Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Facilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hiawatha board votes 7-0 to hire Lighthouse Services for district facilities master plan
Summary
At its meeting the Hiawatha School Board approved a contract with Lighthouse Services for a facilities master-planning and owner-representation engagement. The agreement passed 7-0; board members stressed careful planning before pursuing a bond and asked staff to move quickly on an architect.
The Hiawatha School Board voted 7-0 to enter into an agreement with Lighthouse Services to produce a district facilities master plan and provide owner-representation services. The board approved the contract after an extended presentation and discussion of scope, costs and timing.
Board members said the master plan would clarify long-term facility needs and help determine whether and how to pursue a future bond measure. Lighthouse Services’ presenter described the firm as an owner’s representative that advocates for school districts during planning, architect selection and construction oversight.
The presenter, Tucker (owner's representative, Lighthouse Services), told the board that his firm charges a not-to-exceed fee for the master-planning phase (he referenced a fee line of $24,000 in the packet) and estimated that architectural work to support the master plan would likely cost in the $80,000–$100,000 range. Tucker described a three-phase approach: identify challenges and opportunities with staff and community; develop solution options with architects; and finalize the master plan and costings. He said his team typically finds value during preconstruction and buyout and offered past examples where later bidding produced substantially lower costs (one example he cited produced a $700,000 reduction on electrical work compared with an early trade selection).
Board members asked about timelines, state procurement rules and whether a bond election could be scheduled quickly. Tucker said a fast path was possible but cautioned the board about external factors: state rules governing special elections could change, and an RFQ/interview process for architects typically takes time. He recommended negotiating with architects quickly so the master plan could stay on an accelerated schedule if the board chose to do so. Several members emphasized community engagement and the need to substantiate the district’s needs before asking voters for new taxes.
After discussion, a board member moved to enter into the agreement with Lighthouse Services for master planning; another board member seconded the motion and the board approved it 7-0. Trustees said staff will return next month with the architect contract if the timeline proceeds as planned.
The board’s action authorizes the district to begin the master-plan engagement with Lighthouse Services; additional contracts with architects and any decision to pursue a bond would require further board approval.
