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Courthouse elevator out of service as staff await Otis repair
Summary
Facilities staff reported a hydraulic return-line leak that has sidelined the courthouse elevator; Otis has been contacted and parts and a multi-person repair are pending. Committee members discussed parts timing, costs and the elevator’s past ARPA-funded work.
At the Management Services Committee meeting Sept. 3, facilities staff reported the courthouse elevator is out of service while technicians from Otis prepare a multi-person repair after staff found a leaking hydraulic return line. The committee heard that the leak has been traced to a broken threaded steel fitting and that the vendor will need to drain the system and bring a drum of hydraulic fluid to complete the repair.
The facilities report matters because the courthouse needs a working elevator for staff and public access; committee members asked whether the replacement can be expedited and who will pay repair costs.
Chris Drake, a facilities staff member who delivered the monthly maintenance report, said crews found a pan overflowing with hydraulic fluid and traced it to “a steel pipe fitting … a return line for the hydraulic and the threads … something’s broken there and it’s stealing our hydraulic fluid.” Drake said Otis took measurements the day after the leak was found and “they’re gonna come repair that,” and that staff have been calling and texting Otis daily to track progress. Drake added: “They’re keeping me informed so I can keep you informed on it.”
Committee members pressed for timing and cost details. One committee member asked, “So are they waiting for parts or just the ability to get here?” Drake replied he believed the delay was the vendor’s ability to schedule a multi-person crew from Peoria, and that the work requires draining the hydraulic system and bringing a drum of fluid. When asked about the cost, he said repair labor under the county’s service contract may cover some initial hours, but “as far as the repair goes, I honestly don’t know” and that he would look up the service-contract paperwork.
Committee members also noted the elevator shaft had previously been replaced with ARPA funds and asked whether the current failure involved that new work. Drake said the replaced component was the shaft that extends to the pit and that the current broken fitting is in another portion of the hydraulic system. One member suggested consulting hospital maintenance staff who handle multiple elevators; committee members also said Drake had contact information for Otis supervisors and had already escalated the request by calling Otis’ 800 number.
Until the repair is complete, staff said building users are using the stairs. Drake said routine building maintenance continues, including boiler service scheduled for October and concrete patching of exterior stairs.
The committee did not take formal action on the repair at the meeting; the report concluded with committee members asking staff to follow up with Otis and provide timing and cost information when available.
