Pulaski County Commissioners Hire Contractor to Finish Courthouse Restrooms

The restrooms at the Pulaski County Courthouse should be in compliance with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act within the next two weeks. The county commissioners Monday approved a contract with White’s General Contracting to finish the project. Maintenance supervisor Jeff Johnston says three portable restrooms will be provided in the meanwhile, and notes one is ADA compliant.

The commissioners also approved the purchase of stair chairs for the courthouse, justice center and annex buildings, at a cost of just under $1,300. EMA Director Sheri Gaillard says they will be used if an evacuation is required or a medical emergency arises and a person who cannot walk needs to be moved down the stairs.

Pulaski County EMS trucks are equipped with stair chairs, but Johnston says having them in the buildings will save time in the event of an emergency response. He adds the ADA and Safety Committees both feel they are necessary.

Gaillard notes the ADA Advisory Committee does not have a budget.

She also asked the commissioners to pay for the printing of 1,000 brochures explaining the rights of citizens who need to access government buildings. Johnson says they were also developed by the ADA Advisory Committee as  a way to educate the public. Brochures will be placed in Winamac, Monterey, Francesville and Medaryville.

The commissioners agreed to pick up the $360 tab for printing and for plastic brochure holders.

Monterey Clerk-Treasurer Linda McCune is also serving on the ADA Committee, which now has representatives from each town in the county. Johnston says members are working on a training manual to help government employees understand ADA compliance.