McLean County Times

McLean County Public Building Commission met May 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

The Public Building Commission of McLean County, Illinois (the "Commission") was called to order by Chairman Novosad on May 6, 2025 in Room 404 of the Government Center, 115 East Washington Street, Bloomington, McLean County, Illinois.

Secretary Reid called the roll with the following members answering "present": Novosad, Zimmerman, Reid, Fruin, Harris, Fazzini, Johnson, Townsend, and Roller. No Commissioners were absent.

Also present were Commission Attorney Robert Porter, Commission Treasurer James Mulligan, Assistant County Administrator Tony Grant, Jamie Brownfield of CORE, Dan Joos of CORE, and Chad Frankeberger of the Farnsworth Group, Inc.

No members of the media, press, and/or radio were present.

Chairman Novosad began the meeting by presenting the Minutes of the April 1, 2025 Regular Meeting of the Commission for approval. Chairman Novosad asked if there were any questions, additions, and/or revisions to the Minutes. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked for a Motion to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes. It was moved by Mr. Fazzini and seconded by Mr. Harris that the Minutes of the April 1, 2025 Regular Monthly Meeting be approved as submitted. The Motion was unanimously approved by voice vote.

Chairman Novosad then called on Commission Treasurer James Mulligan to present the Treasurer's Report for the Fiscal Year. Mr. Mulligan began his remarks by noting that the Treasurer's Report was current through April 30, 2025. Mr. Mulligan added that the Treasurer's Report featured up-to-date interest earnings on all of the Commission's accounts except for those at Heartland Bank & Trust Co. Mr. Mulligan further relayed that the Treasurer's Report had been fully reconciled with the Commission's Fiscal Year 2024 Audit Report prepared by MCK CPAs & Advisors.

Mr. Mulligan next noted that the Commission was currently yielding an annual return of between .01% and one-percent (1%) on its checking accounts. Mr. Mulligan then indicated that the Commission was yielding an annual return of 4.25% on its CDARs account at Clock Tower Community Bank. Mr. Mulligan added that the Commission's money market account at Heartland Bank & Trust Co. was yielding an annual return of 4.21%. Mr. Mulligan further noted that the Commission had two (2) remaining Treasury Notes at Heartland Bank & Trust Co. that were yielding 2.88%. Mr. Mulligan also relayed that the Commission's money market account and Federated Account at PMA Securities, LLC. were yielding annual returns of 4.21% and 2.92%, respectively.

Mr. Mulligan further reminded the Commission that the American Recovery Plan Act (“ARPA”) funds that it received from the County were deposited in the operation and maintenance account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank. Mr. Mulligan indicated that expenses related to the Animal Control Shelter Project would henceforth be paid from this account. Mr. Mulligan nonetheless noted that the Commission's Series 2022 Public Building Revenue Bond Issue's Project Fund still contained sufficient funds to pay the Commission's rebate liability in addition to future invoices from the Farnsworth Group, Inc., Otis Elevator Co., and TEC.

Mr. Mulligan lastly directed the Commission's attention to the disbursements identified on the Treasurer's Report. Mr. Mulligan indicated that the disbursements included an added fee of one thousand nine hundred dollars and 00/100 ($1,900.00) from MCK CPAs & Advisors for their auditing work associated with the Series 2024 Public Building Refunding Bond Issue. Mr. Mulligan added that the disbursements also included the June 1st interest payments that the Commission needed to make on the Series 2022 Public Building Revenue Bond Issue as well as the Series 2024 Public Building Refunding Bond Issue.

Chairman Novosad then asked Mr. Mulligan whether he was comfortable with MCK CPAs & Advisors' added fec. Mr. Mulligan responded that he was comfortable with the increased fee.

Chairman Novosad asked if there were any additional questions or comments for Mr. Mulligan on the Treasurer's Report. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked for a Motion to approve the Treasurer's Report and proposed payments as submitted. It was moved by Mr. Johnson and seconded by Mr. Fazzini to approve the Treasurer's Report and proposed payments as submitted. Upon a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted in favor of the Motion.

Chairman Novosad next turned to the Commission's "New Business" and asked Assistant County Administrator Tony Grant to discuss the modernization of elevators in the Law & Justice Center and Old County Courthouse.

Mr. Grant began his remarks by noting that Otis Elevator Co. had fallen behind schedule due to labor shortages. Mr. Grant specifically indicated that a number of Otis Elevator Co.'s technicians were in National Guard Units that had been activated and deployed to the U.S.-Mexico border. Mr. Grant nonetheless relayed that modernization work on Jail Duplex Elevator Number Seven (7) would be finished in June 2025, modernization work on Jail Duplex Elevator Number Eight (8) would be finished in July 2025, and modernization work on Jail Duplex Elevator Number Nine (9) would be finished in September 2025. Mr. Grant then added that he was still trying to schedule elevator inspections with TEC.

Chairman Novosad then asked about the Elevator Modernization Project's substantial completion date. Mr. Grant responded by noting that the Project completion date was now November 30, 2025.

Chairman Novosad then asked whether there were any questions or comments for Mr. Grant regarding the modernization of elevators in the Law & Justice Center and Old Courthouse. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked Mr. Grant to provide a status report on the operation and maintenance of Commission-owned facilities.

Mr. Grant initially noted that all of the plumbing had been replaced in the Government Center. Mr. Grant then relayed that the County had recently completed replacing the cooling system in the IT data room in the Government Center. Mr. Grant next noted that the County was preparing to issue a Request for Proposals (“RFP") for the installation of LED lighting across the County's campus of facilities.

Mr. Fazzini asked how long it would take for the savings associated with the LED lighting to pay for the installation of said lighting. Mr. Grant responded by noting that the LED lighting installed in the Health Department Building would pay for itself in approximately eighteen (18) months. Mr. Grant indicated that the new lighting in the Law & Justice Center, by contrast, would take much longer to pay for itself.

Chairman Novosad then asked whether there were any additional questions or comments for Mr. Grant regarding the operation and maintenance of Commission-owned facilities. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked Jamie Brownfield of CORE to discuss the Animal Control Shelter Project.

Ms. Brownfield began her remarks by noting that CORE had recently begun finishing work on the new Animal Control Shelter. Ms. Brownfield then directed the Commission's attention to a power point slide concerning the construction.

Ms. Brownfield initially indicated that the third (3rd) slide included photographs of the front entrance pads and curbs. Ms. Brownfield added that the parking lot would be poured in the area around the curbs. Ms. Brownfield then indicated that Stark Excavating, Inc. had poured sidewalks around the east and north side of the building, but would be re-pouring these sidewalks as they were not done properly.

Chairman Novosad asked Ms. Brownfield whether the sidewalks had been poured too high. Chad Frankeberger of the Farnsworth Group, Inc. replied by noting that the sidewalks were poured in such a way that they created drainage issues around the new facility's exterior doors. Mrs. Roller then noted that this was a simple mistake to make in any construction project. Mr. Grant added that this was the first (1st) instance of re-work on the Project. Mr. Johnson then thanked CORE and the Farnsworth Group, Inc. for catching the error and complimented Stark Excavating, Inc. for correcting the error.

Ms. Brownfield next pointed out that the fourth (4th) slide included photographs of the AV panels, fire pump, and fire pump engine. Dan Joos of CORE then clarified that the fire pump in the photograph was a diesel fire pump. Mr. Grant added that the County's IT personnel selected the location of the AV panels.

Ms. Brownfield thereafter indicated that the fifth (5th) slide featured photographs of the interior finishes in the new Animal Control Shelter. Ms. Brownfield indicated that final coats of paint still needed to be applied to the new facility's interior.

Ms. Brownfield next relayed that the sixth (6th) slide contained photographs of the new Animal Control Shelter's grid ceilings. Ms. Brownfield added that lighting, diffusers, and registers had been installed throughout the facility.

Chairman Novosad inquired whether all of the above ceiling inspections had occurred. Mr. Frankeberger responded in the affirmative and noted that the Farnsworth Group, Inc. would conduct a final inspection before the drop tiles are placed.

Ms. Brownfield then indicated that the seventh (7th) slide featured the Project's schedule. Ms. Brownfield specifically noted that CORE was aiming to complete the installation of sidewalks and pads within a week. Ms. Brownfield then noted that millwork and door installation was underway. Ms. Brownfield added that the epoxy floors would be completed within several weeks.

Chairman Novosad asked whether CORE was still on track to meet the Project's substantial completion date of July 22, 2025 and Ms. Brownfield responded in the affirmative.

Ms. Brownfield next relayed that the eighth (8th) slide included the projected versus actual billing and the ninth (9th) slide contained information regarding the Guaranteed Maximum Price ("GMP"). Ms. Brownfield indicated that the Commission was on track to have approximately six hundred thousand dollars and 00/100 ($600,000.00) in remaining, unused allowances.

Ms. Brownfield thereafter indicated that the tenth (10th) and eleventh (11th) slides included scope to be added back into the Project in light of the Commission's remaining, unused allowances. Ms. Brownfield noted that this added scope included a shed, staff patio, sidewalk from the mechanical room to the driveway, gate for employee parking, and dog runs.

Chairman Novosad then asked Ms. Brownfield whether the added scope was still in the concept phase and Ms. Brownfield answered in the affirmative.

Mr. Fazzini then inquired whether the added scope would in fact use up the projected remaining, unused allowances. In response, Mr. Grant indicated that approximately thirty-three thousand dollars and 00/100 ($33,000.00) remained due to the Farnsworth Group, Inc., approximately two million seven hundred eighty thousand dollars and 00/100 ($2,780,000.00) remained due to CORE, approximately five thousand two hundred dollars and 00/100 ($5,200.00) remained due to Williamson Excavating, approximately three hundred twenty-one thousand dollars and 00/100 ($321,000.00) remained due to Patterson Veterinary, approximately forty-six thousand dollars and 00/100 ($46,000.00) remained due to Synder Manufacturing, approximately twenty-nine thousand dollars and 00/100 ($29,000.00) remained due to Stocks Office Furniture, and approximately one hundred forty-seven thousand one hundred fifty-two dollars and 00/100 ($147,152.00) remained due for furniture, fixtures, and equipment (“FF&E”). Mr. Grant noted that the remaining, unused allowances totaled closer to approximately seven hundred thousand dollars and 00/100 ($700,000.00). In addition to the added scope identified by Ms. Brownfield, Mr. Grant stated that the County would like to add landscaping back into the Project and would need to set aside funds for commissioning and lawn maintenance. Mr. Grant added that the County wanted to install fencing around the new facility. Mr. Grant stated that he would like to use chain link fencing with a black coating and welcomed the Commissioners' thoughts.

Mr. Fazzini noted that Luther Oaks had recently installed coated chain link fencing and that it looked very nice.

Mrs. Roller asked whether there was a warranty difference between regular chain link and coated chain link. Mr. Grant replied that he would look into this matter and report back.

Mr. Johnson then stated his view that the new Animal Control Shelter was a "first (1st)-class facility." Mr. Johnson felt that a regular chain link fence would cheapen the new facility's image.

Mr. Grant next asked the Commission how it felt about a wrought iron fence around the parking lot as opposed to a coated chain link fence. Chairman Novosad replied that he would want to see pricing on both options. Mr. Joos then indicated that he would get pricing on both options.

Mr. Townsend remarked that the Commission should take pause and reflect before it begins spending funds on items that are not functional.

Mr. Grant then added that funds needed to be set aside to move the items from the current Animal Control Shelter to the new Animal Control Shelter.

Mr. Zimmerman inquired about what would happen to the current Animal Control Shelter once the new facility is complete. Mr. Grant responded by noting that the Bloomington-Normal Water Reclamation District (“BNWRD") had expressed interest in turning the current facility into a pump station.

Mr. Fazzini asked whether the current Animal Control Shelter would need to be demolished and Mr. Grant responded in the negative.

Chairman Novosad then inquired whether a ribbon-cutting ceremony had been planned for the new facility. Mr. Grant noted that the ribbon-cutting ceremony would likely take place in late August 2025.

Ms. Brownfield lastly noted that the thirteenth (13th) slide outlined CORE's contingency use during the month of April 2025.

Chairman Novosad next asked whether there were any additional questions or comments for Ms. Brownfield, Mr. Joos, Mr. Frankeberger, and/or Ms. Taylor regarding the Animal Control Shelter Project. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked Commission Attorney Robert Porter to discuss the possible Public Building Revenue Bond Issue to fund a BNWRD Project.

Mr. Porter updated the Commission with respect to the possible BNWRD Project by noting that he and BNWRD's attorney, Elizabeth Megli, were working on a Memorandum of Understanding between the Commission and BNWRD, which Memorandum of Understanding would provide for the issuance of Bonds to fund the Project. Mr. Porter then remarked that he anticipated being in a position to update the Commission as to the status of BNWRD's new facility in the next month or two (2).

Chairman Novosad then asked whether there were any questions or comments for Mr. Porter regarding the possible Public Building Revenue Bond Issue to fund a BNWRD Project. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked Mr. Porter to discuss the Proposal from Entre Solutions II for the installation of cables in the Old Jail Elevators.

Mr. Porter indicated that the County had issued RFPs for the installation of data cables necessary to operate the audio and video feeds in the modernized Old Jail Elevators. Mr. Porter stated that the County had received three (3) responsive bids, namely: Entre Solution II's bid of eight thousand six hundred ninety dollars and 00/100 ($8,690.00), Weber Electric's bid of nineteen thousand six hundred fifty dollars and 00/100 ($19,650.00), and Seico's bid of ten thousand three hundred seventy dollars and 00/100 ($10,370.00). Mr. Porter ultimately indicated that the County had requested that the Commission approve the proposal from Entre Solutions II.

Chairman Novosad then asked whether there were any questions or comments for Mr. Porter regarding the Proposal from Entre Solutions II in the sum of eight thousand six hundred ninety dollars and 00/100 ($8,690.00) for the installation of cables in the Old Jail Elevators. Hearing none, Chairman Novosad asked for a Motion to approve the Proposal from Entre Solutions II for the installation of cables in the Old Jail Elevators. It was moved by Mr. Harris and seconded by Mrs. Roller to approve the Proposal from Entre Solutions II in the sum of eight thousand six hundred ninety dollars and 00/100 ($8,690.00) for the installation of cables in the Old Jail Elevators. Upon a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted in favor of the Motion.

Chairman Novosad next moved to the Meeting's "Consent Agenda.” Mr. Reid then moved and Mr. Fruin seconded that the following items be approved:

1. Approval of payment of CORE's Twelfth (12th) Pay Application in the sum of six hundred sixteen thousand nine hundred forty-three dollars and 77/100 ($616,943.77) from the Commission's operation and maintenance account at J.P. Morgan Chase Bank (ARPA funds). This Pay Application encompassed general conditions work performed by CORE, building concrete work performed by Knapp Concrete, steel fabrication and erection work performed by H&S Mechanical, general trades work performed by CORE, roofing work performed by Henson Robinson Co., drywall, EIFS, and interior work performed by CORE, fire suppression work performed by the Pipco Company, HVAC work performed by Reliable Mechanical, electrical work performed by Zeller Electric, and earthwork performed by Stark Excavating. This Pay Application had been reviewed and approved by Mr. Grant and the architect, and

2. Approval of payment of Williamson Excavating, LLC.'s invoices in the sum of twenty-five thousand four hundred five dollars and 00/100 ($25,405.00). This invoice encompassed installation of septic tanks and lines. This invoice had been reviewed and approved by Mr. Grant and the architect.

Upon a roll call vote, all Commissioners voted in favor of the aforementioned "Consent Agenda" items.

Chairman Novosad next turned to the Commission's "Other Business" and congratulated Mr. Fazzini for being selected as one (1) of the McLean County Historical Society's "History Makers" for 2025. Chairman Novosad indicated that Mr. Fazzini, along with others, would be honored at the History Makers Gala on June 18, 2025.

Chairman Novosad further remarked that he missed the April 1st Commission meeting because he had committed to serving as an election judge. Chairman Novosad then encouraged the Commissioners to consider serving as an election judge in the future.

There being no "Other Business" to discuss, Chairman Novosad asked for a Motion to adjourn. It was moved by Mr. Zimmerman and seconded by Mr. Townsend to adjourn. The Motion was unanimously approved by voice vote and the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/ArchiveCenter/ViewFile/Item/10946