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Operations committee debates facility‑use fee waivers and reviews capital change orders, vehicles and security upgrades
Summary
Waukegan’s Operations Committee on March 18 debated proposed limits on facility‑use fee waivers for funerals and community events, reviewed supplementary architect fees for a retaining‑wall project and discussed vehicle purchases and security camera upgrades across district campuses.
The Waukegan CUSD 60 Operations Committee reviewed proposed revisions to the district’s facilities use manual, discussed several capital change orders and maintenance projects, and approved minutes with minor technical amendments during the March 18 meeting.
Facility use manual: Committee members and community speakers raised concerns about a proposed facilities use manual revision that would limit or condition fee waivers for large community funerals and other ceremonial uses of district property. Several board members and residents urged the district to preserve the ability to waive fees for long‑serving educators, notable alumni and other community members; one commenter cited a recent high‑attendance funeral and asked that notable individuals retain access to facilities.
Committee members asked administration to collect suggestions from board members and return a revised recommendation. Board members asked staff to provide data on how often fee waivers are granted and the amount of revenue collected from facility rentals in the prior 12 months to inform any change.
Capital projects and change orders: The committee reviewed a supplemental architect fee tied to additional construction work on a Washington Campus retaining wall project. District staff explained the architect’s fee is a percentage of construction costs and that supplemental design work associated with approved change orders created an additional contract percentage that needed board authority. Committee members underscored the importance of clear documentation and earlier communication on change orders and design‑fee impacts.
Vehicles and equipment: The operations agenda included a request to purchase three Ford Transit vehicles to serve trades staff (plumbing and facilities trades). District staff said some older vehicles will remain on the fleet while a small number of the oldest units may be placed for auction. The committee also discussed security camera replacements and upgrades at multiple campuses; board member Sabecki asked that staff break out line items more clearly (camera unit, conduit/structured cabling, installation) where proposals show different prices for apparently similar camera models.
Architect of record RFQ and other items: Staff said the district plans to advertise a request for qualifications (RFQ) for an architect of record from March 24 to April 21 with a non‑mandatory information session for prospective firms. Committee members discussed prior work by existing architects and emphasized the need for clearer coordination with city code and permitting.
Action taken: The committee approved the Operations Committee minutes (with technical amendments) and requested staff return revised language on facility‑use waivers along with rental revenue and waiver statistics. Several items on the agenda were discussed for information and will return for board action or additional documentation as requested by the committee.
