BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- Architect Dale Rogers asked the Stoddard County Commission to sign off on the completion of the security project in three county buildings so the project might be closed out by the end of last week. Rogers, with Robert Stearnes and Associates, addressed the commission at a regular meeting Sept, 25.
Rogers distributed a list of items to be discussed about the Centurion duress system in the Justice Center, Government Building and the courthouse. At the commission meeting last week, county employees voiced concerns about the radio system used to alert law enforcement of potential dangers in county offices and the system of notification to that danger. Employees said emailing employees may not be an effective way to reach everyone, and suggested that text messaging would be preferable.
Rogers said he contacted Robin Tolbert with KT Powers Systems, the company which provided and installed the security system, and discovered that text messaging was possible. He said alerts would be sent out by email and by text messages to all county employees who wanted to be on the list. He noted that providing the information was voluntary.
Presiding Commissioner Greg Mathis said he had authorized the collection of employee cell phone numbers for those who wished to receive text messages.
Rogers noted the radio system that alerts the sheriff's office is based on the analog system that was already in place before the project started. The sheriff's office currently uses digital radios for communications. There was concern by employees the old radio could fail to function properly, and they suggested switching to digital equipment.
Rogers said it was possible to use a digital radio with the new system. He said a digital radio kit was estimated to cost $1,994. He asked the commission if they wanted to purchase the digital radio.
Mathis asked Sheriff Carl Hefner for input. Hefner said switching to digital would mean an emergency call could be blocked by a call already in progress. He said the analog radio is no longer actively used by his office, so the alert would go directly to the county dispatcher. He recommended staying with the analog radio.
Rogers said the radio needed to be put on a regular maintenance schedule to assure it was in good working condition.
After more discussion addressing a few specific problems, the commission voted 3-0 to stay with the analog radio. Associate Commissioners Carol Jarrell and Steve Jordan were present.
Rogers asked about installing a remote button for use by the security guard in the Justice Center. The remote would allow the officer to remotely open a door to the building. Hefner said the option would allow the officer to open a door without leaving the security desk in the front of the building. He said that would help alleviate some pedestrian traffic at the front desk as well.
The commission voted 3-0 to purchase the remote at a cost of $416.
Rogers said more identification cards for the security access system had been ordered. The county received 200 initial cards. Commission members questioned who had received the cards. They initially thought 200 cards were enough for all employees, elected officials and other staff.
After more discussion, the commission asked that a list be made of all people who had received access cards so they could review it.
"We have made a lot of progress," stated Mathis. "I think that our county buildings are much safer for elected officials, employees and the public."
Pike Township issue
Robert Morris and Alan DeJournett with Pike Township addressed the commission about a right-of-way problem on County Road 331. A fence runs along the property which is making it unusable for a property owner to get farm equipment back to his property.
"We understand there has been feuding for several years over the fence," said Morris.
Morris said the township believed the fence is in the right-of-way. He said a large limb damaged the fence around 12 to 15 years ago, and the fence was moved when it was placed back. He said the newer portion of the fence was visible to anyone looking at it.
Morris said an attorney has been contacted, and legal documents show the township has a 24 feet "roadway." He said the document says nothing about a right-of-way easement.
"That is not enough room for a roadway and a drainage ditch," said Morris. "We can't find any records of a right-of-way."
Jordan, who looked over the letter from the attorney, stated, "According to the letter, no easements are granted on the deeds."
Jordan continued, "How can any government maintain a road if there is no understanding of what rights they have?"
Mathis suggested they check the county archives to see if there is an old record of a right-of-way on County Road 331.
"I have found that all roads have different easements," said Mathis.
Jordan said he would go to the County Archives to check into the matter.
DeJournett said the township could just vote to stop maintaining the road and let it go back to private ownership.
"Thanks for your attention," said Morris, before he and DeJournett left.
Flu shots
The commission voted to provide flu vaccines for county elected officials and employees. Mathis asked that the Stoddard County Health Center be contacted to set up a date to offer the vaccinations.