June 3, 2013
06/04/13 Marshall County will lend its support to the Community Resource Center by way of a paving project.
On Monday local architect Brent Martin and Pastor Ron Liechty both member of the T-Squared Initiative Committee appeared before the commissioners seeking a monetary or in-kind donation to the next phase of the project. Liechty explained, The CRC has been open for a year now with several agencies but recent discussions and negotiation have lead a major new agency to come to the center.” He explained that the city has pledged major support for the project and they were there to seek county support for the project.
Martin said the Saint Joseph Health Center on Washington Street would like to relocate to the CRC seeking approximately 5,500 square feet, nearly triple their current floor space. Their need for additional space relates to the Obama Health Care which is expected to nearly triple the client base.
To accommodate the additional client base that will use the CRC additional parking is needed. Members of the T-Squared Initiative would like to expand the parking area to the north of the facility. To do so, they need to purchase a piece of real-estate, demolish the residential structure on it, clear the land and construct the new parking lot.
Martin said their estimates for the 17,000 to 18,000 square foot parking area are $45,000.
Commissioner President, Kevin Overmyer suggested having the County Highway Department haul the stone for the base and apply the two coats of asphalt. He did get clarification from Highway superintendent Neal Haeck that they would have time to complete the project following the completion of the summer road projects. Haeck did question who would absorb the cost of materials for the project and the commissioners determined the highway budget could cover it.
Commissioner Deb Griewank suggested a document between the County and the CRC spelling out the project and benefits to the tax payers of the county. County Attorney Jim Clevenger was asked to create a Memorandum of Understanding for execution at their meeting on June 17th.
Liechty did let the commissioner know other county related agencies currently located in the CRC include the WIC Program, Center Township Trustee, Real Services, and the Division of Family Resources.
With the County’s assistance on the project it is anticipated that the Saint Joseph Health Exchange will open in October and the Health Clinic will immediately follow.