Commissioners may have bid specs in weeks
by Maribeth Holtz
February 4, 2009
Moisture in the Grant County Courthouse comes in primarily around windows and downspouts, according to an inspection last month.
The engineering firm American StructurePoint inspected the courthouse Jan. 7, and its findings were discussed Tuesday by Grant County commissioners.
The moisture mapping study reveals various areas of water staining and particle growth. There is significant moisture, growth and peeling in the clerk’s record storage room in the basement. Much of the rest of the moisture was found throughout the building on exterior walls.
“It’s primarily about the downspouts that need to be cleared in the courthouse,” said county Administrator Angela Banter, as she went over the report with commissioners. “The water’s not coming out of the downspouts. … It traps moisture between the walls.”
The study didn’t necessarily reveal mold but noted areas of particle growth and stated that false walls are likely concealing more water damage and possible mold growth.
The study suggests roof repairs and waterproofing be addressed first and that downspout, facade and window repairs should be addressed next.
It also said there was no significant moisture or damage behind the wood paneling in the Superior Court 2 judge’s chamber.
“I’m not surprised because we already had mold testing done by the state,” Commissioner Jeremy Diller said of the Grant Superior Court 2 area.
Last year, Superior 2 Judge Randall Johnson removed his court from the courthouse because, he said, mold problems in the room were affecting his health. The Indiana Department of Health subsequently tested the building, and the report showed no more mold inside the building than there was outside the building.
Commissioner David Glickfield said they will work to make sure downspouts are cleared so water goes back outside, and placement of downspouts in the building may be considered.
He said within the next couple of weeks commissioners will put together bid specifications and advertise the project for contractors to bid on. Work should begin in the spring.
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