1991 - 01-07-91 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

eooK 13 537 Southern Pines, Commissioner Matthews stated that she was not conferred about that meeting. She indicated that she had a Legislative Goals meeting. The review meeting could have been held in the afternoon instead of during lunch. She stated that she would not apologize for not being able to attend that meeting. Commissioner Reives stated that he realizes commissioner Matthews' concern is continuing to use the present courthouse facility. Commissioner Matthews stated that in the newspaper a breakdown of renovation costs was published. Even though the breakdown was not on the ballot, the people were informed of specific costs for renovations and specific costs for new construction and this should be followed. She asked about the possibility of connecting the new jail facility to the courthouse with a breezeway. She stated that the second floor should be used. It appears that the major renovations would be on the first floor. Commissioner Cox stated that the facade cannot be changed by adding breezeways if the building is on the historic registry. Commissioner Reives stated that if it is on the historic registry, maybe more money would be available to continue doing more renovations in the future. The Board has to be careful about renovating against the advise of the consultant. If it is going to cost more to renovate and renovations will provide no more space, the County may not be benefitting themselves. Finding limited and conditional use for the building may be better than extensive renovations. Commissioner Matthews stated that if the building could be renovated for the specified amount of money, the voters have not been misled. The voters were very upset with the school board when they made changes in their plans on Bragg Street. Commissioner Hall stated that the citizens voiced their opinion at the public hearing about renovating the old courthouse versus building a new facility on Colon Road. It appeared that they were saying that they wanted to continue using their present courthouse as a functioning courthouse. There are no cost figures or alternate plans whereby the courthouse could be used. If the County continues to use the courthouse there should be alternate plans. The County needs to spend the money to renovate and use the space to avoid having another office building in another location to maintain. Chairman Stafford asked the Board what they wish to do concerning the issue. Chairman Stafford stated that his concern over the proposed plan is the size of the courtroom. He wants the judges approval on the 200 seating capacity courtroom, because if they do not begin splitting dockets in the morning and afternoon, the rooms will not be large enough. County Attorney Hoyle said that in some counties such as Wake County, 200 seating capacity courtrooms are built, but more courtrooms are built. Commissioner Cox stated that Judge Christian will have some input in the review, also. 12