Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Juvenile Detention topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County staff warn juvenile detention center needs major repairs after roof leak damages backup power and cameras
Summary
Officials described urgent maintenance needs at the juvenile detention area after a roof leak shorted a UPS that powers security systems (replacement ordered at about $23,000) and damaged cameras; staff warned mold, plumbing and HVAC obsolescence limit safe operation and revenue capacity.
County building services and detention staff told supervisors they are facing persistent, compounding failures at the juvenile detention area and urged the board to prioritize repairs or a longer-range replacement plan.
Kenny Schmitz, building services director, described a recent roof leak that “shorted out the UPS system and damaged it permanently. And so it has to be replaced. We've ordered a replacement. That was approximately $23,000.” He added that cameras were damaged and some have been replaced.
Ryan (operations) and juvenile-detention staff recounted longstanding infrastructure problems: outdated plumbing, persistent leaks, mold, failing HVAC and flooring that is not practical to repair in place. One staff member said the facility’s exercise roof coating is now “too slick” to use safely and that multiple repairs have only delayed more significant work.
Staff estimated that superficial repairs (painting, limited carpentry) could be achieved with modest funds but that a full upgrade of HVAC, plumbing and other core systems would push costs into the “hundreds of thousands” depending on the scope. The board discussed contracting an architect to produce a costed plan and noted some immediate needs (cameras, UPS, AC work) could be funded by reclassifying existing CIP money.
Why it matters: The facility’s structural and systems issues affect the county’s ability to house youth safely and to operate at full capacity; until core systems are addressed staff reported they cannot accept additional placements and cannot guarantee long-term operations.
Next steps: Supervisors asked staff to return with itemized bids and recommended priority items for June deliberation; one supervisor suggested contracting an architect to scope a phased plan.
