By GINA KINSLOW
TOMPKINSVILLE — Work on the construction of the second building of the multi-phased Monroe County Wellness Center project is moving forward.
Rita Crabtree, chairwoman of the Wellness Center’s board of directors, spoke to magistrates Thursday about the project.
“J&S; is moving along very well,” she said.
J&S; Construction, of Cookeville, Tenn., was one of three companies to submit design build proposals for the $2.5 million project, which involves the construction of a six-lane swimming pool, a cardio fitness area and support facilities. It will be the second building to be constructed in the multi-phased project.
Judge-Executive Wilbur Graves said after Thursday’s fiscal court meeting that he had visited the construction site Wednesday and spoke to the job superintendent, who told him he expected the dirt work to be completed by the first of the year. Then footers for the building can be poured.
“It’s moving right along,” Graves said. “It kind of depends on the weather. Just hope for the best.”
In addition to reporting on the new construction, Crabtree informed magistrates Wellness Center officials have spoken with J&S; representatives about the existing building’s heating and cooling system and said the company has agreed to replace it and tie it in with the one that will be installed for the second building to make the system more energy efficient.
She also reported the Wellness Center’s electric bill is down to $800 from $2,000 due to the installation of a humidity control device and the watchful eyes of Don Baker with Green Mechanical in Glasgow.
“Adding that one control is the major part of it mechanically, but also, he has been keeping a close watch on it and making adjustments,” she said.
Before the humidity control device was installed, the Wellness Center had problems with the floor swelling in the racquetball court.
Crabtree also made magistrates aware of Jeff Proffitt’s resignation. Proffitt represented the fiscal court on the Wellness Center’s board of directors. When asked why he resigned, Proffitt at first said he had no comment, but after the fiscal court meeting he said he was serving on so many boards that he didn’t feel he had time to serve the position adequately.
Magistrate Tim Gordon was appointed by the fiscal court to replace Proffitt on the Wellness Center board.
The fiscal court owns the Wellness Center facility, because of that Crabtree told magistrates a lease agreement is needed showing who is the owner of the facility and who is the tenant.
County attorney Wes Stephens said he would work with Gordon to create the lease agreement.
