viability of the 2019 bond package. Clearly this was an error, as Helms explains that it is unreliable income. Consider the following while listening to Helms' report: Board member silence. One board member dared ask why the figures were off, and all of them appeared to accept face value Helm's blame of Moak Casey, that this was all very complex, it is "crazy" and "it is what it is" answer. Here's a governance tip for board members: when your CFO says it is too complicated for him to explain and it is what it is, well, it's time for you to start asking questions. Do not under any circumstance accept the CFO's first answer. There is undoubtedly more to this story. DeSpain's silence. Just as DeSpain did in the budget amendment for $98,000 for the athletic department (see Spend Spend Spend), he clammed up during Helms' report. Here's another governance tip: board members, grill your superintendent on the shortfall! If the CFO doesn't understand, then hold his boss, the superintendent accountable...especially if he is walking out the door! (DeSpain's UHauls were loaded and gone within 24 hours of Helm's report.) Who is having the black bean drawn for them and who is defending them. Teachers, and no one. Listen closely as Helms explains that the lion's share of budget expenses come from salaries, and the only way to get at this shortfall is through salaries. Here's yet another governance tip: board members defend your teachers, especially in public during board meetings. Not a single board member rejected Helm's position by saying something like, for example, "No we won't start with teacher salaries, we will start with the athletic department budget which has already received a $98,000 budget bonus this year and is the hands down winner of almost all of the 2019 bond funds." And, coincidentally, it is because of the athletics department that the District is spending money for non education matters like the parking lot, repaving of Juanita Street and the new pavement at the stadium entrance that the District is facing this shortfall. Without the 2019 bonds teachers would not be in this position today. And, note that the proposed step increase mentioned by Helms is more than consumed by the current high rate of inflation. Recapture payment. Over $15 million will be going to the state for financing of poor school districts. Consider this Texas Monthly article about Fort Davis ISD, another rural West Texas district not as fortunate as ICISD. Are the ICISD capital improvements any more sustainable over time than the 313 agreements? This Texas Monthly article may be foretelling the future for ICISD, especially if its board members continue to fail so miserably to defend their teachers and favor athletics instead. What other board member responses are missing during Helms report? Send me a comment and let me know what you think, and when you do check your email address and make sure it is a valid address. (I can't respond to invalid email addresses.) I'll consider posting responses here. "God speed to all of you" DeSpain said when he formally announced his resignation to the board immediately following Helms' report.

This caliche berm on the west side of City Gym stretches the distance of what is remaining of the alley between 4th and 5th streets that the City of Mertzon gave away without a fight when ICISD wanted 4th Street for the gym. The berm represents, as of June 2023, the sole flood diversion structure put in by ICISD. Ironically, the east end (pictured here) pours out into the portion in which ICISD gave the City of Mertzon a utility easement, once again literally pouring water on the City. Here is the agenda for the Monday 2:00 pm, June 19, 2023 meeting in which the Board will interview superintendent candidates. A few initial comments: This is just an interview session. The Board will not make a formal decision at this meeting. I consider ICISD's agenda items relating to TASB policy updates to always be inadequate. Reading this agenda, who knows what Policy Update 121 is even about? The policy updates should better described on the agenda AND posted online before the meeting so that interested folks can read and comment on them in open forum before they are passed. Under previous leadership President Flores would merely rubber stamp these updates as if the board didn't have a say in the matter. Local policies are especially important, particularly when they relate to, for example, how booster clubs are managed, and it is a terrible idea for a school board to blindly follow TASB. It will be interesting to see if President Carlile requires the board to read and discuss these updates before voting on them or whether she will follow Flores' lead. Note agenda item 8 on hiring and resignations. More comings and goings, but one can't tell because titles aren't posted. More soon...

ICISD is spending over $125,000 in taxpayer dollars on paving the GMPL, plus another $9,500+ in surveying and topography services. The Grand Mistake Parking Lot ("GMPL") suffered yet another setback on May 19, 2023 during its construction. Within days of the May 12, 2023 flood and only a day or so after pouring the concrete and removing the forms, another flood occurred before the construction on the lot was complete. Approximately 1 and 1/2 inches of rain fell in just over an hour on May 19, 2023 and washed away most of the caliche base before any blacktop could be put down. The photos below, taken on May 21, 2023, show why this parking lot has earned its name as a Grand Mistake. The project also stands out as putting the 2019 bond package in the red. Note the two holes, apparently for draining water, in the cement at the corner. In the foreground is the City of Mertzon's right of way/shoulder for 5th Street showing caliche base from the higher portion of the GMPL and evidence of erosion already showing. The "inside" of the GMPL looking northwest shows the waterline from the flood and the missing caliche base. What's left here is going to have to be removed, new base brought in and repacked, if the project is going to be saved. The better option is to stop now and implement the green parking that I recommended to the District and its lawyers. The inside northwest corner of the GMPL showing the flood water line above the two holes. Apparently the approximately 1 and 1/2 inches of rain was more than the two drain holes could manage and the floodwaters went above them. My yardstick shows the level just above 26 inches. That's more than enough water for a child to drown in. Here's the measurement on the exterior of the wall. Note the erosion already showing in the foreground. The cement is already failing from the force of the storm waters. Given the timing, it is probable the concrete was not given enough time to cure before the forms were removed and the second storm arrived on May 19, 2023. This shows the caliche base from the GMPL in the street at 5th and Juanita. Neither the City or ICISD own a street sweeper, so this debris will remain in the roadway until traffic in the area forms a path or until the next rain. The darker pavement on the left is the new paving that ICISD paid for on the west end of Juanita street. Taxpayers are getting hit twice here. My 2+ years of failed efforts to get Mayor Taylor's city council to implement regulations that prohibit new construction from dumping storm water into our streets results in disastrous construction like the GMPL, and folks like ICISD Supt. DeSpain and the school board try to pass the buck. Of course, what is especially transparent is that ICISD is flooding itself, giving taxpayers a double whammy, while expecting no one will speak up and state the obvious. This parking lot is a Grand Mistake if there ever was one. This is caliche base storm water blocking entry to my property on Fleming washed down from the GMPL two days after the May 19, 2023 flood. Debris from the GMPL caliche base is easy to see up close. I regularly see young drivers, not realizing the potholes beneath the water, speed up through the water for the splash fun. ICISD saddles city taxpayers with water logged streets, while ICISD looks away and ignores the costs and safety issues it has created. And, of course, it is this very water, combined with runoff from City Gym, that ends up flooding the football stadium. So, the GMPL serves as yet another lesson on government flooding itself. Yes, our government will flood itself, not learn anything, and then do it again. This is a terrible waste of taxpayer dollars, and it is creating extraordinary safety hazards that never existed before.

The GMPL gets its stripes, but no one parks there. Here is the meeting agenda. Why should you attend board meetings where the only issue appears to be the hiring a new superintendent? Here's why: the job carries with it the authority to permanently impact our community. Back in 2019 with less than a year on the job, the ICISD board trusted Superintendent Brian Gray to put together an $18 million bond. He brought to the table Jeff Potter, the same architect that built the gym at Gray's previous district, Union Grove ISD. Then, an interim superintendent served when Gray left a few months after the 2019 bond election (before the end of his contract term), and the interim signed all the relevant construction contracts...and then he left. Then DeSpain was hired in December 2019, spent more than the bond amount of $18 million, and now he is leaving...also before the end of his contract term. Potter has already left after collecting close to $1 million in fees, and the Potter/DeSpain legacy might best be described as our city streets as now permanent aqueducts for the new gym's stormwater runoff. Folks keep leaving, seemingly without any accountability. All total, since 2016 when I asked the District to address stormwater runoff from the campus, there have been four (4) superintendents, none of whom expressed the least bit of concern that the District was responsible for flooding our community. The folks that take these superintendent jobs are extraordinarily impactful. We should all take note, even if you have no children attending the school. The vast majority of this meeting will be in private during the executive session, which in itself is a reason for being present. Our government leaders should not be left unattended to during executive sessions. How long will this next one stay?

Washed out Tack Coat at the GMPL after the rain. When I saw ICISD's contractor picking up where they left off after it rained without reapplying any new tack coat, I began to wonder. Request: ChatGPT, please write a 250 word essay on what could go wrong if the Tack Coat washes away when applying hot asphalt to caliche. Response: Title: The Consequences of Tack Coat Washout during Hot Asphalt Application on Caliche Introduction (approx. 40 words): Tack coat, a crucial adhesive layer, plays a vital role in promoting the bond between hot asphalt and the underlying caliche substrate. However, when the tack coat washes away during the application process, several detrimental consequences can arise. This essay explores the potential issues that can occur when the tack coat is not effectively applied or is washed away during hot asphalt paving on caliche. 1. Lack of Adhesion (approx. 70 words): The primary purpose of the tack coat is to ensure strong adhesion between the hot asphalt and caliche surface. If the tack coat washes away, the bond between the two materials is compromised. As a result, the asphalt layer may fail to adhere properly to the caliche, leading to separation and delamination. This lack of adhesion weakens the overall integrity of the pavement, making it susceptible to cracking, rutting, and premature deterioration. 2. Reduced Stability and Durability (approx. 80 words): When the tack coat is not adequately applied or washes away, the stability and durability of the asphalt layer on caliche are significantly diminished. The absence of proper adhesion can result in a loose and unstable surface, prone to shifting and deformation under traffic loads. This can lead to the formation of potholes, raveling, and the infiltration of moisture, further accelerating deterioration. The weakened pavement structure not only compromises safety but also necessitates costly and frequent repairs, reducing the overall lifespan of the road. 3. Safety Hazards (approx. 70 words): The failure of the tack coat to adhere to the caliche can create safety hazards for road users. A weakened pavement structure increases the risk of skidding, loss of vehicle control, and accidents. Uneven surfaces and dislodged asphalt patches pose additional dangers, especially in wet weather conditions. The absence of a reliable tack coat compromises the overall safety and smoothness of the road, affecting the driving experience and potentially leading to increased accidents and injuries. Conclusion (approx. 40 words): Effective application and preservation of the tack coat are critical for successful hot asphalt paving on caliche. When the tack coat washes away, it results in poor adhesion, reduced stability and durability, and safety hazards. Proper tack coat application is essential to ensure a long-lasting, safe, and reliable road surface on caliche. Below is the scene once they continued laying the hot asphalt on the washed out tack coat. The absence of the tack coat can be verified by the presence of the caliche top. And below is the bid for the project to be paid by the taxpayers. Coincidentally, this bid was never voted upon by the ICISD board in open session. This is a huge waste of taxpayer money! And it isn't going to be a one time cost either. There are going to be maintenance expenses with this parking lot. Those expenses are what earns it the title of Grand Mistake. There's no money in the ICISD budget currently set aside for parking lot maintenance. The answer: depave the GMPL and replace it with a green space. It is that simple. Watch for more updates on the GMPL.

The new caliche base washes away and pours into the City of Mertzon's streets as Cahill works fast to pave the GMPL in the rain. UPDATE: Read here for what happened at the GMPL after the rain. Hours after my last post 3 days ago about ICISD flooding itself, its contractor, Cahill, began putting down fresh caliche base on the GMPL. Then yesterday they put down the tar primer...and this morning, just as they were putting down the black top...it rained! See my video The hot asphalt paving of ICISD’s parking lot in the rain. Make sure and watch to the end to see my photos of the condition of the unfinished parking lot after the rain passed. As seen in the video everyone doubled down, even in the rain and lightning, and continued with the paving. My initial research shows that hot asphalt paving should NOT be done in the rain. I asked ChatGPT to "Write me a 500 word article on why hot asphalt paving should not be done in the rain" and here are the results: Title: The Hazards of Hot Asphalt Paving in Rainy Conditions Introduction (approx. 50 words): Hot asphalt paving is a common practice in road construction and repair. However, undertaking this task during rainy weather can have detrimental effects on the quality and durability of the pavement. In this article, we will explore the reasons why hot asphalt paving should not be carried out in the rain. 1. Compromised Adhesion (approx. 100 words): One of the primary concerns when paving with hot asphalt in rainy conditions is compromised adhesion. Rainwater can significantly hinder the bonding process between the hot asphalt and the underlying surface. The moisture acts as a barrier, preventing proper adhesion, leading to weakened structural integrity. Consequently, the asphalt pavement becomes more susceptible to cracks, potholes, and premature deterioration. To ensure a long-lasting and durable road surface, it is essential to avoid paving with hot asphalt during rainy weather. 2. Uneven Surface (approx. 100 words): Rainwater can disrupt the even distribution and compaction of hot asphalt, resulting in an uneven surface. The water interferes with the smooth application of the material and hampers the compaction process. This leads to an inadequate density of the asphalt mixture, which compromises its load-bearing capacity and overall durability. An uneven pavement not only affects the aesthetics but also poses safety risks to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Therefore, it is crucial to postpone hot asphalt paving until dry weather conditions prevail. 3. Reduced Longevity (approx. 100 words): The quality and longevity of hot asphalt pavement are greatly diminished when laid in the rain. Moisture weakens the asphalt mixture and reduces its ability to withstand heavy traffic loads, temperature fluctuations, and the natural wear and tear of the environment. Rainwater infiltrating the asphalt can penetrate the base layers, causing the formation of voids and accelerating the degradation process. The compromised structural integrity leads to increased maintenance and repair costs, as well as inconveniences for road users. To maximize the lifespan of the pavement, it is prudent to avoid paving with hot asphalt during rainy periods. 4. Safety Risks (approx. 100 words): Paving with hot asphalt in the rain introduces safety risks for both workers and the public. Rainwater can make the construction site slippery, making it more challenging for workers to move safely. Additionally, reduced visibility due to rain can hinder accurate placement of the asphalt material. Wet surfaces also increase the likelihood of accidents during compaction and traffic control operations. To ensure the safety of construction workers and minimize potential hazards for road users, it is crucial to schedule hot asphalt paving during dry weather conditions. Conclusion (approx. 50 words): Hot asphalt paving is a complex process that requires favorable weather conditions for optimal results. Paving during rainy weather can compromise the adhesion, lead to an uneven surface, reduce the pavement’s longevity, and introduce safety risks. By postponing the paving process until dry weather, we can ensure long-lasting, safe, and durable road surfaces. The GMPL is, indeed, one Grand Mistake. Stay tuned. And remember, these are our tax dollars at work.

Caliche storm water from the GMPL still pooled in the the street five days after a rain storm. The looming disaster of the GMPL where ICISD is purposefully directing the stormwater runoff from a new parking lot into a city street has me thinking: what else haven't I said to ICISD and the City of Mertzon about how wrongheaded it is for government to flood itself? So, I asked ChatGPT for a little help. I'm amazed at its common sense approach to my request. Below is what I asked it, and its response, unedited by me. I did highlight a key sentence for emphasis. Request: Write me a 500 word essay on why municipalities regulate stormwater Response: Title: The Importance of Municipal Regulation of Stormwater: Preserving Our Environment and Communities Introduction (Approximately 50 words) Stormwater runoff poses significant challenges to the environment and communities alike. In recognition of this, municipalities play a crucial role in regulating stormwater management. By implementing effective measures, they aim to safeguard ecosystems, mitigate flooding risks, protect water quality, and maintain the overall well-being of their residents. Body Paragraph 1: Environmental Preservation (Approximately 100 words) Stormwater runoff can have detrimental effects on the environment, including erosion, habitat destruction, and pollution. Municipalities regulate stormwater to ensure the preservation of natural resources and ecological balance. Through strategies such as retention ponds, green infrastructure, and erosion control measures, they mitigate the adverse impacts of runoff on streams, rivers, lakes, and wetlands. By doing so, municipalities help protect biodiversity, maintain water availability, and sustain healthy ecosystems that support various plant and animal species. Body Paragraph 2: Flood Control and Infrastructure Protection (Approximately 100 words) Uncontrolled stormwater runoff can result in severe flooding, which poses significant risks to communities. Municipal regulation of stormwater aims to reduce these risks by implementing appropriate infrastructure and drainage systems. By requiring stormwater management plans, municipalities ensure that new developments consider flood control measures such as retention basins, storm sewers, and culverts. These regulations help prevent property damage, protect public safety, and minimize the economic burden associated with flood-related repairs and recovery efforts. Body Paragraph 3: Water Quality Protection (Approximately 100 words) Stormwater runoff can carry pollutants, such as sediment, chemicals, and litter, which can negatively impact water quality in rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources. Municipal regulations enable the implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to reduce these contaminants. These practices include street sweeping, installation of sediment basins, and promotion of green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavement. By effectively managing stormwater, municipalities safeguard drinking water supplies, enhance recreational opportunities, and maintain healthy aquatic ecosystems. Body Paragraph 4: Community Resilience and Public Health (Approximately 100 words) Municipal regulation of stormwater management contributes to community resilience and public health. By implementing regulations and policies, municipalities increase their preparedness for extreme weather events and adapt to climate change impacts. Effective stormwater management reduces the risk of waterborne diseases, improves air quality, and minimizes the potential for mosquito breeding grounds. Furthermore, well-maintained stormwater infrastructure improves the overall livability of communities, fostering a sense of pride and belonging among residents. Conclusion (Approximately 50 words) Municipal regulation of stormwater management plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of our environment and communities. By implementing effective measures to control runoff, municipalities preserve natural resources, reduce flooding risks, protect water quality, and enhance community resilience. These regulations ultimately contribute to the overall health, sustainability, and quality of life for residents now and in the future. Word Count: 497 words

You can't make this stuff up. The school board busts the budget to build a parking lot that will flood the school. The parking lot gets flooded during construction, adding to the costs. For more, read about the May 12 flood here and the Grand Mistake here. In a November 10, 2022 email to the District's lawyers and Superintendent DeSpain and President Flores, I said this lot "will add 28,365 square feet of new impervious cover that will drain into the basin that will flood my property.  Using the standard .62 multiplier for runoff, this equates to an additional 17,586.3 gallons of rainwater per 1 inch of rain water that will potentially flood my property, as well as the District's new playground and football field." I also said in that same November 10 email "you might be aware of how the City of Austin manages Zilker Park and the masses of cars that park on grass while attending events throughout the year. No doubt hundreds of thousands of folks attend events in the park and park without a single square foot of pavement to park on. The City manages it as a green space because its parking needs are sporadic, much as the case will be when parking is needed at the District's new gym. A grass parking system will also avoid even more unnecessary flooding of the football field."

Hiking across the Grand Canyon allowed me to see what happens when our government fails to budget for clean up. In addition to the 4th Street flooding from the 3 inch rains on May 12, 2023, what I call "The Grand Mistake" can now be seen on the ICISD campus. The Grand Mistake is failing to budget the money to clean up the ecological mess you've left behind. The origins of the Grand Mistake came to me back in 2019 when I accomplished a bucket list journey of hiking across the Grand Canyon rim to rim. (If you are a hiker/camper and need inspiration, search "Grand Canyon rim to rim" on YouTube.) What the millions of people see when they stop their journey on the rims of the Grand Canyon is what appears to be one of the most pristine natural wonders of the world. What the few thousand per year of us that hike across it see, however, are the mistakes by the National Park Service where they have misjudged the force of storm water and left behind the carcass of their various failed projects to improve the park. As stunning as the the Grand Canyon is below its rims, one trekking across it will inevitably come across mangled metal bridges, exposed water pipelines, abandoned trails and campgrounds, all left behind because it is simply too expensive for the National Park Service to fully remove the projects and return the areas to leave no trace standards. The Grand Mistake is particularly pernicious with flood control because forecasting the force and direction of floodwaters is often random. There's also climate change that adds to the uncertainty. And, there's no bean counter at any level of government, national or local, who is going to put money in the budget on the front end for ecological clean up in light of that randomness. The costs of ecological restoration is always budgeted by our government after the damage to the environment, and not at the time the project is being planned. And, of course, it takes our government leaders forever and a day to admit and want to rectify mistakes, especially the mistakes of those leaders who have gone before them, so the funding of restoration on the back end is relegated to the lowest possible priority. And, in the case of ICISD whose focus is athletics, well, there's no funding at all for clean up. The policy goal of the superintendent and school board is to win, at any cost, even when they know about the ecological damage on the front end. The impact of the Grand Mistake at ICISD can be best seen visually in photos, and with this post I am creating a tag called "Grand Mistake". First up is ICISD's parking lot currently under construction at Fayette and 5th Streets (an impervious parking lot on a hill!), which was flooded on May 12, 2023 to disrepair before its completion. The project is significant because it represents the school board digging into the District's fund balance to pay for a parking lot, and so it is a visual representation of the District going over budget with the 2019 bond funds. Once concluded, the project may be in the pantheon of Grand Mistakes because the storm water runoff from the lot will not only flood a teacher residence immediately next to the lot, it will flood the recent paving of a street next door paid for by the District AND will flood the football stadium. It will also flood the City of Mertzon's right of way and street, causing plenty of erosion. All of this for a parking lot that will at best be used for a few weeks out of the year! Coincidentally, as part of this post I asked Bing's new AI chatbot what the term in economics is for not budgeting clean up expenses and it lead me to "negative externality". When I probed further for a non economics related term it said, "It could also be called being 'irresponsible' or 'inconsiderate' if its in a shared space." Yes, there's that. The Grand Mistake happens in a shared space. All of the property managed by our government is shared. Hiking up the South Rim, Bright Angel Trail, 2019