SCOTT COURTHOUSE ACCESSIBILITY PLANNED

BENTON -- Scott County commissioners met with Sikeston architect John Sargent Tuesday to discuss courthouse renovations.

The renovations are necessary to make the courthouse handicap accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 requirements.

In the county's 1995 budget, $140,000 is dedicated to capital improvements. The estimated cost for the renovations is $109,550, according to earlier reports.

The first phase of the project includes building a wheelchair ramp to the front of the building and replacing doors with a push plate entry.

Sargent suggested keeping the front ramp away from the building for aesthetic reasons.

"It keeps the look of the front the same," he said. By moving the ramp out a few feet, there won't be any potential problem with concrete expansion either, he added.

However, the commissioners decided to eliminate two right turns and straighten the ramp.

Handicap accessible parking spaces also will be widened to 8 feet under the renovation plans.

"In reality, you aren't losing as much (space) because you already have two dedicated," Sargent said.

In the second phase of the renovations, an elevator will be installed to create access to the second floor.

Bids for the project have not been solicited yet. Presiding Commissioner Bob Kielhofner wants to delay the process until a decision is made about the purchase of the county health department building.