Facilities report: winterizing, Law & Justice Center fire-pump panel needs repair; parks director absent with positive year-end numbers
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Summary
Facilities staff told the committee they are winterizing HVAC systems, handling snow removal and salting, completed fencing at Animal Services, and obtained a repair quote for a malfunctioning fire-pump control panel at the Law & Justice Center; Parks & Recreation director Mike Stepha was absent but reported strong year-end usage and planning for 2026.
Facilities Management Director Joe Gaither told the Property Committee that as the county moves into winter the department has focused on heating/cooling readiness, snow removal and ice control and that the fencing and security work at the Animal Services facility is complete.
Gaither said the Law & Justice Center's fire-pump system remains operational for emergencies but the control panel responsible for signaling pump activation is “not currently working correctly.” He told the committee a repair quote was received and that staff will reconcile the cost and next steps; the transcript does not record the quoted dollar figure.
Gaither also noted volunteers helped decorate county buildings for the holidays and that the Law & Justice Center lighting has been used for seasonal awareness and decorations. County Administration staff said two trees outside the boardroom have been decorated—one in 'McLean County Green' and one in 'City of Bloomington Red.'
Parks and Recreation Director Mike Stepha did not attend the meeting but staff reported his end-of-year numbers are strong post-COVID, with camping and park use high and planning underway for 2026. Staff recommended waiting to ask detailed questions until Stepha can appear at the next meeting.
The committee recorded the items for information; no formal action was taken on the reports. The committee set its next meeting for Jan. 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.