The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

County Board and County Employees

Concerned about Courthouse Security "...the least secure building in the entire circuit"

By Sally Day for the Quill

Circuit Clerk Sandra Keane was asked by County Chairman Marty Lafary to begin the discussion about courthouse security during the July 9, 2013 meeting of the Henderson County Board. She noted the main issue is having more court security officers and that most employees would desire two officers, instead of one. "We don't want anything to happen to our employees," Keane said.

Henderson County State's Attorney, Scott McClintock stated, "This is the least secure building in the entire circuit." He mentioned the importance of having at least two security officers. He explained that recently, County Court Security Officer Larry Henry brought over four prisoners from the jail, to appear in court. One of these prisoners needed to use the bathroom due to illness. Officer Henry escorted him, and it left three prisoners simply sitting alone in the courthouse. One of these prisoners had allegedly punched Henderson County Deputy Keith DeJaynes in a recent exchange. State's Attorney McClintock further stated that due to the arrests made in Gulfport, the county has a number of "gang-bangers" come through the courthouse now. He mentioned he would rather have a deputy assist in escorting prisoners at all times; preferably one deputy to one prisoner.

Officer Henry is currently the only Court Security Officer. It was noted that additional deputies assist with bringing prisoners to the courthouse when asked.

Board member Mark Lumbeck said, "Prisoners need to be belly chained and leg ironed at all times of transfer." He continued, "If there is a problem in the courthouse, the Sheriff should address it." Henderson County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Link was present and said he would take back this information to Sheriff Steve Haynes, as the Sheriff had another commitment and could not be at the board meeting. State's Attorney McClintock added he had no problem talking to the Sheriff.

Board member Dave Hinshaw noted that a new secure office door on each employee office who would like one would cost approximately $1600. This type of door would have a speaker hole, allowing people to communicate through the door and a slide through for paperwork. State's Attorney McClintock definitely desired a door, while many of the other employees thought the door would be more of a hindrance to them. Board member Albert Renken wondered if there were any grants available from Homeland Security on this issue.

Chairman Lafary noted they should start with the State's Attorney's door and gather some information before proceeding with the remainder of security. The board agreed to this and tabled the remainder of the action until the next meeting.

It was learned that Henderson County Sheriff's Deputy David Thompson had resigned after 22 years of service with the county. Chairman Lafary thanked him for all his years of serving. Lafary also mentioned that Sheriff Haynes had told him he may hire a part-time officer to fill the void. Board member Lumbeck said, "The Sheriff is out of money; he is on the negative side with part-time personnel."

The board discussed some old computers. Chairman Lafary asked if the board would like to dispose of them, if some employees wanted them for their offices, or could employees bid on them for personal use. Circuit Clerk Keane mentioned her office would like some of them. They would need to be "cleaned of information" first. The computers will be distributed to offices which desire them and to individuals who would like them and those which are left over will be stored in an out building.

In other business, the board:

• discussed the floor at the Sheriff's Office. Board member Hinshaw said the bid to replace and repair the floor from the main outer office through the hallway was $2,748.00. Sheriff's Department Administrative Assistant Teresa Boock told the board the Sheriff's Office had $2,847 budgeted for repairs.
• heard from board member Bob Peterson, who noted the county needs to prepare a Safety Manual. He added that down the road the county also needs to hire a Safety Coordinator. These things will eventually be a necessity for insurance purposes.
• passed a motion to contract with a Computer Tech for $1100 for a pre-paid 20 hours for county computers. This was a roll call vote, with board member Hinshaw casting the only no vote.
• learned that State's Attorney McClintock was sending a letter to the owners of the property at the Carman corner (nearest the Cemetery) and this would begin the process of cleaning up this property. They are working on the guidelines of the newest ordinance.
• agreed to obtain bids to repair the guttering around the Sheriff's Office. Board member Hinshaw said it needs replaced and it is where some of the leaks have been coming from.
• learned that the Frontier Representative will be here soon to discuss the Services Agreement for telecommunication. The State's Attorney will read over the agreement.
• agreed to keep the closed session minutes closed for ten years.
• felt they did not have it in the budget to join the Western Illinois Regional Council at this time.
• heard from Health Department officials who stated that next year they will coordinate their health fair with the Gladstone annual Homecoming. They had their most recent Health Fair over the 4th of July weekend and it was not as well attended as they would have liked.
• tabled until August the Agreement for Services for the Drainage Districts.
• approved the Semi-Annual Report of the County Clerk.
• approved the Semi-Annual Report of the Circuit Clerk.
• approved the minutes of the June 11 and June 20, 2013 meetings.
• approved the claims paid in June 2013.
• accepted Health Department claims.
• approved a Highway Department Resolution.
• heard the roll call with the following members present: Gail Russell, Curt Eisenmayer, Jim Alexander, Bob Peterson, Albert Renken, Mark Lumbeck, Dave Hinshaw, Marty Lafary, Terry Meyer, and Stan Torrance. "Tex" Stewart was absent.