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Tuesday, December 4, 2012 – 4:00 p.m.
Courthouse Annex, 79 Jackson Street, Zebulon, Georgia
This meeting was attended by all five commissioners, County Manager (CM) Mike Phillips, County Clerk Jo Ann Wrye, and County Attorneys Rob and Tom Morton.
1. CALL TO ORDER - Chairman Doug Mangham
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - Chairman Doug Mangham
3. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA - (O.C.G A. 50-14-1 (e) (1))
4. ORDER OF BUSINESS
a. Discussion and/or approval/denial the needs of the Courthouse stairs, audio/video and the Judges benches including Courtroom #2 using SPLOST funds to pay for these items.
Commissioners discussed the pro's and con's of using vinyl or carpet on the two sets of old stairs going up to the Courtroom. This included discussion of replacement at a later date as vinyl wears out during use. Motion to use carpet insead of vinyl on these two sets of stairs for a savings of $9,300. 4-1 with Commissioner Carol Bass voting against it.
Discussion of audio and video needs for the Courthouse. There are no funds available for county reimbursement at this time, but there may be a possibility of this sometime next year from a state judicial fund. The audio seemed to be pretty well accepted as far as the commissioners were concerned because everyone has to be able to hear in a court case, but they had questions about the need for video in the courtroom. Judge Mack Crawford addressed the commissioners and answered these questions. Judge Crawford said that there have been electronic needs from power point presentations, etc. at his last four trials. He said that everything is going electronic and advised commissioners that this same audio/video system is in place in Lamar and Monroe Counties. He said that this is an investment and not really a cost since it is something that is needed more and more in the courtroom. He reiterated that there is not state funds to reimburse the county at this time, but he said that there is a possibility of funds becoming available at a later date and that they are committed to trying to save the county money. Motion to install video and audio and pay for it with SPLOST funds and tried to get reimbursement from state judicial at a later date. 4-0-1 with Commissioner Carol Bass abstaining.
The discussion of the judge's bench in courtroom #2 involved a decision on whether to pay for modifications on the current bench can work to have more room in the courtroom or build a new one. Commissioners were advised that building a new bench for $8525 would cost less than modifying the original one. During this discussion, Commissioner Bass about whether chairs and desks that were in storage had been taken to the courthouse to see if we can use them. She was advised that they have been taken to the courthouse and that one department advised the county manager they does not need as much additional furniture as they originally thought. He suggested allocating about $30,000 for furniture and equipment from excess SPLOST revenue that is coming in each month of the of the amount needed to repay our SPLOST loan. Then the decision to buy furniture, etc. could be made when the courthouse is complete. At this point, it was clarified that commissioners were only discussing the bench right now and that the $30,000 suggested for furniture and equipment was not on the agenda though it could be added if commissioners would like. Motion to allocate $8525 from SPLOST funds to finish courtroom #2. Motion passed in a 4-1 vote with Commissioner Carol Bass voting in dissent.
Motion to amend the agenda to discuss the allocation of $30,000 dollars for furnishing and equipment in the courthouse by Commissioner Don Collins. Motion dies for lack of a second.
Judge Crawford asked for a general timetable on when Superior Court would be back in the courtroom in the courthouse. CM Phillips advised that they are anticipating that the courthouse will be finished by the end of the year. County Attorney Rob Morton suggested that Planning and Zoning Director David Allen to be asked to talk with Ben Carter and Mike Cartner to get a firm date for going back into the courthouse. Consensus of the commissioners that be done.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Motion to adjourn at 4:17 p.m.
Agenda subject to revision.