Jail authority interviews site representatives

By Kim Walter -- kwalter@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL -- The RSW Regional Jail Authority's board approved a motion Thursday to begin negotiations associated with hiring an owner's construction representative.

County administrators from the Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren counties interviewed three candidates for the position Thursday morning. All candidates are based in Virginia.

Though he hasn't been officially hired, the administrators have ranked James Marstin, of Brookneal, as the top candidate. Marstin works independently from any kind of firm, and is currently the construction coordinator for the Blue Ridge Regional Jail Authority.

County Administrator Douglas P. Stanley said that, if hired, Marstin will be the "eyes and ears" for the authority at the job site.

According to Stanley, the position does not require that Marstin be at the site every day, but he will be expected to monitor construction and report back regularly to the authority board.
Stanley declined to comment on proposed compensation for the position.

Rappahannock County Administrator John McCarthy explained that while any of the three candidates would've worked for the position, the panel chose Marstin because he "has an extensive amount of experience in pretty much all aspects of the position."

McCarthy said that Marstin has worked in construction and management, and has dealt with operational issues that normally come about in the first six months of construction.
"He has unique experience," Stanley said, adding that Marstin has held virtually the same position before.

In other matters, the board:

• Approved an amendment to their contract with Moseley Architects as the Virginia Department of Transportation has requested a complete redesign of U.S. 340-522 near the jail. The changes VDOT wants to make will reduce the amount of pavement required, and the jail board estimates saving $40,000 in construction costs as a result.

• Reviewed the project schedule, which is on track with completion set for May 2014.