HomeMy WebLinkAboutC.054.93011_1439 (2)Robertson asked if cases were being dropped due to the space problem.
Frank said, periodically, victims might not pursue a case because it had been continued so
many times, but this was just a small percentage. He said the courts right now needed to focus
on correcting the perception that people were being treated like "cattle." Mr. Frank said his
employees were at capacity now, and any additions would create a need for more office space.
Court.
Robertson asked if the county should be building court space or jails.
Frank said a long-term plan was needed. He said the jail housed many transients.
Commissioner Tice asked why the Mooresville facility wasn't being used for Superior
Frank asked if driving to Mooresville was an efficient use of the officers' time.
Turner said the Mooresville building was being used four days a week.
Mashburn said it was difficult to determine the root cause of the problems, and he asked,
"What needs to happen to fully utilize the Mooresville facility?" Mashburn said incremental
expansion at the Hall of Justice needed to be explored, along with looking at the population to
determine the best site for a criminal court complex and jail.
Commissioner Johnson said the AOC determined the Superior Court docket. He said
unless the AOC scheduled more court days, any added space would be useless.
Frank said one more week of Superior Court was recently added.
Turner said, "Our design is fine, but we need more space."
CTION: Chairman Norman suggested that a study committee be appointed to
comprehensively review the matter and to make a recommendation. It was agreed the committee
would include:
Commissioner Sara Haire Tice
Commissioner Steve Johnson
Clerk of Court Rena Turner
Superior Court Judge Mark Klass
Sheriff Phil Redmond
Chief District Court Judge Wayne Michael
District Attorney Garry Frank, or a representative from his office
LEGISLATIVE LUNCHEON
Guests attending were:
NC General Assembly Members Mitchell Setzer, Karen Ray, Julia Howard, and Dr. James
Forrester, North Carolina Department of Transportation Board Member Bob Collier, Iredell-
Statesville Schools Superintendent Dr. Terry Holliday, Mooresville Board of Education
Chairman Karen Hart, Mooresville Schools Finance Director David Dutton, Mitchell
Community College Board Member Dr. Ralph Bentley, Mitchell College President Dr. Doug
Eason, Centralina Council of Governments Director Al Sharp, Iredell County Planning Board
Members Eric Fields (Chairman), Franklin Rash, Jeff McNeely, Dr. Jackie Grigg, Kristi Pheufer,
Thomas Stephens, Harry Tsumas, Jerry Samoni, Harold Pruitt, Anita Johnson & Alan Williams,
Health Director Donna Campbell, Social Services Director Don Wall, and Mental Health
Director David Swann.
Note: The following concerns were primarily addressed to the legislators.