During their Tuesday session, the Richland County Commissioners awarded a contract to James P. Finnegan Construction, Inc. for the construction of the vestibule on the outside of the Richland County Courthouse. The vestibule will provide a security checkpoint.
Funding for the project will come from the auto title fund. Commissioner Ed Olson explained that $125,000 will first be transferred from the auto title fund to the general fund and finally to the special projects fund that Richland County Auditor Patrick Dropsey established for this project.
At last Thursday’s meeting, Finnegan submitted a bid of $111,500, which the commissioners agreed today should not be exceeded.
“In the 111,500, we have an allowance built in of $6,000 for unforeseen conditions,” stated MKC Associates, Inc. Designer Michael Schornack.
He followed by stating, “Experience shows that with a renovation project, you will find something that wasn’t thought of. We’re going to be digging up some concrete after we wire some circuits out there. What if we find a gas line that didn’t show up in the plans that no one expected? That’s what this $6,000 is for.”
Olson added, “It’s possible that if there aren’t any problems, you’ll come in at less than $111,500.
This project’s goal aims at increasing security for the courthouse. “Everyone who comes into the building will be checked for any contraband that [the courthouse] doesn’t want to get into the courtrooms,” stated Chuck Minich, building maintenance superintendent for the county.
Construction will begin in January, hopefully completed by the end of the month, stated Schornack. The vestibule will be glassed-in and include a metal detector and X-ray machine for security purposes.
“The idea is to take advantage of the airlock that’s now between the two doors,” said Olson. “By removing the outer front entrance and moving out on the portico, you’ll have less obstruction for foot traffic getting in and out of the building – especially if there’s an emergency and you have to evacuate.”
