Asbestos found as work begins on Ashland courtroom ceiling; commissioners OK removal bid

The Ashland County commissioners accepted an estimate of $15,298 from Envi Environment for asbestos abatement in Courtroom No. 1 .

An inspection for work to replace the ceiling was approved at the April 11 meeting in an emergency measure. Simonson Construction Services had its not-to-exceed estimate of $210,000 accepted for full replacement of the ceiling.

“I personally did not expect asbestos,” Commissioner James Justice said.

“That was a shock,” added Commissioner Denny Bittle. “Even the person who did the inspection on it was shocked to find it had asbestos on it.”

A temporary courtroom is being used at the Job and Family Service building during the duration of work done at the courthouse.

“The person taking out the asbestos will let the staff know and let us know where it is safe,” Justice said. “To my understanding it will be contained to one room, the courtroom.”

“That is way less than I thought it would be,” said Bittle about the price of the asbestos removal.

“It is a long process that will take place most of the summer,” added Justice. “And keep it in the grand style it is. It is an historical building.”

In other action, commissioners:

• Approved an advertisement to accept sealed bids until May 234 for the labor, materials, equipment, special tools and services required to complete grandstand repairs at the fairgrounds.
• Authorized payment to Holland & Muirden, Attorneys at Law, in the amount of $225 toward the prosecution of three cases dealing with the Humane Society.
• Entered into a contract with JD Striping & Services for $276,184 for pavement marking.
• Accepted a quote of $7,900 from BCU Electric for the installation of five, poke-through electrical boxes in Courtroom No. 1.
• Authorized the purchase of a 2024 Dodge Durango for the Sheriff’s Office to be used as a K9 vehicle for $43,436.

Commissioners will meet 9 a.m. Thursday in the Commissioner’s Conference Room on the second floor of the County Office Building. The meetings are open to the public. They are livestreamed on the Ashland County Government Facebook page.

This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Asbestos found as work begins on Ashland courtroom ceiling; commissioners OK removal bid