Sunday, May 19, 2024
Work on the Coryell County Jail Expansion continues, and an update on efforts was given during the June 13 meeting of the Coryell County Commissioners Court.
"Dirt work started Monday (June 12) and the sanitary service connection permit was submitted to the city (of Gatesville) for approval," said commissioner Scott Weddle. He said there is also a traffic control plan because work will be done down the middle of Leon Street.
Butler-Cohen, the contractor on the project and the Leon Street Annex, which will be located nearby, will put its headquarters during construction on the site of the old Texas Department of Public Safety location once that building is demolished. The DPS will be temporarily located on Gatesville Independent School District property while work is underway.
A contract with Langerman Foster Engineering for construction materials in the amount of $17,992 was approved. Weddle said the amount budgeted was $25,000, "so we get $7,000 back."
Kyle Matthews said while new construction is underway or planned, there are some concerns with existing facilities.
"We've got a few issues we're looking at with air conditioning at the courthouse," he said. "Almost all the furnaces on top of the building are kaput. I am working with the maintenance department on the chiller. There are different systems that can be put in. One is a split-type system that would be more efficient. Costs range from $100,000 to $186,000."
Matthews said the company that put in the current air conditioning system at the courthouse has gone out of business, and that parts are not available.
"There's a concern with the failure of the courthouse AC system," he said.
Weddle said once a new system is in place, "hopefully a more efficient system can cool it better."
Matthews said a change in the flooring materials used in the Leon Street Annex could be beneficial.
"I visited with the architect and there is some value on savings with changing the flooring," he said. "It's a dramatic savings in my opinion."
