MANSFIELD — Two bids nearly $275,000 apart were opened Thursday morning for a new air conditioning system at the Richland County Courthouse.
Stevens Construction of Marion offered to do the job for $705,212 while Standard Plumbing & Heating from Mansfield submitted an offer of $431,688.
The county had estimated the project at $711,684.
Craig Christie with Karpinski Engineering explained the project, which will include replacing the old system and installing new units on the roof of the five-story courthouse. He said it would be a 215-ton cooling system designed for commercial or industrial structures.
“We’ve had a walkthrough where we talk through the project with the contractors and approximately 220 calendar days for completion of the project once it’s awarded,” Christie said.
“There are no long lead time items identified on this project,” he said.
Christie said he would review the bids and make a recommendation to commissioners.
“I need to do due diligence, look through the bids, make sure everything’s in there, paperwork, and then we’re going to make some phone calls,” he said. “Then we’ll get with the commissioners to get the award.”
New Youth & Family Council director hired
Commissioners approved the hire of Ashley Leadingham to head the Richland County Youth & Family Council.
A Mansfield Senior graduate, Leadingham was recommended by the council’s board for the director’s position. She will be paid $30.99 per hour in the role with a start date of June 11.
Leadingham is current the operations and training manager at the Community Health Access Project.
“I’ve worked closely with the council for the last several years, on a variety of projects, most notably probably the Richmond County Community Baby shower. When time came for the position to be filled, several people approached me asking if I would consider it, and that’s kind of what brought me here today,” Leadingham said.
Leadingham earned a online bachelor’s degree in business for human resource management at Western Governors University.
The Richland County Youth and Family Council (RCYFC) serves as a collaborative leader, designed to streamline community services and support for children and families. They focus on improving outcomes for youth through initiatives such as Help Me Grow early intervention services, service coordination, and, often, providing school-focused resources, ensuring families have access to necessary protection, support, and education.
Commissioners proclaim ‘Safe Boating Week’
Commissioners issued the proclamation during a meeting with Gary Schroeder from the Mansfield Power Squadron.
The Mansfield Power Squadron was chartered Feb. 7, 1952, and is associated with the United States Power Squadron, (“America’s Boating Club for Boaters, By Boaters”) which is a national organization.
The organization will sponsor its annual “Safe Boating Week” event on Saturday to help promote safety on the water.
The event will be from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Charles Mill Marina Patio adjacent to the marina store. Charles Mill Marina is located at 1277 Ohio 430.
The annual event, hosted by the Mansfield Power Squadron serves as a fun, educational event. Educating the boating public about the safety and comfort of life jackets has been a focus of the campaign.
The group also offers free boating classes to residents, including sailing, marine electronics, piloting and navigation.
They also offer free vessel safety checks.
