McLean County Times

McLean County Property Committee met Aug. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the committee:

The Property Committee of the McLean County Board met on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. in Room 400 of the Government Center Building, 115 E. Washington Street, Bloomington, Illinois.

Members Present: Chair Krystle Able, Members Geoff Tompkins, Beverly Bell and Alex Duffy

Members Absent: Members Val Laymon and Mike O’Neil

Other Members Present: None

Staff Present: Cassy Taylor, County Administrator; Cathy Dreyer, Assistant County Administrator; Anthony Grant, Assistant County Administrator; Don Rood, First Assistant State’s Attorney; Julie Morlock, Recording Secretary.

Department Heads/Elected Officials Present: Mike Steffa, Director of Parks and Recreation; Joseph Gaither, Facilities Director

Others Present: Scott Fogler, Facilities; Dan Leary, Information Technology

Chair Able called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. and declared a quorum.

Chair Able confirmed with Administrator Taylor there were no requests to speak from the public or County employees.

Chair Able presented for approval the consent agenda including minutes from the June 6, 2025 special meeting and July 8, 2025 regular meeting and bills in the amount of $392,185.73.

Motion Bell/Tompkins prove the Consent Agenda including minutes from the June 6, 2025 special meeting and July 8, 2025 regular meeting and bills in the amount of $392,185.73.

Motion Carried.

Chair Able presented on behalf of Joe Gaither, Director Facilities Management a request to approve a contract with DewBerry for HVAC replacement at METCOM facility. Mr. Fogler noted the current system was not adequate to provide for the cooling needs of the building nor the modern equipment used, so they bid out to get engineering assistance to ensure the correct system will be purchased. Mr. Duffy asked if they normally outsource engineering for these situations. Mr. Fogler indicated they avoid it whenever possible, but when the scope of a project goes beyond their experience they reach out for assistance to ensure it is done correctly.

Motion by Duffy/Tompkins to recommend approval of a contract with DewBerry for HVAC replacement at METCOM facility.

Motion Carried.

Chair Able presented on behalf of Joe Gaither, Director Facilities Management a request to approve an Agreement with OTIS for modernization of the South Elevator in the Government Center building. Mr. Gaither noted this is a proposal for modernizing the south elevator in GC. He noted this would complete the modernization of all elevators in the building. Mr. Gaither went over the costs for each of the modernization projects.

Motion by Tompkins/Bell to recommend approval of an Agreement with OTIS for modernization of the South Elevator in the Government Center building. Motion Carried.

Chair Able presented on behalf of Joe Gaither, Director Facilities Management a request to approve an Agreement with OTIS for the replacement of the sidewalk lift at the Government Center building. Mr. Gaither noted the location of the sidewalk lift and scope of work for the project.

Motion by Duffy/Bell to recommend approval of an Agreement with OTIS for the replacement of the sidewalk lift at the Government Center building. Motion Carried.

Mr. Gaither presented his report to the Committee noting that because they replaced equipment with more energy efficient equipment energy, invoices have remained level even though there was a spike in energy costs. Ms. Able asked him to provide an update on the Fairview project. Mr. Fogler noted they received engineering bids and they are in the process of narrowing them down for the interview phase. Chair Able asked if anyone had any questions or comments; seeing none, she thanked him.

Mr. Mike Steffa, Director of the Parks and Recreation Department presented his report to the Committee. He noted the sewage treatment plant should be completed tomorrow. He let the committee know they would be applying for a grant to put in trails and natural plants at the Animal Services building. Ms. Able thanked him for his efforts to add to the Animal Services location. Chair Able asked if anyone had any questions or comments; hearing none, she thanked him.

Ms. Cassy Taylor, County Administrator indicated she had no items for the Committee.

Chair Able indicated the next meeting of the Property Committee was scheduled for Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Ms. Able asked if there was any other business to come before the Committee; hearing none, she adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m.

https://www.mcleancountyil.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08052025-979