Board names construction manager and approves $3.6 million GMP for Sadler family baseball and softball complex phase 1

The Sycamore Community City Board of Education approved a resolution selecting Ponger Construction Group as the construction manager at risk (CMR) for the Sadler family baseball and softball complex and approved a guaranteed maximum price (GMP) of $3,600,000 for phase 1 work, which covers turf installation, perimeter fencing and conduit for future electrical work.

District staff and project lead Mark (project manager) described the work as a new-build scope rather than a renovation, which required the CMR procurement process: requests for qualifications, interviews and selection. Staff said early approval of a GMP was needed to secure long-lead items such as fencing materials and posts.

"The guaranteed maximum price that we have is $3,600,000," the presenting staff member said. Mark noted the contractor identified risks and included a contingency in the GMP (staff said the contingency was about 2% to 3%). Staff cautioned that on-site construction will reduce available parking at the high school during mobilization and that the district will coordinate with the school's parking supervisor (Ash) to manage arrival and dismissal plans.

The board recorded ayes on the roll call and the resolution carried. Staff said the board will refer to the facility as the Sadler family baseball and softball complex, acknowledged the Sadler family's contribution, and plans a ceremonial groundbreaking with athletes and donors before demolition and mobilization begin. The district expects substantial completion of the phase 1 work by August, and staff said they anticipate submitting a Guaranteed Maximum Price package to the board on the April 8 agenda for final approval of contract details.