Sidewalk replacement could also demo planters

Replacing the existing sidewalks surrounding the courthouse could mean the concrete planters located at each corner of the property will be demolished.

On May 11, the Jasper County Board of Supervisors approved the official contract with BBS Architects Engineers to conduct the design work for the sidewalk replacement project, whose scope of work includes the demo. If supervisors give the go-ahead, the bunkers will be removed.

In the past, Jasper County Maintenance Director Adam Sparks told supervisors about his staff’s troubles with the planters, particularly during winter.

“We can’t even plow through them anymore,” Sparks said. “The equipment keeps getting bigger and the openings are staying the same. Now, with the work that happened on the First Avenue side, all the little curbs that were put in that made it even — in my thought — harder to get across.”

All of that concrete, Sparks added, would be removed and “go back to a flat” and “more wide open” corner. Sparks said he had some discussions with individuals from the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, who like the idea of flower pots or “something other there on the corners.”

Amanda Price, executive director of the Greater Newton Area Chamber of Commerce, told Newton News she could not recollect any conversations with Sparks but understands the county maintenance department’s difficult issues with the planters during snow removal.

However, Price also knows there is a “major effort” on the part of the city and Newton Main Street to beautify the downtown district.

“So it kind of breaks my heart to lose an area that would be a good spot to have flowers or some sort of a decorative area to beautify it,” Price said. “In general, it would be nice if there was a consideration with Main Street to come up with a plan on what to put there in its place.”

Sparks said even if the planters are gone there are things the county can do — including collaborations with other entities — to install other additions, like a bench or removable flower pots that can be stored away in winter.

“Those things are just very dated,” Sparks said of the planters. “They’re started to fall apart. All of ‘em. And we do utilize them for some things, but when they’re not being used they’re just sitting there empty (or) full of weeds.”

Jasper County Supervisor Denny Carpenter asked Sparks how much concrete would be replaced. Sparks indicated that would be up to the board to decide. The design may cover the entire courthouse grounds, but the county doesn’t have to replace all of the concrete, Sparks said.

“This is going to last us for years to come, so if you guys only decide to do, let’s just say, some random half of the property this year … If we have more concrete that fails, we already have the designs all laid out. All we gotta do is go back to this one (and) pick the new area we want to concentrate on.”

If Jasper County does not conduct a full design of the property, Sparks said the board would have to pay for the project in pieces and do the same layout process each time. By paying $23,300 for the design services with BBS, the county can utilize the same designs if it decides to segment the project.

“We can use this down the road,” Sparks said.

BBS Architects Engineers along with Snyder & Associates includes the following services in its proposal:

• topographic survey of existing conditions for $5,200;

• preliminary design layout for $4,300;

• final design and construction documentation for $9,000;

• bidding negotiation assistance for $1,800;

• and construction administration $3,000.

With the exception of the newly installed handicap ramp on the west side of the courthouse, all sidewalks would be affected. Sparks said last month the concrete is deteriorating and turning into crumbles. There are two areas concern that need addressed quickly. Other sports are becoming trip hazards.

The gutter system near the planters is also falling apart, Sparks said.

“The gutters fall down inside the gutter section, causing trip hazards,” he said. “The water is supposed to flow through there. It can’t do that right now. And then we got a couple other little areas that need to address sooner than later.”

Contact Christopher Braunschweig at 641-792-3121 ext. 6560 or cbraunschweig@newtondailynews.com