[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",5973081,"mediaKeyId","5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd","parentId",5833721,"title","Facilities staff say trade training and mechanical classes open career paths into county maintenance work","audioSeconds",590,"startMs",425000,"endMs",1015000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd&start=425&end=1015","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd/thumbnail_425000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/5973081/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Facilities-staff-say-trade-training-and-mechanical-classes-open-career-paths-into-county-maintenance-work","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973081-82f203f5d3b931e424ceda2935c93e4e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508700&Signature=XWjwpCqRoDVx5TSsMX2SCXMRG-d~UVfOf8a0p-gPmEYfu-8mu2RGAgYmXLgos7FW2H0HLoKlh-ZEiraECmcK4UvnzKUgaYOK8VwodXatvvVOanmtfi3-rlpZdEnBF7Ts0xzeCLdnFrKjr-~qUymzSRY3AIVzexnr80mmCG7qslxPky4CZGrSD-fr6tfSlLzV5yA-z2Eqo5t6seh38deXBIvrLGOLytF27AH1-Jog8ESdRptc5E68BUx-QyTE-4usiWZLiY5k8E~rY6sdf9mmjt3Z-SrCaVc131TKOOm5Vsy-wZ9oJRiLvj1hnZPuFUx91urFq5TkyofpTOQlqRXBsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","El Paso County","date","2025-09-26T16:37:20.97Z","article","During a tour of El Paso County facilities, technicians described how local trade training and hands-on experience feed county maintenance roles. A county technician said he was an equipment operator for 13 years before taking a “mech 4 class” and moving into mechanical work, and staff noted a strong local need for people trained to maintain motors, plumbing and HVAC systems.

The comments were framed as career-path information rather than a recruitment announcement. Mike, the tour presenter, asked about certification and background; staff described on-the-job training and formal mechanical classes as typical pathways. Robert and Josh also discussed the technical skill set and physical demands of the work, including safety training for working at height and around high-temperature equipment.

No hiring action, hiring numbers, pay scales or formal recruitment program was announced during the presentation; the segment described skills and experience county technicians use on the job.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tough Jobs: Filters, Heights, and Fahrenheit","oneSentenceSummary","County technicians described career paths into facilities work — from equipment operation to mechanical classes — highlighting local demand for skilled trades and on-the-job training opportunities.","taxTitle","El Paso County, Colorado","taxId",5790,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5973085,"Window resealing and exterior repairs aimed at extending life of 1967 judicial complex, county technicians say",282,653000,935000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd&start=653&end=935","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd/thumbnail_653000.jpg","/articles/5973085/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Window-resealing-and-exterior-repairs-aimed-at-extending-life-of-1967-judicial-complex-county-technicians-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973085-c1ae9ec1b18d289e8f19315a2868b158/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508700&Signature=DE5fnMVnIZJ38bSlnV5Zkk3VJEb0ekMlZueFhzFudWZquOeZSt2DcQ6ZItXkHo1XVKB2YQg1OlrQ3njBF9oLNbJ9iOAvZ6SSO921OcdiyPCEV~CQTBy7sGcUYJh-fj5pKyesalwohJsOVj5m9qifliBguvSfU1l3yVSO2K4JYN5MDJlXKpnBS0YrjluVBRDB6zSqcZrhhZQ4EhCNvAp2dJaDLKoRxkwu7~NDhGREqv2mvMhMFokYVx~WeS7wobfQVpA6~7JAT~0Hl7EN3gR0~3rhZXa7zDko6zIQLfMsSqV-T6gfyS4dWZfXjMM9Fo4CyqHBBMv0lEXqi06KM~pf6Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso County building maintenance technicians demonstrated exterior window repair work on a judicial building constructed in 1967, saying the work will keep water out and extend the envelope’s lifespan. Robert, a building maintenance technician, said crews remove failed caulk, apply new sealant and expect to add “another 20 or 30 year lifespan, hopefully” to the windows and exterior envelope.

On a high-elevation lift, technicians pointed to a visible hole in an old window sill that allowed water to penetrate behind aluminum and masonry components. Robert said that water intrusion can enter “behind the masonry,” noting that removing old material and resealing prevents further damage.

The crew described the work as routine preservation that protects public buildings and reduces long-term costs. Mike, the tour presenter, framed the work in taxpayer terms: Robert said the project “is saving a ton of money” and “we're protecting the investment of the people.”

Technicians stressed safety procedures for working at height, using harnesses and an aerial lift. The demonstration was descriptive and operational; no new funding request or formal county policy change was presented during the visit.","El Paso County building technicians demonstrated removing old caulk and resealing windows on a multi-story judicial complex to stop water intrusion and extend the exterior envelope life by decades, saving replacement costs, staff said.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5973089,"Courthouse air handlers, large filter banks keep indoor air cleaner than outdoor air, facilities staff say",334,1218000,1552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd&start=1218&end=1552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd/thumbnail_1218000.jpg","/articles/5973089/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Courthouse-air-handlers-large-filter-banks-keep-indoor-air-cleaner-than-outdoor-air-facilities-staff-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973089-f6f0f4f2ef307d69eaccd57f16b0b787/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508700&Signature=oFyIa-NGoAEBzC4Hz-eMOn9O5uh17amqbxdQe~C4yOp88bFgAb2~XG4CIKx5DePL5rtO-45fP4xiB13oN4WvhcQnBea~wwcjrlPER7MMqGUHqExQ3i7rVqnS6phYB-wlefk82vYM66FFtP3rKfUG5IqoK~jGwIoT6bX692hBMfDqpCsHAOQGok-vkFCtDGjv4CeBTDT-kt5tPX-oiYC4ECJMxPaLPgE6A~UbnzvdeGIVTRW1Y9tcUPxfLtdcMJL9x5-jsUD1GCVKW851wLh5QvziGn4mFEp2QGKv6EYPfCx4~5nAwuiM2mzSFhVEoBznt68g5XYZkObC43wHRS9vcg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso County facilities staff described maintenance performed on the courthouse heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system and said the building’s air handlers and filters keep indoor air cleaner than outdoor street air. Josh, the mechanical team lead, said two large air-handler units handle roughly 90% of courthouse circulation and that the facility uses deep 2-foot-by-2-foot, 4-inch-deep filters in a filter bank that “goes from ceiling to floor.”

During a guided tour, staff demonstrated changing filter elements and replacing fan belts, and explained how dampers control the mix of fresh and return air to balance efficiency and indoor comfort. Josh said the banked filters and dampers allow the building to regulate air so that “our air quality inside the building is better than outdoor air quality out on the street.”

Technicians also showed a variable-frequency drive and controls the team uses to slow and stop air handlers for safe maintenance, and they started the unit after completing belt work to test for proper operation. Josh highlighted safety concerns around moving parts and loud noise and described the practical steps workers take, including using phones to manually control units when needed.

The demonstration covered specific maintenance tasks — filter replacement, belt changes, tension checks and motor adjustments — and emphasized preventive care rather than any policy decision. No budget increases or regulatory actions were proposed during the walkthrough.","County technicians showed a courthouse air handler and described a large filter bank and dampers that regulate fresh and return air; staff said properly maintained filters can make indoor air cleaner than outdoor air and explained belt and motor maintenance practices.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},5973095,"Central utility plant boilers provide steam heat to seven downtown buildings, facilities staff say",472,103000,575000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd&start=103&end=575","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5833721-4a2cde6e470c8826375f4fcdf57021fd/thumbnail_103000.jpg","/articles/5973095/El-Paso-County/Colorado/Central-utility-plant-boilers-provide-steam-heat-to-seven-downtown-buildings-facilities-staff-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/5973095-18fa7286e233884cb92b4c4c5e7002e4/orig.mp4?Expires=1770508700&Signature=Pdhfv5bbqikB3gqtjdi12uY99MK775aZ5S3mTlFiQsP~Q0FmpTIlxAAXsJ~HSxn-lA6pKwtAJ4TcdBJCtXKmnOGvnHhoAyVqM7j1JdcSLrLRG4w6IaNaJ7mhD-Po4gkbiqSOAtC-tTKxpRgWCBcmsSrZXBFeVxuvcWkp8tfYd4u92dV0hH8vlQT2tFC6z85DZ3ozmtMmYVAFgpMnGSiFjS57qPtA4IreOawnq0vM32qZivZttZYHnadYme4q4bmsZi-zwpeq9TcXJyJo7q46huQOusUIUVPPm5jrwr0kQLUcY0q4mHkD05nHwPdkZupVDQBKfcsN~aWOCXURyq6o5A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","El Paso County facilities staff on a tour described how a centralized boiler system heats seven main downtown buildings, including the courthouse and nearby civic venues. Josh, the county mechanical team lead, said the Central Utility Plant houses three 10,000,000-BTU boilers that “feed steam to 7 buildings downtown.”

The explanation came during a facilities walkthrough in downtown Colorado Springs intended to show maintenance work behind the county’s buildings. The description matters for residents because a centralized plant means a single boiler failure can require other units to ramp up, affecting heating reliability across multiple public facilities.

Josh said the plant’s boilers generate superheated steam so it “builds pressure” and flows naturally to multiple buildings. He described the scale by comparison: “your house has a 60,000-ish BTU furnace” versus the plant’s multiple 10,000,000-BTU boilers. Josh also said that if one unit shuts down the system sends an automated alarm and the remaining boilers would “ramp up and modulate at a much higher level.”

Staff emphasized safety and preventative maintenance. Josh pointed to an inducer motor whose bearings were failing and said the unit would be replaced; he added that an annual safety inspector must test internal components before a boiler is fired after maintenance. On that point he said, “every year, we have to have a safety inspector come out,” explaining the crew could not fire a boiler until the inspector completed tests.

Team members described operational impacts and risks: a shutdown triggers alarms and requires other units to increase output, and the shop monitors components closely to avoid equipment failure. Mike, the tour presenter, asked about temperature and work conditions; staff said indoor boiler-room temperatures can reach 120–130 degrees on hot days, underscoring physical demands on technicians.

This account represents descriptions and operational details provided by county facilities employees during the tour; no policy change or formal county action was proposed or voted on during the demonstration.","El Paso County facilities staff described how three 10,000,000-BTU boilers at the county Central Utility Plant produce steam that heats seven downtown judicial and civic buildings, and explained maintenance and safety checks required when a unit is taken offline.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Facilities staff say trade training and mechanical classes open career paths into county maintenance work

Window resealing and exterior repairs aimed at extending life of 1967 judicial complex, county technicians say

Courthouse air handlers, large filter banks keep indoor air cleaner than outdoor air, facilities staff say

Central utility plant boilers provide steam heat to seven downtown buildings, facilities staff say