8/19/1981 - Laserfiche WebLink

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ITEM C- LEASE OF TEMPORARY SPACE FOR COUNTY JUDGE'S OFFICE AND COURTROOM ADMINISTRATOR NELSON REVIEWED THE REASONS FOR THIS LEASE AS EXPLAINED IN THE FOLLOWING MEMO: TO: Board of County Commissioners DATE: August 12, 1981 FI LE: ENCLOSURE 1: Field Inspection of A/C System, IRC Courthouse Second Floor, North SUBJECT: Lease of Temporary County Courtroom Section and County Court Judge's Office Space FROM: Nei�A. elson REFERENCES. County Administrator Conditions and Conditions Judge Graham Stikelether closed the County Courtroom and his suite of offices because of continuing complaints by some of the employees concerning eye irritations, sore throats and a tired feeling experienced by the Judge. These complaints began after we had re -occupied the building and installed a number of bookcases in the Circuit Court Offices. We have had two teams of hygienists make inspections of the areas without determining the cause other than the presence of formaldehyde gases that apparently came from the fiberboard from the newly acquired bookcases. However, it must be noted that the levels detected were below state standards. The Board has previously received these reports. Many actions have been taken, including the replacement of the shelves, cleaning the carpets and increased ventilation, without success. A detailed check of the air conditioning unit that supplies air to the courtroom and the Judge's offices revealed a number of discrepancies. This report is at Enclosure 1. I had Connell, Metcalf & Eddy evaluate the report and received their concurrence with the correction. C.M. & E. feels the cause of this problem was primarily a maintenance problem since the air conditioning unit was not recommended for replacement in the renovation plan. We have not received the latest hygienist's report; however, after contacting the Judge, steps are being taken to correct these deficiencies. Alternatives and Analysis The Board is required to provide the County Judge with adequate facilities to conduct the county judicial business. The Judge feels that at this time, the courtroom,in its present status, is not safe. We do not have sufficient evidence to refute this opinion. The report of the latest hygienist could give us sufficient information to determine the occupancy conditions of these rooms. Recommendations and Funding It is recpmmended that: 1. The lease Le approved 2. The Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners be authorized to sign the lease 3. The lease be terminated upon correction of the air conditioning deficiencies listed on Enclosure 1 and further satisfaction of any recommendations provided in the expected hygienist report 4. Funding for the lease to come from Account No. 001-220-519-34.42 A U G 19 ? 1 soot 4'7 fiAc 254 51