The Starke County Council heard from Core Facilities President Matt Stechly during their meeting last week.
In a previous Starke County Commissioners meeting, the commissioners received a feasibility study on the county’s buildings from Core Facilities. The feasibility study found several areas of concern to the county’s buildings. Stechly separated the proposed projects in order of what was most important first.
He stated project one concentrated on the second floor of the Starke County Courthouse. It has been an issue for some time controlling the temperature on that particular floor. It was suggested by Core Facilities to have an air conditioning ductless system installed on the second floor. It was advised this option would be more cost effective than having a full HVAC system replacement throughout the whole building.
Along with the ductless system, the restrooms, carpet and fresh paint were all suggested to be done as one package for the second floor of the Starke County Courthouse.
The second project suggested dealt with the Starke County Annex building. It was advised the building’s foundation had major spalling in areas. The walkways were pointed out to have uneven areas giving tripping hazards from a liability standpoint.
The third project brought forth to the commissioners by Core Facilities was new roofs for the courthouse, the annex building and the maintenance warehouse. The maintenance warehouse roof is in the worst shape out of the three with the annex building having major leaking issues in the attic.
After hearing Stechly’s proposed projects, the commissioners advised him to attend the next council meeting to explain what Core Facilities does and what they can potentially save the county in terms of costs.
During last week’s council meeting, Stechly presented the council with the proposed projects. Council President Dave Pearman stated the council was unaware of the commissioners wanting to have these projects done. He added that he believed they need to talk with the commissioners more on where the money for these projects would come from. He entertained a motion to table the approval of Core Facilities until more information from the commissioners can be received. The motion was seconded and passed unanimously.
