Chambana Sun

Champaign County Board Facilities Committee met Sept. 5.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

Committee Members 

 Present: Stephanie Fortado, Elly Hanauer-Freidman, Mike Ingram Jennifer Locke, Jenny Lokshin, Bethany Vanichtheeranont, Jeff Wilson

Absent: John Farney

County Staff: Steve Summers (County Executive), Kyle Patterson (County Board Chair), Mary Ward (Recording Clerk)

Others Present: Larry Evans and Bryant Seraphin (ILEAS), Scot Wachter (IGW Architecture), Karla Smalley (Bailey Edward Architecture), Austin Barton (Broeren Russo Builders, Inc.), Joshua Robertson (Carpenter’s Local 243) and Matt Brown (PJ Hoerr Construction) 

Agenda 

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

Committee Chair Lokshin called the meeting to order at 6:31 p.m. Roll call was taken and a quorum was declared present.

II. Approval of Agenda/Addenda

MOTION by Mr. Ingram to approve the agenda; seconded by Ms. Locke. Upon voice vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

III. Approval of Minutes – August 8, 2023

MOTION by Ms. Hanauer-Freidman to approve the August 8, 2023 minutes; seconded by Mr. Wilson. Upon voice vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

IV. Public Participation

There was no public participation.

V. Communications

There were no communications from the board.

VI. New Business

A. Update on ILEAS Remodel Project, Funded by ILEAS – Larry Evans, ILEAS Executive Director, Bryant Seraphin, ILEAS Chief of Staff, and Scot Wachter, IGW Architecture Work began on August 21 for the asbestos removal. Felmley-Dickerson will be doing the general contractor work on the interior of the building and currently negotiating with Open Road as the main contractor for the work being done on the parking lot. All the improvements can only serve to better the building without any cost to the county itself. Phase I should finish in March and will include expansion of classroom areas, the parking lot, and some improvements in the basement. Phase II will include some new construction, in addition warehousing, storage, training facilities and a larger auditorium. Mr. Wilson asked about the timeline for completion. Phase I should finish in March of next year and Phase II is contingent on funding. Phase II could be broken down into smaller phases. Discussion followed on the labor pool for the project and if any of their training schedules would be altered due to the project.

Mr. Evans wanted to thank Dana. He’s been excellent to work with as well as the county maintenance crew that takes care of the building. They are all great to work with. Mr. Brenner suggested that once the asbestos abatement is done, to do a tour of the facility, possibly prior to the October or November meeting.

Ms. Vanichtheeranont arrived at 6:40 p.m.

B. Update on ITB #2022-008 County Plaza Renovation Project – Bailey Edward Design – Karla Smalley, and Broeren Russo – Austin Barton

Mr. Barton shared photos and gave a brief progress update on the project. Exterior paining has started with a prime coat and next week should be able to start with the finish topcoat. Roof top and roof work is ongoing; Phase I went well, weather pending, Phase II should start next week. Interior and exterior block work is nearing completion. Mechanical equipment is starting to arrive and will start to install those.

The question was asked about when the boiler would be set and what type they were. They’ll be set this week and they are powered by natural gas. It was asked if any solar power would be used. Mr. Brenner said it was looked into and with the roof design, it wasn’t feasible. The HVAC is all high efficiency. Ms. Lokshin asked how utilities will compare to Brookens. It’s really hard to say at this point. The new building will be pretty airtight.

Ms. Fortado asked when we anticipate moving in. They are hoping the building will be done in May, possibly June or July. We do have an elevator issue. The elevator project has been bid out and OTIS was awarded the contract. They are saying 60 weeks, once the contract is signed, so that’s a little over a year from now. Ms. Fortado also asked about the move and new furniture. The move will be bid out. Funds were placed in the Facilities budget to cover the move. Still looking at new furniture and will put together a plan. Mr. Summers added that we had acquired some used furniture from Health Alliance from when they were at Lincoln Square.

Discussion moved onto what is being done to increase the minority labor force. Once the roofing work is complete, they hope to see the number of minorities increase. They are also participating in a Job Fair on September 20 and the ‘She Said’ project on September 8 and 9.

Joshua Robertson, Carpenter’s Local 243, spoke and said they are working relentlessly on increasing minority participation in the trades. They attend every job fair, and community college and high school program, etc. trying to recruit and increase the minority numbers in the trades.

Ms. Fortado asked for chart that would show the total number of workers, females, and minorities for the cumulative prior month’s payroll, the current month payroll and then a grand total. If veteran’s numbers are available, those could be added too. She would like this in the packet every time.

Committee members suggested other programs for recruiting and that they have contacts to help facilitate connections. Ms. Fortado also mentioned the program at Parkland that is funded by the state and the Youth Build program at Public Housing. She felt maybe the board could do more for workforce development.

C. Update on ITB#2022-009 Satellite Jail Consolidation – Reifsteck Reid Architecture – Chris Bieser, and PJ Hoerr Construction - Matt Brown (Pay Application #5 and Drone Photos attached)

Matt Brown gave an update on the Jail project. He shared some pictures of the site. Primarily, there are two things going on onsite, masonry and installation of all the steel. They hope to have the roof on in October. They are happy with the progress.

Ms. Fortado asked what they had been doing to increase female and minority participation and asked for the same numbers as discussed earlier. They are partnering with several different groups and are sponsoring the ‘She Said’ project and participating in the Job Fair on September 20. They are investing in the workforce of the future.

VII. Other Business

A. Semi-annual Review of CLOSED Session Minutes

B. Approval of closed Session Minutes from October 4, 2022

MOTION by Ms. Vanichtheeranont to approve the October 4, 2022 closed session minutes and for the closed session minutes to remain closed; seconded by Mr. Ingram. Upon voice vote, the MOTION CARRIED unanimously.

VIII. Presiding Officer’s Report

A. Future Meeting – October 3, 2023 @ 6:30pm

IX. Designation of Items to be Placed on the Consent Agenda

There were no items to be placed on the Consent Agenda.

X. Adjournment

Ms. Lokshin adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.

https://www.co.champaign.il.us/CountyBoard/CF/2023/230905_Meeting/230905Minutes.pdf