Property acquisition and construction were the two biggest topics on the St. Clair County Commission agenda Tuesday morning.Commissioners voted unanimously to let bids for the renovation of the Ashville Courthouse, with bids expected to be opened Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.
“This is going to be a big project,” Commissioner Paul Manning said. “I hope we keep our thoughts on all the input we’ve had on this project so far. I hope we keep renovation as a priority in this project.”
Commission Chairman Stan Batemon said once bids are in the commission can look at financing for the project.
“We’ll get an idea of what it’s going to cost and if it works out like we would like it to then we’ll be moving with it,” he said.
For more than a year, architects with 2WR Architecture, who specialize in historic renovation and restoration, have been working on plans for renovating and adding space to the existing courthouse.
In preparation, the County Commission has signed leases with several property owners on the square to provide operating space for county offices during the renovation, which could take more than a year to complete.
Renovation and addition plans show the courthouse with a new public entrance and green “people places” on the square.
An additional wing would provide another 10,000 square feet of office and court space. The new wing would also feature a sallyport and inmate elevator to keep prisoners separate from the public at all times. Judges would also have a separate elevator from the public.
The additional space would be added to the side of the courthouse featuring the Confederate memorial. As for the memorial, commissioners say it will not be moved but an accent feature will be added to it. A cooling tower is to be built behind the monument near the front doors. The cooling tower will put a waterfall background to the monument.
In another property-related matter, commissioners voted to make an offer to purchase the Cason-Tipton house in Ashville. The house, which has been for sale for nearly a decade, is located on the Courthouse Square adjacent to the library.
Batemon said two appraisals have been completed on the house and the county is ready to make an offer to purchase it.
The structural integrity of the house has been evaluated, and Batemon said more than likely, the structure would have to be torn done.
“It’s a shame we can’t save the house,” Commissioner Jimmy Roberts said. “But it’s not in shape at all.”
There are several options for the property. Batemon said if the county completes the purchase, the land could be used to build a multi-purpose facility for use between the county and the city. It could also serve as extra court space during the courthouse renovation.
“It is a very needed piece of property,” Manning said.
In other business, the commission:
O Renewed the lease for a parking lot adjacent to the Pell City Courthouse in the amount of $1,000 per month on a month-to-month basis for us to six months until a new lease is drafted.
O Approved an agreement/invoice from Barnett, Jones, and Wilson in the amount of $437 for an inspection of structural integrity on the Cason-Tipton house in Ashville.
O Approved an invoice from Mid-South Appraisal for an appraisal of the Cason-Tipton house and property in the amount of $750.
O Approved a maintenance contract with E&M Services in the amount of $139 per month for mapping and appraisal budget effective July 1, 2008.
O Approved submitting an application for Section 5311 Transportation funds for FY09 and to hold a public hearing regarding them if necessary.
O Re-appointed Lawrence Fields to the health Care Authority.
