JUDICIARY AND LAW COMMITTEE

 

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

2:30 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Vicki Burke, Keith Belzer, Joe Bilskemper, Maureen Freedland, and John Medinger      

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  Jacie Gamroth and Bernie Maney     

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None 

STAFF & GUESTS:  Steve O’Malley, Steve Helgeson, Jeff Wolf, Jim Verse, Bill Shepherd, Jim Speropulos, Jane Klekamp, Scott Horne, and Cheryl Stephen

 

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair Vicki Burke called the meeting to order at 2:31 p.m.  At this time Vicki noted the distributed addendum to the agenda was at the request of the District Attorney relating to contracting for worthless check program services; the addendum was properly posted within the required timeframe, but not enough time to send to the committee members.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Medinger/Belzer to approve meeting minutes of February 6, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Gamroth and Maney excused.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

 

JAIL INSPECTION REPORT

Copies of the Annual Jail Inspection Report were sent with the agenda; the inspection was done on November 28, 2006, with the report dated December 15, 2006; this inspection is required per Dept. of Corrections.  Sheriff Helgeson was available to answer questions.  Chairperson Burke noted some comments within the report that reinforce committee and staff concerns.  Supervisor Freedland noted the praise given to the local mental health coalition; the Sheriff noted that being Margaret Larson and her group.  The Jail Inspector also noted good delivery of medical services as provided by HPL.  The Jail Inspector also recommended consideration of out of county placements to reduce inmate population.  Sheriff Helgeson noted no funds in 2007 budget for such, but hope to see some relief by the new Jail Program Coordinator.  Chairperson Burke noted the inmates are classified using the Northpoint System  and housed together accordingly – do not mix high risk inmates with low or medium risk so this can cause some overcrowding.  Steve O’Malley noted this same reason is why the acceleration to the jail addition project.  He also noted probation/parole holds have caused overcrowding and the Sheriff can authorize other placements for them as long they are not County related holds, but this has not occurred as want to keep good working relations with those agencies; also working with the same agencies on a quicker response in releasing the revoked holds.     

 

NAMI QUESTIONS AS COMPLETED AND RETURNED BY HPL

Copies were sent with the agenda.  Chairperson Burke noted a lot of major changes were made in the area of medical services as well as approved hiring a Jail Program Coordinator.  Supervisor Freedland noted that she mailed/emailed these answered questions on to the appropriate people.

 

ROLE OF JUDICIARY AND LAW COMMITTEE

Chairperson Burke said she wanted this on the agenda for committee discussion and input.  Also what the committee role would be during the construction project of the LEC Addition.  Copies of the County Code relating to the committee’s duties were sent with the agenda.  Noted 3 of the 7 department heads are elected officials.  Departments are now reporting to the full County Board via the County Administrator’s office.  Steve O’Malley noted committee agendas are driven by specific policies or programs.  Supervisor Belzer suggested yearly reports and do more presentations/demonstrations.  Supervisor Bilskemper suggested the Medical Examiner give a report/meet with the committee.  Chairperson Burke noted Emergency Services Director will give a report next month.

 

CONTRACT APPROVAL FOR OUTSOURCING OF DA OFFICE WORTHLESS CHECK PROGRAM TO BOUNCEBACK, INC.

Scott Horne reviewed his proposal to outsource the worthless check program.  District Attorneys maintain oversight of bad checks including prosecution.  Three counties (La Crosse, Vernon and Monroe) have discussed the advantage of using such program and have interviewed various vendors.  The consensus is to use BounceBack, Inc. as this agency also offers staff training as well as home study program as part of the diversion program; other agencies act more like collection agencies.  There is no cost to the County as all costs are paid by the offenders.  Lengthy discussion.  Supervisor Medinger expressed concern of not being able to read a 10-page contract that was just presented today; also concerns with the monetary charges and the affects on the already poor.  Scott noted the requirement is for the merchant to send at least one certified letter asking for compensation before submission to the DA, and the DA Office sends at least 1-2 more letters before proceeding with prosecution; less than $100 is non-criminal offense.  Supervisor Belzer noted a difference between bouncing a check or issuing a worthless check – intentional vs. accidental; the merchant gives them a chance to compensate.  Bill Shepherd noted there is need for additional language in the contract that pertains to public records and confidentiality per WI law.  MOTION by Bilskemper/Belzer to approve the contract for outsourcing of DA Office worthless check program to Bounceback, Inc.  Motion carried on 4 to 1 vote:  Medinger-no; Gamroth and Maney excused.   

 

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

At this time, Sheriff Helgeson introduced Jeff Wolf as his appointed Chief Deputy; Jeff has been with the County for the past 19 years; he’s going to concentrate on jail issues.

 

Steve O’Malley noted the Carey Group will give a status report at the March 15th County Board meeting.

 

Some of the April agenda items:

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Bilskemper/Medinger to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously; Gamroth and Maney excused.  The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

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

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder