Grand Forks County Commission directs staff to replace old jail fire panel, fund from capital improvements

At a meeting of the Grand Forks County Commission, commissioners voted to direct county staff to proceed with actions discussed in executive session and approved ordering a replacement fire-alarm communications panel for the county's old jail, with the expense to come from the capital improvements fund.

Commissioners debated whether to buy a smaller interim repair — described in the meeting as a roughly $15,000 "band aid" — or to replace the entire panel at an estimated cost of about $150,000. County staff recommended a full replacement, citing the timeline for the state’s move and the complexity of demolishing a structure whose utilities are tied into the courthouse. Staff said ordering and installing the full panel could take roughly three months.

The commission voted on a motion to direct staff members Miss Longstead and Mister Ford to proceed as discussed in the executive session; the motion was seconded by Miss Peach and carried on a roll-call vote during the meeting. The meeting then moved to the agenda item for the "old jail fire panel communications card." One speaker noted that the smaller $15,000 option would be a temporary fix to keep the county compliant until a final decision about the facility’s future was made; that same speaker and others recommended replacing the entire panel given the likely timing of the state move and inspection milestones.

County staff told the commission there is roughly $157,000 remaining in the capital improvements budget. Commissioners and staff discussed sequencing the purchase and installation so the new panel could be placed in a courthouse location rather than at the YAK facility, which could save about $20,000 if the installation is completed before the state vacates the other site. The commission approved a motion instructing Chesky (identified in the meeting transcript as the staff member responsible for ordering and installation) to order the panel and plan its installation outside the YAK, with costs charged to the capital improvements fund; the motion passed by voice vote.

The record shows the commission discussed the timing, budget impact, and logistical complexities (utilities tied to the courthouse) and directed staff to move forward with the panel replacement and related planning. No ordinance, statute, or external authority was cited during the discussion on this agenda item.

The commission then concluded the meeting and entertained a motion to adjourn.