Delaware County jail officials outline roof/HVAC project, kitchen renovation and staffing progress

Warden (name not specified) and Executive Director O'Malley told the board the jail will begin major capital work and described personnel developments as the county continues to operate the George W. Hill Correctional Facility.

Presenters said prequalified bidders submitted final bids for a roof recoating and HVAC replacement project; the county will present award recommendations to County Council. If awarded, staff said preliminary plans call for a project start in April 2025 with anticipated completion in July 2027. Presenters said the work will be phased and coordinated inside the occupied facility to maintain secure operations, and they named partner firms (WTI and Tremco) and the county's construction management processes as part of the planning. The board was told the project is large and will require coordination with judges and the sheriff's department during operational impacts and prisoner transports.

On kitchen renovations, staff said they are revisiting drawings with engineers, performing site surveys and engaging the construction management firm BSI to advise on feasibility, costs and phasing; a walkthrough was scheduled and staff said they would reengage the project timeline after that review.

Personnel notes and training Executive Director O'Malley said the county awarded the first correctional officer union contract since the county took over the facility; presenters described it as the first official contract for those employees and thanked staff who participated in negotiations. The Warden and deputies recognized employee anniversaries and promotions, and presenters reported recent trainings and a graduation. Presenters also emphasized efforts to reduce mandated overtime and improve staffing levels; they identified steps to increase recruitment and to consider scheduling and operational changes to limit overtime demands.

Why it matters Capital improvements address environmental controls and staff/inmate comfort and safety; the roof/HVAC project is tied to a larger, upcoming security systems project. Staffing stability and a new union contract affect daily operations, overtime costs, and staffing retention.

Details and context Presenters said work on the roof/HVAC project is necessary to maintain temperature control for both incarcerated persons and staff; bidders were prequalified and final offers were under review at the time of the meeting. The kitchen renovation is being re-evaluated and will follow a feasibility and phasing plan once BSI and engineers confirm drawings and site conditions. Presenters identified the operational complexity of construction work inside an inhabited correctional facility and said they will provide monthly project updates to the oversight board.

Ending Board members asked staff to provide ongoing updates as bids are reviewed and schedules are finalized; presenters said they would return with further details once County Council or procurement decisions are made.