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Bids sought for jail improvements, security

Staff reporter

What started as a discussion of meeting the state fire marshal's regulations at the county jail became a decision to better secure the front office area.

Tony Rangel of Law Kingdon Architects of Wichita, presented a plan Monday to Marion County Commission regarding improvements and adjustments to the county jail per the state fire marshal's office.

An inspection by the state agency revealed a need to have 24-hour jailers in the facility and more walls and doors to better separate people from vehicles.

More personnel will be required to escort prisoners from cells and to safety in case of fire or other emergency. The commission, Sheriff Lee Becker, and communications director Michele Abbott-Becker discussed options at a previous meeting. Those details continue to be discussed.

Other options the commission approved were the addition of two walls, two doors, and some caulking to separate people from vehicles in the jail's sally port.

Bids will be obtained through advertising in county newspapers and invitations to bid will be sent to area contractors.

Rangel said the project would be standard construction with typical materials which local contractors certainly could do.

Estimated costs are less than $10,000.

While discussing the fire marshal issues, Becker asked the commission to consider changing the vestibule or front waiting area of the office to make it more conducive for his employees to work and people to wait.

During the discussion, safety topics were discussed that included bullet-proof glass and bullet-resistant walls around the front desk.

Becker had a bid of $1,500 for simple modifications. With security features added, it was determined the bid would be considerably more.

Rangel suggested the county have the additional security construction as an add alternate where contractors will bid it separately and the county could decide whether to pursue it.

The architect had been asked to determine how the second story of the jail, where the cells are located, could be utilized if a new jail facility is constructed. Rangel reported the cells were part of the bearing walls and would have to remain in place.

"Well, that certainly will limit what we can do with that area," Dallke said.

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