Supervisors Discuss RUSS and Roof Dilemmas

Mahaska-County-Courthouse

Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Mahaska County Board of Supervisors, in their regular meeting on Monday, November 3rd, dealt with two larger issues. The first was how to approach its agreement with RUSS [Regional Utility Service System] and the repair of the courthouse roof, that has yet to be completed after it was damaged on April 27th.

Darrell Smith with Terracon walked the Supervisors through the courthouse roof and repair specs. Smith said that, at this point, he didn’t see repair of the roof happening until next year. A public hearing has yet to be called on the project because of the cost. The tile has yet to be ordered, and the foam adhesive, that will be used to help secure the tile, may not adhere correctly in the cold of winter.

Smith said that with the foam adhesive and the use of screws versus nails, there should be enough holding power to not necessitate hurricane clips. That could save the county $22,000 in total cost of the repair.

Before repair is completed in the spring, after the weather warms, Maintenance Director Troy Bemis advised hiring a contractor to install some lath or other material to help hold down the heavy-duty tar paper that is the roof’s only means of remaining water resistant.

The Supervisors then discussed the tile that is to be used on the roof of the Courthouse. Discussion on having the tile produced and color matching was discussed. The Supervisors moved to authorize the purchase of the tile for the Courthouse.

The Supervisors then went into closed session to discuss RUSS and to discuss legal strategy with the County Attorney about the the County’s involvement with RUSS.

After returning from closed session, the Supervisors agreed to have the Mahaska County Attorney write a letter to RUSS and to then retain Greg Life to represent the County into the future on this matter.

Also approved was a 28E agreement between Marion and Mahaska County Sheriff’s Offices for mutual aid in times of emergency.

Courthouse Maintenance Director Troy Bemis talked with the Supervisors about turning the current custodian position into full time. He cited difficulty in retaining trained staff on the current part-time schedule. The issue was tabled until budget talks begin at the first of the year.