07/30/09: Back for More

What's that? He's really back!

I guess I just couldn't stay away. The power of the Teen Center has once again called to me, and I have returned. With summer approaching, I began to rekindle enthusiasm for this fantastic project. With the end of school came a freer schedule and fewer other commitments. I could think of no better way to spend my time than to continue my work with the Task Force.

Now four and a half months being gone wasn't that long. After all, I was part of the team for over a year. I think that I'll get the hang of it again pretty quickly. I feel that I can greatly contribute to the talented new team that I've heard so much about. I look forward to a hardworking, fun, and productive summer. Everyone keeps telling me that I am coming back at just the right time, and that it should be very interesting. I hope to capitalize on this situation and help to keep the project running strong.

Progress is a meal, and I am hungry.

07/28/09: Hiring a Contractor

The process of hiring a contractor was more challenging than we expected. There were a lot of good firms who wanted to build our future teen center but there was only room for one.

We had to recommend a firm to the YMCA Board of Directors. We went through long discussions about what we liked about each firm and every time we voted we heard from everyone that “we couldn’t go wrong with either of the final two firms”.

In the Teen Task Force meetings there were important facts mentioned: how they seemed very excited about the project and working with us, their experience working with similar projects, their proposed fees, etc.

After discussing for hours and hours, we came to the conclusion that two of the Teen Task Force members should present our recommendation to the Board. After the presentation the Board decided that they should interview each of the final two firms because they wanted to know them both better. After the Board and the two firms met, Pankow was selected as the best fit for the project.

This experienced has helped us a lot. It showed us how we have to pick between two really good firms and that we need to communicate to everyone involved in the decision about everything we do in the process of hiring new firms.

Pankow Special Projects is a pioneer in using new construction methods and working on ‘green’ projects. More information on Pankow Special Projects can be found here.

07/02/09: Easy as Pie

In late June we went to the City of Berkeley Design Review meeting. Design Review is basically where a committee looks over the building’s designs and either approves or does not approve of them. Chris and I were asked to talk for a few minutes before our design was shown in order to prep the committee about why we were there that day. Chris and I wrote our lines a couple days before and boy was I nervous! I had never spoken in front of a board like this before, and I didn’t know what to expect. I practiced numerous times, over and over again. Finally the day came and I was so nervous I could hardly stand! Chris and I practiced a few more times and I finally got it down. We presented about half an hour after the meeting started. Our presentation only lasted about a minute, but I was so glad for it to be over! It turned out to be easy as pie, and I was no longer worried. So we sat down and continued to listen to the conversation. In the end, the committee approved us to move onto the Zoning Adjustments Board and then come back to them for another preliminary review next month.

A Subcommittee of the City of Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board, the Design Review Committee is charged with the review and approval of design proposals for projects in non-residential districts. More information including meeting agendas and minutes for the Design Review Committee can be found here.

07/01/09: My Opinion Matters

Working for the Teen Task Force so far has been an amazing experience. The opportunity came about when my principal suggested that this job would suit my personality and felt I had a place here. After he explained to me the type of setting it was and all the doors that it would open for me, I was instantly interested. I think it’s great to be able to use my uniqueness and creativity to contribute to a project that will benefit my peers and me in the future. I enjoy every aspect of it, especially knowing that my opinion matters.

John is the first Teen Center Task Force member from B-Tech – Berkeley Technology Academy. Just what is B-Tech? Find out more about B-Tech here.