2006 - 10-16-06 Regular Meeting - Laserfiche WebLink

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0 0 BOOK 21 nc-E 157 Assistant County Manager Kenny Cole discussed with the Board recent courthouse security changes. Mr. Cole told the Board that in the FY 2005-06 budget, the Commissioners approved funds in the amount of $217,000 that allowed staff to address security at the Lee County Courthouse as well as other County owned facilities. A Courthouse Committee was formed that was comprised of members of each division within the courthouse facility. The objective of the Committee was to develop and implement a security plan in conjunction with the report prepared in 2005 by Mosely Architects. Mr. Cole stated the report recommended controlling access to only the North entrance of the Courthouse by constructing a controlled vestibule. In the FY 2005-06 budget, the Commissioners approved a security/bailiff position within the Sheriff's Department budget that would allow protection at this entrance. The Sheriff's Department in February 2006 filled the position, but it is apparently not being used for the purposes intended. When the Courthouse Committee met on September 21, 2006, to finalize the operational plans and set an implementation date, the Sheriff's Department stated they could not proceed with the implementation date due to lack of personnel within their department. Mr. Cole presented a power point presentation showing recent security measures taken at the old and new Courthouse that incorporated suggestions from the report and the Courthouse Committee. Captain James Estes from the Sheriffs Department was present and stated that approximately two to three additional personnel would be needed in order to man the North entrance as recommended. After much discussion, Chairman Hincks moved to defer action on the matter until the October 30, 2006 meeting and asked Mr. Cole to present different security alternatives and cost estimates. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: Aye: Adams, Brown, Hincks, Lemmond, Paschal, Reives, and Stevens Nay: None The Chairman ruled the motion had been adopted unanimously. The Board considered a resolution to allow local government to charge fees for food and lodging inspections. Health Director Mike Hanes told the Board the State currently provides Lee County approximately $10,000 per year to provide food and lodging inspections. Currently it costs the local taxpayers of Lee County approximately $220,000 per year to meet the State mandated requirements for inspections. Mr. Hanes stated the Board of Health had unanimously approved a resolution requesting the General Assembly to enact legislation empowering local government to enact and collect fees for providing food and lodging support and inspections from such enterprises operating within their boundaries. After some discussion, Commissioner Adams moved to approve a Resolution in Support of Local Fees for Food and Lodging, a copy of which is attached to these minutes and by this reference made a part hereof. Upon a vote, the results were as follows: 5