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Home My WebLink AboutCOMM - Meeting Minutes - PB 1-6-21 - 1-6-2021 - PRISON BOARD271 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR I...IMITFD F1$16644Lb Minute No. PB 1-6-21 January 6, 2021 The meeting of the Washington County Prison Board was with the following members being present: Commissioners Diana Irey Vaughan, Nick Sherman and Larry Maggi; Judge John DiSalle; Controller Mike Namie; Sheriff Sam Romano; and District Attorney Gene Vittone. Also present: Warden Fewell; Deputy Warden Waugh; Deputy Warden Cain; Solicitor Jana Grimm; Chief of Staff John Haynes; Finance Director Joshua Hatfield; Human Resources Director Shelli Arnold; Deputy Controller Cathy Sams; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin; Administrative Assistant Joyce Thornburg; and Chaplin Mike Pierson. Mrs. Vaughan called the meeting to order at approximately 11:30 a.m. Chaplin Mike Pierson led the meeting with the invocation. Mrs. Vaughan asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No. PB 12-16-20, dated December 16, 2020, each member having received a copy. It was moved by Mr. Namie and seconded by Mr. Vittone that Minute No. PB 12-16-20, be approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye„ PUBLIC COMMENT None. WARDEN'S REPORT • Warden Fewell led with the announcement of the November 2020 Employee of the Month, Officer Christian Tiano who was nominated by the jail administration. Warden Fewell presented Officer Tiano with a certificate and recognized him for his excellent work over his 13Y2 years of employment with the WCCF. Mrs. Vaughan, on behalf of the Prison Board, thanked Officer Tiano for his service, dedication and longevity with the County. • The current in-house population is 258 inmates, approximately 26% lower than 2019and well over 30% to 40% lower than the population in 2018. • The January gender ration is approximately 80% male to 20% female. • The female, elderly, and mentally ill population are the largest and fastest growing in corrections. Currently there are 33 female inmates which represent a population that is presenting corrections with difficult challenges. For instance, one female is pregnant, many are detoxing, and many have children at home. The responsibility of corrections in maintaining an incarcerated female is difficult due to the circumstances mentioned. This population is on the rise mainly due to drug issues. • The demographics in Washington County is 70% Caucasian, demonstrating an even demographic with 63% Caucasian in custody. • 16% are classified as special management which is low. The special management classification includes the mentally ill, disciplinary segregation, suicidal and protective custody. There is one juvenile in custody. The regulation does not permit juveniles to be housed in an adult facility, but this case has been adjudicated in Pennsylvania. The Feds, however, d� not favor this practice. • Tracking of bookings and releases show that the bookings and releases are higher during the summer months which is typical. • According to the PA Department of Health, correctional facilities are included in Category 1B. Category 1A is currently underway, which is first responders and medical personnel. Therefore, the staff and inmates should be vaccinated next but there has been no information with regard to the timeline or logistics. There was a study done at the University of Kansas that indicates that only 50% will be willing to receive the vaccine. 272 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD IMR LIMITED E1316649LD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA • Mrs. Vaughan remarked that the Board of Commissioners is working with Washington Health System, Monongahela Valley Hospital and District Attorney Gene Vittone on a roll -out plan for the vaccines. Washington County is also in the process of submitting paperwork to apply to be authorized to administer the vaccine. • The jail's four medical staff members were offered the vaccine, but only 2 chose to receive the vaccine. This could be problematic because the 50% that refused the vaccine become the liability to the staff and inmates. • Mr. Vittone submitted a list of jail personnel to Jeff Yates of Public Safety to be included with first responders. Jeff Yates is working on prioritizing this. • Warden Fewell remarked that his hope was to get beyond 50%. He also commented that his staff has done a great job in containing and maintaining to date with this vulnerable population. • The vision, mission and goals will be published. Personal, professional and spiritual growth will be provided as far as an organization of individuals, with a constitutionally sound correctional facility, with focus on re-entry, discharge planning, detoxing, and focus goals around the staff. The staff will train, supervise, professionally develop, and create an environment where they are safe and will be in a constant learning environment. First and foremost the focus has to be on the staff. The attrition rate is unsustainable and has to be addressed. • Mrs. Vaughan asked Mr. Namie if the adoption of a philosophy (vision, mission and goals) should be voted on by the Prison Board, and Mr. Namie's reply was that the adoption should be voted on by the Prison Board. • Mrs. Vaughan noted anything that would affect employees directly would also have to be reviewed by the solicitor and recommended by Human Resources. • Warden Fewell will submit a memo to the entire Prison board with the recommendations for approval. Mrs. Vaughan called an executive session at 11:47 a.m. to discuss personnel and legal matters. Mrs. Vaughan reconvened the meeting at approximately 12:45 p.m. Solicitor Jana Grimm, after reviewing with District Attorney Gene Vittone, recommended that the board amend the inmate lookup tool to refer all inquiries to the PA-SAVIN website and the ICS which is the inmate telephone vendor who will provide information that the jail authorizes upon request; also would include an email address, point of contact, documented process all requests for the media or public; all requests will be responded via e-mail by jail administration in a timely manner. It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi that the recommendation for PA- SAVIN website and ICS by the Solicitor be approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye". Solicitor Jana Grimm recommended that the Prison Board extend the contract for the provision of HVAC boiler maintenance with Scalise Industries Corporation, Lawrence, PA, for the preventive maintenance for the correctional facility at $14,817.00, with all time and material to be done on an as -needed basis at the rate between $110.50 and $173.65 (emergency rates). This contract would be effective January 1, 2021 through December 21, 2021, with the option to extend for one additional year. It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi that the recommendation by the Solicitor to extend the HVAC boiler maintenance contract with Scalise Industries Corporation be approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating „Aye„ 273 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA [MR LIMITED E1316649LD It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi that the remainder of the Warden's Report be approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye". Solicitor Jana Grimm commented that the recommendation to extend the HVAC boiler maintenance contract will be part of the regular Board of Commissioners' meeting to be held Thursday, January 7, 2021. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS There being no further business, Mrs. Vaughan declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 1:15 p.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL: v�/✓� , 2021 ATTEST: SECRETARY 1