Pekin Board of Education chooses Carl A. Nelson as Construction Manager for potential building projects

            The Pekin Board of Education approved a contract with Carl A. Nelson and Company of Burlington for construction manger services during their regular monthly meeting on Monday, January 9.

            Carl A Nelson was among three firms invited to present to the Board during their last meeting On December 12, where they emerged as a potential candidate to navigate the district through potential building projects if the bond resolution on February 9 were to pass. Superintendent Dave Harper made the recommendation for this company because their work with nearby districts and felt they are a “user friendly firm.”

            “[Carl A. Nelson] had by far the best cost to the district,” Harper said. “The Board and I talked about who we liked and I told them I would bring them a recommendation of who I felt met their needs. I brought this recommendation to them, and they approved it.”

            In contract, it states that if the bond resolution were not to pass in the community, Pekin could walk away from the contract without owing Carl A. Nelson anything. The company will begin by assisting the Board by bringing in three or four architects to the school for a work session on January 25 for consideration.

            “The architects and Carl A. Nelson will take the Board’s vision and build a plan, including graphs and sketches,” Harper said. “The Board will evaluate and determine the plans, but won’t take a vote that night. Our plan is to have a recommendation by the February 13meeting.”

            While price was close between Carl A. Nelson and Estes Construction out of Davenport, the former’s presentation in December was what the Board appreciated about the company. Multiple districts also had Carl A. Nelson come back to their schools for other projects as well.

            “This is a great choice for the Board’s vision and intent,” Harper said. “They have worked with neighboring districts like Fairfield, Mid-Prairie and Van Buren, which made them my choice for recommendation to the Board.”