Logan County Board hears courthouse restoration update, temporary office move dates not set yet, and votes

 

[September 30, 2022] 

Courthouse Restoration update

Project manager Bill Walter of MRTS said crews on site are maintaining the schedule for the dome restoration. Everything is being supplied for the copper installation.

For the construction management portion, the specs and documents have been delivered. Walter has been reviewing them and will soon decide on dates for advertising for bids.

Walter has also been talking to CTS about the performance contract schedule. Once Walter knows the dates fencing will be put up and when contractors will start boring on the west side of the courthouse grounds, he will let employees know.

Potential options for office relocation during the restoration has been discussed over the past few months. Walter said moving his office out of the first floor of the Orr Building should free up what appears to more than adequate space for employees to move over and occupy the building.

When courthouse employees move over, Walter will ensure employees will still have access to the vault in the basement that holds files.

Logan County Circuit Clerk Kelly Elias asked how long she would have to get the vault in order.

Once Walter gets a schedule from CTS, he said he would know more. Walter still needs to figure out some logistics but said he would give employees eight to 10 weeks warning before they need to move. The third floor employees will be moved first. Those from the second floor and first floor will move later.

Renting office space in Regions Bank

At the Building and Grounds Committee meeting, Board Chairman Emily Davenport said the office spaces may be used for the County Board Office and Economic Development Director Office. It was noted that people are in and out of these offices all the time.

County briefs voted on:

At the Logan County Board’s Regular meeting, the board voted on several action items.
 

Planning and Zoning/Economic Development

• The board approved Planning and Zoning Committee Chairman David Hepler’s motion for a Letter of Support for Village of Elkhart TIF District Extension.

• Hepler motioned to postpone action on the Redbird and Stovepipe Solar Projects to allow attorneys time to work out procedural issues. Project updates are available in Logan County Board postpones decisions on two proposed Trajectory Energy Community Solar projects

Road and Bridge Committee update

Board member Scott Schaffenacker brought forward five motions from the Road and Bridge Committee which included:

• A list of claims for payment.

• A reimbursement agreement with Panhandle Eastern Pipeline Company. This is part of the funding for the Fifth Street project.

• Logan County Highway Engineer Bret Aukamp said the county portion will be about $47,000.

• A resolution to appropriate funding for a bridge on 600th Avenue over Prairie Creek.
 

• An engineering agreement for the design of the bridge on 600th Avenue over Prairie Creek.

• A resolution for an amendment for FY 21-22 County Highway Fund. Aukamp said the line item being amended is for the secretary’s salary. Recently, the Highway Department Secretary retired and a new one was hired. There is a $5,000 increase for the salary.

All motions were approved.

Building & Grounds Committee

Building and Grounds Committee Chairman Jim Wessbecher brought forward four motions:

A purchase of storage shed for Scully Park up to $25,000 from the Community Development Fund. Logan County Facilities Manager Chris Wilson looked at two different shed styles and sizes. This shed would store ice skates and other equipment.

The purchase of additional playground equipment for Latham and Scully Parks up to $15,000 from the Community Development Fund.

Wilson looked at various options for ADA accessible equipment. One has a combination swing in a regular swing set style. A platform for wheelchairs that has chains attached to the platform is included with this combination.

A bid from ProCore Contractors for repairs at Animal Control. ProCore’s $33,000 estimate includes lighting.

These motions were all approved.

The board's finance committee continues to work on the Fiscal Year 2022/2023 budget.

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

[Angela Reiners]