Franklin County Housing Authority hears good report on bedbug problem

By Bruce A. Fasol

The Franklin County Housing Authority board met for its regular monthly meeting on Monday night.

The Board voted to abandon their natural gas lines at their Franklin County facilities. The responsibility for the natural gas feeds will be turned over to Ameren. Executive Director Monica Stewart said that the move “gets the Franklin County Housing Authority out of the utility business.”

Easements were granted to Ameren for work that will have to be done. According to Stewart, Ameren will run their own piping system to units instead of using the aging system currently part of the infrastructure. Individual meters will be installed.

Stewart had what she said was good news concerning bedbugs. The Franklin County Housing Authority has been fighting bed bugs for some time. Expensive heat treatments have helped eradicate the problem in units where bedbugs have been confirmed. And, a proactive educational effort among clients has also been effective in limiting spread.

Stewart reported that only one case was confirmed last month, at the Kuca Highrise. The Anna Gray Highrise reported no new cases. It had been Anna Gray building that had seen the bulk of the problems, previously. Stewart said, ” I hope we are getting a hold on this.”

The board accpeted a $1250 per month contract renewal with a St.Louis company for service on their aging elevators .Kone Elevators will be responsible for service, and routine maintenance and preventive service. The contract that the two sides had previously, expired in December.

The outdoor work contract for this summer season went to J-S Services, located in Desoto. The amount for the service was $34,000 per season. This marks the third season that the firm has performed such services for the FCHA. Board member Richard Glodich questioned how often the contract was let for bids, and if any local firms had actually bid. He then voted ‘no’ on the motion which carried with a majority vote.

Other work performed by the FCHA staff could also be affected this summer as two workers were out with injury, it was reported.