The Schuylkill County commissioners authorized the emergency purchase of a new X-ray security system at the county prison at Wednesday's meeting.
The purchase, approved by Commissioners George Halcovage and Gary Hess, will replace a similar device at least 20 years old that has been experiencing problems in the past month. Chairman Frank J. Staudenmeier did not attend the meeting.
County Administrator Mark J. Scarbinsky read the following emergency resolution on behalf of the sheriff's office to approve the purchase:
"Whereas a vital piece of security monitoring equipment has been routinely malfunctioning and may cease working entirely at any moment, and Whereas the device's antiquated an unreliable condition cause a security emergency, therefore, a motion is requested that the board of county commissioners approve and authorize the purchase of a suitable replacement of the aforesaid equipment in the amount of $21,849 as soon as possible without public bidding in accordance with Section 1802, which allows an item be purchased without bidding under an emergency situation."
Halcovage said after the motion and second and before the vote that sheriff's department did investigate the types of equipment available.
"The sheriff's office did look to check out the companies that work with us and contacted different counties about what equipment was state of the art but also was most cost-effective," Halcovage said.
Prior to the meeting, Sheriff Joseph Groody said in his office that the X-ray system is working as it should, but when repairs are needed, the parts are scarce because of its age.
"Twenty years is a long time for this machine, and it is a must for the prison," Groody said, adding that the machine has detected many weapons concealed in purses, bags and other containers.
"It's very, very, very important that it's up and running properly," he said. "That was a good, long haul we got out of it. The companies we spoke to told us that they can no longer get the parts."
Groody said the items are placed on a conveyer belt that puts it through the machine for a corrections officer to watch a monitor to see what is inside in order to detect any contraband.
"It's just like in the airports," Groody said. "Security is such a big thing."
The new state-of-the-art machine will be installed as soon as received by the county.
In other business, the commissioners:
- Approved the purchase of a service agreement between the county and Service Access and Management Inc. from July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, at a cost of $6,277,595.57, which constitutes the distribution of Mental Health/Intellectual Disabilities/Early Intervention service dollars.
- Approved the right-of-way agreement with PPL Electric Utilities for the installation of one pole, including overhead wire, cables, fixtures and apparatus, along Progress Avenue, Pottsville, on county property to provide electrical service to 324 N. Centre St.
- Approved the right-of-way agreement with PPL Electric Utilities for the installation of one pole and three anchor guys along Airport Road on county property.