Courtroom renovations near completion as soundproofing and LED upgrades finalize

The Lee County Facilities and Maintenance Committee convened on May 13, 2025, to discuss ongoing projects and maintenance updates within county facilities. The meeting focused on several key agenda items related to improvements and repairs.

The first topic addressed was the painting of door frames black to align with the existing trim. This task is now officially on the list for completion. Following this, the committee discussed soundproofing efforts in the courtroom ceilings, noting that the only remaining area needing attention is the jury room adjacent to Judge Ackard's and Judge Draper's offices. Once this is completed, the soundproofing project will be nearly finished, with only minor adjustments anticipated for some walls.

The committee also reviewed the status of a backflow check at the New Courts facility, mentioning that a valve rebuild is still pending. This issue was previously highlighted in past meetings, indicating ongoing attention to the matter.

In terms of lighting upgrades, the committee reported that LED lamp replacements have been successfully completed on the first and second floors, with the third-floor hallways also finished. The final areas requiring upgrades include the offices of the state's attorneys, circuit clerks, and Courtroom 330. Once these areas are addressed, the entire building will be fully upgraded to LED lighting.

Additionally, the committee is considering the installation of a mini-split air conditioning unit in the FTR Room on the fourth floor, which houses numerous servers that generate significant heat. The current temperature in the room remains consistently between 74 to 76 degrees, and the goal is to lower it to around 68 degrees. A price estimate for this installation is forthcoming.

Lastly, the committee noted that Charlie's door project is nearing completion, with priming, painting, and installation of carpet and base trim expected to wrap up by the end of the week. The committee expressed appreciation for the work done by Eric and his crew, acknowledging their efficiency and quality of work.

In conclusion, the meeting highlighted significant progress on various maintenance projects, with several tasks nearing completion and plans for future improvements in Lee County facilities. The committee will continue to monitor these projects and address any outstanding issues in upcoming meetings.