Published: May 20, 2008 12:42 am            

County OKs final plans for HEARTS project

Final plans were approved for the Walker County HEARTS Veterans Museum of Texas on Monday morning, bringing it one step closer to construction.

J. Turner with TAO Limited of Huntsville presented his plans for the project, including design development drawings, a project manual and specifications, to the Walker County Commissioners Court and received unanimous support.

The plans, also supported by the museum advisory board, were approved contingent upon approval from the General Land Office.

Turner said the building, projected to cover 12,240 square feet, will pair well with the Walker County Storm Shelter but also have an identity of its own.

“We have come up with a design that we think sets off the museum as a separate entity, but it will also be compatible with the storm shelter in regards to massing of the building, height and what it is we’re trying to accomplish here,” he said.

The museum, designed in the shape of pentagon as a tribute to all military services, will include a gift shop, a library and five rooms dedicated to each military group.

The preliminary total cost is estimated at $2,200,000.

Turner said his goal was to see that the design would meet the needs of the HEARTS veterans and their activities.

“We have worked very closely with (museum director) Charlotte Oleinik and tried to be very sensitive to her requests on these plans,” he said.

Precinct 3 Commissioner Buddy Reynolds was pleased with the steady pace of the project.

“I just want to express my appreciation to you and the committee for all your hard work, diligence and a good set of plans,” he said.

Museum advisory board chairman Col. John Airola said State Rep. Lois Kolkhorst “already has a copy of the plans and is pleased with what we’ve got.”

Following the discussions, the court approved advertising for Bid #C2360-8-012 for a contractor for the complete construction of the HEARTS museum contingent upon approval from the General Land Office.

County Judge Danny Pierce introduced Cheryl Morris — the county’s new information technology director.

Morris, who has 18 years experience in her field, began her new duties Monday. She was network administrator for the City of Huntsville.

“Walker County is delighted to have an individual such as Ms. Morris and her expertise and capabilities,” Pierce said. “We feel like this will raise us to a new level in our IT Department.”

Pierce said the IT Department reported to the county judge’s office in the past.

With the creation of the IT director’s job, Pierce said “we look forward to that being a department on its own. The county is growing and our IT needs are growing and have grown.

“This is something we needed to address prior to now, but we are there now.”

Pierce said Morris will oversee the IT Department and “hopefully address our future needs and move us to where we need to be in tha department.”

During the meeting, the court also discussed and/or approved:

• Minutes for May 12, 2008,

• Monthly report for April 2008,

• Canvas votes of May 10, 2008 election, • Claims/invoices submitted for payment,

• Selling FAS #585, 1986 GMC Dump Truck at Richie Brothers Auction,

• Award of Bid #C2360-8-011 for renovations at 1313 University,

• Cancellation of Bid #C2360-8-010 for windows in the DA’s Building,

• Policy for voluntary R.O.W. Dedications ,

• Public hearing to discuss Chester Irby’s revised plat of Harmon Creek Ranchettes Re-subdivision Portion of the Arizona Lane right of way,

• Chester Irby’s revised plat of Harmon Creek Ranchettes Re-subdivision Portion of the Arizona Lane right of way,

• Training for planning and development staff,

• Up to $500 to power wash and restripe the JP2 parking lot,

• Employee accident / injury report 2008,

• Applying for solid waste grants.

        

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