Final designs for new Buildings and Grounds facility approved in split vote by commissioners

The current Buildings and Grounds Department operates out of the basement of the Humboldt County Courthouse, but officials have recognized that the Department has both outgrown the space and needs its own standalone facility in order to safely do much of their day-to-day work.

At the Humboldt County Board of Commissioner’s regular meeting on Oct. 2, a motion to approve the final design plans for a new standalone facility was approved in a split vote with Commissioner Tom Hoss in opposition, Commission Chairman Ken Tipton absent and Vicechair Jesse Hill leading the meeting. 

Initial design and construction estimates project that the new facility will be 6,500 square feet, approximately 700 square feet smaller than their current space but organized more thoughtfully, and cost approximately $2.6 million, which Humboldt County Manager Dave Mendiola assured is available in multiple different funds that can easily be utilized to construct the facility.

Commissioners Mark Evatz, Ron Cerri and Hill agreed that the current facility poses many different safety concerns for those working in office spaces close to the area in the Courthouse the Buildings and Grounds Department operates out of because of things like paint fumes and other improper ventilation issues.

“This is a great opportunity for us to eliminate a dangerous and hazardous situation, set up for efficient operations and then come out of the gate with a reflection on making sure it’s well managed and maintained etc. and I think we’re ready to move forward,” said Commissioner Evatz.

Commissioner Hoss stated that the facility is “more grandiose than we need,”  and that he does not believe that the County has the money for the construction of a new facility although he thinks the safety concerns are very important. 

The new facility, designed by Cushing Terrel Architects (CTA), is set to have five separate bays, with proper ventilation and fire safety accommodations for welding, carpentry, plumbing, hazardous chemical storage, utility vehicle storage, tool and other equipment storage, and more. The new location of the building will be in the Sage Heights area near the old animal shelter. 

“We’re building this building out for 30 plus years so let’s look at the furniture of this department and how it’s going to grow to support the County, “ said Commissioner Hill, who has been  a part of the subcommittee that has met to evaluate the need and processes for constructing a new facility. 

Since the Buildings and Grounds Department also handles the custodial needs at the Courthouse, Facility Operations Manager Joaquin Padilla explained that a very small portion of the basement will still be used to house custodial supplies, so the custodians will not have to bring supplies all the way from the new facility back to the courthouse.

Padilla explained that having the new facility with the proper spaces to work on different projects will greatly increase the organization and productivity of the department. 

Evaluation of the need for a new facility began in March of this year when safety concerns about ventilation and space within the basement area were highlighted as the most significant factors for expansion. 

“I think it’s time we move on to the next step of this process,” said Commissioner Hill.