North Marion SD 15 board approves $163,000 asphalt contract for district fields, walkways and driveways

The North Marion SD 15 board voted Wednesday to award a $163,000 contract to K and L Industries to repave and repair athletic fields, walking paths, driveways and portions of parking areas across the district.

District staff member Linda, who presented a memo included with the agenda, said the district solicited quotes and that K and L submitted the low bid. "We were pleasantly surprised with the results of this bid process," Linda said, noting the work is a prevailing‑wage contract and the contractor reported availability to begin work shortly.

Board member Jenny asked for the full solicitation and the competing responses; staff clarified the procurement was an intermediate solicitation (for work between $25,000 and $250,000) rather than a formal RFP and said they have the other bids on file. Linda told the board another company’s quote was about $300,000.

Facilities staff described construction specifications for different areas. David said sidewalks will be "2 inches" of asphalt over compacted base. Linda read the walking-track specification: "a 6‑inch gravel base...36 loads of gravel...apply 2 inch of compacted hot asphalt over prepared area and hand‑tamped edges." For the rear driveway and some parking areas, staff proposed applying a 3‑inch layer of compacted asphalt grindings where that material already exists to improve permeability.

Board members pressed staff on maintenance and long‑term treatment. Jenny asked whether sealcoating would be required every two years; David said he "wasn't aware it needs to be reseal coated every 2 years," and another participant recommended sealcoating after one or two years. Staff said routine maintenance would come from the district’s annual maintenance budget.

On site preparation, staff said locates would be called before digging and that any necessary landscaping or utility relocations would be the district’s responsibility. Linda also said the district has accounted for accessibility by asking contractors to extend asphalt to a ramp at a handicap parking location and to improve a double‑gate access used for field equipment and emergency vehicles.

Regarding funding, Linda told the board the district already has $21,000 budgeted for the project and can cover the remainder without relying on a grant; she said the district has applied for an OEA grant that remains pending and could add about $40,000 if awarded.

Board member Jenny moved to approve the contract "for asphalt work as presented in the memo to K and L Industries." Merle seconded. The board conducted a roll‑call vote; Kelsey, Jenny, Rue and Crystal voted yes, and the chair cast the deciding yes vote. The chair announced the motion carried.

Linda said the contract did not require an immediate signature and that the passing vote was sufficient to proceed. The board closed the special meeting with brief remarks and adjourned.