Says Immediate Action Needed On Mold In Courthouse

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Says Immediate Action Needed On Mold In Courthouse

http://www.chattanoogan.com/articles/article_92853.asp

The Chattanoogan - Chattanooga,TN

Says County Commission Should Have Been Told Of Problem

posted September 15, 2006

County Commission Finance Chairman Curtis said immediate

action is needed on a mold and fungus problem at the County

Courthouse.

He also said he is dismayed that the County Commission was not told

about the issue in which Clerk and Master Lee Akers brought in an

outside firm to test for mold in his office and the chancery judges

later put down an order withholding over half a million dollars of

office excess fees to cover possible moving costs.

Commissioner said, " I'm surprised the health department has

not stepped in and condemned the building. "

He said Mr. Akers was sending commission members a 37-page report

from a firm hired by Mr. Akers - outlining numerous possible health

hazards at the old courthouse.

Commissioner said when the commission convenes on Wednesday he

will ask that the commission take action to insure the health of

employees.

He said, " These employees whose health is endangered should be moved

out immediately and the problems fixed. "

Mr. Akers said he was told by county staff that work remodeling his

area would start next spring.

Commissioner said, " I still have not heard one word from the

executive department about a problem that is big enough that the

chancery judges (Howell Peoples and Brown) would put down this

order. In all my years of county government, I have not heard of

such an order.

" This problem should be resolved without the judges having to take

that drastic action. That's not the way a good government works. "

He also said, " Since this is pertaining to money, Commission

Chairman Larry Henry requested I check this out for our commission

so we may be informed and have complete knowledge of why the

Chancery Court judges felt compelled to sign an order to withhold

funds, over $500,000, to use as expenditures for something the

Commission should be involved with. Withholding money is probably

making history. I have no knowledge of this happening before. "

He told other commissioners in a memo, " I do plan to keep you

informed. Also, let me remind you, as a legislative branch of

government we are responsible for the money and buildings in county

government. "

Mr. Akers said, " The chancellors and I have been very concerned

about the health of our staffs as may be affected by unhealthy

environmental conditions in our workplace and what appears to us to

be a piecemeal approach to the problem.

" We are also concerned about additional disruptions we will face in

future moves necessitated by incomplete courtroom enhancements, the

necessary and proper protocol for remediation of fungal

contamination, window replacement, and long-overdue HVAC

improvements including the chillers and ductwork replacement. "

The chancellors earlier moved to the MLK Building while renovation

work went on in their courtrooms. Chancellor Peoples said they have

been advised they will need to move back out for further work.

The private study was carried out by EHS Services on April 27.

It was noted that half a dozen employees in the clerk and master's

office have come down with pneumonia, and Mr. Akers and his chief

deputy, Judy Hillyer, have both been diagnosed with allergy induced

asthma.

The report found fungal growth on the heating and air system, lead

paint chips that collect on top of suspended ceilings, and

concentrations of penicillium and other bacteria.