Hamblen County panel approves up to $50,000 to replace Justice Center sally‑port doors

The Hamblen County Finance and Public Safety committees approved a construction change directive on Jan. 12 to replace two perforated overhead doors at the Justice Center sally‑port, authorizing up to $50,000 to complete the work.

Project staff told commissioners the original door panels were perforated in a way that allows cold air into the sally‑port. As temperatures fell this winter, staff said gas heaters ran continuously to keep equipment above freezing and they worried that the airflow pattern might compromise fire‑suppression lines. Staff recommended replacing the doors rather than installing add‑on measures such as air curtains, which they said would require additional power and equipment.

The presenter said the perforated panels likely resulted from an architectural design omission and that the county will pursue cost recovery through negotiations with the architect. The initial vendor quote for the doors was described as roughly $38,000, while the change directive was presented as a not‑to‑exceed $50,000 authorization to move the work forward quickly before all change‑order costs were fully finalized.

Commissioners asked whether alternatives had been vetted, whether the space has vehicle exhaust ventilation and who would carry financial responsibility. Staff replied that air‑curtain alternatives would add equipment and electrical work and reiterated that replacement to the correct design was the preferred solution. Several commissioners urged acting now to preserve the county’s ability to seek recoupment from design contractors later.

A motion to approve Construction Change Directive No. 3 (not to exceed $50,000) was made, seconded and carried by voice vote.