STRUTHERS, Ohio -  Struthers City Council meets tonight to talk about what can be done about what a judge characterizes as dirty, noisy, crowded, and less than secure conditions at Municipal Court offices.

A special 6:15 pm council meeting has been scheduled to discuss the allocation of space for the court.

However, problems at the court go beyond space limitations according to Municipal Judge Dominic Leone.

The judge has penned a letter to council members outlining long-term problems faced by people visiting and working at the court.

Electrical issues top the list.  Leone says because power shutting off in three or four offices, setting off alarms and damaging sensitive equipment, extension cords have been stretched across the floor.

In addition, inadequate air conditioning has brought the use of expensive and noisy floor air conditioners.

According to the judge’s letter, dark soot is blowing into the building from ventilation ducts which he says have not been cleaned in sixty years.

Leone says in addition to inadequate storage and workspace, there are no secure areas for victims, witnesses, attorneys, and clients to allow proper social distancing during the current virus crisis.

Based on calculations, Leone says the court has only 360 square feet of usable space for 8 workers, 8 desks, as well as other furniture and office equipment.

"The offices consist of weaving narrow paths, extension cords on the ground, and constant sidestepping to move around,” says Leone.

The Judge says they also need an employee who can conduct proper health screening of those coming to the court, which has remained open during the pandemic.

Judge Leone is pleading for panic buttons to be installed in court offices and for security personnel, calling it a “vital” security issue.