Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Contractor Needs More Time

Work on the annex to the Clark County Courthouse is coming along, but the contractor needs more time.

Randy Wood, of Wood Construction Company, addressed the Clark County Quorum Court recently, seeking an extension until Aug. 1, to get the project finished.

Wood's crews have run into several problems while doing the work, much of it out of their control. Early on, a tornado destroyed the plant where the company was purchasing the steel for the job. This led to delays while finding another steel supplier.

Next, crews found a gas line buried no one knew about, and lost about a month while this line was relocated.

But, Wood informed the court the sheet rock installations upstairs is all but done, while the down stairs sheet rock work is finished. Fireproofing has been done in all areas.

Wood had his crews working 10-hour days and Saturdays to try and get the job done by the first of July.

While expressing confidence in getting the job done by Aug. 1, Wood said there could be a problem in working in the current Municipal Building.

The Municipal Building is currently in use and the crews will have to work around the employees there. This, Wood said, could cost two days.

Because of the critical records kept by the Municipal Court, crews may have to work in one area, allow the employees to move back in and then begin working on another area, breaking through the wall when the employees work has been finished.

Wood said it will take about 10 days to break through the walls and install doors.

The justices of the peace discussed imposing a penalty on Wood's Construction for not meeting the deadlines, but were reminded, by Wood, there were four items not changed in the contract causing delays.

These items were: relocating gas lines; having to dig beneath the existing footing for structural purposes at a cost of three days work; changing a one-inch line to a three-inch line involving mechanical problems and losing four days in the process; and cutting back stairway steps for more head room.

According to Wood, the crews lost 27 days because of these delays.

It was pointed out the company is making a good-faith effort to complete the project.

Wood, when asked, told the court the project would take 190 days to complete. However, he added crews have been unable to work 66 days because of the aforementioned delays and work order changes made.

The court decided to take a wait and see attitude before seeking any penalty against the construction company.

Clark County Judge Floyd "Buddy" Manning told the justices renovations are nearly completed on the 1899 courthouse. At this time, security and elevator personnel are working to get their systems together and operational.

In other business, no action was taken on a request for funds by the Rocking U Riding Club. Until the legality of the situation is sorted out, the issue was tabled.

The Confederate Memorial, located on the east side of the courthouse, could be renovated in the near future.

The Daughters of the Confederacy assured the court the historical preservation society will help fund the project.

Manning informed the court he had written to this organization, authorizing it to begin work on the memorial.

The justices passed a resolution to approve financial support of the work on the memorial.

In his report, Manning said Brushy Road in Amity will be paved, thanks to the help of State Rep. Percy Malone, who worked to secure funds for the project.

The Whelen Springs Highway Project will involved a concerted effort between the county and City of Gurdon, and a landfill inspection scored high points.

Manning said the disposal of modular buildings will be studied by the Clark County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney as to the legality of the measure before any action is taken.