[May 20, 2014]LINCOLN - The monthly workshop
of the Logan County Board was held on Thursday night. There were
several topics brought up for discussion by the board members in
attendance.
Logan County Safety Complex repair
Bateman also took time to gauge interest on a potential addition to
building projects being undertaken by the county. Currently, the
Building and Grounds Committee has been working on collecting bids
to replace the HVAC unit at the Safety Complex. Bateman said the low
bid so far was from Henson-Robinson at a cost of $105,000. The new
system would consist of several smaller units that would be easier
to maintain, as opposed to the large central unit currently in
place.
“While taking bids for the air-conditioning units, both companies
that bid recognized that the roof is in horrible shape,” said
Bateman. Bateman also said that there could be a possibility of
discounts in price from either company, according to communications
he has been in with said companies.
“Mr. Ruben brought up that the county could borrow money to do this
all at one time, and then we could walk away from the Safety Complex
for decades,” said Bateman, who added that the highest price noted
so far would be $300,000 for all of the work combined, but it would
likely fall closer to $250,000.
“I see us spending $500,000 trying to fix the roof and patch two
units together. I think it’s time to spend good money instead of
throwing good money after bad,” said Bateman.
Ruben clarified that counties are now allowed to borrow money from
banks, rather than bonding money for such a project. Ruben also said
that while he would like to avoid dedicating more years to paying
off a loan, it would be much easier to repair everything now rather
than work in a piecemeal fashion.
“There’s so many advantages for doing it all at once…but it’s a long
term commitment, and a big decision for the board to make,” said
Ruben.
Vice-Chairman David Hepler said it does not appear that there is
dissent among the committee over this so far, and it seems that the
committee should continue this discussion next month.
Potential new board member appointment
As part of his chairman’s report, Robert Farmer brought forward a
potential nomination for a board member to take Bill Martin’s seat.
Farmer asked David Blankenship to stand in front of the board and
say a few words.
Blankenship lives in Atlanta, and he has been an electrical
contractor for twenty-three years. “I’ve been appointed to the
Atlanta Planning Commission, and it’s no longer intact, but I
was on the Citizen’s Policing Panel for a few years,” said
Blankenship.
Blankenship said he worked with Martin for several years during
Martin’s time as the mayor of Atlanta. Blankenship also said he
had frequent discussions with Martin concerning the county and
various projects. “I learned a lot from him and his
administration,” said Blankenship.
“Bill and I had conversations periodically, and Dave’s name was
mentioned frequently, the good things he has done. That’s why I
got ahold of him,” said Farmer.
“You’ve got the best reference, coming from Bill,” said Rick
Aylesworth.
Farmer said that if the vote passes on Tuesday, Blankenship will
be sworn in this month.
Board member present at the meeting were Vice-Chairman David
Hepler; Kevin Bateman, Rick Aylesworth, Chuck Ruben, Gene Rohlfs;
Chairman Robert Farmer; and Jan Schumacher, and Emily Davenport
(replacing Terry Carlton). Andy Anderson, Andy Meister, and Pat
O’Neill were absent.
Animal Control appointment
Board member Kevin Bateman brought forward a motion to name Jane
Whiteman as the assistant warden at Logan County Animal Control.
With no discussion, a straw vote was taken, indicating that
Whiteman’s appointment will be approved.
Whiteman would be replacing Maurice Tierney as the assistant
warden of the county Animal Control due to retirement.
