EVELYN HOWELL/HERALD STAFF WRITER

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JACKSON - Plagued by bats, mold, crumbling floors and leaky ceilings as well as security concerns, the future of the historic Northampton Courthouse is in the hands of the Facility and Security Committee led by Judge Alfred W. Kwasikpui.

The group held its first meeting Tuesday. Because of the variety and the magnitude of the issues, Kwasikpui divided the panel into three groups:

€ Immediate and Urgent Needs chaired by V. Michele Spruill.

€ New Courthouse Complex chaired by Judge Cy A. Grant Sr.

€ Security Changes chaired by Sheriff Wardie P. Vincent Sr.

The Immediate and Urgent Needs group will address short-term issues that can be resolved quickly such as repairing ceilings, floors, and leaky roofs, doors, installation of screens and excluding bats, wasps and bees from the building.

Immediate and Urgent Needs will also handle Internet wiring for the library and the immediate need for security escorts and to lock courtrooms when not in use.

Security Changes group will tackle a number of issues including installing panic buttons, installation of metal detectors at single point entrance and other security issues such as after hours juvenile visits and access.

The security group is considering a recommendation of moving prisoners when hallways are less crowded and that the public and jurors should not be in the hallways when prisoners are being moved.

Since the Old Courthouse is 150 years old, the New Courtroom Complex group will address whether a new courthouse is actually needed and will plan on dimension building design which will include designated fenced parking for officials and staff.

Kwasikpui said that although they will be working in different groups, everyone will be involved in all of the decision making process.

The North Carolina Rural Courts Commission recommended that Kwasikpui and Grant convene the committee to make short and long term plans to address the various challenges.

The next full meeting is Sept. 16, at 2 p.m.