Seneca County Courthouse timeline set

A permanent solution to the Seneca County courthouse debate is set to begin before the year is over.

According to a schedule created by MKC and Associates Inc., a Mansfield engineering firm hired to design the new courthouse, construction is slated for November 2008 through December 2009.

MKC divided the design project into two phases. Phase one is creating the concept of the new building, which includes programing.

Once the programing is finalized and approved, MKC would begin concept design drawings including site and floor plans, exterior and elevations. The drawings will be reviewed by the board as well as building users, like the judges and clerk.

The public will also get a chance to give its input at two community focus group meetings. At that time, MKC will provide detailed construction cost estimates.

Once phase one is approved, phase two begins and consists of implementation of the previous phase.

In phase two, leading up to construction in November, MKC set schematic design for July, design development for August, construction documents for September and bidding for October.

The cost of phase one is $42,500. Phase two services are based upon a percentage of construction cost and will be converted to a fixed fee once the scope and schedule is further defined. That percentage is 8.25.

MKC will also provide additional services like landscape design, security and technology design and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification.

What will be salvaged from the 1884 courthouse will also be pounded out during the design project.

Related to the salvage of the courthouse, the board passed a resolution setting 4:30 p.m. June 5 for the public auction of county surplus items and courthouse furnishing. The board also passed a resolution entering into a contract with Watson Auction and Real Estate as auctioneer for the event. The company will receive 6 percent of earnings up to $12,500 and 3 percent for anything over.

~Original story by Sandra