The
High School Facilities Project Ad Hoc Committee of the Board of Education of
the
Also
in attendance for this meeting were Abie Khatchadourian and Scott Kramer of
Plunkett, Raysich Architects, LLP, Craig Uhlenbrauck and David Schaetz of Miron
Construction Co., Inc, and Doug Beilke of Maas Brothers Construction Co., Inc.
Approval of Previous
Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes from the
January 7, 2009 meeting as presented was made by Mr. Buth, seconded by Mrs.
Pupanek. The motion passed on a unanimous
voice vote.
High School Facility Needs
and Referendum Planning:
Review of Failed Referenda: Mr. Swartz provided a brief review of the two previous
referenda that each failed by a narrow margin.
There are four potential dates in 2010 that the district could try again
– February, April, September, or November.
Project Related Discussion with Plunkett Raysich Architects and
Miron/Maas:
Extensive discussion on the potential project followed, including;
o
Currently, prices/bids are ‘incredible’ – some districts are realizing
a10% savings on construction costs, but the market may level off after spring
2010.
o
The government stimulus package includes a DPI component of qualified
school construction bonds. These dollars
have been allocated to districts that have already approved projects through
referendum.
o
Referendum timing in February 2010 would allow any new project drawings
to be completed over the summer and new construction could be enclosed before snow.
o
Mr. Khatchadourian believes that the public must see some recovery
before they will approve a referendum.
o
Representatives from R.W. Baird can explain timing of borrowing and two-tier
financing as well as tax implications.
o
Unemployment and lay-offs in the area are high.
o
A reduction of scope can bring the project costs down. PRA can be
creative and bring back a very conceptual drawing at a cost closer to $20
million. A phased approach to
construction can be utilized, letting the public know that the project can be
completed incrementally.
Next Steps: Discussion about where to go from here included:
o
Currently, PRA is contracted to design a building once a referendum
passes. They are willing to work with the district designing rough pencil
sketches for a future – less expensive - project.
o
Video conferencing could be used for future meetings to lessen the
travel time for consultants.
o
Brian Brewer of R.W. Baird can provide a chart of mill rates based on project
costs.
o
Examples of other districts using project phasing will be provided.
o
Building priorities will be forwarded to PRA and Miron/Maas before
9/1/09 so that simple drawings can be started.
Mr. Swartz will work with administrators, maintenance, and board members
to create the priority list.
o
Plunkett Raysich will research the applicable codes related to the
swimming pool.
Discussion of Possible
Topics for Future Meetings
Project
Financing – Brian Brewer from R.W. Baird
Pencil
sketches from Plunkett Raysich
Use
of technology (video) rather than in person meetings
The
next meeting of this committee was scheduled for October 1, 2009 meeting at 6:00
pm.
A motion to adjourn was made by Mrs. Pupanek, seconded by Mr. Buth. The motion passed on a voice vote.
ADJOURNMENT: 7:25 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Secretary,
Pati Fitzgerald