5. Court Facilities Improvement Grant application

December 16, 2013 Sally Holewa, Chair Court Facilities Improvement Advisory Committee 600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 180 Bismarck ND 58505-0530 RE: Application for Court Facilities Improvement Grant— 2014 Dear Ms. Holewa and Committee Members: For the tenth round of Court Facilities Improvement Grants, Cass County Government requests funding assistance to allow much needed improvements to be completed in Cass County Courtroom 305. Requested work includes reconstruction of the judge, witness and jury area of the courtroom to correct deficiencies as follows: • In the current courtroom, the judge is unable to see the witness on the stand. It is difficult to judge the person's credibility when they cannot be seen during their testimony. • The witness currently has access to the judge. This needs to be reconstructed to provide a barrier between the judge and the witness, while yet allow the judge to view the witness. • The large jury box could be cut down in size to a 9-person jury box, thereby freeing up an area for the court reporter. • A large TV will be added to the west wall of the courtroom to allow viewing of supporting information. • The room requires a variety of cabling and technology upgrades. The estimated total cost of the project is $60,000, and we are requesting 75% of this amount ($45,000). The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved the enclosed grant application, and a copy of the minutes is attached. Cass County Government appreciates the opportunity to have our application considered. If you need any further information, please let me know. Sincerely, Keith Berndt, P.E. Cass County Administrator cc: Cass County Commissioners Rod Olson, District Court Administrator WORDEN\MY DOCUMENTS\KEITH\COURT FACILITES IMPROVEMENT LTR 12-16-13.DOCX