Luzerne County Council’s Operational Services Committee received a more detailed briefing Thursday on a consultant report projecting an estimated $78.5 million in repairs recommended for county-owned properties over the next decade.
This projection came from CMTA/ICS, which was retained last year as part of the administration’s plan to get a handle on infrastructure needs and develop a long-term capital improvement and maintenance plan. Company representatives had presented the initial report to County Council in July.
Tim Guider, the company’s director of development and engineering, reiterated Thursday that nobody is suggesting instant action. Instead, the comprehensive assessment should be used as a baseline for the county to determine which projects it wants to tackle and when, along with a plan to fund them.
“The ultimate goal is to help you do a capital plan,” Guider told the committee. “We’re just supporting you technically.”
The $5 million in projects the council already approved in its annual capital plan Tuesday, which runs through 2028, address some of the immediate concerns, Guider said. His group’s focus will be helping the county to identify the “next wave.”
Planning allows some work to be bundled to obtain the best price, he said.
County officials also must assess future plans for buildings, such as the aging county prison on Water Street in Wilkes-Barre, because it does not make sense to invest significant funds on repairing a structure that may not be needed, Guider said.
“They’re all pieces of the puzzle we’re trying to put together here,” he said.
County officials may choose to defer some projects, but identifying and planning work ensures the county is “being proactive,” he added.
The 41-page report is posted with the committee’s agenda at luzernecounty.org.
Company project manager Luke Hackman went through needs at more than a dozen properties.
The initial list of highest priorities include façade repairs and mechanical systems upgrades at the county’s Penn Place Building, courthouse façade and exterior railing repairs, and HVAC upgrades and masonry and roof repairs at the Human Services Building — all buildings located in Wilkes-Barre.
Among other examples, the parking garage on Water Street in Wilkes-Barre needs sump system repairs, while electrical service and mechanical systems must be addressed at the Minimum Offenders Building near the prison
County Operational Services Division Head Michele Sparich told the committee the consultant is preparing to perform an assessment of county 911 towers scattered throughout the county.
County officials said they want the consultant’s assistance in identifying funding options so the county is not relying solely on real estate taxes.
Funding clarity is needed before a longer-term capital plan is adopted, Guider said.
Committee Chairman John Lombardo said he appreciates the detail on each structure, including the life expectancy of building components, such as the roof and HVAC systems, and how they are factored into the cost projections.
Councilman Steve Coslett, another committee member, thanked the consultant for the extensive data.
“It’s a huge value to have you here and walk us through this,” Coslett said.
County Operational Services Project Management Director Nick Vough said the administration spent weeks reviewing buildings and data with the consultant, resulting in a report that will speed up future grant applications.
“It will be useful,” Vough said.