—Installation of a smoke detection system in the lockup.

—Installation of a smoke detection system in the lockup.

—Installation of fire extinguishers in all the buildings in the courthouse complex.

Luke maintained that personal safety in the courthouse was a “very critical item” since any fire there would probably start in the furnace room and cut off the escape route from the courtroom upstairs. "If something goes wrong, the finger’s going to be pointed in a hell of a hurry at this Board,” he warned.

The Board authorized Luke to proceed in correcting the fire regulation violations and suggested that he consult with Washington Fire Department President Jennings Hobson on the work.

“We certainly should comply with the fire safety code,” added Commonwealth Attorney George Davis. “I don’t think we have any excuse for not complying.”

The Board also authorized Luke to apply for a $2,000 litter control grant and approved hiring a temporary secretary for George Davis while his regular help is on pregnancy leave.

Jack Miller appeared before the Board to request that something be done to improve the parking lot behind the courthouse. “I’m a tax payer,” stated Miller. “I’m interested in the town and in the county.’’ He suggested that the driveway and parking lot be blacktbpped. “I think it’s a disgrace...You fill the potholes with gravel and the next day, it just comes right out...You spend money every other way you want. You should spend some on that.”

Supervisors Butch Eastham and Clarence Baldwin both proposed that the parking lot improvement project be postponed until after work was completed on the clerk’s office expansion. ^ All the Board members, however, agreed with Miller that the lot was in dire need of attention.

“I’ve been trying for five years and I’d like to see it done before I’m dead,” concluded Miller as he put on his hat and walked fiom the courtroom.