Showing posts with label building renovations and updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label building renovations and updates. Show all posts

Thursday, March 22, 2018

NJ Town Marshal Talks Equipment Installation and Department Renovations at Council Meeting

Posted on March 22, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI

All the necessary equipment needed for the North Judson Police Department K9 vehicle is almost completely installed.

Town Marshal Kelly Fisher told town council members Monday night, that the department has been utilizing the help of Matt Noonan to get the equipment installed.

As Officer Rico Simpson utilizes the SUV for training, they’ve been working around his class schedule to finish up the additions.

She said, “He’s been using his truck during the week to go down for schooling and then on the weekend we’ve been putting in. The kennels all done, the light bar is put on it, they call it “hot and pop”, the door popper and heat sensor is all complete.”

Fisher explained, “Rico’s actually been doing some work with popping the door and the dog gets out. He knows to go right to Rico”

In her report, Marshal Fisher also mentioned that renovations at the police department are coming along.

She said they’re about half way finished and so far, they’ve done some reorganizing and painting. The plan is to have a lobby area and the department intends to apply for a grant in order to get a drug drop-box.

She added that once everything is complete, she’d like to host an open house and have the council members come by in order to see the major difference the alterations make.

Friday, June 23, 2017

N.J.-S.P. School Board Schedules Public Hearing on Proposed Bond Issue

Posted on June 23, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board is moving forward with proposed renovations and updates at the three schools.

They’ve scheduled a special meeting Tuesday, June 27 to conduct a 1028 Public Hearing, as required by law, and pass an the necessary resolutions to move the project forward.

Officials previously outlined an estimated $5.5 million worth of projects designed to make the three buildings safer and more energy efficient. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin says the work will not affect property taxes, as it can be done within the corporation’s existing debt service.

The most extensive work is planned at the high school, which is where 7th through 12th grade classes are currently taking place. Roof repairs, tuckpointing of exterior brick, restroom partitions, new carpet, modernizing the main staircase to comply with current building codes and a new welding hood are all on the list.

So are duct cleaning, if necessary, along with temperature control and HVAC updates, a new backup generator, motion detector lighting, upgrades from fluorescent to LED lighting systems and a replacement water heater.

The board also agreed to make updates to the swimming pool and tennis courts. Other exterior projects include sidewalk repairs, a new pressbox and dugouts for the baseball and softball fields and a new roof for the football locker room.

The board can pay off the bonds for the work in seven years and still have some borrowing capacity should another need arise.

Tuesday’s meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the central office meeting room.

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Courthouse and Old Jail Renovations Wrapping Up

Posted on April 4, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The renovations to the Starke County Courthouse and former jail building in downtown Knox are on schedule and under budget.

Contractors will clean the exterior of both buildings this week with an organic solution to brighten the brick and stone. However the clock tower on the courthouse will be done later this year because a heavy boom lift will be required.

Interior work at both buildings is wrapping up, and various departments are in the process of moving into their new space. The probation department moved into the former jail last week, and the prosecutor’s office will move into the courthouse soon.

A public open house is scheduled Tuesday, April 18 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Starke Circuit Judge Kim Hall will offer remarks during a program on the courthouse lawn, and tours of both buildings will be offered.

Commissioner Kathy Norem wants taxpayers to see how the county is spending money and says the open house will be the only opportunity to see areas that will eventually have restricted access.

The courthouse will have one point of entry once the renovations are finished. Metal detectors will be installed, and uniformed officers will be stationed there as well.

Thursday, March 23, 2017

North Judson-San Pierre School Board to Consider Capital Projects

Posted on March 23, 2017
Author Mary Perren, WKVI

The North Judson-San Pierre School Board wants input from residents before finalizing plans for building renovations and updates. Superintendent Dr. Annette Zupin told the school board Tuesday night the bond for the auditorium project is almost paid off. She says the corporation can maintain the debt service rate and take care of some other needs on the campus.

Board members will meet for a work session in early April to discuss options prior to the April 18th board meeting. Zupin says they will formally discuss the preliminary project scope, tax impact, which should be zero, and potential financing options at that meeting.

A special called community meeting will take place sometime in late April at the auditorium to provide more information about estimated costs and savings and get community input with regard to the proposals.

Meanwhile, Zupin encourages any member of the community who would like to tour the campus to call maintenance supervisor Wilbur Collins at 574-896-2158 ext 282 to make arrangements.

Past discussions have involved investments in making the buildings more energy efficient.