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Fiscal Court approves grant agreement for accessible playground

The Daviess County Fiscal Court has approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the state for a new accessible playground at Horse Fork Creek Park.

Judge-Executive Al Mattingly said the agreement includes a $75,000 matching grant.  The playground will be ADA-compliant and fully accessible to children of all abilities.  It will be constructed adjacent to the spray park along Fairview Drive.

Spray Park at Horse Fork Creek

“It’s a unique feature for us,” said Parks Director Ross Leigh.  “Not only does it include the pour and play rubber surface, but it will also have several features that are handicapped accessible.  From the ramps to get onto the playground to the merry-go-round and the accessible glider.  It’s going to be unique for kids to not only enjoy the spray park but the new playground as well.”

The federal review, bid process and installation should be complete in the first quarter of 2021.  Judge Mattingly said the project is part of the final phase of the Horse Fork Creek Park renovation.

“I think Horse Fork Creek Park will end up being on a day-to-day basis the most used facility that we have because of its location,” Mattingly said.  “It’s in an urban area where there are a lot of kids.  I know the spray park was used a lot last year and this year.”

New Location for White Flag Events

The Fiscal Court approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the City of Owensboro and Owensboro Christian Church concerning ‘white flag’ events for this upcoming winter.

“St. Benedict’s, the City and Fiscal Court worked really well together last year,” explained Judge Mattingly. “Part of the issue is a homeless shelter does not have a lot of spare room for social distancing with COVID-19.”

“Owensboro Christian Church stepped up to bat and we’ve negotiated a contract that is pretty much like the contract we had with St. Benedict’s,” he added.  “The City of Owensboro and Daviess County Fiscal Court will split the cost.”

White Flag events are declared when the temperature is 15 degrees outside or when the wind chill factor is 15 degrees or less.

Other County News

The Fiscal Court approved a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the state regarding 2020 EMA program funds and a non-supplanting certification for grant funds through the Kentucky Emergency Management Assistance Program.

The following bids and/or requests for quotes (RFQs) were considered and approved:

  • Five Sets of Turnout Gear (Fire Rescue)
  • Emergency Lighting, Radio Console Installation and Siren Outfitting for two Rescue Units
  • Walking Floor Trailer Repair (Grimes Avenue Transfer Station)
  • Relocation of A/V Equipment for Daviess County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Schertzinger Building
  • New Class A Fire Engine (Fire Rescue-Moseleyville)
  • County Courthouse Renovation (Fiscal Court)
  • New Scale House Building (East Transfer Station on Floral Rd.)

The Courthouse renovation includes a re-orientation of the Courtroom to improve ADA-accessible seating and media space.  However, room capacity will remain the same. Other updates include new paint and carpeting along with the relocation of the coroner’s office to space formerly occupied by Emergency Management (EMA).  EMA will be moving to the Schertzinger Building at the corner of Allen and Third.

The Fiscal Court approved hiring the following seasonal interns:

Engineering Department:

Dylan Payne eff. 11/30/2020

JR Goetz eff. 12/07/2020

Jayden Bickett eff. 12/14/2020

Road Department:

Garrett Snyder eff. 12/7/2020

Nathan Lanham eff. 12/14/2020

 

Judge Mattingly read a proclamation for Diabetes Awareness Day, which is Saturday, November 14th.

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