Public Works hears courthouse HVAC problems, generator options and park maintenance plans

Public works staff told the committee that courthouse cooling problems and several related building and site-maintenance items remain unfinished and are affecting project schedules.

A facilities supervisor described multiple HVAC failures at the courthouse and justice center, saying technicians will remove existing refrigerant, vacuum the system for two to three days and then refill it, aiming to complete work by the end of the week. "We're gonna pull all the refrigerant out tomorrow and weigh it all. Then we will put a vacuum on the system for 2 to 3 days and then refill it to a [poundage], hoping to be done Friday or Saturday," the supervisor said. The supervisor also said replacement cooling-fan motors for the justice center are on backorder—about 65 days out—and the intermittent cooling has caused blown fuses and discomfort for court staff.

On building finishes, committee members discussed hardwood flooring timing; staff said floor installation must wait until HVAC is stable so the wood can acclimate and avoid warping. When a commissioner asked whether the county should open a vendor account or simply bill the contracting party for a small job, the committee moved to "bill them" and approved the motion by voice (second by Pressley). The committee did not record a roll-call tally in the meeting transcript.

Staff also reported work on generators: a generator at the administration building has been down about six months. One vendor recommended replacement while another (Taylor Generators) said repair may be possible and will provide pricing; if replacement is required, the county likely will proceed through a formal bid process.

In parks operations, staff said playground fencing and some equipment have been removed and staged for an online auction scheduled for early September; salvageable fencing with donor names has been stored on a trailer. A gazebo at one playground was reported structurally unsupported and will be removed; staff said demolition and removal can be completed quickly if no buyer is found.

Commissioners also raised the question of engraved memorial bricks removed during courthouse sidewalk work. Staff estimated they have roughly 100–150 bricks in storage but said no decision has been made about reuse or relocation; commissioners asked for this to be addressed in the coming months.

Next steps: staff will continue HVAC repairs and follow up with procurement options for the generator; the committee tasked staff with reconciling park utility charges (including a reported sewer forgiveness issue of about $1,200 for pool drainage) and returning with reconciled figures.