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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-03-15_Prison Board_Minute No PB 03-15-23_APPROVED 379 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED !<131 9LD Minute No. PB 3-15-23 March 15, 2023 The meeting of the Washington County Prison Board was held in the conference room of the Washington County Correctional Facility, 100 West Cherry Avenue, Washington, Pennsylvania,with the following members being present: Commissioners Diana Irey Vaughan, Nick Sherman,and Larry Maggi; President Judge John DiSalle; Sheriff Anthony Andronas; District Attorney Jason Walsh and Controller April Sloane (entered meeting at 11:03 a.m.). Also present were: Chief of Staff Mike Namie; Solicitor Jana Grimm; Human Resources Assistant Director Andrea Johnston; Finance Director Josh Hatfield; Warden Jeffrey Fewell; Chief Clerk Cindy Griffin;Administrative Assistant Joyce Thornburg; District Court Administrator Patrick Grimm; Deputy Warden Chris Cain; Major David Coddington; Chaplain Mike Pierson; Human Services Director Kim Rogers; Captain-Sift Commander Shane Cisko; Administrative Assistants Marie Trossman, Randi Marodi and Patrick Geho; PrimeCare Medical representatives Derek Hughes, Kasey O'Neal, Lori Fischer,Victoria Hallett and Sue Woznichak; and concerned citizen Annie Shaner. Mrs.Vaughan called the meeting to order at approximately 11:00 a.m., and Chaplain Pierson led the meeting with an invocation. Mrs.Vaughan asked if there were any corrections, additions, or omissions to Minute No. PB 2-15-23 dated February 15, 2023. It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi, Minute No. PB 2-15- 23 date February 15, 2023,be approved. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye". PUBLIC COMML;NT None. WARDEN'S REPORT Income from Other Units for the Maintenance of Inmates for February 2023 Administrative Fee $13,115.34 Social Security $1,000.00 Tylenol $0.00 Monthly sub-total $14,115.34 Year-to-date grand total $40,937.62 Program Fees and Room and Board Income for February 2023 Billed Collected Work Release Inmates -0- -0- Weekend Inmates -0- -0- Monthly sub-total -0- -0- Year-to-date grand total -0- -0- 380 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E1316649LD Status of Inmates Confined at the End of February 2023 Mali Eemale Total Full-time Inmates 54 11 65 Work Release Inmates 0 0 0 Weekend Inmates 0 0 0 Male Female Total Inmates Awaiting Trial and/or Sentencing 207 47 254 Total Inmates 261 58 319 Examinations Performed by the Physician 129 New Commitments 150 Dental Extractions 21 Medical Transports Performed by the Sheriff 5 Contracted Housing Fee/Month $0.00 Yearly Total $0.00 Warden Fewell began by recognizing Officer Tim Dunkle as employee of the month for the month of February. Warden Fewell publically congratulated him for his 25 years of service and noted that Officer Dunkle was not present as he was working. Warden Fewell then recognized the medical staff from PrimeCare Medical for their quick response and diligent efforts during an incident in the facility that occurred on March 7, 2023. The Prison Board thanked the medical staff for their contributions towards the positive outcome of the incident. Warden Fewell introduced PrimeCare Medical Vice President of Business Development Derek Hughes to discuss a potential medically assisted treatment program at the correctional facility. Mr. Hughes discussed the basics of a medically assisted treatment program and the reasons why these programs are becoming increasingly common in correctional facilities. He further stated that many states have mandated medically assisted treatment programs in correctional facilities and while Pennsylvania has not,they believe it will be mandated in the future. Mr. Hughes presented a proposal to the Prison Board for their review which would provide a dedicated licensed practical nurse, drug and alcohol counselor and other variable costs, totaling$306,255.65 per year. Mr. Hughes noted that this cost does not include the cost of medications, laboratory testing or drug screenings. After a lengthy discussion amongst the board members and PrimeCare Medical staff,it was determined that there could be a potential,worst-case scenario cost of around $1 million for a medical assisted treatment program at the facility. The Board and Warden Fewell thanked Mr. Hughes and the PrimeCare Medical staff for the presentation. Warden Fewell then notified the Board that Representative Tim O'Neal and the Pennsylvania Prison Society will visit the correctional facility for a tour on March 24, 2023. Warden Fewell updated the Board on the FITS program and stated that there are eight male inmates working in the FITS program and that the program is working very well. He also stated that there has been discussion of reconvening the work release program but stated that there are numerous external concerns. Deputy Warden Cain proposed a work release program for offenders placed on house arrest, as opposed to work release from the facility. He continued that if the Court determines an individual can be diverted to house arrest,they could take part in a work release program. After a brief discussion, Mrs. Vaughan asked Judge DiSalle if the Court would consider this proposal. Judge DiSalle responded that the Court has been doing this to a degree but that it could be amplified,when appropriate,after discussing the proposed 381 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR LIMITED E1316649LD arrangement with Adult Probation. Judge DiSalle stated that he would meet with Adult Probation and report back to the Board. Warden Fewell then updated the Board on the status of housed juveniles. He discussed that the correctional facility currently has four juveniles,housed at three different facilities, at varying daily costs. Warden Fewell stated that some are housed at specific facilities by court order so,they are unable to control the housing cost in that regard. Warden Fewell respectfully requested the Prison Board authorize the correctional facility's participation with the National PREA Resource Center for a mock PREA audit for training purposes. There is no cost to participate in this training with the exception of providing transportation of audit personnel to and from the airport. Warden Fewell respectfully requested the Prison Board authorize the correctional facility to host use of force training with TJA. There is no cost to the County and the County will only need to provide a training room. Mr. Hatfield informed the Warden that the County should receive a copy of their insurance certificate, naming the County as an additional insured, and prior to the on-site training. Mr.Andronas offered the Sheriffs Office's training room to the Warden for the training. Warden Fewell respectfully requested the Prison Board approve an addendum to the current contract with Jefferson County, Ohio for the provision of five additional detention beds,as available, at a rate of$200 per day to house juveniles charged as adults under Pennsylvania's Direct File Statute. This addendum is contingent upon approval at the Board of Commissioners meeting to be held March 16, 2023, Minute No. 1167. Mrs.Vaughan asked how the correctional facility was chosen to participate with the National PREA Resource Center. Warden Fewell stated that he had been in contact with the National PREA Resource Center and stated that the results of this mock audit are only recommendations. After a brief explanation of the mock audit process from Major Coddington,he did note that there may be issues with the physical plant as opposed to PREA compliance processes in place. Mrs. Sloane inquired as to the potential liability for the County if the mock audit finds something that is not immediately addressed by the County. Warden Fewell responded that the facility will always have exposure but that they are constantly working towards complete PREA compliance and that have the ability to take part in the no-cost audit will be extremely helpful moving forward. It was moved by Mr. Sherman and seconded by Mr. Maggi to accept the Warden's Report. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye" with the exception of Mr.Walsh's abstention from voting on the addendum with Jefferson County, Ohio for the housing of juveniles. BILLS Ms. Sloane presented to the Board for their consideration and approval of the bills dated March 15, 2023, in the amount of$303,551.96. It was moved by Ms. Sloane and seconded by Mr. Sherman,approving the bills dated March 15, 2023. The motion was carried unanimously with the Board signifying their approval by stating"Aye". (See the list of bills attached hereto and made a part hereof.) 382 MINUTE BOOK PRISON BOARD WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLANIA IMR.,LIMITED E1316649LD OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Mrs.Vaughan called an executive session at 11:49 a.m.to discuss personnel and litigation. Mrs.Vaughan reconvened the meeting following the executive session at approximately 12:19 p.m. There being no further business, Mrs. Vaughan declared the meeting adjourned at approximately 12:19 p.m. THE FOREGOING MINUTES SUBMITTED FOR APPROVAL: 2023 ATTEST: Z/J SEtRLtrARY