Agenda - 01-04-1993 - VII-B - Laserfiche WebLink

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- SUMMARY AND DISCUSSION OF OTHER COURT ISSUES There ends the discussion of the Court functions designated for relocation. As mentioned at the beginning of this document, there are other non-space issues whose urgency to be addressed is also great. To reiterate, they include: 1. Enhanced security measures in Court facilities; 2. Improved sound systems in some courtrooms; 3 . Holding areas established for inmates awaiting Court; 4. Improvements to Magistrate's office; 5. Improvements to Chapel Hill facility. Security in courtrooms and in Court facilities in general is a critical issue. It is recommended that a sub-group, consisting of Judges, Law Enforcement personnel and County administration, convene within the next sixty days to thoroughly discuss what the security issues are and by what means they can best be addressed. Recommendations with minimal budgetary impact could be implemented immediately, while others would be considered during the 1993-94 budget process. Sound systems in the courtrooms would be considered during the budget process as well. The Purchasing and Public Works Departments would work in tandem with the Judges to identify systems that would best meet the need. The absence of a holding cell in the Courthouse has long been an issue. We are presently investigating the possibility of a cell unit which can be installed into an existing office type area, thereby creating a secure holding area. One possible location is the small office area on the third floor presently used as a Probation office. This area would provide good access to the two small courtrooms on the third floor. Input from the group at Thursday's meeting would be welcomed on this issue. The Magistrate's office was moved from the Jail lobby during the most recent Jail Renovation project. , They were temporarily relocated to the old Probation offices while this work was on-going. When the Jail project was completed however, it was determined that the Magistrate's offices should not be moved back into the Jail lobby, thereby leaving them in substandard conditions. It is recommended that the offices be upgraded and the restroom be made handicapped accessible immediately. The Purchasing Director and the Public Works Director will personally work with Judge Love and the Magistrates to expedite the work. It should be noted that should future long-term plans include an addition to the existing Courthouse, the Magistrate's offices should be considered for that facility as well.