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County board hears architect's presentation on building needs

Posted September 01, 2014 11:00 pm

By Pete Spitler The Herald Tribune

CHESTER -- In a comprehensive presentation to the Randolph County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 28, Quadrant Design, Inc. architect Michael Schneider gave a good-news, bad-news assessment of some of the county's buildings.

Schneider conducted an examination of the Randolph County Courthouse, Randolph County Jail and the Randolph County Archive Building. Termed a "physical needs assessment," the results were enlightening in many ways.

"There's a lot of things right about these buildings," Schneider said. "It's just some things have been put off for several years."

One of those things has been the courthouse roof, which is 42 years old. It was identified as one of the top priorities of Schneider's assessment.

Schneider recommended replacing the roof, adding insulation and installing additional overflow drains.

He said the additional drains can be attached to the building's existing system.

"I don't see it feasible to route new piping through five stories of building," Schneider said.

Schneider said the jail roof is in slightly better condition than the courthouse with no active leaks and that it may be economically advantageous to do both roofs at once. He estimated the roof contract could be less than $100,000.

But when Schneider got to the courthouse's heating and cooling system, the critiques were much harsher. The jail has its own heating and cooling system.

"It sounds like they've been in 'keep it running for one more year' mode for the last several years," he said. "Honeywell reported they are replacing one compressor every year and there are six compressors."

Schneider reported three out of the four air handlers in the building have rusted through in more than one spot.

"It will be substantial money," he said of replacing the system.

Board member Marc Kiehna asked what the next step was and was told Schneider will attempt to calculate an estimate and report back to the board at a later time.

In other action, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement with the Illinois Public Health Mutual Aid System.

According to the agreement, local public health departments throughout Illinois receive assistance from the Illinois Department of Public Health, but local public health departments may require the availability of assistance from other local health departments.

"If we had a public health emergency, we could reach out to our partners in Illinois," said Randolph County Health Department Administrator Thomas Smith.

The board also approved a request from Crop Production Services, Inc. to change zoning from agricultural to industrial on 15 acres of land.

The fertilizer, seed and chemical business is expanding and had been landlocked at its current location.

"I guarantee it will add jobs, maybe one or two employees," said Darrel Funk of Crop Production Services.

Randolph County Emergency Management Agency Coordinator Nancy Schilling gave a presentation about an Illinois Terrorism Task Force resource trailer that is up for sale in Jefferson County.

The trailer is loaded with generators, radios and other supplies.

"If we have to support it, we would have to budget for it," said Board chairman David Holder. "So we have to have an idea of what we're committing to it."

In a separate presentation, the board acknowledged the early retirements of Linda Beck and Jill Bert. Combined, they have 63 years of service to the county.

Bert, at 36 years, was the longest-serving employee in the courthouse.

"On behalf of the Randolph County Board, I want to thank you for your service," Holder said.

After the meeting, Randolph County Treasurer Doyle Jones told the assembled media that the second installment of property taxes, worth $19.5 million, is due Friday

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