NEW PHILADELPHIA Commissioners have authorized an architect to draw up plans for lighting three sides of the courthouse exterior with LED lighting.
NEW PHILADELPHIA Commissioners have authorized an architect to draw up plans for lighting three sides of the courthouse exterior with LED lighting.
On Wednesday, the board approved spending $29,000 for Schooley Caldwell Associates to perform architectural and engineering services for the lighting project. The budget would be between $175,000 and $200,000.
The vote comes as work continues on restoration of the dome of the historic courthouse, built in the 19th century. The dome will be sheathed with copper and the cupola on top of the dome will be reconstructed.
"We're wanting to address the fact that the exterior lighting on the courthouse for the most part has failed," Scott Reynolds, director of the Tuscarawas County Office of Community & Economic Development, told commissioners. "Some of the lights have already been removed. They were a large energy expenditure as well."
He noted that even with change orders, the dome project is well under the architect's original estimate of $1.6 million. Right now the cost is hovering around $1.1 million. "We've addressed quite a few issues that have come up during construction and we're still right in that area."
Reynolds said the new LED lights on the courthouse will save energy and be less expensive to use than the old lighting.
Commissioners also authorized creation of a source water protection plan for the Dundee water system.
Michael Jones, director of the Tuscarawas County Metropolitan Sewer District, said his agency will be working with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to develop the plan, which will evaluate the susceptibility of the existing aquifer to contamination.
The biggest potential source of contamination would be agricultural runoff, he said. The sewer district will be working with the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau and surrounding farmers on best management practices for their agricultural activity.
Commissioners also:
n Awarded a contract to Gor-Con Construction of Dover for the flood damage renovation project at the OSU Cooperative Extension Service office in New Philadelphia. The company's bid was $107,844. Commissioners acted on the recommendation of Bruce A. Widder, project architect.
n Set two night meetings for this year — 6 p.m. June 4 and 6 p.m. Oct. 3. Last year's meetings only drew one or two people, so Commissioner Joe Sciarretti said the board will evaluate whether it is money well spent to hold night meetings.
Reach Jon at 330-364-8415 or at jon.baker@timesreporter.com.
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