The Montgomery County Commissioners had their weekly meeting this morning and one highlight includes the public works coordinator Jim Wright along with maintenance supervisor Jeff Phelps presenting a cost estimate given to them by architect Leonhard Caflisch for the restoration of the old courthouse.

 

It would include water proofing, tuck pointing, removing and re-attaching screens, painting and re-caulking exposed wood, brushing off and cleaning stains, and replacing steps on the north and sides of the building, both of which would be moved. Because of the magnitude of the project, Commissioner Robert Bever suggested it be prioritized into separate projects so the work can be done in phases to start in year 2020 or 2021.

 

The cost is estimated at $180-200,000 with the architectural fee at $2,500-3,000 with Jeff Phelps doing most of the inspection. The most expensive part is water proofing ranging from $80-100,000, but replacing the steps is the most critical to prevent the danger of people falling. Commissioners will review that at a future meeting and are considering setting up a special fund to pay for it. 

 

Also, the Montgomery County Action Council gave their mid-year report. Executive Director Trisha Purdon said Walmart has moved into the Amazon building and are optimistc they will be there for the long term. Walmart is not doing distribution out of the building, but instead using it to build new technology and displays, as well as training.

 

The Tyson project is still moving forward, and the timeline will be known after they finish the Humboldt Tennessee project, likely late Fall of this year before any new projects will be initiated for a new Tyson plant in Kansas. Two other industrial site visits are upcoming – one in late Summer and other in early Fall.

 

Purdon said the MCAC website has been updated to see who is actually visiting, and this has provided two leads to bring business into the county.

 

Janie Gillis of Coffeyville Area Community Foundation has been selected to lead rural revitalization in Coffeyville using philanthropy dollars. Three other cities are doing the same, following the Coffeyville's Reawakening model.

 

Here is the handout of the report for more details: