Logan County Board Building & Grounds Committee
Members hear updates on the Logan County courthouse and Latham Park Bandstand Pavilion
DeRoss shares that Emily Davenport has resigned from the county board due to relocation out of district six

 

[November 11, 2024] 

On November 6th, the Logan County Board’s Building and Ground Committee held its monthly meeting in the Blue Room at the Logan County Safety Complex. The meeting kicked off at 5:30 p.m. and was filled mostly with an update to the Logan County Courthouse.

Attendance was taken, and present were Chairman Jim Wessbecher, Michael DeRoss, and Kathy Schmidt. Hannah Fitzpatrick was contacted and relayed that she was unable to make it. Others not in attendance were Bob Sanders and Emily Davenport. Having only three members present typically means that a quorum was not made, meaning the meeting could not take place. However, it was shared that Davenport is no longer on the committee. Seeing as how it is now a five-member committee, the three members present constituted quorum.

After the meeting, DeRoss shared that Davenport moved out of District six, forcing her to resign her position on the County Board entirely. When asked what this meant for the future of her position, DeRoss shared a few details. Firstly, Davenport’s replacement must be from District 6 and of the same political party. The replacement is to be nominated by the Chairman (DeRoss) and approved by the rest of the board. As of November 6th, no replacements were yet being considered.

After attendance was taken, old business was discussed. The two items on the agenda were live music being performed at the Logan County Courthouse, specifically in the rotunda and on Pulaski Street during the carriage rides, and the live Nativity scene that was being suggested for Latham Park. Kathie Williams, owner of Small Town Creations, was the person who brought both of these items to the committee in a previous meeting. Wessbecher said that since he had not heard anything from Williams or anyone regarding these two items, he was going to remove them from the agenda.

Then the committee moved on to new business. Bill Walter gave an update on the progress of the courthouse restoration. According to Walter, the third floor is in the final stages of being restored. Technology and communications devices are currently being reinstalled so the floor can get back to normal business.

The drawings for the work that is to be done on the first and second floors are being reworked. Modifications were needed for the judge’s bench on the third floor, and these modifications are being reflected in the second and first floor courtroom drawings. Walter also shared that the leaks in the roof have been fully repaired. They are also currently getting bids for the lower portion of the dome. This includes “windows, stucco restoration, along with the cradle that holds the bell.” Walter shared that he will be meeting with a new contractor next week, as the first contractor’s bid was too high.

Walter then gave a brief update on the pavilion, stating that it is coming along nicely. He hopes that the capstones are going to be installed next week. Schmidt asked about the tiles that were destroyed, and if the kids that destroyed them were ever caught. Walter shared that they found replacements, but it cost $300 to purchase them. It was also shared that the Assistant State’s Attorney is currently handling the legal side of the matter.

Small things occurred after this, such as the Facilities Manager Report and the approval of bills, but nothing particularly noteworthy. The meeting was then adjourned. The Logan County Board’s Workshop Meeting will take place next week Thursday (11/14), followed by the regular board meeting the following Tuesday (11/19) Both of these will be held in the first floor courtroom of the Logan County Courthouse and start at 6 p.m. on their respective days.

[Matt Boutcher]