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Council approves upgraded audio-visual and digital-recording systems for Canton Municipal Court
Summary
Council adopted an amended ordinance authorizing the Canton Municipal Court to contract with Justice Audio Visual Systems for multi-courtroom audio/visual, evidence presentation and remote-participation upgrades, with staff citing compatibility checks with city IT and using state contracts to avoid competitive bidding.
Canton City Council adopted Ordinance 36 as amended, clearing a professional-services agreement for the Canton Municipal Court to replace evidence presentation, digital recording and remote-participation systems across five courtrooms.
Mike Kecciar, court administrator, told council that components of the current system date to 2008 and that the court's evaluation included the city IT department to ensure compatibility with the city network. "All the labor components and equipment on this, in this proposal are on state contracts, so there was no need to bid this," Kecciar said, and he estimated "the total project, we anticipate coming to $267,000 and some change for all 5 courtrooms together." He also asked for a supplemental appropriation to cover operating funds through the end of the year.
A council member questioned why the city was contracting with Justice Audio Visual Systems, a company headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, rather than a local vendor. Kecciar said the vendor has significant presence in Ohio, that major courts in Ohio and Kentucky use the system, and that consolidating service under one vendor reduces finger-pointing between multiple local providers.
Council amended the ordinance to remove a specific account number (allowing appropriation to the proper account) and adopted the measure by roll call. The item will be implemented by the Canton Municipal Court with funding adjustments through the city's appropriation ordinance.
