HOLLISTER
The San Benito County Board of Supervisors today agreed to purchase the old Fremont School site for the future courthouse property from the City of Hollister for $1.37 million.
County Administrative Officer Susan Thompson, meanwhile, noted to supervisors how the state had yet to sign off on the site. The state, did, however, OK seismic testing to the property by the city redevelopment agency to ensure it is safe for building if chosen for the courthouse.
The state is slated to fund the $30 million-plus construction. Initially, the state picked the alternate site on Flynn Road due to the seismic concerns downtown, but then appeared on board with the old school property as long as it had been cleared through the city’s examination.
“The state has not agreed to use this property yet,” Thompson said at the meeting. “It’s not a done deal yet.”
She added that the state is the only agency yet to endorse the school site as the future courthouse home.
If the state fails to build a new courthouse on the site after five years, the property would be sold back to the city for the same price of $1.37 million.
Also at the meeting:
– The board also approved an agreement with Biggs Cardosa Associates for engineering, design and environmental services for the replacement bridge on Union Road. The project period is from Dec. 16 through June 30, 2011, at a total cost of $1.28 million.
– The board recognized County Counsel Dennis LeClere and Supervisor Don Marcus for their services to the county. LeClere, who has served as county counsel for the past two and a half years, is retiring and was applauded by the board for his service. Marcus, leaving the board after declining to run for a second term, was recognized by not only the board of supervisors and staff but also the offices of Rep. Anna Caballero, Sen. Jeff Denham and Congressman Sam Farr.
