Sangamon Sun

Menard County Public Building Study Group met June 6.

Here is the minutes provided by the Advisory Board:

The Menard County Public Building Study Group (PBSG), an advisory board appointed by the Menard County Board of Commissioners, met at 6:30 PM on Wednesday, June 6, 2018 at the Menard County Courthouse located at 102 South Seventh Street, Petersburg. Menard County Board Chair Robert Lott, Commissioner Ed Whitcomb, PBSG Member Steve Ozella, PBSG Member Dan Ortgessen, and PBSG Member Joe Hemberger were in attendance. Carl Fischer and County Coordinator Dara Worthington were also in attendance. Also present were Menard County Animal Control Administrator Brad Willis, and Menard Animal Protection (MAP) members Edie Sternberg and Tracy Gordon.

Steve Ozella called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.

Commissioner Whitcomb made a motion to approve the May 23, 2018 special meeting minutes and Joe Hemberger seconded. Motion carried.

There were no unscheduled guests.

Plans for the Animal Control facility were addressed. Commissioner Whitcomb that the county is interested in erecting a new shell for Animal Control. The board is proposing that with the building of the metal shell, Menard Animal Protection may want to engage in fundraising in order that the interior of the building can be finished. Dan Ortgessen shared his plans and questions with MAP members. It was decided that the MAP members present will return to their group for discussion and possible commitment to the project. Edie Sternberg relayed that their group would probably be supportive of the fundraising, however would not be able to commit to raising a certain figure of funds. Steve Ozella indicated that the building could be completed in stages along with their fundraising efforts. It was mentioned that the third floor courthouse windows could be utilized as part of that fundraising and that with proper advertising could raise quite a sum. MAP will be in touch with this group regarding the decision of their body.

Joe Hemberger reported that no new information was available on the third floor window trim.

Sunny Acres Nursing Home had no issues to report.

The courthouse canopy was next on the agenda. The researched kit was priced at $15,000, however the board believed the structure could be cut down. It was the consensus of the Public Building Study Group to recommend the building of a new courthouse canopy to the commissioners.

Architectural salvage of the windows was already discussed with MAP.

Dan Ortgessen completed walk throughs at EMS, Highway, the courthouse and jail. He took pictures and wrote out reports on each building. It was Dan’s recommendation that the county hire a full-time maintenance person to oversee all buildings other than Sunny Acres Nursing Home and Countryside Estates. Discussion ensued.

With no further business, Dan Ortgessen made a motion to adjourn at 7:50 PM and Bob Lott seconded. Meeting adjourned.

http://menardcountyil.com/files/4015/3062/8272/PBSG_minutes_06.06.2018.pdf