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County moves to automate courthouse access for severe‑weather sheltering; vendor bid discussed
Summary
A county staffer said current staffing makes opening the courthouse for storm sheltering difficult; commissioners approved pursuing an automated access solution with an initial one‑time equipment cost quoted at roughly $3,000 and a potential monthly fee.
Commissioners authorized staff to pursue an automated access solution for the courthouse to support severe‑weather sheltering after county staff reported difficulty staffing manual openings.
Chris told the commission he’d been asked to open the courthouse for tornado and severe‑weather sheltering but that single‑person staffing made the responsibility impractical when storm spotting duties coincide with building opening. “It’s not really working out…I’m a one‑man show,” Chris said, explaining he’s exploring an automated admin‑login that would unlock doors and allow elevator access to the basement shelter.
Craig from Lakeside Lock & Key described a plan that would create an operational board and a communication link between doors and the elevator; staff said Craig estimated a one‑time equipment fee of about $3,000 plus an ongoing monthly subscription for the service. Commissioners agreed to move forward with obtaining a formal written bid and asked staff (Candy and Jason) to identify budget sources. A motion to proceed with ordering the work was seconded and carried.
Commissioners asked staff to ensure responder coordination, including limiting upward elevator access and arranging for law enforcement or a designated responder to confirm building safety when opening the shelter. Staff said they will circulate Craig’s formal bid in writing and return with final budget and contract details at a subsequent meeting.
