HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-25-2000 Meeting
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PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE ROOM - January 25, 2000
3:45 P.M.
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PRESENT: L. Beard, Chairman, J. Brigham, S. Shepard, M. Williams, members, A. Cheek, R.
Colclough, B. Kuhlke, Commissioners, R. Oliver, Administrator, J. Wall, Attorney, W. Hornsby,
Deputy Administrator, L. Bonner, Clerk of Commission.
ALSO PRESENT: R. Pavey, Augusta Chronicle, S. Eidson, Metro Spirit.
Discuss office location for Richmond County Indigent Defense.
Mr. Oliver: There is a back up letter that was written by Mr. Long, I think he is the Chair-
person for that particular Committee. He expressed interest in moving to the annex several
months ago, if you recall, when you decided to move the judges to the ninth floor and give them
the entire ninth floor. GIS was relocated from the ninth floor to the annex, so that's no longer an
option on the table.
Mr. Beard: So what basically do they want?
Mr. Oliver: They want new space but they don't want this space.
Mr. Beard: What's wrong with this space and is there anyone here from that office?
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Mr. Acree: There is a perception on their part of security. The new space is next to the
911 Center on the comer of Hale and 4th Streets.
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Mr. Oliver: The new facility is much larger than the present location and the space is free
because we own the property.
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Mr. Shepard: I think Indigent Defense needs to be near by where the arraignments are
held and they are right now held in the Law Enforcement Center. Typically, when somebody
shows up to court it's the arraignment period where they identify as not having council. The
Supreme Court decision, the Miranda Act, basically says that when you are accused of a serious
crime and you can't afford an attorney, one will be appointed, so they fulfill this very important
function. The Mayor Pro Tern suggested we meet with the Judges within thirty days of the last
meeting and I think this has all got to be rolled into the judicial center. Obviously, they need to
be near a judicial center wherever that may be. I think we need to continue paying on a month to
month basis at the present facility until we can make a decision in its entirety. They are not in
favor of moving to Hale Street nor are they in favor of having the owner expand the present
faciiity. I think we can just hold this in Committee for thirty days
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Mr, Brigham: I move we take no action on this for thirty days until we meet with
the Judges.
Mr. Shepard: So move.
Motion carried unanimously.
With no' further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
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Lena J. Bonner
Clerk of Commission
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PUBLIC SAFETY
AGENDA
COMMITIEE ROOM - January 25, 2000
3:45 P. M.
1, Discuss office location for Richmond County Indigent Defense.
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