Committee reviews fairgrounds vandalism, camera shortcomings and fire alarm test failure

Members of the Richland County Public Works Committee discussed several security and safety concerns affecting county properties, including vandalism at the fairgrounds, recent lock cuts at well houses, an apparent failure of a newly installed fire alarm panel and a pedestrian fall on a sidewalk that may result in a claim.

Committee staff reported that someone had driven across turf at the fairgrounds and torn up the lawn; sheriff’s deputies were called and arrests were reported. Staff said earlier camera installations at the fairgrounds and the highway department have proved unreliable — one camera “doesn’t really work at all” and others are “hit and miss.” Two well house locks were found cut off. Staff recommended getting quotes for improved lighting and higher-quality cameras, and suggested involving MIS so any new system can be integrated with county servers and software.

On building security, staff said they have been replacing some door tumblers to limit access from a single master key and to keep chemical storage, generator rooms and maintenance areas secure. Staff said one or two additional exterior doors remain to be rekeyed.

Separately, the committee heard that a child pulled a fire alarm recently; a new fire alarm panel and strobes were installed roughly two and a half weeks earlier but the system was apparently not properly tested before the contractor left. MIS and Johnson Controls have been contacted and are expected to investigate under warranty.

Committee members also heard that a woman fell on an uneven sidewalk outside a county building and went to the hospital; staff photographed the site and submitted the matter to the county attorney. The committee was told the sidewalk shows long-term heaving and may require replacement.

No procurement decisions were made at the meeting, but staff were directed to gather quotes for cameras, lighting and fencing, work with MIS on compatibility and monitoring, and return with cost estimates for the committee’s review.