Days Gone By In Staunton

Thursday, January 11, 1990 -- Architectural firm selected for Building Projects At School -- The Staunton Board of Education, in regular session Monday evening, January 8, voted to hire the architectural firm of FGM of Belleville to oversee two projects at the school.

The two projects, asbestos abatement and building addition were handled individually.

The asbestos abatement project is the third and final step (except for final inspection) to be accomplished in the Staunton Schools asbestos management plan as previously, filed with the state. Three architectural first-submitted estimates on the project. All three estimated the cost of 4200 sq. ft. ceiling removal and 1400 ft pipe wrapping removal at approximately $85,000. However FGM was the only firm to hold their on site budget of inspection and architectural fees to not more than 15% of abatement cost. This would bring their estimate in at under $100,000. This project is being paid for with Life Safety Bonds issued two years ago. These bonds will be paid off in two more years.

The second project under consideration by the board was the building of six additional rooms at the elementary school. This is a project that has been under discussion for several years and the board felt it couldn't delay any longer. The classrooms are needed now and constructions costs will only go higher if the project is put on hold any longer.

The board went over estimates submitted by three firms before voting to go ahead with the project and hire FGM. Their estimate on the project covered the building of 5,000 square feet (six rooms) at a time and material cost with an upper limit set at $300,000 and architectural fees set at 10% of project cost.

This put their estimate at a top limit of $330,000 which was once again lowest of the three estimates submitted.

Thursday, January 18, 1990 -- Special Meeting Reviews Progress; Identifies Projects -- The Staunton City Council held a special meeting on Monday evening, January 15, to review the City's progress in the last year and look at projects for the coming year.

Two road projects in particular will have to be addressed by the council in the near future. The first is the improvement of the approach to the railroad crossing at Henry and Madison Streets. The City has been awarded a $52,000 safety grant to assist it in complying with Interstate Commerce Commission standards. The ICC, however, has not issued its final orders on this crossing or the others in Staunton which will also be upgraded. City Engineer Deborah Ramsey told the Council that they need to begin preliminary work on that crossing in order to get the grant money.

Another road project that will demand council attention is the extension of Deneen Street across Ginseng Creek at West Main Street. Beginning this project is dependent upon the sewer work in that area being completed. However, such an extension requires advance planning. Local motor fuel taxes may be used for such a project if state guidelines are followed. Also county road funds, up to 50% of the cost of drainage work, may also be available for such a project.

The council discussed the fact that they would soon have to make a decision whether or not to proceed on the proposed Staunton Lake expansion. Landowners around the lake are currently being identified. Engineer Ramsey said engineers and construction firms, if they were hired, could be ready to proceed on the project this summer. However, securing easements and legal paperwork will move a possible starting date months or years down the road.

Hansen Engineers, who have been working on determining the feasibility of the project, have said actual construction work could be completed in one season.

The council discussed developing city owned land that is now lying idle to generate revenue. The city owns a number of parcels of land which could be improved and sold for residential or business use.

Several aldermen have already done informal surveys of their wards as to the need for sidewalk repair/replacement The council discussed different methods of accomplishing the needed work.

Also discussed was the perennially popular need for a community building and/or swimming pool. Mayor Fred Brauer, who worked several years ago to get such a project off the ground, said putting up a building was the easy part. The difficulty lies in planning and paying for use and management of the building or pool.

By Sherry Rondi

STAUNTON OPTIMISTS CLUB STARTS ITS THIRD YEAR -- The Staunton Optimists Club (friend of youth) has begun its third year in service to the children of our community. Contributions to the athletic funds of St. Michael's Catholic School, Zion Lutheran School and Staunton Public Grade School were made. Other contributions include the purchase of new uniforms for the Little League, sponsorship of two local girls to play on the Macoupin County Traveling softball team, Staunton Soccer Association Penny Power, purchase of a kickboard at the Soccer complex and the sponsorship of two local boys to participate in the Optimist Junior Golf tournament in Champaign. A contribution was made to each grade school to be used for any academic need. An essay contest was also held with U.S. Savings Bonds being awarded.

Numerous projects are again being planned for this year including a banquet for members of the Staunton High School National Honor Society and a teen dance. Some of the money is raised by having a raffle for St. Louis Cardinal weekend season tickets for two and an annual golf tournament. The Staunton Optimist Club asks your support in these activities. All money taken is put back into the community to help our children. For information, contact Ron Hannig, Fred Brenzel, Kirk Kramer, Jim Shipp, Ken Jones, Mario DalPozzo or John Dale Tuscan.

Hospital Has New Smoking Policy -- The Board of trustees of Community Memorial Hospital, Staunton has announced a new smoking policy which will restrict smoking and eventually prohibit smoking in the hospital by employees, visitors and physicians. The policy does not affect patients who may wish to smoke.

Recognizing that smoking is one of the major causes of death in our society, the Board of trustees has endorsed the new policy. Patrick Heise, executive director, stated as a health care provider, our mission is to be concerned for the health, safety and comfort of our patients, visitors, medical staff and employees.

Employees have been notified of the new smoking policy and provisions will be made to assist employees who wish to quit smoking.