Commissioners discuss jail construction phases, ventilation and security netting after outside review

County staff and commissioners spent part of the meeting reviewing jail construction details, focusing on ventilation in pre-fabricated cells, shower configurations and exterior security netting used to prevent suicide attempts.

Staff said state reviewers raised ventilation concerns for pre-constructed cells and noted that what appears adequate now could be difficult to modify once cells are in place. Commissioners and staff discussed the possibility of adding exhaust panels or an additional shower in each living unit; staff described the current plan as two showers per unit and said adding another during construction could be more efficient than retrofitting later.

Security netting and mesh also drew attention after staff referenced a recent suicide in another county and ensuing wrongful-death litigation. Staff said the county considered installing metal netting on both sides of vulnerable openings but concluded retrofitting existing mesh could meet objectives and save money; they also noted DLZ, a consultant that worked in Franklin County, should be able to collaborate on technical details.

Commissioners emphasized the need to show effort to reduce risks, telling staff that courts reviewing similar litigation will expect documentation of mitigation measures. No formal vote or change to contract scope was recorded at this meeting; the discussion focused on design options and next steps for follow-up with consultants.