Bond parameters approved for November election

By Rachel Kramer

Although there were expressions of uncertainty, the MHCCD board Wednesday night approved placing a bond measure for $58.78 million on the November ballot.

Board members Brian Freeman and Dave Shields each expressed concern over the total dollar amount and the possible uncertainty of the matching fund proposal. Both said they would support the recommendation, however, because they approve the measure as a whole.

The bond proposal will be comprised of six parts.
First, $8.5 million for increased safety by renovating parking lots, adjacent walkways, and common places, upgrading lighting and removing foliage.

An amount of $9.98 million will go toward protecting the taxpayers investment by replacing the entire roof, repairing the fascia and doing related structural, mechanical and architectural work.

During a slide show presentation, when showing pictures of the roof and the water buildup on them, MHCC President Robert Silverman said, “We have lakes, and I have a beach.”

An amount of $20.4 million will help upgrade the academic center with mechanical, electric and seismic upgrades, an asbestos abatement, the replacement of obsolete equipment, increased energy efficiency and associated structural and architectural work.

The Child Development Center will be replaced at a cost of $2.2 million.
According to Tim Eddy, the architect hired to evaluate structural needs, the college would replace the current 4,500-square-foot structure with a 6000-square-foot building. This would support approximately 90 students between the ages of one and five and meet the new accreditation standards.

An amount of $4 million would go toward refinancing the existing college debt.
Lastly, $13.7 million is contingent on receiving matching funds from state bond money. If they receive matching funding, this would go towards a facility for educational collaboration between high schools, MHCC and universities.

If the state does not match the funding, the amount will not be part of the bond.
The bond, including the matching funding, will cost taxpayers a maximum of 17 cents per $1000 assessed value and $34 per year for a $200,000 assessed value residence with a 25-year repayment term.

Among those presenting the bond proposal were members of the bond campaign team, co-chairs Fred Bruning and Tony Palermini and treasurer Mike Bennett.

Board chairperson Ralph Yates asked each of the bond campaign members what their views of the bond proposal were.

“The need is great,” Bruning said. “I would appreciate the opportunity to sell it all.”
Bennett expressed feelings that the dollar amount will not be the key issue. He said that it will boil down to a marketing campaign.

Palermini said he looks forward to the challenge, but that the message must be direct. “Instead of seismic, say earthquake,” he said. “And I think they will support refinancing out debt. They’ll get that.”

Bruning agreed, saying, “Paying off the debt is a smart financial thing to do.”

Silverman announced during the meeting that Bruning has volunteered to match dollar for dollar any funds raised for the election effort.