Sherman County approves asbestos survey and sewer camera ahead of courthouse plumbing work

Sherman County commissioners on Monday authorized two preliminary inspections to support a planned courthouse plumbing project: an asbestos survey of the crawl spaces and a sewer-line camera inspection.

The actions followed a site visit and presentation by Joe Glassman of Glassman's Plumbing and his project team, who outlined challenges in repiping the county courthouse: aging cast-iron or tile sewer runs, plumbing lines cast into concrete or marble features, and possible asbestos in crawl spaces. The contractor said an asbestos assessment and a sewer-camera run were needed before he could provide a firm construction price.

Why it matters: The courthouse plumbing involves embedded pipes, historic finishes (terrazzo and marble), and a potentially older sewer line. An asbestos survey and sewer camera report will clarify whether demolition and repair will require abatement, extensive patching (plaster/terrazzo), or sewer replacement. The inspections are intended to reduce unknowns and help produce an accurate cost and scope.

What the contractor told the commission Joe Glassman, representing Glassman's Plumbing, described approaches used on similar courthouse projects and said the team would price options after the inspections. He recommended working in stages, using overnight or early-morning tie-ins to minimize disruption to courthouse operations, and including a contingency (he suggested 10% to 15%) to cover unforeseen wall, floor or material issues. Glassman also recommended two competing asbestos contractors (one from Wichita, one from Kearney, Neb.) to perform the survey and to provide quotes for removal if required.

Commission action and vote A commissioner moved to authorize the asbestos survey and sewer camera inspection; another commissioner seconded. The motion passed by voice vote: "All in favor, say aye," the clerk recorded. The minutes show the commission approved both inspections and asked staff to authorize and schedule the work so contractors can prepare a formal bid for repiping and repairs.

Clarifying details mentioned at the meeting - Asbestos: The contractor said asbestos is likely in the crawl space and that an independent assessment is required before any demolition in those areas. He said an air clearance and formal abatement protocol would be required if asbestos is disturbed. - Sewer camera: Commissioners were told a camera run is critical to determine whether sewer lines are clay tile, cast iron or later Orangeburg-type material; the contractor said camera work typically costs in the low thousands or about $1,000 to $1,200, depending on time and access. - Approach: The contractor proposed performing work in phases, working early-morning tie-ins to reduce interruptions to court business and to keep some restrooms available on other floors while work proceeds. - Next steps: Contractor will provide a written price estimate after the county completes the asbestos survey and sewer-camera run; county staff and the contractor will coordinate scheduling, contingency, and aesthetic repair options for terrazzo or marble finishes.

Quotes "You need an assessment done even if it has to go on your records," Glassman said, recommending an asbestos survey and that the county secure competing quotes for removal as part of planning. "When the charges for it, we'll put one man out here with them so that we see what they're doing."

Speakers and roles Speakers on record for this item included Joe Glassman (Glassman's Plumbing, contractor), Dave (senior project manager for the contractor), William (plumber/field contact), county staff members James Geist (staff contact referenced in planning) and Ashley (treasurer's office staff who handled coordination), and the commissioners who moved and seconded the motion.

Outcome and next steps The commission approved the asbestos survey and sewer-camera inspection. County staff were directed to schedule the inspections and return the results to the commission and to the contractor; the contractor will then produce a construction bid and contingency recommendations for repiping and fixture replacement.