Council hears Muni Court project update

DAVE MOSIER/independent editor

Van Wert City Council heard an update on the Van Wert Municipal Court facility project from Judge Jill Leatherman and Ron Smallwood of architectural firm Garmann Miller during a Van Wert City Council Finance Committee meeting held Monday evening.

The judge noted that, with costs threatening to exceed the budget originally set for purchasing and renovating the former First Financial Bank building on East Main Street into a court facility, several changes have been implemented to the project to bring costs back into line. Current estimates for the project stand at approximately $490,000.

One of the changes was eliminating a planned conference room for the Municipal Court Probation Department, while existing equipment would also be used in the new building.

“I’m not anticipating buying any new equipment,” Judge Leatherman told City Council, noting that she felt cuts needed to be made if she was to meet her pledge to the public to not use taxpayer funds for the project.

Later in its regular meeting, City Council approved legislation authorizing Leatherman and Garmann Miller to advertise for bids on the project.

Also Monday, City Council approved a number of finance-related measures, including a resolution replacing current legislation related to city employee participation in their healthcare insurance plan and the formation of Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Law Director John Hatcher said there were corrections that needed to be made in the original legislation and needed to be done quickly, since they had to be in place by October 1.

Other measures approved included an ordinance authorizing a fund transfer related to the Municipal Court project, and a measure accepting county tax figures stemming from the city’s tax budget.

Mayor Don Farmer reported on progress on the Franklin Park project, noting that the city is still working with Scott Niswonger and his architects on a plan for that site, while grants are also being sought to help pay for improvements to the former Franklin Elementary School location.

Safety-Service Director Jay Fleming said work is currently being done in preparation for street paving projects to be done in September. Fleming noted that bids will be opened on those projects on September 3.

Council also excused First Ward Councilman John Marshal, who is currently hospitalized in Columbus.