Karen Newman
Clay County Facilities Director Joe Olson presented changes to Family Service Center (FSC) security plans to the Clay County Commission at their August 10 meeting. Olson reminded the commission that a temporary security guard was hired to supervise the heated entrance lobby to the FSC when the building was closed to the general public. Clients with appointments remained in the lobby area while waiting to be called by specific department staff members. Since the FSC is now open and Covid restrictions have been lifted, Olson consulted with stakeholders to determine what extra security changes should be implemented, retained or eliminated. Every area where FSC staff meets with the public was discussed.
Final recommendations for FSC security plans include:
1. securing the FSC’s departmental lobbies
2. installation of physical security barriers (For example: glass barriers)
3. installation of surveillance cameras to cover all public areas
4. provide supervisors with camera access to their departmental lobbies.
5. Install help buttons for staff in distress or needing assistance.
6. room layout changes for added security
7. staff de-escalation training to be conducted twice annually
8. more signage for directions to agencies housed in the FSC
9. only Door 1 will be unlocked for public access to the FSC
10. Minnesota Eligibility Technology System (METS) part-time staff will act as greeters in the main lobby
11. FSC Safety Sub-Committee will meet regularly about security concerns
Commissioner Jenna Kahly thanked Olson, “This is a lot of legwork. I really appreciate that you talked to those like the reception staff that meet people right away when they come in. You started there because they were the people who felt they were in an unsafe position. I thank you for your foresight and for that work.”
Kahly cited previous concerns that there were no full security plans for the building existed in the past but lauded major steps taken in that direction by Olson and FSC stakeholders.
The board moved to provide a 30-day notice of termination of services, beginning August 10, 2021, for the temporary security guard position, saving $14,700. The remainder of the proposals will be acted upon at a future meeting when final quotes for proposed projects are available. Olson stated that the Building Committee has said that money is available for the projects.