Executive Director of Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Center Bill Cunning met with county commissioners on Tuesday morning to discuss maintenance and improvement plans for the facility.
Among the four major issues that Cunning addressed was the facility’s storm sewer. Cunning described that both the Dayspring building and the rear parking lot have faced some flooding damage because of poor drainage.
Last year, the facility completed phase two of the storm sewer project, with the hope being that the third and final phase will be finished this year. Phase three consists of attaching downspouts to the main sewer line and reconstructing the rear parking lot.
Concerning the out-buildings and grounds, Cunning noted some issues that need to be repaired: a collapsed storm sewer created a sink hole, surface water accumulation caused driveway erosion, a chimney has developed a “buckling foundation,” and the barn has suffered some damage from run-off waters.
Dayspring’s landscape consists of two natural springs that flow to a creek. Because the actual water flow misses the storm tile and undermines structures, he would like to divert all of the water flow to one location to help solve the aforementioned problems.
Several of the rooms at Dayspring will be renovated, as well. These include what used to be the kitchen (which will become a medications room), bathroom, kitchen, dining hall, and scullery.
Further, Cunning noted that an RFP (request for proposal) for engineering will be developed using a study completed by MKC Associates, Inc. in October 2013, and will be used for HVAC, electrical upgrade, and fire suppression.
To finance these projects, the facility will apply for county block grant funds and use monies from land-use income, funds for facility closure, and 2014 renovation budget funds.
Cunning stated, “Currently we are $240,000 under budget for this year, which is to go back into that surplus money. I think we would be much better off spending that money on upgrades to the building.”
He added that in order to reduce the cost of the parking lot reconstruction, he would like to hire two temporary equipment operators during summer. He would also like to move a part-time employee to full-time so that the employee can help with demolitions and framing. “I think we can save about 30 percent on remodeling costs by having him do some of the work,” Cunning said.
In addition to discussing future improvement plans, the commissioners approved Dayspring’s purchase of an eight-passenger 2011 Dodge Caravan. Bakers Collision Repair is selling this car for $13,500, down from its booked value of $16,247. This van would replace the facility’s current vehicle, a 2005 Dodge Caravan.
Cunning said that the facility has $15,000 in the line item to purchase the vehicle. With the surplus funds, he would like to buy floor linings and an additional seat.
Dayspring Assisted Living and Care Center serves residents of Richland County with 24-hour resident care and 24-hour nursing care. The facility is located at 597 Park Avenue East.
