Concerns raised over mold in courthouse

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Concerns raised over mold in courthouse

By JULIE BLUM/Telegram Staff Writer

Columbus,NE

http://www.columbustelegram.com/articles/2006/01/04/news/news2.txt

COLUMBUS - Complaints from an elected county official have prompted

the Platte County Board of Supervisors to investigate the air

quality in the courthouse.

Supervisor chairman Woerth told the board at its regular

meeting Tuesday that Platte County Treasurer Marietta Newman voiced

a concern at a Dec. 28 safety meeting over possible mold growth due

to the air quality in the Platte County Courthouse.

Newman said her concerns began in the summer.

" We had some of the staff complain about it, but then the public

came in and complained about the air being bad and made remarks

like, `I don't know how you can stand working in here,' " Newman said.

She said she spoke to a county supervisor about the air quality but

said she was told there was no problem with it. But a couple of

weeks ago, she said she was told by Snyder of Snyder

Engineering that there were mold problems in the building.

Snyder Engineering was asked to test air-quality units in the

courthouse when the courthouse was undergoing a renovation. The

tests indicated mold in some of the air ducts. Snyder then

contracted with Finn, a certified industrial hygienist from Des

Moines, Iowa, of the Finn Group, which specializes in indoor air

quality, to perform mold tests.

The results of those tests, which were reported in the Telegram in

2003, stated that while there was mold found in some areas, there

was " no reason to get panic stricken, " and that it was caused from

the air filtration system, which was working less than efficiently.

Woerth said the board reviewed the study and has tried to make

improvements to the system since then. The system, he said, was

first installed in 1975, with a few replacements made. But Woerth

said they haven't had much luck in improving the system despite

having heating contractors look at it.

According to the report, the main problem with the system is the air

isn't purging like it should. That can lead to an accumulation of

air pollutants.

Newman said when tests were done, no samples were taken in her

office. She also said some people in the courthouse have experienced

respiratory problems and headaches that led her to voice her

concerns.

" I'm quite concerned about my staff and anybody else in the

building, " she said.

So far, Woerth said Newman is the only person who has voiced a

concern over the issue to him. The board's building and grounds

committee will look into the issue and at possibly bringing a

mechanical engineer in to look at the filtration system.

In action taken by the board at its meeting, the supervisors

approved a $5,170 benefit package for Wilma Arp, chief division

officer of the Platte Valley Diversion Program. Juveniles who are

non-felonious, non-violent first-time offenders under the age of 18

can be appointed to the program through the Platte County Attorney

Office. Through a multi-week program, juveniles attend classes that

help them in decision-making and substance abuse awareness. Parents

also are required to attend parenting classes. About 160 juveniles

went through the program last year.

Also, raises were given to deputies in the Platte County Attorney's

office. Deputy Xiong's pay increased from $38,000 to

$40,000, and deputy 's increased from $47,500 to

$48,000. The change is effective Feb. 1.

The board also set a date of Feb. 7 to hear from the City of

Columbus about the Industrial Tract Review. It will be held during

the board's regular meeting.

Reach Blum at 563-7535 or jblum@....