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1 <br />APPROVED 1/18/9 <br />MINUTES <br />ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br />SPECIAL MEETING <br />THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1993 <br />The Orange County Board of Commissioners met in Special Session on <br />Thursday, November 4, 1993 at 12:00 noon to discuss court facilities. <br />COUNTY COMMI88IONERB PRESENT: Chair Moses Carey, Jr., and <br />Commissioners Alice M. Gordon, Stephen H. Halkiotis, Verla C. Insko and Don <br />Willhoit. <br />COUNTY ATTORNEY PRESENT: Geoffrey Gledhill <br />COUNTY STAFF PRESENT: County Manager John M. Link, Jr., Assistant <br />County Manager Rod Visser, Clerk to the Board Beverly A. Blythe, Finance <br />Director Ken Chavious, Purchasing Director Pam Jones, Budget Director Sally <br />Kost, Public Works Director Wilbert McAdoo, Sheriff Lindy Pendergrass and EMS <br />Director Nick Waters. <br />COURT FACILITIES STUDY GROIIP MEMBERS PRESENT: Judge Gordon Battle, <br />Clerk of Court Shirley James, Judge Patricia Love, Investigator Cheryl S. <br />Parker, and Assistant District Attorney Nancy A. Vecchia <br />AGENDA <br />1. ISSIIEB WHICH REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION <br />~ COURTROOM OVERCROWDING <br />1. ASSUMING A THIRD FLOOR COURTROOM CAN BE DEVELOPED WITHIN THE <br />NE%T 8I8-EIGHT MONTHS. WSAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALLEVIATING THE <br />CRISIS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE INTERIM? <br />2. WHAT ROLE CAN/SHOULD THE COUNTY PLAY IN ASSISTING COURT <br />OFFICIALS TO ACHIEVE A SOLIITION FOR OVERCROWDING? <br />Chair Carey stated that this meeting is being held to share information <br />and to discuss solutions to alleviating the overcrowding problems in the <br />courtrooms. Introductions were made. <br />Pam Jones talked about the plan they initiated last November and noted <br />that they are on schedule. With regard to the new courthouse, the architect <br />has pointed out some problems including an exterior exit. The obstacles they <br />have identified will make it a better facility. A courtroom will be located <br />on the third floor of the new courthouse. The district court judges will have <br />their offices on the third floor and the County Commissioners will use the <br />courtroom facility for their meetings. Renovations will take six to eight <br />months. She would like to have input as this process continues. She wants <br />to be sure that the needs of everyone are met. <br />In answer to a question from Judge Battle, Pam Jones indicated that the <br />courtroom will seat 125 to 150 people. <br />In answer to a question as to whether or not the new courtroom would <br />be adequate for criminal court, Judge Love indicated that it is hard to say. <br />