COURT FACILITIES AND COUNTY SPACE NEEDS COMMITTEE

SPECIAL MEETING - JULY 16, 2008

** NOT APPROVED **

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Members Present: D. Pullen, W. Hall, D. Fanton, T. Hopkins, C. Crandall (Absent: G. Benson, T. O’Grady)

Others Present: L. Ballengee, D. Burdick, W. Dibble, A. Finnemore, K. Kruger, J. Margeson, B. Reynolds, B. Riehle, E. Ruckle, P. Schmelzer

Call to Order: 1:48 p.m. by Committee Chairman David Pullen

Public Information Brochure Update:

County Administrator John Margeson distributed revised copies of the public information brochure update discussed at the last meeting (copy attached to original minutes). The entire project cost and breakdown between the Courthouse and County Office Building portions have been added. Also the debt payment section was changed so that the annual payment for principle and interest reflects the entire project over a 25-year period, rather than just the Courthouse portion.

A motion was made by Mr. Fanton, seconded by Mr. Hopkins and carried to approve the information brochure to be printed and made available to the public in a similar manner as the previous issue.

Review of the Allegany County Court Facilities Capital Plan Narrative:

Mr. Margeson’s letter to OCA representing the County’s Court Facilities Capital Plan was provided by e-mail to committee members for review prior to the meeting (copy attached to original minutes). Referring to the second page under Courthouse Addition Second Level, Mr. Pullen suggested that wording be included to note the reason the Courtroom is so large is that it will be used for criminal jury trials. Mr. Margeson stated he would add that. The committee commended Mr. Margeson on the excellent job he did on the narrative.

Mr. Pullen pointed out that the committee previously planned to have a resolution approving the Capital Plan presented to the full Board on July 28. The Committee of the Whole presentation by LaBella will take place after the regular session is over. He questioned having the resolution voted on prior to the Committee of the Whole. Mr. Margeson has faxed a copy of the Narrative to OCA’s Counsel William Clark, and he has not received comments yet on possible refinements. Chairman Crandall preferred postponing consideration of the resolution approving the Capital Plan until after the proper information has been given. Because the next meeting of this committee (August 6) is too close to the August 11 Board meeting to allow for pre-filing, Chairman Crandall suggested the committee approve the plan today for resolution consideration on August 11, unless Mr. Margeson receives a lot of comments for changes from Bill Clark.

A motion was made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Fanton and carried to approve the Allegany County Court Facilities Capital Plan and refer it on for consideration by the Board of Legislators at their August 11 meeting.

PREPARE RESOLUTION FOR AUGUST 11 BOARD MEETING.

Mr. Burdick questioned if the vote would be on the total project, or if it would be broken down by Courthouse and County Office Building portions. Mr. Pullen pointed out that the vote on August 11 is only for approval of the Court Facilities Capital Plan prior to its submission to OCA. Then, within a few weeks, the bond resolution will be considered, and that will be a combination of all costs. Mr. Hall noted that the plan involves making changes to the County Office Building, because we can’t fulfill OCA’s requirements without making changes there as well. It is very important that is made clear.

NEXT MEETINGS:

Committee of the Whole Presentation: July 28 following the Board meeting

Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, August 6 at 3:00 p.m.

Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 p.m. following a motion made by Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Fanton and carried.

Respectfully submitted by Adele Finnemore, Journal Clerk