LaSalle County Board Property Committee members are getting fed up with how long it’s taking to figure out where to put a generator for the downtown Ottawa courthouse. It’s too big for the roof. Part of the project would move very old Ameren transformers and switches out of the courthouse basement and replace them with new equipment somewhere outside. Ottawa’s Historic Preservation Commission doesn’t like how everything will look on the lawn and suggests moving things farther.
Circuit Clerk Greg Vaccaro says other buildings have outdoor generators. He wants one at the courthouse to keep court system computers running. He says unexpected power outages have ruined equipment. When that happens, staff go home and are paid to do nothing. He says it can take months to catch up on some of the work.
Some of the committee members said last week, they’re ready to install a generator whether or not City Hall likes it. Charles Borchsenius is one of the Property Committee members itching for action after the subject came up last summer.
Arratta Znaniecki of Ottawa is one of the members who say it’s time to make a decision and force the city’s hand.
County Board Chairman Don Jensen said he’s trying to work it out with friendly negotiations and doesn’t think things are at an impasse. The committee asked him to put the generator on this week’s full County Board agenda. Update: The Ottawa Historic Preservation Commission has added the courthouse generator to its agenda for a meeting at noon Thursday. That will be an hour before the County Board meeting.