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Welding lab work to go forward at BTC

JANESVILLE — A critical remodeling project at Blackhawk Technical College will go forward with no changes, even though bids were much higher than expected.

The BTC Board approved the creation of a new lab to teach welding at its meeting Monday night.

The welding lab is one of BTC’s highest priorities, according to a memo in the board’s agenda packet.

Welding skills are in high demand both locally and nationwide, and the gap between jobs and those available to fill them is expected to grow as a generation of welders retires.

The conversion of the old auto-repair area at the main campus into a welding lab will go forward at a cost that is $378,200 more than originally budgeted.

The board had budgeted 450,000 for the project. The lowest bid was $828,200, by Gilbank Construction.

In addition to that cost, the welding project includes $127,000 for relocating equipment and buying new equipment, $25,200 for workstation materials and $53,000 to fund a faculty position that formerly was covered by a grant.

The administration also is budgeting an additional $79,500 as a contingency fund for the welding project.

Walker said the administration hopes not to have to dip into the contingency fund but thought it was wise, given “the volatility of the construction industry.”

The board at its previous meeting directed the administration to consider options, including finding ways to reduce costs.

The administration recommended cutting air conditioning and other items from the project, to save $33,750, but the board rejected those ideas.

The board also rejected the postponement of improvements in a campus heating/ventilation/air conditioning, which would have freed up $190,000 for the welding project, said BTC spokesman Len Walker.

To fund the project, the board agreed to:

-- A one-time transfer from the general fund’s fund balance of $217,350. The administration assured the board that this was a prudent move.

-- Putting off $16,600 in other capital projects.

-- Using anticipated savings in the 2007-08 budget.

BTC President Eric Larson said the work will begin as soon as possible. He hopes to have the new lab ready for use in January 2009.

OTHER BUSINESS

In other business Monday, the Blackhawk Technical College Board unanimously:

-- Agreed to borrow $2.5 million and to levy taxes to pay back the general obligation promissory notes. The money is to be used for building improvements and equipment purchases. The notes are scheduled to be paid off in 2018.

-- Approved pay raises for part-time instructors ranging from 4 percent to 8 percent, in an attempt to eliminate “deficiencies” in pay rates, as determine by a consultant’s marketplace study. The change affects 300 part-time instructors and will cost $71,192 in the coming school year.

-- Recognized math/economics instructor Jim Rich, who is retiring after 15 years with the college.