Clerk's office moved; switchgear, roof units and surge protection installed in county building, staff says

Mike Moss, Cowlitz County Public Services Director, presented photographs and a status update on building moves and mechanical/electrical work in county facilities.

Moss reported two department moves have been completed: the Department of Motor (DM) and the clerk's office (clerk's office moved the previous day). He said the superior court administration move was scheduled for the coming Friday and that the sheriff's office will be the next major move because that department has many divisions and space needs.

On infrastructure work, Moss said switchgear installation occurred over Labor Day weekend and electrical upgrades are ongoing, including panel upgrades and new conduit runs. He showed photos of ceilings removed in the basement and said the insulation that was present had been assumed to contain asbestos but testing found "there is no asbestos in there," which reduced anticipated remediation costs. Moss said ceiling tiles, cable organization and ceiling restoration remain in progress; county staff are coordinating cabling organization work with contractor Milligan.

Moss also noted new rooftop HVAC units and surge protectors are installed to protect compressor and motor components from power interruptions. He said the installs included improved conduit runs and neater piping, and he described the work as an important preventive measure to protect mechanical systems from power surges.

Why it matters: the moves and electrical/HVAC improvements are part of a multiweek project to modernize county facility infrastructure and maintain continuity for public services. The asbestos testing result reduced a potential cost and schedule risk. Moss provided images for the board to document progress.

Ending: Moss said staff will continue coordination with Milligan and keep the board informed as subsequent department moves proceed.