Sheriff working on specs for new courthouse roof

Sheriff Keith Kellerman showed pictures from his recent trip to the roof on the west side of the courthouse. Repairs are clearly needed. Kellerman said the west side is much worse, perhaps in part because it is not vented.

He said the last roof was put on during Sheriff Sam Hiller's term in office which means it was prior to 1996. The life of the shingle roof is approximately 25 years.

Kellerman said he is working on specs for the project and will advertise when they are ready to be picked up by potential contractors. Shingles now come with a 50-year life, as does a synthetic slate roof. Cost may be a factor.

The specs may also ask contractors to take installment payments, the sheriff has not yet decided.

The county budgeted $100,000 for roof repairs in the coming budget year.

In other business, the board:

• approved 10-year special use permits for Norbert Jausel to place a new mobile home on Primrose Lane and for Precision Laser Cutting Service LLC to set up shop at 6590 Route 154 in Tamaroa. The second special use permit allows a commercial operation in an agricultural district.

• passed a resolution re-appointing Robert Spencer to the Perry County Zoning Board of Appeals for a five-year term.

• passed a resolution re-appointing Bonnie Tolbert, Chad Rushing and Robert Templeton to the Pinckneyville Hospital Board for three-year terms.

• approved participation in the State's Attorney's Appellate Prosecutor program for the next year at a cost of $7,000.

• heard from County Engineer Brian Otten that there will be a hearing at 10 a.m. on Jan. 8 on the temporary closing and relocation of Whitetail Road and the permanent closure of Moose Road.