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idi'LlUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
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Minute �No. 12-P-89
Washington County Prison Board
Washington, Pa., November 8, 1989
The Washington County Prison Board met for its monthly meeting in the
7th Floor Conference Room, Courthouse Square, Washington, Pennsylvania, with
the following members being present: Judge Gilmore; Commissioners Mascara,
Petrosky and Paluso; Controller Beharry; District Attorney Pettit; and Chief
Deputy Sheriff Littleton. Also being present: Warden Pelzer; Linda Hands,
Clerk -Steno II; and Byron Smialek, Observer -Reporter.
Chairman Petrosky called the meeting to order at approximately
11:45 a.m. and asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to
Minute Nos. 10-P-89 and 11-P-89, each member having received a copy. Moved by
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Ms. Beharry, seconded by Mr. Paluso, that Minute Nos. 10-P-89 and 11-P-89 be
approved as written. Motion carried unanimously by the Board signifying their
'..approval by stating "Aye".
Warden's Report:
Warden Pelzer presented to the Board the following information:
Income from other units for the maintenance of prisoners for
October:
No monies received.
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Total Work Release and Weekenders:
i Weekenders billed $ 830.00 Received $ 910.00
Work Release billed $1,485.00 $1,400.00
TOTAL $2,315.00 $2,310.00
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Received no monies from Clerk of Courts.
s $65 was turned over to the Clerk of Courts
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{ Status of prisoners confined at the end of October 1989:
3
9
MALES FEMALES TOTAL
Sentenced prisoners 53 4 57
Work Release 26 2 28
Weekender prisoners 32 6 38
Unsentenced
Awaiting trial 41 2 43
Awaiting sentencing 8 2 10
TOTAL PRISONERS 160 16 176
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No. of inmates doctor saw 114 25 139
New commitments doctor saw 49
Repeat patients doctor saw 90
Sheriff transported 14 inmates
;Bills:
E
Controller Beharry presented to the Board for their consideration and
approval the bills for the month of October in the amount of $57,681.18. Moved
by Mr. Paluso, seconded by Ms. Beharry, approving the bills for the month of
October as per above. Motion carried unanimously by the Board signifying their
approval by stating "Aye". (See list of bills attached hereto and made a part
hereof.) The Commissioners' "yes" votes were cast with the caveat that the
Controller is tracking the bills to make sure the items are not exceeding the
$4,000.00 bid requirement. (For further reference, see blanket caveat on page
278.)
MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY. PENNSYLVANIA
34 4
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OUTSTANDING REIMBURSEMENTS
Reimbursable October Medical
Reimbursable October Maintenance
TOTAL
Outstanding Reimbursable Medical
Outstanding Reimbursable Maintenance
TOTAL
Total Medical Outstanding Reimbursement
Total Maintenance Outstanding Reimbursement
TOTAL
-0-
-0-
-0-
$ 770.96
1,122.50
$1,893.46
$ 770.96
1,122.50
$1,893.46
Lawrence County Aug. 1985 $ 429.25
Prison Transfer (out of business) Oct. 1986 235.25
U.S. Navy Apr./May 1989 357.00
N. Hampton (Denies claim) May 1985 101.00
TOTAL OUTSTANDING $1,122.50
Old Business:
Ms. Beharry brought to the Board's attention the matter of a lawsuit
filed by an inmate (Larry Nelson, No. 89-2193, U.S. District Court) relative to
not having a law library at the jail. A brief discussion followed. Chairman
Petrosky noted that he would contact Attorney Melenyzer to confirm that he will
be handling this case on behalf of the entire Prison Board.
Commissioner Mascara reported to the Board concerning the recent
proposals submitted to the State regarding legislation being drafted (S.B.
1354) which creates a $400 million bond program which would be made available
to counties as a matching grant for prison construction, alteration or
renovation. Commissioner Mascara commented that he didn't feel that the County
should proceed with the proposed Annex building across the street, at this
time, since the costs would not be reimbursable. Discussion followed.
Commissioner Mascara also advised the Board of S.B. 718 which provides for the
establishment of community corrections programs as alternatives to traditional
incarceration for certain low risk offenders. More discussion followed.
It was noted that the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections has
lifted the temporary moratorium on accepting new inmates into their diagnostic
units at Graterford, Camp Hill and Western which was instituted as a result of
the prison riots in Camp Hill and Huntingdon.
Chairman Petrosky noted for the record that the Commissioners will
authorize the advertising of bids for the In -House Incarceration Program
tomorrow at their public meeting.
Ms. Beharry noted for the record correspondence received from the
State Police stating that they will no longer contact criminal investigations
at county -owned facilities in the City of Washington, except if an incident
would arise that would be so sensitive as to indicate the Washington County
City Police would have a conflict of interest, then State Police assistance
would be provided based on a request by the city police. Discussion followed.
Warden Pelzer was directed to contact Police Chief Hansen of the City of
Washington to find out exactly what procedure should be followed relative to
345
MINUTE BoOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA
:contacting the city police. Chairman Petrosky stated that the Board could
:establish a policy at a subsequent Board meeting.
In other business, Warden Pelzer reviewed with the Board a preliminary
design of the proposed new entrance way at the jail. He noted that the
estimated cost is approximately $11,000.00. A brief discussion followed.
Moved by Ms. Beharry, seconded by Mr. Littleton, that the Prison Board
�recommend to the Board of Commissioners the authorization to advertise for
bids for the renovation and construction of the entrance way to the Jail.
Motion carried unanimously by the Board signifying their approval by stating
"Aye".
Controller Beharry questioned Warden Poland on the status of the
double -bunking at the Jail. Warden Pelzer stated that he has revised the
report with reference to the costs involved and would re -submit this report to
the Board members.
Also, Ms. Beharry questioned Warden Pelzer as to the status of the
copying machine at the jail. Warden Pelzer explained that they now have a
copying machine but it needs repairs and the company refuses to service it
because of a problem with the service contract. He stated that he is working
with Francis King, Director of Property and Supplies, in order to resolve this
matter.
Mr. Pelzer advised the Board that inmate J. Fields made allegations
several months ago stating that jail personnel used excessive force. Warden
Pelzer stated that the FBI came in to investigate and according to their office
and investigation they felt that the matter is closed and no action is
warranted.
There being no further business, Chairman Petrosky declared the
eting adjourned at approximately 12:05 p.m.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL:
kTE:
ILM-92
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