CLEARFIELD – The Clearfield County Commissioners on Tuesday voted to reject general construction bids for an infirmary addition at the Clearfield County Jail.
In October, the commissioners accepted a proposal from Vanguard for construction and installation of a pre-fabricated, modular infirmary unit with three isolation rooms at a cost of $197,792.
The county received three bids for installation of electric, fire alarm and sprinkler systems, heavy doors, etc., with the lowest being $414,621. All bids were rejected due to inflated costs; the project will be rebid.
Commissioner Dave Glass said he spoke with the county’s architect and was led to believe the inflated project costs were primarily due to the high “time pressure.”
The county intended to use Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds to cover costs for the infirmary addition, meaning the project must be completed by Dec. 31.
However, Glass said he’d rather rebid the project without the year-end deadline, and spend half as much out of the county’s general fund.
Commissioner John A. Sobel concurred, adding there was a “significant need” for the CARES funding in the county. “That would be a better way … we can certainly make use of these CARES funds.”
Once constructed, the infirmary would house any inmate who is infected with either the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) or other communicable disease(s).
“It would separate the inmate from the rest of the population to help mitigate the spread,” said Commissioner Chairman Tony Scotto at a previous board meeting.
It was noted that infirmary would be a negative-pressure unit so that its air flow would be separate from the rest of the facility.
In other business, the commissioners:
- approved an agreement with Penn State University/North Central PA Launchbox to review/administer small business CARES grant applications. The county’s application deadline is Sunday, Nov. 15 for its second round of funding.
- approved the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Hazard Mitigation Planning grant application and resolution.
- approved an agreement with Forensic Pathology Associates/HNL Lab Medicine for forensic autopsy services.
- proclaimed Nov. 21 as International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day in Clearfield County.
- approved the appointment of Elizabeth Wisor to the Clearfield County Conservation District Board as a farmer director.
- approved three new hires under the personnel report.
- approved the bills as presented by the Controller’s office.
- approved the minutes from the Oct. 27 board meeting as presented by the chief clerk.
