A property projects review

First, the most visible: the Lawrence County Courthouse. The roof that is original to the 1974 building developed leaks that weren’t immediately noticeable, which weakened the system that holds the granite panels on the sides of the building.

We cannot know how long the problem existed, or how many panels are involved. Four have been removed and a few more suspicious ones will be. You may remember that the fountains in front of the courthouse had to be filled with gravel to allow access for removal. The fountains cannot be repaired or replaced until we address the granite issue, and crime scene tape will stay in place to keep pedestrians out of danger.

So, to the roof: The fact that it served us well as long as it did is a credit to the original planners and builders. Many buildings like our Courthouse have a HVAC system on their roofs, but ours does not and that kept foot traffic, and associated wear, to a minimum. The lightweight concrete decking was covered with a tar-and-gravel system that was the best available in its day, but it has deteriorated and caused many problems that are all too noticeable.

It is a big job that demands expert advice and execution. Commissioners chose the long-term fix proposed by Roof Design & Consulting Services Inc. of Knoxville and the low bid of $177,800 submitted by Baker Roofing of Raleigh, North Carolina. The contract is ready for that company’s signature and from that point work is required to begin within 90 days.

Plans include tearing off everything down to the roof deck and correcting any problems there, installing a new base sheet, rigid insulation, cover board, trim, and a waterproof roofing membrane. New gutters and downspouts will be installed as necessary. The skylight, a design element that fills the lobby with sunlight, will be cleaned.

Once the leaks are stopped, we can find a permanent solution for the granite panels and then, the fountain.

Our Solid Waste facility is another building suffering from leaks. The success of our recycling program required us to expand that space, and water enters between the original building and the addition. The repair option we chose is relatively inexpensive, and involves placing a gutter at the seam where the two roofs meet. This project is on hold, however, because no bids were submitted for it. This is one disadvantage of an improved economy - contractors are busy with other projects! We will re-bid this in a few weeks when the weather is cooler and contractors hopefully have more available time.

I wrote earlier this year about a storm water problem at Solid Waste that has now been corrected. The newer part of that facility sits slightly lower than the land around it, and rainwater collected at (and through) its front door. A drain was installed in that area so water is channeled away from the building and into other storm water runoff.

A proposed project at the Lawrence County Health Department that would renovate several areas and establish a dental lab is on hold. We received just one bid in June and it was above the amount budgeted for it. Like the Solid Waste facility roof, this will be re-bid in the coming weeks and we hope to get a better response.

I am very proud to report that our Criminal Investigation Division has now moved into its new building on Windsor Drive. I devoted a column several months ago to the condition of the old facility, which once served as this area’s mental health center. Brown recluse spiders and mold comprised one set of problems, threatening the health of everyone who worked there. Other issues involved the security of case files and evidence, and a simple lack of space for our investigators and the important work they do.

I’m happy to give updates about county holdings and the work we’re doing to maintain and improve them. I believe caring for taxpayer property, and the huge investment they represent, is an important part of our job as elected officials.