Caledonia Argus

County discusses courtroom security

Posted: 6/8/04

By David Heiller
Argus News Editor

Courtrooms in Houston County may be more secure in the near future.

Court administrator Darlene Larson and jail administrator Mark Schiltz told Houston County Commissioners on June 1 about their desire to install a camera system in the courthouse with the goal of improving courtroom safety.

Larson said a four-camera system with two monitors would cost $1,875. One camera would be in the courtroom, two would be in the hallway outside the courtroom, and one would be by the door on the west side of the courthouse.

Larson would have a monitor in her office, and one monitor would be in the sheriffís office.

Commissioner Dave Corcoran asked if there had been problems with the courtroom area. Larson replied that there had been some incidents.

She noted that other security measures are in place that have improved courtroom security, such as the back door near the courtroom being restricted to only the sheriffís office, the installation of a metal detector, and the removal of metal coat hangars.

Mirrors are also going to be purchased for the hallways, she said.

The board did not take any action on the proposal. Larson said that county technology worker Lindsey Pierce will give the board more information about the proposals at a future meeting.

She added that the transfer of funding for her office from the county to the state will be finalized on July 1. It is part of a state-wide shift that has been occurring since 1989 on how court administrators offices are funded. Funding is being transferred from the county to the state. Court administrator employees will then be employed by the State of Minnesota.

ï New equipment for recorder: Beverly Bauer, county recorder, updated the board at its hour-long meeting about the purchase of two new computer systems at a cost of $4,390. A $1 recording fee that is collected for transactions in her office will pay for the purchase.

ï Road project bids: Two road project bid advertisements were approved, one for a bridge over Beaver Creek on County Road 10, 3-1/2 miles northwest of Caledonia, and one on County Road 5, 2-1/2 miles northwest of New Albin. They will be open on July 7.

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