04-07-2003 - Laserfiche WebLink

18. Commission Minutes--April 7, 2003 2578 JAIL, Temporary holdin.q cells in north basement for inmates awaitin¢; court Commissioner Sorum asked to move this item from the consent agenda. She felt the board could make a decision today on the Sheriff's request to move the inmate holding area from the Courthouse second floor to the north basement where the lunch counter used to be located. Chairman Wagner had proposed establishing a committee, including the sheriff and portfolio commissioner, to review public safety and another temporary holding facility until a new addition is built. He said the current room on second floor was the site selected by the sheriff and his staff at the time the planning process began for a new jail at a remote location, and the room has been fitted for this purpose. He said the sheriff's request did not provide enough information to allow the board to make an informed decision. Sheriff Don Rudnick was present and said his staff believes the area in the north basement has more advantages than the reom they are currently using on the second floor. He identified some of the costs of moving temporary holding to the basement, including $2,000 for adding a bathroom and $5,000 for three 10' x 10' holding cells with secure, enclosed tops. He said if the cells are installed at the second floor site and had to be moved later to the basement, it would cost $7,600 for reinstallation. The only other cost would be for the gate locking mechanism being made at Larson welding, according to Sheriff Rudnick. Mr. Meyer asked if the sheriff has spoken to a plumber about installing a bathroom in the basement, and Mr. Rudnick said he had a quote of $2,000. A small room at the back could be used for a bathroom, or if it is not possible to have a bathroom, the room could be used for attorney visitations or for the staff computer equipment, he said. Mr. Wagner said he suggested forming a committee to review the request because there are some issues that need to be answered, and the committee could move in a timely manner. He said the sheriff received an estimate from the fence company for holding cells, but there is no written proposal on the scope of work and cost from a plumber for the bathroom. He said there is a water supply to the sink in the north basement but no drain for bathroom plumbing. Sheriff Rudnick said he is not concerned if a bathroom cannot be added. The basement area could provide for a bathroom, if necessary, but the second floor holding room could not. The basement provides better security for staff, according to the sheriff. Mr. Wagner also said the northwest entrance door, which the sheriff anticipates using, may not be available for an extended period of time because of contractors working at the old jail site, and it may be a liability issue. Sheriff Rudnick said he talked to the county recorder and county treasurer, whose offices are on the end of the courthouse where the inmates will enter the building, and they are not concerned with it. He also talked to District Court judges about using the north entrance which they use, and they would have no problem with inmates being taken to the basement using the fire escape door. MOTION, passed Mr. Meyer moved and Mr, Bennett seconded to authorize the Sheriff's Department to use the north end of the basement for temporary holding cells for inmates awaiting court hearings. Discussion: Mr. Vanyo said the cost of moving video equipment from the second floor to the north basement is not included in the sheriff's cost estimates. Mr. Rudnick said his department can move all of the video equipment so there will not be any additional costs for that. Mr. Meyer asked if the cost for the temporary holding cells could be paid from revenues raised by the jail sales tax fund, and Mr. Montplaisir said that would be possible,