Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 22-P - 9-16-1981 - PRISON BOARDMINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Minute No. 22-P Washington County Prison Board Washington, PA, September 16, 1981 The monthly meeting of the Prison Board of the County of Washingtoni. met in the Public Meeting Room of the Court House Square Office Building at approximately 10:30 a.m. with the following members being present: Commissioners Paluso, Gilmore and Mascara, Judge Sweet, Controller Stache and Sheriff Fazzoni. Absent being: District Attorney Bigi. Also being present: Chief Clerk Dallatore, Administrative Assistant Davis, Warden Oleski; Linda Hands, Secretary; Robert Rathi, Correctional Officer; Jon Stevens, Observer Reporter; Jim Jefferson, WJPA; and Bob Sabot, WKEG. Sheriff Fazzoni explained that the reason the regular monthly meet- ing that was scheduled for last Wednesday had been cancelled was due to the absence of Judge Sweet who had been out of the country. Controller Stache presented to the Board for their consideration and approval the bills for the month of August, 1981. Moved by Mr. Mascara, seconded by Mr. Gilmore, approving the payment of bills for the month of August. Motion carried unanimously by vote cast by the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye". Sheriff Fazzoni noted that the escape from the Jail by inmate Dennis Ray McIntyre had been due to "pure negligence" by the guards on the night shift and questioned the Board on what action should be taken to re- primand the guards who were responsible for the e.scape.; Warden Oleski pointed; out the fact that there has been a steady demand for use of the inmates as trusties and also the fact that there should not have been unsentenced pr- a soners out during the night. Judge Sweet recommended that a written reprimand, be given to the guards involved, which would involve the guards on the 11-7 shift. Discussion followed. Moved by Judge Sweet, seconded by Mr. Gilmore, that a written reprimand be issued to these guards. Motion carried unanimous'--e ly by Vote cast by the Board signifying their approval byy stating "Aye". Another matter that was brought to the Board"s attention was the fact that Acting Warden Poland had been taking inmates out of the Jail to do minor repair work on his own house. Some: discussion followed.. Sheriff Fazzoni explained that Mr. Poland was not aware that he was doing anything improper as this had been a past practice.of the previous wardens. Commissioner Mascara recommended that the Board reprimand Acting Warden Poland by a written letter and so inform him that this practice will not be tolerated by the Board. 1 C 1 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA Moved by Mr. Mascara, seconded by Mr. Gilmore, that Mr. Poland be repri- manded in writing. Motion carried unanimously by vote cast by the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye". Warden Olesski presented to the Board some guidelines that he had set up for the correctional officers to follow, i.e. no more unsentenced prisoners doing trusty work, shift leaders being responsible forlocking doors, etc. Warden Oleski reported that the electronic key lock is now in use for the rear door. He also advised the Board that he will be drafting a new policy manual for the Jail. Discussion followed. Moved by Judge Sweet, seconded by Mr. Mascara, that the Warden be given the authority to give any orders which he sees fit in con- nection with the security, safety and handling of prisoners unless overruled by the Prison Board. (.Mr. Paluso suggested that this action be contained in the new policy manual). Motion carried unanimously by vote cast by the Board sig- nifying their approval by stating "Aye". Warden Oleski also presented to the Board pictures of the metal steps located in the Jail that are in desparate need of repair. Warden Oleski report- ed that one inmate has already fallen and was injured. The Board instructed Warden Oleski to contact Lou Lignelli, Acting Director of Property & Suppliesu to see if the materials and labor can be supplied. With regards to the telephone toll calls, Warden Oleski brought to the Board's attention that he had received a list of toll calls made from his office and that memos had been sent to each individual in his office on this matter. Judge Sweet stated that he was very upset over an incident that occurred following a court hearing on August 26th when a reporter for a West Virginia radio station interviewed convicted killer Paul Gilly as he was preparing to leave the county jail. Judge ,Sweet explained that no reporters were to inter- view Gilly because he did not have any attorney, and was brought here just as a witness. But the reporter was permitted by Mr. Poland and two deputy sheriffs to interview Gilly near the main rotunda of the jail. Judge Sweet stated that he will have a serious talk with these individuals. Moved by Mr. Mascara, seconded by Mr. Stache, that the meeting adjourn. Meeting adjourned at approximately 11:05 a.m. ,THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED; , ,rter:7 )nr Wit? 1981 r 'ATTEST:_ �.J ECRETARY'