Published: May 22, 2008 11:17 am         

Garrett exhibit hall plans move forward

OAKLAND — Capital projects are under way in Garrett County, including specifications being developed for the exhibit hall to be located at the fairgrounds, according to Gary Mullich, director of general services.

“The plans and specs are being finalized for bid,” Mullich said in a departmental update to the county commissioners Tuesday. “The USDA needs to iron out what they need for the architect.”

He said that while there were some designs, the Department of Agriculture wants the architectural designs to be bid out. The department gave the county a $1 million grant for the project in 2004.

The exhibit hall has a preliminary site just north and adjacent to the 4-H building where the stage is located. The hall would be available for a range of events, including agricultural or boat shows, possibly farmers markets and wedding receptions.

At the Public Works Complex on Francis Sanders Drive off state Route 135 in Oakland, he said that the storm water facilities need to be finished. Mullich added that the Department of Public Utilities warehouse is finishing building plans and would hopefully start construction at the same site this summer.

Mullich reported that assessors have been to the site of the former county roads garage property in Oakland to appraise the property value where the new detention center will be located.

The second set of T-hangars at the Garrett County airport, Mullich explained, has come in, but the price has gone up $42,000 on the hangars.

“It’s primarily the steel and the fuel to bring it to the site,” Mullich said. “And that we only had one bid.”

He said that if they go with a 15-year mortgage for the hangars, the county would have to charge $30 more for the monthly rent. By Jan. 1, 2009, the county would have the option to raise the rent on the original T-hangar to help compensate for some of the costs.

Along with updating the commissioners on capital projects, Mullich said that his department is looking at its energy usage.

“The staff is going to get together and talk,” Mullich said. “We’re going to go through and start reviewing our procedures and policy. We’re going to look at all things to reduce consumption.”

He said that this comes partly in response to the increase that smaller businesses will be noticing in their electric bills as they are moved up to a higher commercial ranking, with a different bidding process and higher bills, as was decided by the Maryland Public Service Commission.

“It sure is bad timing because people are struggling now as it is,” commission chairman Denny Glotfelty said.

Contact Sarah Moses at smoses@times-news.com.