It’s been talked about for years, but COVID-19 cast a new light on the replacement of the Barton County Courthouse’s outdated heating and air conditioning. On Tuesday morning, the County Commission approved contracting with Orazem & Scalora Engineering of Manhattan for $4,400 to do a feasibility study regarding an upgrade the system and tapping federal pandemic relief funds to cover the cost.
On Sept. 29, Barton County invited proposals for an architectural and mechanical engineering firm to replace the heating and air conditioning system at the building to address building ventilation to increase the air quality, said Facilities Director/Solid Waste Director Phil Hathcock. Two firms submitted qualifications proposals, and those firms were also invited to submit proposals to conduct a feasibility study.
This study is “the first step in choosing a firm and getting the ball rolling” on the ultimate replacement, he said.
“The courthouse has a two-pipe, forced-water system that’s become antiquated and is in need of replacement,” he said. Current issues include leaking pipes, and he system is either in heating or cooling mode and there is no temperature control.
In addition, it doesn’t allow for building ventilation. Improving air circulation building wide was a requirement for all proposals.
The age of the current system has been a topic of discussion, Hathcock said. The belief is that the chiller dates back to the around 2011 and the boiler to the 1960s or 1970s.
“It’s not very efficient,” he said. “It’s time for an upgrade.”
There are also individual units in each room.
“They are more problematic than either those two. We’re finding it more and more difficult to find replacement parts for those, and of course the pipes leak all the time,” he said. “So that is a big, big issue at the courthouse.”
Compounding this is the fact the courthouse is 100 years old and made of stone. “That doesn’t make this process any easier or less expensive.”
“I know this is an important decision for us because we are looking at putting federal money into it,” District 5 Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said. “I just hope that whatever we come up with last another 60 years.”
Commissioners have talked for several months about improvements to building ventilation to increase air quality based on COVID guidance from the CDC and the American Society for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning engineers, said Grant and Compliance Manager Sue Cooper. These upgrades would improve the air delivery and dilute potential contaminants.
Cooper said such changes will qualify under American Rescue Plan Act. “It does specifically state that ventilation improvements to congregate settings, health care facilities and other key locations to enhance public health is acceptable.”
