News : Supervisors approve bid to prepare courthouse area for return of clock

While Smith's Bell and Clock Service of Indiana continues to work on the mechanisms of the Benton County courthouse clock, leaders are preparing the area where the clock will soon return.

Supervisor Terry Hertle said leaders recently approved a contract for sanitizing and removing bird waste from the courthouse bell tower, clock area and dome, as well as strengthening the stand which will support the bell.

"We just want to make sure the stand that the bell rests on is secure," said Hertle. If we spend the time and money to fix the clock, let’s do it right while we are doing the project."

Below are the notes from the discussion, which were included in the official minutes of that recent meeting.

County Attorney David Thompson and Assistant County Attorney Emily Nydle met with the board to discuss the courthouse clock project. Thompson stated the task force wants the board to approve the Scope of Work they have in place for the clock project so they don’t have to come back every week for a decision. The clock table platform needs to be stabilized. They do not want to retract from the Historical preservation of the project but the platform need to be solid before Scott Hansen works on the bell. Thompson stated he also has a contract that he is wanting the board to approve, with Advanced Environmental to remove bird and bat waste in the bell tower, clock area and dome of the courthouse. The cupola has no light; there are 3 noticeable holes, maybe from lightning strikes. They may be big enough a bat; could get it. Supervisor Frese asked if they could fix the holes. Thompson responded that the holes are up high and small, a different outfit would have to do that. Advanced Environmental contract is for up to $6,800.00 for the clean-up and sterilization of the cupola down to the stairs into the clock, they work by the hour so it may be lower when done. The task force has the money to pay for the cleanup; the task force is asking the board’s permission since it is their building. Frese asked if they could have someone fix the holes at the same time. Supervisor Hertle stated he thinks the county should be responsible to repair the holes. Thompson is going talk to the auditor about fixing the cupola. Thompson stated he wants the platform that is stabilizing the clock table colors to match what was put there by E. Howard. Moved by Hertle, seconded by Wiley to approve the contract with Advanced Environmental for material removal, to approve the Scope of Work to stabilize the clock table, approve to paint the support and to light the clock tower. All members voting aye thereon. Motion carried