County hires MSKTD to prepare bid documents for dust-collector and odor controls in Russo carpentry shop

Allen County facility staff described persistent dust accumulation and strong glue odors in the carpentry shop located in the Russo Building basement and the Board of Commissioners approved a contract to produce design and bid documents for a dust-collection and odor-control system.

The director of facility maintenance told commissioners the carpentry shop (three carpenters on staff) routinely produces sawdust and uses strong adhesives for laminate work; the existing building layout allows odors to move into hallways when doors are opened. Facility staff described a likely solution that would use a cyclone dust collector placed in the parking garage (with a self-cleaning collection bag) and modifications to the building HVAC to incorporate filtration and odor control. Preliminary estimates put the construction cost around $125,000; the agreement approved at the meeting is for MSKTD to prepare construction prints, a scope of work and administrative services for $19,000 so the project can be publicly bid.

Commissioners and staff discussed the scope of shop work (cabinetry, judges' desks, counters, ADA work and other facilities carpentry) and agreed the carpenters perform specialized work that saves the county from contracting out. Facility staff said MSKTD has already conducted preliminary work and identified a solution; the $19,000 contract is to finalize plans and bid documents and assist during the procurement phase.

Commission action: the board voted to approve the agreement with MSKTD for $19,000 to prepare design and bid documents for installation of the dust collector and odor-ventilation system for the Russo basement carpentry shop. The motion carried.

Ending: Facility staff said the project will be put out to public bid once design documents are complete; commissioners voiced support for the carpenters and emphasized the health and safety benefits for staff.