Agenda - 09-14-1999 - 1 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Options for development of security checkpoint The discussion regarding what the security checkpoint A.) should do, and B.) should look like, raised a number of more complicated issues. There was significant discussion among the group about whether the security checkpoint should be single purpose, or whether it was possible that it could be structured in a manner to address multiple issues that presently exist in the building. For example, the area in front of the large courtroom on the main floor stays congested because there is no waiting area for those coming in and out of the courtroom. As a result,. people use the steps to sit and wait, thereby causing a safety issue for people trying to move about the building. In addition, the present "waiting area" makes it difficult to maintain an acceptable noise level to allow the court's business to be conducted without intrusion. If the security checkpoint addition were to be a multiple story structure, the design could alleviate this issue. Further, should the Board so direct, the multiple story structure could be designed to include office space. As earlier referenced, the. most pressing space issue in the Hillsborough courthouse is in support space. Presumably, the Clerk's office staff could then be relocated to .the main courthouse from their leased offices in the old Hillsborough_ Savings Bank. The annual lease payments for that facility are approximately $61,000 at this time, which according to Ken Chavious, the County' Finance Director, would cover approximately $600,000 in annual debt service payments. While construction costs of the proposed structure would exceed this amount, it does represent a significant reduction in new money needed to cover debt service costs for the entire new addition. Site Master Plan for Hillsborough Court Facilities To ensure that any money spent for building expansion is not lost in any future building additions to the New Courthouse, it is advisable that it be constructed in a manner that would complement and tie together future development on the site. In order to accomplish this, it seems prudent for the County to have a site master plan for Hillsborough court facilities developed. While the 1995 report included some observations about the site, a fully developed master plan is needed before making any long term commitments to construction on the site. The master plan of the Hillsborough court campus would not only identify possibilities for proposed buildings and parking facilities, it would also explore potential development obstacles, such as limitations of the soil, site utility challenges, etc. According to a proposal from the architectural firm who designed the recent additions to the Jail and courthouse, a master plan could be completed and prepared for Board review in approximately six (6) weeks at an approximate cost of $12,000. Chapel Hill court facilities The 1995 JFSG report indicated that there should be a satellite facility developed to meet court needs in Chapel Hill. The report cited the County's property on Homestead Road as one potential location. At the time the report was written it was believed that the long-term lease with the Post Office at the Franklin Street court facility would preclude any expansion on that site in the foreseeable future. However, during the security issues discussion, Town officials indicated that this might not be the case. County and Court officials will continue dialogue with Town officials (Chapel Hill and Carrboro) to determine what options are best for the long-term development of Court facilities in Chapel Hill. For your information, court facilities encompass not only courtroom facilities, but also much needed support space. As the Board is aware, the County expends considerable funds each year to lease space to accommodate court functions. The 1999-2000 lease payments for court functions in the southern part of the County is approximately $90,000. Court facility development in Chapel Hill would most certainly need to include sufficient support space for long-term court needs.