County officials, staff discuss security matters

     One of Jones County's ARPA-funded projects was discussed in some detail during the board of supervisors' Nov. 8 meeting.

   In September, IT Coordinator Lisa Mootz, Sheriff Greg Graver, and Auditor Whitney Hein met with representatives from Radio Communications to put together a quote for the installation of proxy card readers throughout the courthouse.

   Hein said while Radio Communications of Cedar Rapids submitted a quote for the project, per the county's Purchasing Policy, noting that the county is using federal ARPA funds, they tried to seek out a second quote.

   Mootz told the board that she tried repeatedly to make contact with Hawkeye Communication out of Hiawatha. After numerous attempts they finally submitted a bid.

   Radio Communications' bid came in at $89,659.10; Hawkeye's bid was $67,029.38. The board approved Radio Communications' bid.

   "We don't have to take the lowest bid," Supervisor Ned Rohwedder reminded the board.

   Mootz noted that Hawkeye's bid includes wireless card readers; she stipulated wired. Hawkeye also wants to change out the hardware on the doors that already utilize proxy cards. She added that Hawkeye never sent a representative out to tour the courthouse.

   While RC's bid is spelled out line-item by line-item, that's not the case with Hawkeye.

   "I can't compare the bids line by line," Mootz said.

   In addition, Hawkeye, which was using the same proxy card software the county uses, is now wanting to switch all of their customers over to a different software.

   "They're already changing software before we get it," said Mootz.

   RC already handles much of the county's calls concerning emergency equipment needs.

   "I'm not wild about having multiple hands on our security system," added Mootz of bringing another company on board.

   Graver said the courthouse is a difficult and unique facility; how can a company who's never step foot inside have an idea of what the proxy card project would entail.

   "Radio Communications did a specific walk-through of the entire building," noted Graver. "We shouldn't switch vendors in the middle of a project; that never goes well involving technology.

   "This is a continuation of a project," added Graver. "Radio Communications started this project."

   "Our experience with Radio Communications has been nothing but good," complimented Supervisor Joe Oswald. "I'd be concerned (with Hawkeye) because they didn't come out there to look."

   "It's been nothing but positive," agreed Mootz. "I've never had issues with their service at all."

   Supervisor John Schlarmann said he understood where the county staff were coming from; however, regarding a recent motor grader purchase, the board went with the lower bid to save the county some money, not the recommendation of the county engineer.

   "You cannot make that comparison," countered Graver. "You don't switch vendors with a project like this."

   "And we already have 15 card readers (installed) throughout the building," Mootz said of RC's work.

   The board also discussed a separate project installing security cameras at the Broadway Place Annex. (This was not an ARPA project.)

   "There's a hidden hallway that's not identified on a camera," Mootz said.

   She sought two quotes from RC to either move a camera that's already in use ($380) or install an additional camera ($896.80).

   The board favored just adding another camera, and approved the $896 bid.

   "We provide the office space," said Schlarmann; "it'd be good to provide security, too."

   Jess Wiedenhoff, Public Health director, had some issues with the angle of the camera in her office/hallway area.

   "With the view, it shows her legs under the desk," she said of JCPH Assistant Mallory Holub. "As a manager, I want to provide a comfortable work environment; that's not a comfortable environment. I want to ensure that doesn't happen."

   In addition, Wiedenhoff said anytime a staff member uses the restroom, that's also seen on the camera.

   Terry Harris with RC said they can black out what the county doesn't want seen on camera.

   Graver said the security cameras inside the courthouse show people walking in and out of the public restrooms, too.

   Wiedenhoff asked who would have access to viewing the cameras. Mootz said Dispatch for sure would have access, as well as any department heads.

   Graver was OK with adding a second camera, he would not recommend relocating the current one. He said the hallways and public areas are of greater concern for him versus usage of the restrooms.

   "From a security standpoint, we shouldn't put the camera someplace else," he said.

   "I am 100 percent in favor of security," Wiedenhoff said, "but I'm concerned with who watches the camera throughout the day."

   She suggested a new camera be placed at the entrance of the office where the public come in and out of every day versus the hallway.

   Environmental Health Administrator Paula Hart agreed.

   "You can't see who comes in the front door," she said of the shared space with JCPH.