Committee approves ADA study and small maintenance projects, selects Justice Center ridge cap color; animal shelter seeks appliances and donations

The Coffee County Capital Outlay committee approved several routine maintenance requests and discussed community needs for the animal shelter and courthouse grounds.

The committee granted the Historical Society and maintenance department permission to have Saint John Engineering provide a written assessment and cost estimate to update the old courthouse bathrooms to ADA standards so grant applications can be pursued. The Chair moved to authorize the assessment and the motion passed by voice vote.

Maintenance supervisor Rick said he will construct two metal partition walls with a door in a storage room to give Mary Ann an office; Rick said materials will come from his budget and the committee approved the in-house work. Rick also presented metal color samples for the Justice Center roof ridge cap; after brief discussion the group approved a dark-bronze finish.

Pam, representing the Manchester Community Market, asked for permission to use the courthouse lawn for the market (May through October); the committee approved the market use and asked organizers to coordinate logistics with county staff. Pam also raised concerns about tall grass and a pile of sawdust and limbs; staff agreed to weekly mowing in the busy season and to address the sawdust pile.

Greg, speaking for the animal shelter, described immediate needs for appliances and heavy-duty shelving and provided three price comparisons. Committee members suggested asking retailer community-partnership programs (Home Depot and Lowe's were mentioned) for donations or grants and recommended routing any purchases through budget and finance. The Mayor clarified that some private donors had already delivered promised funds and that donations are being accepted as the shelter prepares to open.

What happens next: Staff will request bids/quotes where needed, pursue retailer donation opportunities, route any required purchase approvals through budget and finance, and coordinate with shelter organizers and market operators.