Meetings Steering Committee(Folders 1-2)

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The second option considered was decentralization, as a means of minimizing the need for space in the Courthouse. This would require subject matter specialization, and additional space demands at remote sites. Operational costs also increase with decentralization. Based upon a discussion and review of the advantages and disadvantages of decentralization, the Sub-Committee agrees with the unanimous position of the Circuit and District Court Judges that centralization of facilities and support operations allows the greatest flexibility for the Bench, is more procedurally and cost-efficient, and is clearly preferred. The third option considered was construction of a new facility for all Courts and Court support programs, including case assessment centers and ADR facilities. New construction would allow for the most effective design, accommodating security issues both inside and outside the building, and allowing for more flexible use of the Court space by eliminating the direct correlation of courtrooms to chambers. A variety of special-purpose courtrooms, conference rooms, hearings rooms and other function-oriented facilities could be created which provide more flexible use of the space and allow for more orderly growth planning for the future. The present county courthouse could then remain as the center of county government, rather than being absent of all county offices. It was also the belief of the Sub- Committee that this option would be more acceptable to the community at large. RECOMMENDATIONS The Sub-Committee proposes to the Facilities Steering Committee that a new courthouse structure ("Justice Building") be constructed, tentatively tocated on the current Senator block. It is proposed that the new Justice Building be adjoined to the courthouse structure via a skybridge or tunnel. The new Justice Building should contain sufficient space for the present needs of the Court and for reasonably anticipated growth in both the size of the Bench and support offices, and for the implementation of major programs including alternative forms ofdispute resolution. The new Justice Building would contain Courts, security, and related Court offices only. The Committee recommends that all Judges remain together in the new Justice Building, although the Cou~ts coutd continue to process criminal pre-trial matters and juvenile matters at the Court's Annex and Juvenile Department. Video technology should be pursued, connecting each courtroom to all appropriate remote sites, including the Court's Annex, Juvenile Department and State institutions. The Court should consolidate all clerical and administrative functions in the criminal and juvenile areas to the new Justice Building, operating a single clerk's office complex in the new center. The law library and district attorney's offices would remain in the present courthouse. Page - 7