anchor Description
This project provides for the installation of new security doors at each level of the North Tower Courthouse to restrict access to two elevators on each floor for judicial use, leaving four elevators on each floor for public access. Work includes installation of card readers, intercom, and a fire alarm pull station on each floor.
anchorEstimated Schedule
The project is two phases. Phase 1 reconfigures the elevators and installs security doors on the terrace level and third floor. Phase 2 installs security doors on the remaining floors. Phase 1 was completed in FY25. Phase 2 will be complete in FY27.
anchor Justification
The Judicial Center Annex opened in April 2014. Currently, all seventeen Circuit Court Judge chambers, four Appellate Judge chambers, ten Senior Judges are located in hallways that are not secure. The Judges, Register of Wills, Clerk of Court, Chief Deputy Clerk, Court Administrator, and Deputy Court Administrator must travel through the public hallway and use one of the public elevators or use the public stairwell to access their vehicle which is parked in a secured garage. The lack of secured spaces puts these individuals at risk.
anchorFiscal Note
FY24 supplemental appropriation in GO Bonds for the amount of $500,000. Circuit Court is requesting additional grant funding from the State.
anchorDisclosures
The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.
anchorCoordination
Circuit Court, Sheriff's Office, State Attorney's Office, Register of Wills, Clerk of the Circuit Court, Department of General Services, Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions, County Council, Criminal Justice Coordinating Commission