Officials review health issues
What began as a criticism of Fayette County Controller Mark Roberts turned into a discussion about health issues and other problems in the controller’s office Thursday during the county commissioners meeting. During public comment, Ralph Mazza of Franklin Township criticized Roberts, saying he has a history of creating panic and guessed that the health problems of employees in his office stemmed from shredding documents.
Last month, several of Robert’s seven employees in his courthouse offices in the basement and on the first floor became ill and were sent home. As a result, air samples were taken in the office. An initial report showed nothing but dust, but Roberts contended that a microbiologist claimed that black mold was present. Since that time, the office has been temporarily moved to the Federal Building in downtown Uniontown, the carpeting has been removed in the courthouse office and other steps have been taken to alleviate the problem.
Each of the three commissioners said they have taken steps to protect the health and safety of the employees in the controller’s office. “I’ve done my job looking out for their health and welfare,” commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh said.
Commissioner Ronald M. Nehls said the commissioners have done everything they could. “We’re going to resolve this,” he said.
Cavanagh said that Roberts doesn’t need to create events. Instead they should address problems and move on. He said the air has been “tested and tested again.” He said it has been scrubbed clean. “Let’s move on,” he said. Cavanagh added that there was never any fatal black mold.
Commissioner chairman Vincent A. Vicites said they need the best firm available to test the air quality.
In another matter, county manager Warren Hughes said there were less than 160 broken asbestos tiles found under the carpet that have been removed and disposed of. He said if they are covered and sealed, it will take care of that problem.
Vicites said his number one concern is for the employees’ health and safety.
Roberts said he appreciates the sincere efforts commissioners have made, but cautioned that the issue is “far from resolved.” He said he hasn’t received any information in a week. He said only half of his staff have computers to use at the Federal Building office and they have no connection to the system in the courthouse.
“We’re struggling to keep up with accounts payable. Payroll came down to the wire last week,” he said. Roberts added that the temperature has been 86 degrees or higher in the temporary office and he only recently received a window air conditioning unit. Roberts said he needs reconstruction to be stepped up. He also asked to be kept in the information loop. He said his staff needs to get back in the courthouse office.
Nehls said there was bound to be some inconvenience because the event was unexpected.
Cavanagh said that controller employees can use computers in the courthouse to access the system. Roberts said they are doing that, but other courthouse employees need to use those computers as well.