Committee presses legal and safety questions before advancing courthouse generator project

Chair reopened the long‑running courthouse generator discussion and asked why the county did not simply put the project out to bid. Committee members said the city's denial tied to a missing "letter of appropriateness" has put the project in a legal posture and legal counsel is reviewing options if the permit or letter is denied.

Members raised site‑specific concerns: possible historic‑district designations affecting approvals, where Ameren intends to place transformers (committee was told the south lawn is part of current drawings), and whether the county must upgrade panels or other equipment before Ameren will move the transformers. One committee member said, "I feel like we're being held hostage in some sense," when asked about the risk of a court order halting construction.

Tina Bush pressed the committee to prioritize employee safety in the downtown courthouse and recommended an on‑site inspection to assess evacuation and elevator access if power fails. Committee members suggested hiring the county's electrical engineer and asking the state fire marshal or the county attorney to review safety and code issues. Joe proposed hiring an independent electrical engineer to provide a safety opinion and recommended inviting the county attorney to the next property meeting.

No formal motion to proceed with bidding or construction was made. Action items assigned at the meeting included obtaining written guidance from the county attorney and the electrical engineer and asking Ameren for specifics on what county work (panels, code compliance) is required if transformers are moved, with the goal of reporting back at the next property committee meeting.