|
 Appointments
There were three nominee names presented for re-appointment to the
Logan County Regional Planning Commission. Jim Vipond, Blair
Hoerbert and Gerald Lolling were all approved unanimously.
An appointment was also made to the Zoning Board of Appeals. Judi
Graff was approved as a member of the ZBA with a vote of ten-to-one,
with David Blankenship voting no.
Upgrades to Logan County Courtrooms
The Building and Grounds Committee recently began looking into
upgrading the audio and visual equipment in the courtrooms in the
courthouse. A motion was brought forward from the committee to allow
for the expending of funds not to exceed $25,000. The money would
come out of the major criminal cases line item.
Kevin Bateman said that the committee has been working with State’s
Attorney Jonathon Wright to determine what the courthouse would
benefit from having in terms of technology. Bateman said one of
goals for this project is to install systems that can be easily
upgraded in the future.
 Bateman said the new hardware would include flat-panel television
screens for the courtrooms so those using the courtrooms will have
an easier time giving presentations.
Gene Rohlfs asked if other courtrooms in similar areas are making
the same improvements. Wright responded that Livingston County is an
example of a nearby county who recently made the same improvements
when they built a new courtroom.
“Are there counties that still don’t have it? Certainly,” said
Wright.
Wright was present at the meeting, saying that the audio equipment
would come with recording features, which would help in the appeals
process for minor court cases, such as traffic court cases, when a
court reporter is not always available.
“A lot of court systems and the appellate court encouraged us to
look into recording,” said Wright.
Wright also said that the county board would be able to use to the
new equipment for public hearings that may draw large crowds.
Additionally, Wright said that Dennis Brunns, who Wright has been
speaking with in regard to this project, is looking into bringing in
some temporary equipment should it be necessary before installation
is complete.
[to top of second column] |
Wright provided information on a bid from Lincoln Land
Communications as to how much money the audio equipment would
cost. The third floor courtroom proposal came to $5,383; the
second floor courtroom came to $3,286; and the first floor
courtroom came to $5,937. In total, that amount is $14,606.
Wright also said that the judges that work in the courthouse are
aware of this potential project, and they are pleased with the
ideas. Bateman said that the reason for the increase in
potential cost is the potential need for other equipment. “We wanted
Jonathan to be able to say we’re ready for anything. Instead of
going out and making a shopping list, we just capped it at $25,000
so he can get the things he needs,” said Bateman, who said he wants
to see the project finished all at once instead of repeatedly adding
to it overtime.
“This is important money to spend out of that [the criminal case
line item] so we can be prepared in case there would ever be one
again,” said Bateman.
Rohlfs asked if this could be bid out competitively. Chuck Ruben
said that the committee wants to keep the work local, in case
repairs are needed in the future.
Wright said he would keep the board members up to date on every step
of the project should it be approved.
The board members voted ten-to-one to approve of the expenditure,
with David Hepler voting no. “I was more comfortable with the
initial amount,” said Hepler.
Board members present at the meeting were David Hepler, Chuck Ruben,
Gene Rohlfs, Robert Farmer, David Blankenship, Pat O’Neill, Andy
Anderson, Emily Davenport, Kevin Bateman, Jan Schumacher and Scott
Schaffenacher. Rick Aylesworth was absent.
[Derek Hurley]
 |
