Minutes 12/16/2008 - Laserfiche WebLink

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December 16. 2008 In the event that a person appointed is unable to serve, an alternate as duly designated above shall assume the duties of that person. 1. Circuit Court: City Council has already determined that the present Circuit Court facilities are to be replaced. There are two alternative buildings at two different locations under consideration for the replacement facilities. The role of the Panel shall be to compare these two buildings and locations with regard to their suitability, efficiency, and ability to serve the public and the judicial system. To this end, the Panel shall address: a. How urgent it is to have a replacement facility completed, and the estimated completion time for each of the two alternatives. b. The estimated cost for each of the two alternatives. c. The potential for relocating and consolidating all Portsmouth courts at a future time for each of the two alternatives. d. Security provisions to safeguard court personnel, participants and the public. e, Efficient layout and circulation patterns to maximize public access, promote efficient operations, and accommodate the diverse users. f. Provision of administrative and service areas, judges' chambers, hearing rooms, conference rooms, prison holding areas, and public information areas. g. Any other matter deemed relevant by the Panel. 2. General District Court and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court. For the General District Court facilities and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court facilities, the Panel shall address: a. Security provisions to safeguard court personnel, participants and the public. b. Efficient layout and circulation patterns to maximize public access, promote efficient operations, and accommodate the diverse users. c. Provision of administrative and service areas, judges' chambers, hearing rooms, conference rooms, prison holding areas, and public information areas. d. The physical condition of the facilities. e. Any other matter deemed relevant by the Panel. f. For any area of deficiency, the seriousness and degree of urgency for correcting same. 3. Standards. The Panel may consider recognized national standard works in the field, including the Virginia Courthouse Facility Guidelines promulgated by the Supreme Court of Virginia. 4. Orqanization. The Panel shall elect a Chair and determine its own procedures. All its meetings shall be public, and the public shall be entitled to observe but not to participate. To that end, the Panel shall notify the City Clerk a reasonable period in advance of any meeting so that members of the public may have an opportunity to attend. The Panel shall afford a full opportunity for representatives of the City and the Commonwealth to be heard. The Panel shall at the conclusion of its consideration prepare a written report.