Courthouse safety improvements discussed

Public Works Director Todd O’Brien provided the Adams County Commissioners with a general update on road maintenance, fairgrounds and solid waste.

O’ Brien reported that routine gravel road maintenance has gone well and the precipitation has made for perfect grading conditions. Grading of county roads is expected to reach completion on March 26.

Work on Hatton Road continues with irrigation concerns. Ditches alongside the road need reestablishment and the culvert is still being worked on as well.

Benzel Road project, the culverts are in, bringing this project to near completion. Gravel will be dispersed and general clean up of the area will bring this project to completion.

O’Brien reminded the commissioners of summer hours for the transfer station, and that Spring Clean-Up is April 4.

Engineer Scott Yaeger reported on updates regarding the Leisle Road Bridge and McManamon Road Bridge. Yaeger provided photographs of completed repair projects.

A revised schedule has been received from East Columbia Basin Irrigation District with a plan to have all concrete pours completed by March 23, the date water is scheduled to be released into the canal at operating level for the Leisle project.

Commissioners carried the motion to authorize pay estimate for work completed on the Courthouse third floor restroom remodel.

O’Brien informed the commissioners of the arrival of the new sink and faucets with a proposal request to purchase and/or fabricate the brackets needed for install. Proposal request for the movement of a light switch in the men’s restroom was also discussed.

The Commissioners motioned to authorize a pay estimate for work completed on the Elevator Modernization at the courthouse was carried.

The parts needed to continue and complete the project are set to arrive mid-April.

O’Brian asked for details of a prior meeting with the commissioners about the need to discuss the safety concerns at the courthouse. A few improvements discussed were updating video surveillance and security detail.

The discussion revolved around the idea of how to change the public entrance to a single, ADA approved and accessible door, as well as provide a public notice about the potential change.

The commissioners have set up a meeting to discuss a new safety plan in June.

The new plan will include evacuation route and routines for deliveries.