Monroe County Community College has placed a request for a zero-increase renewal of its five-year maintenance and replacement millage on the Nov. 3 ballot.
That millage was passed by Monroe County voters in 2016, allowing that MCCC to implement Phase 1 of a plan to meet critical facility and technology needs.
The renewal, which the college has named the “Zero-increase Millage Renewal for Maintenance and Replacement,” will be for five more years to implement Phase 2 of improvements to infrastructure and facilities at both Main Campus in Monroe and the Whitman Center in Temperance.
This ballot request is not a new tax, and for a home with a value of $100,000, the cost of will continue to be less than $4 per month. The renewal will levy .85 mill – $0.85 per $1,000 of taxable value – for a period of 5 years beginning in 2021 and ending in 2025.
The college has developed an informational website for the millage renewal, www.monroeccc.edu/millage.
The projects covered by the Zero-increase Millage for Maintenance and Replacement fall into five categories:
- Updating the Student Services and Learning Environments. Renovate areas in facilities across campus to maintain and improve the student services and learning environments, including collaboration spaces, classrooms, labs, offices, dining areas, the Bookstore and more.
- Safety. Enhance and improve safety and security across campus, including completion of a campus-wide, interior and exterior door access control system project, new lighting systems both inside and outside, and installation of fire suppression equipment throughout all buildings.
- Accessibility. Bring all facilities up to standards for people with disabilities and other special needs, including installation of accessible restrooms and entryways, proper elevator access and accessible door hardware.
- Efficiency. Complete the upgrade of the IT network infrastructure, including the wireless network, fiber optic network and uninterruptible power supply; improve cellular connectivity; implement remote document management, and connect remaining buildings to the existing geothermal HVAC system.
- Deferred Maintenance. Ensure and maintain the quality of facilities through the repair/replacement of doors, windows, roofs, parking lots and other outdated infrastructure.
Below is an overview of the maintenance and replacement projects covered by the initial millage (Phase 1, 2016-2020) and those that would be covered by the Zero-increase Renewal for Maintenance and Replacement (2021-2025):
Audrey M. Warrick Student Services/Administration Building
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of campus-wide emergency generators.
- Overhaul and expansion of security camera systems.
- Installation of a keycard door security system in all buildings.
- The roof was restored.
- Renovation of the cafeteria serving area into a new Market Twenty 4 Seven self-service dining option for students and staff was completed.
- Creation of a Diversity and Equity Center is in the architectural planning phase. It will be housed in the former art faculty office and framing/storage room adjacent to it. The art program has moved to the new Founders Hall.
- Renovation of space on first floor to house Student Government and student clubs and organizations.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Creation of a state-of-the-art space designed specifically for a one-stop, highly accessible experience for career/major exploration, admissions, counseling/advising, financial aid, registration and student financial services.
- Installation of an elevator that is accessible to students and visitors with physical disabilities; elevator access to the building's lower level is only accessible via a freight elevator in a restricted area. MCCC’s central student activities area, The Cellar, is in the lower level.
- Renovation of the Bookstore and administrative suite for safety and security reasons, as well as improved student service.
- Renovation of the Dining Room, including an upgrade to the A/V system.
- Physical and technological improvements to classrooms and conference rooms.
- Renovation to the culinary arts program facilities.
- Replacement of exterior ramps and steps at all entrances.
- Replacement of flooring.
- Painting.
- Replacement of exterior sealants (joints and penetrations).
- Retrofitting door hardware to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
- Installation of fire suppression equipment.
Campbell Learning Resources Center
2016-2020: Phase 1: Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion of security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- Renovation and restoration of the former Little Theater, which was renamed the Dr. John Holliday Theater upon its reopening, was completed in January 2020, and includes new features like a state-of-the-art rear projector and screen, accessible ramps, accessible seating, A/V booth, sound and lighting board, ceiling, acoustical treatments and LED lighting.
- The addition of a single-use restroom was completed.
- Renovation of the second floor to improve the learning environment and add student study rooms and collaboration spaces, classrooms, a writing lab, and a gallery for students and the public is in the planning phase, with construction planned for 2021.
- Improvement of accessibility from first-floor elevator to other floors is in the planning phase, with construction planned for 2021; currently one must access the elevator externally through the loading dock, as access is barred by the circulation desk and a security door. This is a major issue for those with physical disabilities.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Renovation of the Library, including an expansion for student study rooms
- Physical and technological improvements to lower-level classrooms.
- Replace exterior sealants, joints and penetrations.
- Waterproofing and louver replacement in the basement.
- Replacement of exterior sealants (joints and penetrations).
- Retrofitting door hardware to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
- Installation of fire suppression equipment.
- Coating of interior of existing galvanized domestic cold water piping.
Campus-wide
2016-2020: Phase 1: Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of campus-wide emergency generators.
- Overhaul and expansion of security camera systems.
- Installation of a keycard door security system in all buildings.
- Renovation of parking lots 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.
- Repairs to sidewalks across Main Campus (about 20 areas).
- Installation of single-use restrooms throughout campus.
- Renovation of IT rooms throughout campus.
- Replacement of the campus phone system.
- Replacement of and upgrades to network electronics.
- Replacement of and upgrades to wireless network.
- Installation of interior digital signage.
- Performance of fiber optic loop redundancy work.
- Installation of cellular DAS solution to improve cell phone reception on campus.
Phase 2: Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Renovation of parking lots 3 and 7 and the parking lot at the Whitman Center in Temperance.
- Completion of installation of a keycard door security system in all buildings.
- Connecting the remaining facilities still utilizing boiler systems to the existing geothermal HVAC system.
- Installation of additional security cameras.
- Additional repairs of sidewalks.
- Replacement of/upgrade to campus sound systems.
- Implementation of campus-wide remote document management (paperless scanning).
- Refresh of the uninterruptible power supply for guaranteed protection for connected electronics.
- Transitioning of all campus lighting systems to LED lights.
- Completion of the replacement of/upgrades to network electronics.
- Completion of the replacement of/upgrades to wireless network.
- Completion of performance of fiber optic loop redundancy work.
Career Technology Center
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Overhaul and expansion of the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Upgrades to the technology in classrooms
Founders Hall (Former East and West Technology Buildings)
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- The East and West Technology buildings – two 1960s-era buildings – were renovated and expanded into a single, modern facility specifically designed to foster student success. The combined facility now houses numerous support services, state-of-the art classrooms, computer labs and work spaces, an abundance of adaptable student lounge and collaboration spaces, private student group work areas, several college departments and programs, and more. The renovation cost was about $9 million, with $5.25 million funded by Phase 1 of the Maintenance and Improvement Millage and $3.75 million by the state of Michigan. In addition, the renovation also included:
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion of the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- Installation of single-use restrooms.
- Restoration of the roof on the west half of the building.
- Replacement of exterior sealants (joints and penetrations).
- Retrofitting existing door hardware to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
- Installation of a fire suppression system.
- Coating of interior of existing galvanized domestic cold water piping.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- None
Gerald Welch Health Education Building
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- Installation of a sound system in the multipurpose room.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Expansion and renovation of the facility to meet current programming demands and health care program expansion opportunities.
- Replacement of exterior metal cladding system.
- Replacement of exterior door/window framing system.
- Renovation of atrium for improved student collaboration and learning.
- Renovation of office suite for improved efficiency and security.
La-Z-Boy Center
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system in all buildings.
- Exterior masonry was cleaned and sealed; exterior sealants (joints and penetrations) were replaced.
2021-2025 Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Upgrades to technology in classrooms and the atrium.
Life Sciences Building
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion of the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- Major exterior structural repairs were made to the Life Sciences Building to prevent the eventual collapse of connecting masonry ribs. Fifty masonry panels were removed that each weighed approximately 8,000 pounds. The masonry panels, which provided shade from the sun, were replaced with a modern exterior facade system that more effectively serves this purpose.
- Because the Life Sciences Building lacked adequate, modern space outside the classroom for students to work both collaboratively and independently, the college expanded the west side of the Life Sciences Building to include a new student collaboration wing.
- Single use restrooms were installed.
- Replacement of/upgrades to classroom technology were made.
- Classrooms and lecture halls were renovated.
- Renovation of first and second floors to improve accessibility.
- Retrofitting of door hardware to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
- Installation of fire suppression equipment.
- Coating of interior of remaining existing galvanized domestic cold water piping.
2021-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Additional upgrades to faculty and student work spaces.
Physical Plant Building
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion of security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- Architectural design was completed for maintenance garage/salt storage facility.
2020-2025: Phase 2 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Renovation of the grounds/maintenance facilities.
- Construction of a maintenance garage/salt storage facility.
- Coating of interior of remaining existing galvanized domestic cold water piping.
- Replacement of doors.
- Replacement of exterior sealants (joints and penetrations).
- Restoration of the Physical Plant Building roof.
Whitman Center – Temperance
2016-2020: Phase 1 Maintenance/Improvement Millage Projects
- Installation of an emergency generator.
- Overhaul and expansion of the security camera system.
- Installation of a keycard door security system.
- The Whitman Center roof was restored.
- A new garage roof was installed.
- The tower and exterior entryways were repaired and painted.
- Structural remediation monitoring
2021-2025 Phase 2: Maintenance/Improvement Millage Renewal Projects
- Performance of structural remediation work due to sinking support columns.
- Renovation of interior to improve the learning environment, including classrooms and labs.
- Replacement of flooring.
- Renovation of parking lot and sidewalks.
- Cleaning and sealing of exterior masonry.
- Replacement of exterior sealants (joints and penetrations).
- Replacement of window sills and sealants.
- Upgrade of Whitman Center HVAC system to geothermal.
For more information about MCCC’s Zero-increase Millage Renewal for Maintenance and Improvement, go to www.monroeccc.edu/millage or contact Joe Verkennes, director of marketing and communications, at (419) 734-384-4207 or jverkennes@monroeccc.edu.
About Monroe County Community College
Founded in 1964, Monroe County Community College is a public, two-year institution supported by tax monies from Monroe County, educational funds from the State of Michigan and student tuition. The college’s mission is to enrich lives in our community by providing opportunity through student-focused, affordable, quality higher education and other learning experiences. The Main Campus is located at 1555 South Raisinville Road, Monroe, Mich., 48161, with easy access to Toledo and Detroit. The Whitman Center is located in Temperance, Mich., 48182, near the Ohio-Michigan Border. Detailed information about MCCC is available at www.monroeccc.edu.
