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County contractor outlines fixes for jail smoke-evac system; commissioners press on costs and delays
Summary
Contractor Jim Street and engineers described a plan to replace undersized fan motors and rebalance the smoke-evacuation system, with testing and phased work expected over roughly six to eight weeks; commissioners pushed for clarity on extra costs, contingency spending, and when the facility will be ready for occupancy.
Contractor and design teams briefed the Sullivan County Commission on April 16 about technical fixes for the county jail, describing work to replace fan motors and rebalance the smoke-evacuation system after earlier test failures and outlining an anticipated multi-week schedule to complete testing and elevator installation.
"We think we've finally resolved the issue," contractor Jim Street told the commission, describing a plan to change out motors and balance the system. Street said the team planned to replace the first motor the following week, test it and then proceed to the remainder; he said the motor replacements and balancing work would likely take about six weeks, with elevator installation running about six to eight weeks.
Commissioners pressed on the cause, additional costs and who will absorb overruns. Commissioner Glover sharply criticized the project's design and additional expense, saying the motor design failure and subsequent remediation had already added "300 something thousand dollars" in extra costs and that the delay was imposing utility and manpower costs while the facility remained unoccupied. "These flaws were not expected," Glover said, urging accountability and answers about reimbursement.
Contractor representatives said Trane is replacing motors specified earlier and that the team would perform comprehensive tests of smoke detection and evacuation before any occupancy. Officials said security electronics testing was completed that week and that punch-list items are being addressed as discovered.
Timing and next steps: County and contractor staff said they expected to complete the motor replacements and system balance within about six to eight weeks and that the elevator installation timeline is roughly the same. Commissioners said they wanted a definitive testing schedule and clearer cost accounting for contingencies and extra remediation work before the next meeting.
Speakers quoted: Jim Street (contractor), Commissioner Glover, Commissioner Arrington, and other commissioners who requested timelines and cost clarifications.
Provenance: topicintro SEG 2092; topfinish SEG 2401.
