Logan County July briefs
Courthouse Restoration Project construction management contract awarded to CTS
Animal Control Warden given authority to issue citations
Fifth Street Road design to be updated
New playground equipment for Latham Park

 

[July 28, 2020] 

At the July Regular meeting of the Logan County Board, board members voted on several motions and resolutions.

Board members present were David Blankenship, Emily Davenport, Janet Estill, Bob Farmer, Cameron Halpin, David Hepler, Steve Jenness, Chuck Ruben, Bob Sanders, Scott Schaffenacker and Jim Wessbecher. Annette Welch was absent.

Building and Grounds Committee update

The board approved Building and Grounds Chairman David Blankenship’s motion to appoint CTS as Construction Management for the Courthouse Restoration Project.

CTS is an energy services innovator who also does construction management. In the fall of 2018, CTS talked to the board a about ways the company transforms old and inefficient energy systems and facilities to make them more efficient. CTS guarantees energy savings and costs.

Construction Management will include site improvements, building construction, external building restoration, interior renovations, and plumbing and electrical work.

CTS will be provided with a letter of intent from the board, which gives them the authority to proceed with construction aspects of the project. Restoration Specialist Bill Walter and CTS will formulate a construction plan along with Blankenship and the technical committee.

Withing 45 days, Walter said they hope to be able to present plans to the board. These plans will include a scope of work, a budget and positive action plan for both the energy side and construction side of this project.

Walter said as they work on the courthouse, there would be both restoration and renovation to maximize efficiency and space utilization so neither money nor space are wasted.

Other Building and Grounds Committee motions approved:

- Option A from Becktech in the amount of $9,730.73 for videoconferencing in the courtroom.
 

- Up to $40,000 for two pieces of playground equipment for Latham Park, to include the use of insurance money.

Last summer, playground equipment at the park was destroyed when a tree fell on it. Logan County Insurance Administrator Brenda Clark said the insurance sent out a check for $37,457 to replace the playground equipment.

After looking at various playground equipment, Clark said American Parks Company seemed to be the most economical. The company had both a special deal and free shipping. The total cost of equipment is just under $38,450.

At the lower price, the county can purchase two pieces of playground equipment. The cost to the county for both pieces after insurance reimbursement would be $991.

Blankenship said the equipment will require concrete piers to be put in too.

The contractor may be able to assemble it.

With the install, Davenport said she thought the county portion may be more than $1,000.

Road and Bridge Committee update

The board approved the following three motions brought forward by Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Bob Farmer:

- An addendum to the Engineering Agreement with Hanson in the amount of $19,273 to complete the design of the 5th Street Road project.

- A resolution for an addition to the County Motor Fuel Tax Maintenance Program.

- A bid for $84,425.00 from Martin Equipment for a new backhoe.

Animal Control Committee update

The board unanimously approved Animal Control Committee Chairman Steve Jenness’s motion for the suggested changes to the city of Lincoln Animal Control Contract.
 

One change to the contract is an increase in the city’s Animal Control Fee from $42,000 to $48,000 for a 12 month period from June 1, 2020 to May 31, 2021. The city’s monthly payment will be $4,000. This contract is renewable each year with an annual increase of the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Other language added to the contract explains what services they provide, when Animal Control will respond to calls and who responds to calls after normal business hours.

The added language says, “Animal Control agrees to respond to dog running-at-large, bite cases, injured dogs or cats, [and] barking dogs during business hours. After normal business hours, Animal Control agrees to respond to dog running-at-large, bite cases, injured dogs or cats, and barking dogs at the discretion of the Lincoln Police Department and/or the Logan County Sheriff’s Office dispatch.”

Language has also been added to allow the warden to issue citations. This language says, “[t]he Animal Control Administrator is given the authority to issue Lincoln city noise violation citations and/or impoundment for dogs and cats creating a nuisance.” This is “pursuant to Lincoln city code 6-2-8.”


Transportation Committee update

Transportation Committee Chair Janet Estill brought forward the following motions:

- To approve a resolution authorizing execution of CARES ACT Grant.

The CARES ACT Grant is part of the coronavirus relief package for small businesses.

- To approve a resolution authorizing execution of Downstate Operating Assistance Grant.

The DOAP grant is one that must be reapplied for every year. It assists in the development and operation of public transportation systems.

The next Regular Logan County Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 18 at 6 p.m. on the second floor of the Orr Building at 628 Broadway.

[Angela Reiners]