Codington County Commission approves spending $49,839 on new intercom system for jail
Communication between inmates at the Codington County Detention Center and their keepers should be improving in the near future due to action taken by the county commission Tuesday morning.
Commissioners approved a $49,839 purchase of a new intercom system for the jail. The cost did not exceed what had been budgeted, according to Sheriff Brad Howell.
Howell said the current intercom was purchased when the building was constructed in 1974 and upgraded 10 or 12 years ago. Getting replacement parts was difficult. One of the main operational problems is that when inmates buzz the main office, their location can’t be identified unless they continue to press the button as someone answers the call.
The new system, which includes video, is being purchased from Integrated Technology & Security of Hartford. Part of the package is a new Dell desktop computer and monitor costing $2,457.
Commissioner Myron Johnson asked if the new system could be relocated if a new jail is ever constructed. He was told it could be moved.
Facilities Manager Steve Molengraaf referenced the jail during his monthly report. He said a backordered toilet has now been installed, and the replacement for a malfunctioning cell door is being manufactured.
Molengraaf reported that construction of a new roof on the courthouse is nearing completion, and that the Memorial Park staff has begun winterizing efforts in preparation for the park’s closing Sept. 30. He also said 2022 park bookings have totaled $170,669 in revenue.
Road repairs continue in Codington County
Highway Superintendent Rick Hartley briefed commissioners about ongoing road repairs, including citizen complaints that rumble strips on County Road 9B cause too much noise. The road in question is 19th Street Northeast where it enters Watertown city limits. Hartley said he’s seeking adjustment from the contractor who repaired 9B.
Welfare Director Sara Foust discussed the application for two grants that commissioners later approved by 5-0 votes. Neither of the grants require county funding.
One application is for a $1,250 grant from the Codington County Community Foundation to complete a survey to assess childcare needs in the county. The survey was developed by the Child & Family Resource Network at South Dakota State University. The Childcare Working Group would do the survey. The latter group includes human resource representatives, childcare providers, the Watertown Development Co., Watertown School District and the Watertown Board of Adjustment.
The second grant application is for a $100,000 grant from the South Dakota Community Foundation for a community needs assessment and the steps needed to continue coordinating ongoing support for local welfare initiatives.
The commissioners also unanimously:
Approved plat resolutions for the Don Mack Addition in Kranzburg Township and the Redlin Second Addition in Dexter Township. Zoning Officer Luke Muller was on hand to explain the details of the plats, both of which had been previously approved by the county zoning board.
Approved a job description for a mechanic position at the highway department and also approved the advertising and eventual hiring for the position.
This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Purchase of a new intercom system approved by Codington Co. Commission
