The Allen County Courthouse is going green, again, to honor veterans.
This is the second year Allen County will participate in a national effort, Operation Greenlight. The courthouse will be outfitted with green spotlights from Oct. 30 until Veterans Day on Nov. 11.
Commissioners also agreed to pass a resolution expressing their “respect, admiration and the utmost gratitude for all of the men and women who have selflessly served our country and this community in the Armed Forces.” The proclamation also recognizes the stress and challenges veterans face in a transition to civilian life.
IN OTHER news about the courthouse, maintenance director Ron Holman asked commissioners for $9,860 to repair the elevator.
At least three times in the past six weeks, riders were stuck on the elevator. Recently, a woman was trapped because the doors wouldn’t open. The elevator is 45-years old and many of the necessary parts are no longer available.
Commissioner Jerry Daniels asked Holman to explore options to replace the elevator, perhaps with a different system entirely. Perhaps that could be a ramp instead, or an electronic platform designed for wheelchairs.
“Let’s get this fixed and then we’ll have time to look at options,” Daniels said.
Holman also discussed:
The Humboldt Senior Center. A contractor is nearing the end of construction that will convert a former outbuilding on the property to a food pantry. Commissioners also asked Holman to look into what it would take to provide internet services at the senior center. Commissioner Bruce Symes said he was surprised to learn the building did not offer internet.
Christmas lights. Holman already has started putting up Christmas lights around the outside of the courthouse. He asked commissioners for permission to buy a large wreath to hang on the west entrance.
Moran clinic building. A representative of Saint Luke’s Health System said the health group has no need for a building that formerly housed a clinic in Moran. An area man offered to buy the building but commissioners want to know if the county has use for it. Commissioners said a hospital facilities board will have the responsibility of deciding what to do with it and directed Counselor Bob Johnson to take the matter to that board. Meanwhile, Holman said the county will continue to maintain the building.
IN OTHER news:
Public Works director Mitch Garner reported the Kansas Department of Health and Environment asked the county to conduct “field tests” to determine how to resolve a problem with clay needed to form the base of a new cell at the landfill.
The clay found at the base of the cell isn’t able to adequately hold water. KDHE wants the county to conduct tests; one would add a mix of 3% bentonite clay, a volcanic ash, and another field would use a 4% bentonite mixture.
Those tests will add $33,572 to the cost of building a new cell. Depending on which mixture meets KDHE’s approval, the county also could need to pay another $400,000 or so to buy the expensive bentonite clay.
