Saratoga Community Consolidated School District 60C - Planning for the Future
Minutes of Building / Life Safety Advisory Committee – March 7, 2006
Present: Gilfillan & Callahan Architects: Nikki Bridges - Midwest Environmental: Blake Mellecker - First Midstate: Kevin Heid
Board Members: Steve Barr, Ron Cingrani, Jim Paulson
School Personnel: Kathy Perry, Supt.; Vern Fatlan, Custodian; Russ Farmer, Principal; Liz Peterson, Asst. Prinicpal
Advisory Committee Members: Mike Busdicker, Gianna Eber, Matt Eber, Anna Hansen, Cindie Hunt, Colin Monk, Pam Roth, Jeff Schimmel, Bill Chesareck, and Kris Torkelson.
Blake Mellecker with Midwest Environmental presented information on the abatement of asbestos containing floor tile and pipe insulation. He described the process that is involved in preparing for an asbestos abatement. A significant amount of documentation and design needs to be completed prior to the abatement. The actual abatement job would also need to be publicly bid. He explained that the abatement would need to take place prior to construction since contractors cannot be present in an abatement area until air quality tests are completed. He also talked about phasing the abatement over breaks in the school year. Partial abatements could take place over the summer, Christmas break, and Spring break. It is possible that a partial abatement could take place this summer if decisions are made soon. Once the asbestos containing floor tiles are removed, classes would be held on concrete until the construction renovation is completed the next year. He explained that he has been involved in many similar projects. The timing for the abatement of pipe insulation needs to take into consideration the importance of insulation during the heating season. The architects and engineers are currently looking into options involving the rewrapping of pipes and reusing existing main lines. We are also considering the feasibility of waiting to abate the insulation until after next year’s heating season on portions of the heating system that would need be to be demolished.
The committee then toured the building to see the items that have been pointed out in the Life Safety Survey. The locations of asbestos containing floor tile and pipe insulation were also pointed out. Nikki also talked about options for the gym floor including total replacement or a coating similar to what was done five years ago at a cost of approximately $35,000. If the current floor were replaced, options include a new wood floor, synthetic poured floor, or rolled rubber product floor.
Nikki Bridges then provided copies of the Life Safety Survey that listed all violations as well as cost estimates to repair each violation. The total cost to complete all repairs is just over $2,000,000.
Kevin Heid from First Midstate was present to talk about different methods of financing construction projects including life safety, building additions, and entire buildings. He explained that after the approval process has been completed with the State of Illinois, Life Safety Bonds can be issued to pay for life safety repairs. These bonds could be structured so that the tax rate does not increase. He also explained several ways to finance a building addition including those methods that increase the tax rate (Working Cash Bonds or Funding Bonds) and those that if circumstances go as predicted should not increase the tax rate (Debt Certificates or Alternate Revenue Bonds). He explained the importance of the legal debt limit when considering funding projects. Saratoga’s current debt limit is over $10,000,000. Considering current outstanding bonds in the amount of $985,000, the district has the capacity to issue approximately $9,000,000 in additional bonds. Mr. Heid also informed the committee about current outstanding bonds as well as corresponding tax rate. After tax year 2008 (fiscal year 2009-10) all current bonds will be paid.
Finally, Nikki Bridges presented a proposal to complete a Facility Master Plan Study at a cost of $14,000. She explained that she had already informed the School Board about the proposal. Members of the committee recommended that the School Board approve the proposal by Gilfillan & Callahan to complete the Facility Master Plan.
Mrs. Perry plans to schedule the next meeting in approximately three weeks.
Kathy Perry
Superintendent
Created 4-3-06
Saratoga School Morris, Il. 60450