Agenda - 05-06-1998 - 9h - Laserfiche WebLink

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Program growth and the inability to share space with the relocated Health clinics makes it necessary to allocate additional space to the Dental function. Dr. Gene Sandler, attending dentist, and County staff, in consultation with professionals who set up dental clinics explored the functional space requirements for the clinic. This action reflected the need for approximately 2,900 square feet for use by the Dental Clinic. Renewal terms The Landlord has expressed a willingness to renew the lease for the total space (5,580 square feet) for $85,262, which represents an approximate 3% increase over the 1997 figure (CPI increases thereafter). The cost allocation for the Dental Clinic portion of the lease is approximately $44,336. The lease includes all cleaning, maintenance, utilities and parking. In addition, improvements to the property will be made including paint, re-carpeting as well as minor modifications required by the Health Department's move to SHSC. Court office space needs It is further proposed that the County maintain the lease for the entire space included in the existing lease and reallocate to the Public Defender those areas not used by the --- Dental program. The Board is no doubt cognizant of their statutory requirement to provide space for Court functions. The July, 1995 Justice Facility Report reflected significant caseload growth in the Court system. The State is responding to the continued caseload growth by approving new personnel for the Court offices. The Facilities Report further indicated a significant shortage of space in 1995, so with the new positions being approved, the shortage has become a significant barrier to effective operations. Three areas of significant impact are the offices of the Public Defender, Probation and Parole and the Guardian Ad Litem program. Within the past year a total of two (2) new positions have been added to the Public Defender's office, with three (3) County positions added to Probation and Parole. Each of these offices anticipate additional positions during the next funding cycle. The Guardian Ad Litem program has also expanded over the past several years, but has continued to operate out of a single office. This shared office situation, however limits their ability to see more than one client at a time, which hampers their ability to keep up with their caseload. Each of these functions is housed in approximately 4,800 square feet of space, which the County leases on Laurel Avenue in Carrboro. The building in which these offices are located (hereinafter referenced as the "Moody Building"), also houses offices for the Community Services program and one Juvenile Court counselor. Although Housing and Community Development recently vacated two offices when they moved to the SHSC, we are still left with the need for no fewer than five (5) additional offices. It is not possible to meet the space requirements for the Public Defender and the Probation/parole offices for which the County is responsible within the Moody Building.