The Ohlone College Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee (CBOC) is pleased to share with the Ohlone College community this report for the fiscal year 2019-2020. The primary role of the CBOC is to monitor the expenditures associated with the college’s Measure G bond program, a $349 million Proposition 39 general obligation bond initiative, approved by district voters in November 2010.
The CBOC reviews expenditures to ensure the proceeds have been expended for the purposes set forth in the ballot language; reports on progress annually to the public; and provides a statement of compliance certifying that the college, during the reporting period, has met all of the requirements established in both the ballot language and by statute. Our annual report covers the period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020.
The committee is very pleased with the progress made during this fiscal year. The most exciting highlight of this reporting period occurred on January 24, 2020, with the much anticipated and highly celebrated grand opening of the new Academic Core Buildings. The completion of the construction and the outfitting of these new buildings with furniture, fixtures and equipment was the central project for this bond measure.
In early spring, the COVID-19 pandemic struck and the college had to adjust its academic, administrative and construction work around the restrictions imposed by this unprecedented challenge. The bond program and project management teams quickly pivoted their work to keep the bond projects moving forward. All meetings and planning activities, including the work of this oversight committee, moved to an online format. Once public health and safety orders were received, the work on the essential projects was allowed to continue on site with the health and safety guidelines and restrictions in place. As such, the Soccer Field Lighting Project Completed, the Building 9 pathway construction continued, Building 5 renovation design completed and contractor procurement finalized, the North Parking project construction continued and neared completion during this year, as did the Building 4 design and renovations. The refresh of Hyman Hall was also able to get underway, and the Geothermal Phase II project entered planning and design.
As Chair of the CBOC, I state that, to the best of its knowledge based on current auditor reports and regular reporting by the college to the CBOC, the committee finds that the Ohlone Community College District is in full compliance with the responsibilities as described in Article XIIIA, Section 1 (b) (3) of the California State Constitution, which addresses bond indebtedness incurred by a community college district.
Very truly yours,
Karen Koshy,
Citizens’ Bond Oversight Committee Chair