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Chisholm board approves design contract and change orders for shared city–school bus garage
Summary
The Chisholm Public School District board approved a contract with Design Group, Inc. and several change orders to build a shared city–school bus garage and to renovate existing facilities, funded by a mix of IRRB and referendum funds. The project aims to improve bus safety and storage while sharing fuel and maintenance infrastructure with the city.
The Chisholm Public School District board voted to approve an architectural and engineering contract with Design Group, Inc. and to authorize multiple change orders to advance a shared city–school public works bus garage. The board said the project is intended to reduce duplicated infrastructure and improve safety for bus drivers and the public.
Design Group representative Mackey told the board the facility is a simple post-frame, drive-through garage with a wash bay, restrooms and secure card access. Mackey said the design includes two drive-through entrances to reduce bus turning maneuvers, 60-foot deep stalls and 12-foot-wide doors so full-size district buses can be accommodated. "It's kind of end up being a very unique situation between the city and the school district," Mackey said, describing shared fueling and storage efficiencies.
Superintendent Perkovich and board members noted soil testing has been completed and that MPCA release records were found, which sped early site work. Perkovich said the district and the city will share project management responsibilities, with one manager overseeing the city side and the district managing design and construction on the school side. Board members discussed contractor availability and a timeline that could allow work to proceed over the winter, with district occupancy anticipated in the June–July timeframe if schedules align.
The board approved the design contract (motion by Director Lappe) and separately approved bid documents and specifications for the project. The board also authorized several change orders:
- JK Mechanical & Electrical Contractors: HVAC work on the existing bus garage — $71,915 (referendum funds). - JK Mechanical & Electrical Contractors: electrical work for the bus garage — $22,250 (referendum funds). - TNT Construction Group: interior hallways and ceilings renovation (Area D and district office hallways) — $44,240 (referendum funds). - TNT Construction Group: exterior auditorium stairs replacement — $24,900 (IRRB funds). - T and T Construction Group: new windows in the existing bus garage — $84,089 (IRRB funds).
Board members emphasized design choices meant to improve safety (avoiding backing of buses) and long-term maintainability (simpler heating via gas-fired unit heaters, above-ground fuel tanks). A board member asked whether public meetings had been held; presenters said required public processes had been completed and that the district board had voted on its portion.
The board approved the motions with no recorded roll-call tallies beyond verbal "aye" votes. Next steps include finalizing bid timing, confirming contractors, and completing legal documents regarding land ownership and a proposed joint land agreement between the city and the district. The board also noted ongoing work by city and district legal teams to clarify ownership and lease/payment options for the joint site.
The contract and change orders were approved at the meeting; staff will return with bid timing, final documents and any further change orders as needed.
