JUDICIARY AND LAW COMMITTEE

 

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Administrative Center – Room 3220

2:30 p.m.

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:  Vicki Burke, Bernie Maney, John Medinger Maureen Freedland, Joe Bilskemper (exc @3:25), Jacie Gamroth (arr @2:34), Keith Belzer (arr @2:35)       

MEMBERS EXCUSED:  None       

MEMBERS ABSENT:  None 

STAFF & GUESTS:  Steve Helgeson, John Steers, Gloria Doyle, Jeff Wolf, Jane Klekamp, Jim Speropulos, Steve O’Malley, Sharon Hampson, Steve Doyle, Keith Valiquette, Cheryl Stephen

 

CALL TO ORDER

Committee Chair Vicki Burke called the meeting to order at 2:32 p.m. 

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION by Maney/Freedland to approve minutes of May 8, 2007.  Motion carried unanimously; Gamroth and Belzer absent.

 

CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION by Maney/Bilskemper to receive and place on file the following Consent Agenda items:

Motion carried unanimously; Gamroth and Belzer absent.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

None requested.

 

JAIL FACILITY NEEDS RE EDUCATION

Keith Valiquette, Dean of Instructional Support Services at WTC, was present to review LEC facility needs relating to the educational programs that are administered at the Jail.  He noted if school age is in custody, the La Crosse School District is responsible for providing educational training; this is more on an as-needed basis.  WTC provides educational programs to other inmates who are interested, such as basic literacy, GED and HSED.  During the last school-year cycle, served 260 of which 70 received their GED’s.  Each student has an individual program to follow so the instructor roams from student to student within the classroom.  Noted the County has a contract with WTC that ranges from $12,000-13,000/year which is based on number of service hours and required DPI charges for testing. 

 

The current facility is small.  He distributed copies of an ideal floor plan that consists of approximately 2,000+ square feet.  It includes a testing room, a computer lab/quiet study area, resource/storage room, conference room, and large classroom.  Noted this same area could be used for other LEC functions when not in use.  Chairman Doyle directed Jim Speropulos to give a copy of this floor plan to the CM/architect.

  

MEDICAL EXAMINER’S REPORT

John Steers distributed copies of “2006 Annual Report of La Crosse County Medical Examiner”.  Highlights of his presentation:

 

ORDINANCE TO AMEND SS. 1.57(1) & (2) REGARDING “CRIMINAL JUSTICE MANAGEMENT COUNCIL” OF THE GENERAL CODE OF LA CROSSE COUNTY, WISCONSIN

Chairman Doyle said this ordinance change is at his request.  One change is the inclusion of “his/her designee” under the Presiding Judge of La Crosse County Circuit Court.  This will give Judge Gonzalez the option of sending someone in her place to serve on the CJMC.  The other revision is changing the membership from 18 to not more than 20.  Judges Montabon and Perlich have previously been involved with CJMC and both are willing to participate, either as one or as joint effort, and both are interested in co-chairing the committee.  Chairman Doyle also asked that the rules be suspended at the County Board meeting so that this ordinance can be approved at the first reading on June 19th.  MOTION by Maney/Bilskemper to approve the ordinance as presented and to request the suspension of the rules at the County Board meeting in order for its consideration at the first reading.  Discussion followed.  Supervisor Medinger raised a concern on the feasibility of a new County Board Chair, if and when that occurs, could make CJMC appointments at the Organizational meetings, during same time of his/her election by the Board; maybe more feasible to make the appointments in May.  FRIENDLY AMENDMENT offered by Medinger and accepted by Maney/Bilskemper to eliminate the last sentence in 1.57(2) and replace it with wording, “terms will run from April to April” or something similar based on Corporation Counsel’s determination.   

 

DISCUSSION ON CAREY GROUP REPORT

Committee Chair Burke noted this is on the agenda in order to hear comments from the Sheriff, in particular on the facility needs.  Per the report, Sheriff Helgeson noted more programming space, more recreational space, some remodeling needed, consider direct supervision, and 277 beds as best case scenario, but recommends additional beds for a buffer.  Committee Chair Burke questioned the use of Northpointe classification.  The Sheriff said this classification can’t always be followed based on overcrowding; housing decisions are based on safety.

 

Discussion on jail beds for probation/parole hold.  Suggestion to invite the head of the Dept. of Corrections to a future CJMC meeting.  Sheriff noted currently 1,100 residents in the County on parole.  Not only are they jailed for parole/probation violations, but at times even during investigation of a violation.  WI DOC reimbursements also under funded; average daily bed reimbursement ranges from $30-35/day.  Noted Milwaukee County Sheriff ordered State probation/parole holds be removed from their overcrowded jail due to safety reasons, and he has that authority; the State has now built their own facility in Milwaukee.  Noted locally, the Sheriff and County have had good working relations with Probation/Parole and want to continue that.  The Carey Group Report also noted large number of arrests; the Sheriff said he has requested the detailed data as to what law enforcement departments made them and reasons for.

 

Discussion on the newly hired Jail Program Director who will be coming on-board in July.  Mike Keefer comes with 13 years of experience.  He has a Masters Degree in counseling and also a certified social worker; he was previously employed by Franciscan Skemp for the past 13 years.  He comes with excellent programming philosophy.  Noted the County and Carey Group have a difference of opinion relating to the role of this position.  Mr. Keefer will be invited to a future committee meeting after several months with the County. 

 

ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

None requested.

 

Other announcements/handouts:

 

ADJOURNMENT

MOTION by Maney/Belzer to adjourn the meeting.  Motion carried unanimously.  The meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m.

 

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

 

Cheryl Stephen, Recorder