CONSTRUCTION NOW UNDER WAY ON PROBATION AND PAROLE OFFICE

A new facility to house the district office of the Missouri Board of Probation and Parole is now under construction on Mount Auburn Road.

The building is being built under contract with H&H Co. of Farmington, which entered into an agreement with the Missouri Department of Corrections to build the facility and then lease it to the state.

Richard Hafner, who along with his son, Richard Hafner Jr., own the company, explained that this is the fifth structure his company has built under an agreement with the corrections department. They have built probation and parole offices in Farmington, Poplar Bluff and Sikeston, and a rehabilitation facility in Farmington.

Clarence Ackman, district supervisor for the area, which includes Cape, Bollinger and Perry counties, said the department considered eight bids for office space and chose Hafner.

Ackman pointed out there are some stringent guidelines the state needs followed, as well as compliance with federal laws in constructing buildings and city codes.

"It's not just going out and building a building any more; It's a lot more involved than that," said Ackman.

Hafner said his company's goal is not only to meet the guidelines of the state but to work with people who will occupy the office to make sure it will be functional for them.

"Our relationship has been good with the Department of Corrections," said Hafner. "We have been with them 10 years and have never had problems with the agency itself or the people in the field."

H&H has a one-year lease from the state, with four one-year options. Hafner said it is likely the state and his company will have a long-term relationship if he is a good landlord.

"If you do the state a good job and provide a well maintained building, there is no problem," said Hafner. "We don't look at ourselves as absentee landlords."

Hafner said any problems that arise with the building, from pest control to snow removal, will be handled locally at the request of the tenant.

"The state is stable and not going to move around to other buildings unless it doesn't meet their guidelines," said Hafner.

Tim Singleton of Data Real Estate Investments sold the property on Mount Auburn to H&H. The brick building, which should be finished this summer, is 6,800 square feet.

Ackman said the office will be the largest building they have had in Cape Girardeau and should provide enough space to meet all needs of the Board of Probation and Parole in this area.

The office has 24 employees and 900 clients. Besides having regular meetings with officers, the building will also be used almost every night of the week for GED classes, alcohol awareness and treatment classes, classes for sex offenders, and employment training sessions.

Ackman said the new site is easily accessible and will enable his staff to better serve clients.

Although there have not been any security problems in the Cape Girardeau office, there have been problems in other parts of the state and in other states. Ackman said this office will be totally secure with all doors locked inside the building, providing controlled access for anyone who enters.

The office is presently at 1707 Mount Auburn. Ackman said the office has relocated several times in recent years and this will be an opportunity to be in a more permanent location.

"We have not had any problems around any of our present offices," said Ackman. "We take pride in our office and keep it clean and nice.

The new building will also comply with all provisions of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Ackman said they hope to move into the building around July 1.