The Capital Outlet Committee on Jan. 8 heard progress reports on two county facility projects, with committee speakers saying work at the county health department and the new animal shelter is moving ahead.

Unidentified Speaker 1, who opened the meeting, said a construction meeting that morning showed the health department job was "way ahead of their schedule," with sheetrock finishing expected to start later in the week and the state-run network wiring planned in about two weeks. He said HVAC ductwork is installed and that windows were expected "on the 26th of this month," and that siding work on the exterior should begin in February.

The committee was told the largest outstanding item for the health department is paperwork needed by county staff; Speaker 1 said St. John Engineering continues to work with the contractor to resolve remaining contract items.

On the animal shelter, Speaker 1 reported the main framework had been erected and the roof and insulation were in place. Block laying is under way and rough plumbing is being installed; high winds briefly delayed work but crews resumed. The front entrance asphalt has been installed, though soft ground required cones and additional backfilling and grading before final access is restored.

The committee also discussed signage for the CCAP building: Speaker 1 said the new sign is in place and the UT Extension office will be added to the lower portion of the sign; overhead awning height-designation signs have been made and will be installed after minor repair work is finished.

The meeting closed with an invitation for committee members to visit the health department and animal shelter together before the next meeting, which is scheduled for Feb. 5 at 4:00 p.m.

No formal votes were taken on the construction items during the meeting; staff were directed to continue coordination with contractors and to resolve outstanding paperwork and site-access issues.