HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - 43-P - 4-13-1983 - PRISON BOARD145
MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
Minute No. 43-P
Washington County Prison Board
Washington, PA, April 13, 1983
The Washington County Prison Board met in regular session in the Commissioners' Conference
Room in the Courthouse Square Office Building with the following members being present: Commissioners
Mascara and Gilmore, Judge Gladden, Controller Beharry and Sheriff Fazzoni. Absent being:
Commissioner Paluso and District Attorney Bigi. Also being present: Chief Clerk Dallatore,
Executive Assistant DuJordan; Lou Lignelli, Director of Property & Supplies; Warden Poland;
Linda Hands, Clerk -Steno II; Bryon Smialek, Observer -Reporter and James Provance, Herald -Standard..
Chairman Mascara called the meeting to order at approximately 11:30 a.m, and asked if
there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. 42- P, each member having received
a copy.
Moved by Miss Beharry, seconded by Mr. Fazzoni, that Minute No. 43-P be approved as read.
Motion carried unanimously by the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye".
Bills:
Controller Beharry presented to the Board for their consideration and approval the bills
for March, 1983, in the amount of $18,120.15. Moved by Judge Gladden, seconded by Mr. Fazzoni,
approving the payment of the bills for March, 1983.
March.:
Roll call vote taken:
Judge Gladden - Yes; Miss Beharry - Yes; Mr. Fazzoni Yes;
Mr. Gilmore - Yes; Mr. Mascara - Yes.
Motion carried unanimously.
Controller Beharry then presented to the Board the Outstanding Reimbursements for
Reimbursable March Medical Payments
Reimbursable March Maintenance
TOTAL
Outstanding Reimbursement Medical
Outstanding Reimbursement Maintenance
TOTAL
Medical Outstanding Reimbursements
Maintenance Outstanding Reimbursements
TOTAL
-0-
$1,985.50
$1,985.50
-0-
830.50
$ 830.50
-0-
$2,816.00
$2,816.00
BILLED PAID
Weekenders 320.00 230.00
Work Release 300.00 215.00
BALANCE
90.00
85.00
Controller Beharry informed the Board that the County received a checIt in the amount of
$2,455.19 which was the direct result of the efforts of Edna Dorisio in the Controller's Office in
her review of invoices for William Montgomery who was covered by Medicaid back in 1981. Chairman
Mascara requested that Miss Beharry convey to Mrs. Dorisio the Board's appreciation for her efforts.
Warden's Report:
Warden Poland reported to the Board the following breakdown in the Jail population:
*from Washington Hospital
I
1
1
146
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MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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Unsentenced prisoners 76
Sentenced prisoners 79
Females 8
Work Release 5
Weekenders 27
Fayette County Holdovers 2
Westmoreland County Holdovers 1
AVERAM DAILY POPULATION MARCH 121
Warden Poland reported that the overcrowding still exists at the Jail. He stated that in
March there was a high of 132 and a low of 111 prisoners. Presently, the population stands at
122 with 87 cells available (10 cells are down due to the renovation). He stated that they are
alternating weekenders and things of that nature to try to alleviate some of the overcrowdedness
on Friday nights. He stated that they are still in need of beds and mattresses and will have to
move irmtes (approximately 18) to the third floor rotunda area. Discusssion followed. It was
noted that the overcrowdedness is the result of the new sentencing guidelines and that we haven't
felt the effects yet of the new drunk driving law. Judge Gladden suggested having some type of
population control officer and possibly the idea of "taking reservations" which would be pre -
planned so that the Judges would know if someone hadn't served their weekend due to the overcrowded-
ness. Discussion followed. Chairman. Mascara suggested that the Commissioners and Judges have a
meeting to discuss possible solutions to the overcrowdedness.
Warden Poland presented to Judge Gladden a list of sentenced prisoners (up to 3-31-83)
along with the sentencing Judge in each instance which shows 23 DWI commitments.
Warden Poland noted that the jail renovation project should be completed by the end of
June and will have a capacity of 99 cells and 26 weekender/work release.
Warden Poland also reported that the Jail is approximately $8,000 over on the food budgot.
Commissioner Gilmore suggested that Warden Poland write up a list of short-term problems that
exist at the Jail. Chairman Mascara directed the Warden to obtain some prices for the purchase
of additional beds.
Warden Poland reported that he obtained one quote on the camera which was approximately',
$5,000 and is still waiting for a quote from another company. Chairman Mascara directed the
Warden to report back to the Board when he has all the figures.
Warden Poland stated that he wanted to get on the record that he is opposed to the wall
going up in the jail for the following reasons: (1) There would be no lights there unless they
are installed; and if they are installed, they will be on the inside of the range which would be
a continuous maintenance problem; and if they are not installed, the area would be poorly lighted
and would present a security problem. (2) He feels it is a danger to the health and welfare of
both the officers and the inmates. Discussion followed.
Controller, Beharry stated that she would like to see some study done and a report from
the contractor and engineers before the steel bars are taken out of the Jail. She further stated
that the report should include some alternatives and the costs of the alternatives.
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MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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Miss Beharry suggested that the Prison Board ask for such a report from the engineers and contractor
;and she further stated that she would follow up on the matter. Chairman Mascara directed Warden
Poland to contact the engineers and contractor today to come up with alternatives, He noted that
a special meeting of the Board could be called in order to make a decision.
There being no further business, Chairman Mascara declared the meeting adjourned at
approximately 12:05 a.m.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES READ AND APPROVED:
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