LEC ADDITION COMMITTEE

 

Tuesday, June 5, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

8:15 a.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Steve Doyle, Keith Belzer, Vicki Burke, Maureen Freedland, John Medinger, Don Meyer, Roger Plesha, Charles Spiker, and Tara Johnson (exc @9:00)

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Sharon Hampson 

MEMBERS ABSENT:  Jeff Schroeder

OTHERS PRESENT:  Steve O’Malley, Steve Helgeson, Jeff Wolf, Jane Klekamp, Jim Speropulos, Gary Ingvalson, Mary Powell, Ray Ebert, Margaret Wood, Mike Seichter, Don Carlson, Paul Brummond, Val Schute, Reid Magney, Cheryl Stephen

 

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair Steve Doyle called the meeting to order at 8:16 a.m.   

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Plesha/Medinger to approve minutes of February 13, 2007, and joint meeting minutes with Public Works and Infrastructure Committee of February 27, March 5 and 27, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Hampson excused; Schroeder absent.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

 

DISCUSSION ON CAREY GROUP REPORT AND FACILITY RECOMMENDATIONS WITH CONSTRUCTION MANAGER AND ARCHITECTS

Steve O’Malley noted today the committee will hear feedback from the Architect regarding the report, in particular, on the 17 facility recommendations as sent with the agenda.  Over the next 45 days, will try to define building options, jail and programming needs, and define a range for budget expectation.  Chairman Doyle also noted a handout regarding “additional consulting services” as offered by The Carey Group.  Steve O. noted most of the recommendations are keyed around moving toward direct supervision; in addition to remodeling, there will be additional costs for staffing as needed for direct supervision and for additional programming; budget for capital is easier to meet vs. operational expenses.

 

Paul Brummond, Potter-Lawson/River Architects, reviewed each of the facilities recommendations.  His first question was, is the intent for the County Board to adopt in full The Carey Group Report?  Supervisor Plesha indicated no as he needs to hear from the Sheriff; he also expects some debate on the report.  Sheriff Helgeson noted in his talks to other Sheriffs and staff that have direct supervision, he’s heard no negative feedback; it will be more expensive and also require staff training; he suggested visiting the counties that have this type of jail.  Supervisor Burke encouraged all to read the entire report; housing relates to classification.  Paul noted he and the CM will be putting together a master plan over the next 4-6 weeks; it will include square footage but not room layout.    

 

Review of the 17 facilities recommendations as follows:

  1. Feasible to expand to the “west” of the existing building (former Huber area).
  2. Expansion plan needs to incorporate a future plan – from 277-500 beds.
  3. Include needs of courts and sheriff operations and site parking needs.  Will include an additional courtroom area for future anticipation.  May need parking for Justice Sanctions clients, but not anticipating any additional parking for employees.
  4. Include indoor and outdoor exercise space.  This will be included in the master plan.     
  5. Preserve the existing indoor exercise program and space.  
  6. Need better visitor access.  Consideration of video visitation which consists of a booth for the visitor and also for the inmate within the jail pod; cost is estimated at $10,000 for the two booths; this type of visitation is staff efficient.
  7. Create visitor access reception function – not part of Master Control duties.
  8. Expand kitchen and storage area.  Will plan capacity to accommodate up to 500 inmates. 
  9. Create laundry facility that could use inmate help depending upon security.
  10. Additional secure elevator as needed for more efficient operation.
  11. Additional program space – classrooms and training for inmates.  Suggested community-based organizations / volunteers to come in and assist.
  12. Consider creation of 2 direct supervision pods out of the existing 8 housing units on 2nd floor, including attached indoor exercise area.  Paul suggested utilizing current cells and creating new pods in the new space.  The existing cells are a part of the 277; currently at 172 so need to add 105 more.  A direct supervision pod can supervise 48, 64, 72, 80 & up.  Will work with the Sheriff on this.
  13. If direct supervision pods are created in existing area, convert the oversized control area to other usable space.
  14. Suggestion for existing housing area, to convert existing double cells to single cells or vice a versa.  Should not mix double and singles together in one area; it causes tension among inmates.  Sheriff Helgeson noted state requirement of 85% double and 15% single; at certain times it tends to be safer to house double when an inmate might be suicidal.  Will work with the Jail Inspector on this issue.
  15. Current 30 receiving cells in the basement be given dayrooms or be eliminated.  Also need to add 30 additional receiving cells for a total of 60.
  16. Add staff person to monitor basement housing units – if housing remains in this area.    
  17. New intake area including drive-through vehicle sally port with adjacent arresting officer work area.  This also needs to be interfaced with Justice Sanctions.

Additional discussion. Sheriff noted existing jail is at 172 beds, 23 receiving, and 7 medical.  Future discussion may include where to house the female – should not be on same block – need sight and sound separation, and determine needed programming for the females.  Jane Klekamp suggested to those who want more information on direct supervision, best-based practices and evidence-based practices, to visit the NIC website; NIC could also assist in jailer training as needed for direct supervision.  Paul noted a lot of information available from AJA (American Justice Assoc.).

 

NEXT MEETING

Tuesday, June 19th at 8:15 a.m.

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Burke/Spiker to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously; Hampson and Johnson excused; Schroeder absent.  The meeting adjourned at 9:23 a.m.  

 

Disclaimer:  The above minutes may be approved, amended or corrected at the next committee meeting.

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder