By Kellen Olshefski
Staff Writer
The Walworth County Department of Public Works approved bid specifications for Court Security improvements at the Walworth County Judicial Center at its July 15 meeting.
According to County Administrator David Bretl, a U.S. Marshall went through the courthouse last year at their request and the request of the security committee and came up with a list of their recommendations to approve security at the judicial center.
Bretl said statutes regarding competitive bidding allow for projects to be completed without a bid in the instance of an emergency.
“I think I would read this statute broadly and say that public welfare is in danger by making this a public document,” he said.
Bretl said the unique concern with this project, is the Sheriff’s concern that publishing detailed specifications in regards to security updates would in itself pose a security risk.
Bretl cited the installation of ballistic shielding as an example.
“If people know where those are being installed and what kind they are, somebody could reverse engineer and figure out how to stage an attack,” he said.
Bretl said he would rather be a little more careful with this rather than have a security incident.
John Miller, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities for the DPW, said the department is looking to contract with J.P. Cullen who built the building in 2005, stating they already have an intimate knowledge of the building.
Improvements are slated for this year’s budget as well as in the 2014 capital improvement plan.
Miller noted the improvements include the installation of ballistic shielding, glass separating some of the open counters, keeping the public from climbing over the counter, and security camera updates.
After Supervisor Joseph Schaefer raised concerns, Miller said the building was built to code in 2005 based on its occupancy and though recommendations from the U.S. Marshall’s office would improve security, they are only recommendations and not mandated by the federal government.
Other matters
• Approval of alcohol on county grounds. The board granted approval for the use of alcohol in cooking demonstrations on county grounds, so long as it is brought in immediately prior to the event and removed immediately after and used only for cooking purposes.
• Approval of the purchase of a truck-mounted message board. The board approved the purchase of a truck-mounted LED message board to be used for warning drivers behind painting crews of wet paint.
