Points of business will run at a rapid pace during Mendota Community Consolidated School District 289’s monthly meeting in March.

Two proposals on the Feb. 19 agenda, one dealing with the possible approval of the TIF agreement with the City of Mendota and the other having to do with the geo-thermal heating and cooling system in the proposed Lincoln School addition, were shelved until the March 18 board meeting.

It was reported that a school district lawyer was reviewing the TIF agreement language and that a board discussion and possible vote on the measure would be put off until the March meeting. Possible consideration on approval of the Lincoln state-of-the-art energy system was also tabled until next month, but other discussions centered around the new addition did take place at the Feb. 19 meeting.

Current Lincoln Principal Ernie Engstrom reported that bids for the new addition will start later than originally anticipated.

“As far as the bids opening, I’d like for it to be in April, but it looks like May,” Engstrom said of the bid processes for the new building.

Opening pre-construction, the geo-thermal system and a fire alarm system will most likely be the first items put up for bid.

Questions on the roadways and the grounds surrounding Lincoln School were also discussed as District 289 superintendent Marcia Burress reported that she spoke with City of Mendota street department head Carl Ambler concerning construction traffic.

“His (Ambler’s) biggest concern was if heavy equipment may cause damage to the streets,” Burress said about the wear the adjacent streets may incur.

Burress noted at the meeting that the school district and City of Mendota will work together to try to keep the construction traffic from damaging new, paved surfaces in the area of Lincoln.

Ambler also told Burress of a grant that was available for school sidewalk improvements, and the superintendent noted that she and the board would look into this grant opportunity.

Engstrom also addressed the board in regard to Lincoln’s playground equipment, which will be uprooted by the upcoming construction.

“We might be without swings for awhile,” the Lincoln principal said. “We will know by October how much room in back (of the school) will be used (by construction). With your permission, I’d like to put (the swings) in storage.”

The 2008-2009 school calendar was approved, and the board made a point of figuring the calendar by trying to keep it as identical as Mendota High School’s schedule. District 289’s 2008-09 calendar will start with a teacher’s institute day on Wednesday, Aug. 20. A half day session of school will take place on Aug. 21, and the first full class day is slated for Aug. 22. The district will surrender the state holiday of Pulaski’s birthday since ISAT tests will be underway during that time period.

The board will also deal with the expense of repairing the Northbrook gymnasium bleachers during the March meeting. The price range for fixing the bleachers and bringing them up to the safety code will range from $2,950 to over $10,000.

Burress also announced that the school district had acquired the funding bonds at 4.06% for the proposed Lincoln addition. The length of the bonds has been shortened from 20 to 18 years, and Burress mentioned that there will be a $2 million savings on interest.

“We hit this just right,” board president Marty Cassidy said about securing the bonds at a top-notch rate. “I hope production and construction goes this smooth. If it does, we’ll be in good shape.”