County staff update commissioners on roads, courthouse, detox center and other capital projects

County Manager and public‑works staff gave a broad update on ongoing capital projects and maintenance needs. Roads staff reported two active projects: Blueberry Hill final phase (about five miles remaining) with milling and paving operations and 39 connected aprons to tie private drives into the new surface, and a slope‑stabilization project on State Road 150 (curb, valley gutters, netting and anchors to control runoff and rockfall).

Project leads said a standard two‑year moratorium on street cuts will follow final paving. Jason (roads) estimated Blueberry Hill can finish in six weeks absent weather delays and explained limitations to adding bike lanes without acquiring easements. County staff reported progress on Rio Cristia (possible $1.4M grant and additional ~$170k) and the Penasco bridge project moving to bid.

Richard Sanchez updated the commission on the historic courthouse remodel, saying demolition is largely complete and utilities and framing are in place, but that significant, unforeseen damage to two plaza‑facing corners has created a funding shortfall estimated between $400,000 and $1,000,000. He said scaffolding costs alone could be about $120,000 and staff will seek funding adjustments.

On the detox center, staff explained that additional state licensing requirements for triage and food service mean the county must remodel the kitchen and modify the lobby now rather than later to avoid higher retrofit costs. That work could delay final occupancy slightly but is intended to reduce total long‑term costs; any change orders above $30,000 will be returned to the commission for approval.