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Cn:�ans. Broa'raa, Van De Voode, Evans & Manning CHARTERED ATTORNEYS AT LAW PAUL D. SUR:It • 1234 -1976 GEORGE G. COLLINS. JR. CALVIN B. BROWN RENE G. VAN CC VOOROE RALPH L. EVANS FORAM MANt4 1NG Mr. Jac;c G. Jennings County Ldministrator Indian River County Courthouse 2145. 14th Avenue Vero Bcach, Florida 32960 PLEAS! REPLY TO: 0P- O. BOX 3686 744 BEACHLAND BOULEVARD - VERO BEACH. FLORIDA 329GO 305-567.3463 O P. O. BOX 266 221 NORTH U.S. NO. 1 SEBAS iAN. FLORIDA 32958 305-589-3158 June 20, 1977 Dear Jack: i . On behalf of the Indian River County Bar Association, a Com- mittee composed of Charles Sullivan, Sant Block and myself, would like to be put on the Board of County Commissioners agenda for the purpose of discussing the upgrading of our Circuit and County Judges' Chambers. The members of our Bar have discussed on various occasions the Judges' facilities and there inadequacy, both aesthetically and functionally. In all honesty, it iq.embarrassing to us when you compare our Judges offices to those of the sur- rounding Counties. Relatively speaking, Judge Smith's office is far superior to Judge Stikelether's; however, we would still like to see his office carpeted and draped. Judge Stikelether's office is the real problem though. All motion hearings, uncontested domestic matters and practically all non -jury trials are conducted in Judge' Stikelether's office. His office is separated from the waiting area and secretarial section by a partition which does not go all the way to the ceiling. Additionally, there is a wall air conditioning unit within his office 'which is SO noisy that it has to be turned off during trials. At times, the heat becomes almost unbearable. Because the partitions do not go all the way to the ceiling, the traffic to and from the secretarial area and waiting room, creates noise which not only distracts the attorneys', but the Judge and the witnesses'. We are mindful of the fact that approximately a year ago one wall partition was moved, but this was done solely to create more space in the hearing room. The remaining wall sections were left untouched. One, without being familiar with the situation might say, "Why not use the Courtroom", The reason is it is much more satis- factory to use the Judges' office as opposed to a Courtroom because of the more relaxed atmosphere and ability to conduct the hearings in a confidential manner. Most people are em- barrassed to be in Court in the first place, much less being in a position where anyone can set down and hear what is going on. -I hope that this letter has explained somewhat the problems and our, feelings toward the need to remedy same. We appre- ciate your courtesies in this matter. • 0V r tri 1y yours, t . VIN B. BRoI.7N a 1` BOOK e3® PAGE 10L U 1977 Di!