By KELLY WILSON
Herald-Whig Staff Writer
The new Adams County Health Department building's footprint will be substantially smaller than originally planned -- 28,000 square feet instead of 45,000 square feet.
"We think we can live with that," said Nancy Bluhm, public health administrator, after a special meeting Tuesday at which the Adams County Board of Health approved a contract with Klingner and Associates for architectural and engineering services on the new building.
Bluhm said the nearly 38 percent reduction in square footage was necessary to stay within budget. The original plan had included some empty space to accommodate growth.
"It's a concern I'll be monitoring," she said. "But you're already gaining (space)."
The current facility at 333 N. Sixth has just 15,000 square feet. Hallways serve as waiting areas, closets have been converted into offices, and boxes are stacked floor to ceiling in hallways and offices because of limited storage.
"This is a night I'll always remember," Bluhm said Tuesday, excited to finally get started on a building that she says has been in the planning stages for more than 15 years.
"It means the actual project will now come to reality. The biggest things we need are storage space and parking, and to solve heating and ventilation issues."
The new Health Department building will be built at Fourth and Vermont, and will bring all programs, including the dental clinic, under one roof.
Site work and building construction will cost $4.5 million, which will come out of the county's budget. The county paid $394,500 for the land, with the city of Quincy contributing $128,500.
Klingner and Associates will be paid $257,000 for its services, and that will come out of the health fund. The Board of Health approved the contract Tuesday and amended its fiscal 2008 budget, taking $200,000 from its cash reserves for the amount that will be paid to the firm this fiscal year, which ends Nov. 30.
Bluhm said the health fund has a $1.3 million cash reserve.
Dr. Harry Ruth, chairman of the Board of Health, said: "It's exciting to see things take shape. Studies have shown a demonstrated need for a new facility."
Mike Klingner of Klingner and Associates expects to have a schematic design for the building by May 21. The bidding process could begin Oct. 21, and a contract could be awarded by the end of December.
Construction should be complete by the end of 2009.
Four design and engineering firms were interviewed in September as part of a qualification-based selection process, which is required by law. Each firm received a score based on its qualifications to handle the project.
"We had both local and out-of-town firms make presentations. All three local firms would have been excellent," Ruth said.
Klingner was chosen as the top contender, and the Board of Health entered contract negotiations with the firm in October. A negotiating committee made up of three members of the Adams County Board's Finance Committee and three members of the Board of Health voted last week to recommend approval of the Klingner contract.
-- kwilson@whig.com/221-3391
