By Juanice Gray, jgray@natchitochestimes.com
911 Director Willis Carter provided some good news at the Commission’s monthly meeting Jan. 15. He said the internet service and administration phone service were operational and architect George Minturn announced the dispatch furniture has been ordered. That was the highlight of good news, with a bundle of minor, yet frustrating issues to follow. The HVAC system needed adjustments and in this digital age, programming.
Weather related issues continue to slow down completion of the punch list items such as dirt work, sodding, termite treatment and more. The contractor was issued a default notice, again. There are approximately 11 items still unfinished. “Each one has monetary value,” Minturn said. Payment is being withheld until all items are completed.
“Move-in has been a moving target,” Carter said. The proposed date is now April.
Each agency housed at the Natchitoches Communications Center (NATCOM) will be responsible for their own move in process.
Commissioners discussed the purchase of a voice logging system. “This will ensure all agencies in the center have access to the technology,” Carter said. He said the recorder at the police department is estimated at 15 years and the sheriff’s office is about six years old. “The optimal life span of these systems is five years,” he said. The commission passed a resolution authorizing Carter to purchase a system not to exceed $40,000.
Their next order of business is to accept bids for weekly janitorial services, which will include equipment and labor. Once that contract is awarded, bids for lawn care will be accepted.
Officers were elected and remain the same; Micky Dove, chairman, Larry Atteredge, vice-chair, and Mary Jones, secretary.
Commissioners present were Atteredge, John Wynn, Jack McCain Jr., Rick Nowlin, Dove, Jones and John Nicholas. Absent were Victor Jones and Chris Paige.
Commissioners serve voluntarily.