Among other business May 28, board members:
• approved one-time lump sum hazard payments of $1,000 to 51 district employees in the buildings and grounds, IT and security departments for their on-site work while district facilities were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The measure passed 5-1, with Eric Held opposing the payments, citing current economic uncertainty and other potential expenses.
“Could this money be going toward keeping somebody on the payroll in the future if things get tight enough or some sort of emergency repair?” he asked.
• approved paying $698,284 in bond premium funds for incoming water service work related to requirements from the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Hinsdale Fire Department. The premium is due to favorable interest rates as the district sells its bonds for the $139 million in voter-approved district improvements. The premium could be nearly $17 million after the third sale, and the board also discussed using the money for classroom renovation and upgrades.
• accepted a donation of 500 new desks from Twin Star Home to replace aging furniture currently utilized by staff. International Transload Logistics is donating the transportation and delivery to the district.
