Commissioners to consider energy efficiency upgrades

An effort to boost energy efficiency within the county’s historic courthouse could come with a price tag of almost $30,000.
Members of the county board’s executive committee were told Wednesday that Three Rivers-based Brussee/Brady submitted the lower of two bids for a job that includes switching out single-pane windows with thicker replacements.
The areas targeted are at the two entrances into the historic portion of the courthouse complex; one is at the east side of the building, the other at its north end. Building and grounds director Tim Hochstetler said the scope of the work involves installing thermal-pane windows, new weather stripping, re-caulking, replacing glass on the second-floor landing above the east entrance, and cleaning, sanding and refinishing all the frames.
Hochstetler said the two entrance areas are notorious for the drafts of air they allow on harsh, winter days. The single-pane windows, too, provide an inadequate buffer from cold air, he said.
The matter will be fielded by commissioners during their board meeting Tuesday next week.
Hochstetler said Brussee/Brady indicated it would need some lead time before starting the project – likely the second week of January – because some of the glass at the north entrance is arched and would require a special cut.