October 10, 2007
John Reynolds
www.sj-r.com
Sangamon County is again in the market for a new health department building site. The Sangamon County Board voted Tuesday to terminate negotiations for a $7.7 million health department building on Clear Lake Avenue and to rebid the entire project. Board member Andy Goleman said the decision was necessary because the county was unable to resolve differences with Springfield East Venture, which had the previous winning bid. Last week, Goleman said it became apparent during negotiations that the developer could not stand by the price in the bid. At Tuesday's Republican caucus prior to the meeting, Goleman was asked by board member Todd Smith for more details, but Goleman said he couldn't discuss the matter in open session. Smith cast the only vote against terminating the negotiations. "I just didn't have the information I needed to make a vote, so I chose to vote ‘no,'" Smith said. Springfield East Venture's initial bid was $6.7 million, but in August, county officials learned the price tag had risen $1.4 million, to $8.1 million, because of increased construction costs and the inclusion of a traffic light at Clear Lake and Wheeler avenues. That figure was later reduced to $7.7 million - a figure that was tentatively approved by the county board at last month's meeting. The proposal submitted by Springfield East Venture called for Mike Suhadolnik, manager of CX Construction of Illinois, to serve as construction manager and David Barber as developer. Barber was at Tuesday's meeting but did not comment on the board's action. The vote to rebid the project was taken separately. It was unanimous, except for Dave Kamper voting "present." The motion to rebid the project again calls for a site in Springfield's medically underserved area, but adds: or a "reasonable proximity thereto at the committee's discretion." Sangamon County has promised the city that a new health department headquarters will be somewhere on Springfield's east side. Goleman said the plan still is to build there, but the new language was included to possibly give the county some new options. "Our intent is to continue to look strongly at the medically underserved area. We made a commitment to do that," Goleman said. "(The new language) gives the committee the authority to look at a piece of property that might be reasonable to the proximity of the medically underserved area." In other action Tuesday: The board approved a conditional use permit for the Nipper Wildlife Sanctuary, 9560 Withers Road in Loami. Frank and Gladys Nipper stipulated in their will that 120 acres of their property be set aside as a wildlife sanctuary. Over the past several years, prairies with diverse seed mixes have been planted, wetlands were created, and woods were thinned of weedy species. An old oxbow lake was restored to provide additional wetland habitat. Plans to open the area to the public hit a snag in June when the county board struck down a plan to rezone the property to a public park. Neighbors voiced opposition, citing safety and privacy concerns. Board member Tim Moore said an agreement was worked out that included reducing the size of a building on the property and limiting the hours of operation. Smith cast the only "no" vote. The board unanimously OK'd transferring plans and documents for a Meadowbrook Road bridge project to the city of Springfield. The county has spent about $130,000 in engineering studies on the project, but the land surrounding the bridge was annexed by the city, which means the county is no longer involved. As a result, the county gave the studies to the city so the work wouldn't have to be duplicated. Republican board member Dennis Wieland, who has represented the Riverton area for the past 11 years, announced he is resigning. He cited health reasons and a desire to spend more time with his family. County officials hope to name a replacement as soon as possible. Candidates must be Republican and live within the county board's 8th District. Letters of interest can be sent to: Sangamon County Board Office; Attn. Ryan McCrady, County Administrator; 200 S. Ninth St., Room 201; Springfield, IL 62701. Other votes: Unless otherwise indicated, the following items passed unanimously. Resolution approving a cooperative agreement between the member agencies of the Springfield Area Transportation Study. Resolution establishing parking restrictions on county highways. Don Stephens, no. A request by Ralph and Carolyn Moore for a variance of the lot area requirement to allow two parcels less than 40 acres for property at 3801 Woodhaven Drive. Sarah Musgrave, present. A request by Amanda Tapscott for a rezoning to Neighborhood Business District for property at 1701 Stevenson Drive. Resolution authorizing the regional planning commission to prepare the Sangamon County Multi-Jurisdictional Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan. Resolution authorizing intent for requesting public transportation financial assistance. Resolution approving the final plat of L & R Minor Subdivision. Approval of the target FY 2008 budget. The proposal calls for a FY 2008 budget of $86,963,000, which is about $4.7 million less than the FY 2007 amended budget of $91,672,000. The board is expected to vote on the actual 2008 budget next month.
County requires storm shelters at new mobile home parks By JOHN REYNOLDS STAFF WRITER New mobile home parks in unincorporated areas of Sangamon County are now required to provide storm shelters that can withstand winds of up to 200 mph. The requirement, adopted by the Sangamon County Board on Tuesday, does not apply to existing trailer parks or those that may be built within the limits of an incorporated town. Craig Hall, a board member who represents the New Berlin-Pleasant Plains area, spearheaded the proposal. He said he usually doesn't like to impose government regulations on businesses, but he sees this as a safety issue. "The people need someplace to go" when tornadoes approach, Hall said. Board members Andy Goleman, Rose Long and Todd Smith voted "no" while Linda Fulgenzi voted "present." Long said she was concerned that requiring storm shelters could increase the lot rent people pay. While existing mobile home parks are exempt, they would be required to add shelters if they expand. The ordinance spells out several requirements for the shelters such as: The ability to withstand wind speeds of 200 mph. Twelve square feet of floor space per mobile home pad in the park. Ceiling height not less than seven feet. Two exits, at least one being handicapped accessible. Underground electrical service. The National Weather Service encourages mobile home residents to move to a safer place if a tornado is approaching. "Even if your home is tied down, you are probably safer outside, even if the only alternative is to seek shelter out in the open," the weather service's Web site states. "... Lie flat on low ground away from your home, protecting your head. If possible, use open ground away from trees and cars, which can be blown onto you." John Reynolds can be reached at 788-1524 or john.reynolds@sj-r.com.
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