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MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
IMR LIMITED E1316649LD
Minute No. PB 3-3-21 March 3, 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; President Judge John
DiSalle; Controller Mike Namie; Sheriff Sam Romano; and District Attorney Gene Vittone. Also
present: Solicitor Jana Grimm; Warden Fewell; Deputy Warden Waugh; Deputy Warden Cain;
Chaplain Mike Pierson; Chief of Staff John Haynes; Finance Director Joshua Hatfield; Human Resources
Director Shelli Arnold; Deputy Controller Cathy Sams; Chaplin Mike Pierson; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin;
and Administrative Assistant Joyce Thornburg.
Mrs. Vaughan called the meeting to order at approximately 11:32 a.m., and Chaplin Mike
Pierson led the meeting with the invocation.
Mrs. Vaughan asked if there were any corrections, additions or omissions to Minute No.
PB 2-17-21, dated February 17, 2021, each member having received a copy.
It was moved by Mr. Namie and seconded by Mr. Maggi that Minute No. PB 2-17-21, be
approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating
„Aye„
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None.
WARDEN'S REPORT
Income from Other Units for the Maintenance of Inmates
for February
2021
Administrative Fee $10,984.46
Social Security -0-
Tylenol 21.00
Monthly sub -total $11,005.46
Year-to-date grand total $23,338.22
Program Fees and Room and Board Income for February
2021
Billed
Collected
Work Release Inmates
-0-
-0-
Weekend Inmates
-0-
-0-
Monthly sub -total
-0-
-0-
Year-to-date grand total
-0-
-0-
Status of Inmates Confined at the End of February 2021
Male
Female
Total
Full-time Inmates
24
2
26
Work Release Inmates
0
0
0
Weekend Inmates
0
0
0
Male
Female
Total
Inmates Awaiting Trial and/or Sentencing
182
72
254
Total Inmates
206
74
280
Male
Female
Total
Examinations Performed by the Physician
16
18
34
New Commitments
7
Repeat Patients 27
Dental Extractions 4
Medical Transports Performed by the Sheriff 15
Contracted Housing Fee/Month $0.00
Year-to-date grand total $0.00
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MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD
IMR LIMITED E1316649LD
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
Warden Fewell opened with an announcement to recognize Sergeant Richard Snedeker as
Employee of the Month. Sgt. Snedeker was not in attendance.
Warden Fewell also announced two promotions. Warden Fewell introduced Jonathan
McDonough who was promoted from Sergeant to Captain, effective March 7, 2021. He went through a
vigorous process and was selected by his Captain and his peers. He is one of eight captains and will be
a shift commander working Wednesday through Saturday evenings.
Warden Fewell introduced Anthony Cox who was selected by the chain of command to take
the Sergeant's exam and has been promoted from Officer I to Officer II, Sergeant effective March 2,
2021. He will be working in the processing area.
Warden Fewell presented the WCCF statistics showing the average daily population at 252
stating that the numbers are at a historic low due to the pandemic. He pointed out that 1820 inmates
were processed last year which is a low number but showed that February has seen a rebound
increasing to 121 still well below the normal monthly average of approximately 200 per month.
Warden Fewell respectfully requested the Prison Board approve a Comprehensive Health
Services Agreement with PrimeCare Medical, Inc. for the provision of mental health, dental, medical
and related health care services to the inmate/patient population at the Washington County
Correctional Facility. The agreement is in the amount of $132,908.18 per month for 2021, shall
increase annually no less than 3% but not more than 5% and will be effective April 5, 2021 through
December 31, 2025, with the option to renew for three additional one year periods. This agreement is
contingent upon Board of Commissioner approval at their regularly scheduled meeting to be held on
March 4, 2021.
It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi approving the agreement with
PrimeCare Medical, Inc. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their
approval by stating "Aye".
Warden Fewell stated that there was a joint operation in the correctional facility on March 2,
2021, with the Sherriffs office, the Washington Police Department, and the California Police
Department. They participated in a "shake -down," cell search and area search of the facility. The
operation discovered an inmate who was "cheeking" medications and was in possession of between
20 and 30 prescription medications of Vistaril. Another inmate was in possession of a crushed tablet
of unknown substance. There will also be a "hot wash" on March 3, 2021, and Warden Fewell stated
that there are plans for future shake -downs, area searches and cell searches with the canines in
collaboration with the Sheriffs office. Warden Fewell thanked the Sheriff for his support and
participation as well as the Washington Police Department and Captain Vaughan. Warden Fewell is
looking forward to monthly shake -downs and random searches, in both mornings and afternoons,
with continued collaboration with law enforcement. Warden Fewell remarked that this was a great
training event and show of force which should improve security within the facility. He also stated that
these events send a message to the inmates that this facility has a zero tolerance for drug activity.
Mrs. Vaughan remarked that in her 26 years, she has never been made aware of a warden ever
being proactive doing something like the operation that Warden Fewell described. She thanked him
for being proactive.
Mrs. Vaughan asked the Warden to explain the term "hot wash" and to describe what Vistaril
is. Warden Fewell explained that "hot wash" is a military term and is an after action report or review.
It states what was learned and what could be done better. He also explained the term "cheeking" as
when medication is dispensed by the medical professional with the small cup of water, the medical
professional watches as the inmates swallow the medication. Inmates are then required to show their
hands and stick out their tongues to show that they have consumed their medication. "Cheeking"
occurs when the inmate hides the medication in his or her cheek and spits it out after the medical
professional leaves. This increases the risk of hoarding medication which could, possibly, lead to an
overdose situation. Vistaril is a psychotropic medication, meaning that it affects a person's mental
state. In the specific case described above, the Warden has notified the medical professionals that this
inmate engaging in this activity. The doctor will determine whether or not the inmate will continue to
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MINUTE BOOK
PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
[MR LIMITED E131 5@491 n
take the medication and/or if any dispensing adjustments are needed. Deputy Warden Waugh also
stated that the medication could be crushed instead of giving it in tablet form. The concern with
"cheeking" is that an inmate could look as if he was sleeping when in fact, he has overdosed.
It was moved by Mr. Maggi and seconded by Mr. Sherman approving the Warden's Report.
The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating "Aye".
OLD BUSINESS
None.
NEW BUSINESS
None.
There being no further business, Mrs. Vaughan declared the meeting adjourned at
approximately 11:44 a.m.
THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL:
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PRISON BOARD
IMR LIMITED E1316649LD
MINUTE BOOK
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA
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