CLC Board awards contract to construct new science building
The College of Lake County board of trustees on Nov. 18 approved awarding a $24.08 million contract to construct a new science building on the Grayslake Campus to Path Construction Co., of Arlington Heights. When completed, the new building will house classrooms and labs for programs in engineering; lasers, photonics and optics; and chemistry. The construction also will include renovations to the C Wing on the Grayslake campus for new anatomy and physiology labs and classrooms.
"The new building will enhance our instructional programs in science and technology fields, which is extremely important because studies show that career opportunities will be greatest for graduates in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math). We need to ensure that our students are well-prepared for these jobs," said Board Chairman Amanda Howland following the meeting.
Construction of the science building is scheduled to begin in March or April 2015 and to be completed in July 2017, according to David Agazzi, vice president for administrative affairs.
The project is the first major component of the college's $148 million Sustainable Campus Master Plan to enter the construction phase.
The Master Plan will expand and modernize facilities on all three of CLC's campuses. In addition to the new science building, components on the Grayslake campus include repairs to the aging heating and air conditioning system, renovation of the B and C Wings to create a student services center, a new cafeteria, classroom technology upgrades and a geothermal plant and loop to save on energy costs. Work at the Lakeshore Campus in Waukegan will include a major new building and renovations of existing space. At the Southlake Campus in Vernon Hills, a new chemistry classroom addition will be constructed.
The cost of constructing the Master Plan will be paid through a combination of college reserves, college-funded bonding and state funding. The State of Illinois will pay three-quarters of the cost of constructing the science building and the Lakeshore Campus expansion.
Procurement and payment policies revised
The trustees approved revising the college's procurement policy to open up more opportunities for local, small and disadvantaged businesses. Among the changes is the setting of a $50,000 threshold for requiring a 10 percent bid bond. Previously, bid bonds were required for all construction contracts, which could be an impediment for small businesses seeking college work, according to David Agazzi, vice president for administrative affairs.
The trustees also approved a revised policy on payment and invoice approvals. Starting in December, the board will receive a monthly list of invoices to approve. However, the vice president for Administrative Affairs is authorized to release payroll payments and student aid refunds before board approval and approve payments to ensure continued operation of college programs and to avoid late charges. Invoices paid prior to board approval will be approved at the following month's board meeting.
Finally, to promote sustainability, the board approved revisions to the policy on disposal of damaged or obsolete equipment. The revisions call for the board to approve an itemized list of property before disposal. Items set for disposal must be advertised for public sale, and items not sold will be offered for donation to in-district public schools and then can be made available to the general public. The revisions also allow the college to dispose of hazardous material or property before board approval for safety reasons, with board ratification following disposal.
2014 tax levy approved
The board approved a resolution adopting a tax levy for the 2014 tax year of $66.58 million, a 3.3 percent increase from the $64.47 million extension for 2013. The total proposed levy would increase taxes by 3.3 percent.
The Lake County Clerk will determine the actual amount of taxes to be extended on the 2014 levy after applying the tax cap formula, including adding new property to the tax base. The college anticipates that the tax rate for capped funds in 2014 will be approximately 29.6 cents per $100 of equalized assessed valuation, up slightly from the 28.8 cent rate in 2013.
The impact of the 2014 levy on a taxpayer with a home valued at $300,000 will be $10 per year or 83 cents per month, according David Agazzi.
Purchasing
Under biddables, the trustees approved awarding a contract for $74,940 to Iskalis American Floor Show of Gurnee for new floor coverings.
Under non-biddables, the trustees approved:
A contract for $41,950 with Angle Park Inc. of Chicago to produce a series of new cable television ads and video for use on the college's website.
A contract for $95,633.34 with Computer View Inc. of Arlington Heights to provide HP server equipment.
Contracts
The board approved amending the college's agreement with PACE Suburban Bus, agreeing to allow the college to serve as a bus hub for a 10-year period. The trustees approved an agreement with PACE on July 23, 2013, allowing the use of Parking Lot 6 as a parking area during bus drivers' breaks. The parking lot has sustained damage from this use and PACE has agreed to pay for necessary repairs.
2015 meeting dates set
The trustees set their meeting schedule for 2015, with regular meetings to be held on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. on the Grayslake campus except as noted: Jan. 27; Feb. 3 (finance retreat); Feb. 24; March 24 at Southlake Campus; April 28, May 19 (third Tuesday); June 23 (committee of the whole meeting on technology planning); June 23; July 28 at Lakeshore Campus; Aug. 25; Sept. 1 (fall planning retreat); Sept. 22; Oct. 27 at Lakeshore Campus; Nov. 17 (third Tuesday); and Dec. 15 (third Tuesday).