Committee raises concerns over courthouse HVAC installation, sets deadline for contractor response

During the buildings portion of the meeting, committee members reported problems with recent HVAC work at the courthouse. Speaker 1 said electricians found two units mounted in a manner that appears insecure given slanted ceilings and insufficient supports; an electrician described the mounting as inadequate for the weight of the units. The committee expressed safety and workmanship concerns and noted the contractor began work in November with a schedule that has slipped.

Members discussed outreach to the contractor, identified in the discussion as Matthew (Matt Beaver was named in the transcript), and expressed frustration at a lack of progress. Speaker 2 moved that the committee give the contractor until the 24th to respond to committee concerns and recommended that, if there is no adequate response by that date, the committee recommend that Mr. Butler step in to pursue contractual or legal remedies. The motion received a second and passed by voice vote.

Committee members asked staff to arrange inspections, invite the contractor to a work session, and coordinate with the county attorney if necessary. Several speakers said they had been more than fair with the contractor and wanted the mayor and legal counsel to be prepared to take stronger action if the contractor did not remedy the deficiencies.

The committee recorded the motion and directed staff to report back; the transcript includes no roll-call vote or individual vote counts, only unanimous voice approval.