County to seek bids for demolition

Work to tear down courthouse could begin in early August

By Kevin Risner, krisner@advertiser-tribune.com
The county is ready to seek bids for the demolition and salvage of the vacant 1884 courthouse. Brad Curtis of MKC Associates said the firm is estimating a cost of $620,000 for demolition.

Curtis and Jim Schmidt of MKC met with the county commissioners Thursday.

Schmidt said the firm believes the bids for demolition could be lower than the estimate.

“We’re hoping for better bids, better than that,” Schmidt said.

The project is to be bid two ways. Bidders may bid to simply demolish the building or they may bid to salvage portions of the building in the process of demolition. Salvaging parts would add about 30 days to the demolition time, but could reduce the amount the county would pay for the demolition, Schmidt said.

The salvage option would give the demolition firm materials it could sell to gain additional income from other sources, he said.

The commissioners approved a resolution to accept sealed bids July 10. A mandatory walk-through with prospective bidders is to take place June 26. According to a draft timeline from MKC, a contract could be awarded for the project within two or three weeks after the July 10 bid opening. Demolition would likely begin in early August.

If the structure is to be demolished with no salvage work, the courthouse could be gone within 60 days after work begins.

If the demolition firm also salvages architectural items, an additional 30 days would be added to the time, Curtis said.

Schmidt said he plans to participate in a meeting Tuesday to present information to the Tiffin Architectural Review Board.

The Seneca County commissioners are to be out of town Tuesday attending the annual conference of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. The commissioners’ Tuesday board session has been cancelled.

The commissioners put money in place Thursday to pay for the demolition, as well as for contracts related to the work. The commissioners approved three related resolutions—first appropriating $907,500 of previously unappropriated money to the general fund, then placing that amount into the courthouse project fund; finally, $861,171 of the $907,500 was moved into a contract services line.

Commissioner Ben Nutter said the commissioners were appropriating more than they expected to spend so they would not need to add money later.

In another matter, the commissioners approved a resolution approving the county Justice Center expansion project documentation for the outdoor recreation enclosure project, as submitted by Poggemeyer Design Group Inc.

The commissioners approved a resolution reestablishing the members to the Seneca County Health Insurance Advisory Board. The resolution spelled out how the membership was to be established.

The board approved a resolution appointing Robert Anderson as the at-large member to the Health Insurance Advisory Board.

The board met with Kathy Oliver and Anderson of Job and Family Services Department to hear about a new mortgage foreclosure prevention program to begin in July. The program is to be administered by Carol Owen at Seneca One Stop. Program eligibility is to be based on income levels. Local banks may provide information about the program in monthly statements and may refer customers to the program.

“Our goal is to help people stay in their homes,” Anderson said.

The board hosted a second hearing for a Community Development Block Grant project. Regional Planning Director Ann Bishop presented the information about the project in the Harley and Huron Street areas of Tiffin.

The board presented a proclamation honoring Pat Warren for her years of service to the county.

In other financial matters, the board approved resolutions for the following:

* A supplemental appropriation of $600 to the general fund for court security supplies.

* A supplemental appropriation of $3,200 to the general fund for contract services for the county airport.

* A supplemental appropriation of $23,000 to the general fund for contract services for services provided by SpyGlass.

* An appropriation adjustment of $1,000 within the CDBG fund from salaries to advertising.

* A fund advance of $10,000 to the flexible spending account fund to pay claims.

* Supplemental appropriations totaling $64,796 to the general fund for the Board of Elections.

* Supplemental appropriations totaling $41,210 to the Emergency Management Agency fund.

* Supplemental appropriations totaling $417 to the public safety rental fund.

* A supplemental appropriation of $8 to the E-911 fund for workers compensation.

* A supplemental appropriation of $7 to the hazardous material fund for workers compensation.

* A supplemental appropriation of $10,939 to the general fund for a fire protection agreement between townships in the county.