Sangamon Sun

Logan County Board Building & Grounds Committee met Nov. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the board:

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER: Mr. Wessbecher called the meeting to order at 5:30pm. 

Emily Davenport - Chairman | LinkedIn

Present: Mr. Wessbecher, Mrs. Davenport, Mrs. Schmidt, Mrs. Fitzpatrick 

Absent: Mr. Sanders

Guests: Bill Walter, Chris Wilson, Dan Benedict, Mike DeRoss, Brad Swim, Todd Farley, Jennifer Bryant, Keenan Leesman, Rich

MOTION TO APPROVE MINUTES: Mrs. Schmidt made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Fitzpatrick, to approve the October 3, 2023, minutes. Motion carried.

OLD BUSINESS: 

1. Back up internet provider at Courthouse- Mr. Wessbecher told the committee that there are quotes in the committee packets, Mr. Farley explained to the committee that the County will need to replace the current internet provider Comcast, Mr. Farley explained the internet needs of the County to the committee and explained each quote received. The committee discussed with Mr. Farley the cost regarding the i3 Broadband quote, after discussion Mr. Farley recommended that the County switch from Comcast to i3 Broadband as internet provider. After further discussion with Mr. Leesman and Mr. Farley Mrs. Davenport made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Fitzpatrick, to switch to i3 Broadband as County’s internet provider contingent on an opt-out clause. Motion carried.

NEW BUSINESS: 

1. Restoration Project Update- Mr. Swim gave an update to the committee regarding the electric upgrades for the Courthouse restoration and stated that all panels that have been installed are active and gave the committee an overview of the plans moving forward. Mr. Swim mentioned the importance of moving the County Clerk’s office back before the primary election to not disrupt the election process, Mr. Swim also mentioned the State’s Attorney office move and the opening of the 3rd floor demolition and explained what offices have been moved, what offices will be moved and what offices have been moved back. The committee had a discussion with Mr. Swim on the timeline of the offices being moved and offices not wanting to move back due to further requests. Mr. Swim and Mr. Walter had a discussion with the committee regarding new carpet for the offices. Mr. Swim explained to the committee that Veregy will be using the lift in the 3rd floor courtroom ceiling and explained to the committee the abatement contract to remove the ceiling in the courtroom. The committee had continued discussion with Mr. Swim regarding offices moving and office carpet, the committee thanked Mr. Swim for the update. Mr. Walter told the committee that conservatively 85% of the scaffolding has been removed from the Dome and will be leaving the large platform for other copper work to be done and informed the committee when the crane will be back at the Courthouse. Mr. Walter also mentioned that holes in the dome due to the scaffolding and beams will be closed. Mrs. Schmidt and Mr. Walter had discussion regarding the remaining scaffolding, and Mr. Walter explained to the committee the information he provided in the committee packets, the committee had discussion with Mr. Walter regarding the Latham Park Pavilion restoration. Mrs. Schmidt had further discussion regarding the scaffolding and the potential grant for windows with Mr. Walter. Mr. Walter explained that the County may not be eligible for the grant due to the Courthouse not being on the historical registry but is still working to see if the County will be able to get the grant.

2. Courthouse Restoration Invoices Approval- Mrs. Schmidt made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Fitzpatrick, to approve the Restoration invoices. Motion carried.

Facilities Manager Report: Mr. Wilson informed the committee that Judge Workman and Mrs. McCray will be able to move back to their office Monday and had discussion with the committee about other offices being moved and new carpet for offices. Mr. Wilson stated that he wanted to confirm the dates on the offices being moved because the Scully Park ice rink still needs to be put together, Mr. Wessbecher told Mr. Wilson to coordinate with Mrs. Fitzpatrick regarding the ice rink install, the committee had further discussion on the topic. Mr. Walter told Mr. Wilson and the committee the work that has been done on the Scully Park fountain has been spectacular and told Mr. Wilson a good job on the pickle ball court as well. Mr. Wessbecher stated that the fountain will need to be shut down and cleaned out for the Christmas lights, Mr. Wilson asked if there was a date on the Christmas lights install for Scully Park, Mr. Wessbecher stated that the lighting company was working in town the night before the meeting and stated that there will be a Christmas tree in the middle of the Scully Park fountain. The committee had further discussion on the ice rink installation and is hopeful for it to be completed before Thanksgiving weekend. Mr. Wessbecher also mentioned that under the bandstand will need to be cleaned up and the stairs reattached after the restoration is complete. Mr. Wessbecher told Mr. Wilson that the timer for the lights at Scully Park needs to be adjusted; Mr. Wilson said he will change it.

Use of Grounds Request: Mr. Wessbecher mentioned to the committee a use of grounds request for the annual nativity scene at the Courthouse, but it was not included in the committee packets, Mr. Wessbecher stated that the motion could be brought off the floor at Workshop.

Approval of Bills: Mrs. Schmidt made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Fitzpatrick, to approve the committee bills. Motion carried.

Public Comments: Mr. Benedict from the VAC spoke to the committee regarding improvements that need to be made at the John Logan building to accommodate another full time VAC employee, Mr. Benedict also explained the handouts he gave to the committee and mentioned a conference room that would be shared by the VAC and the SOFA office. Mrs. Schmidt asked Mr. Benedict when the VAC will outgrow the John Logan building, Mr. Benedict stated not at least for another decade, Mrs. Schmidt asked about the VAC moving to the new CIVC building on 5th Street. Mr. Benedict explained that his commission is not in favor of the move and is coming to the committee with what his commission has asked him to do. The committee had further discussion about Mr. Benedict’s proposals. Mrs. Bryant explained to the committee the need for both the VAC and the SOFA to have a conference room. Mr. Benedict explained to the committee that the interior modifications will not be structural. Mr. Wessbecher stated that he will be in touch with Mr. Benedict.

Adjourn Meeting: Mrs. Davenport made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Fitzpatrick, to adjourn the meeting at 6:37pm. Motion carried.

https://logancountyil.gov/images/BG_Minutes_110723.pdf