TOWN OF MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, July 19, 2006
Council Chambers
Minutes
Members Present: A. Barberet, R. Blicher, G. Cole, C. Lary, J. Roache, K. Smayda, W. Solenski,
V. Stearns
Members Absent: E. Higgins, S. Thomas, R. Gergler, R. Pellegrine, W. Stauder, C. Paulhus
Staff: M. Hart, Deputy Warden Smayda, Counselor Roache
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting came to order at 3:00 p.m.
II. MINUTES
1. Mr. Cole made a motion, seconded by Mr. Solenski, to approve the minutes of April 19, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.
III. COMMUNICATIONS
The committee reviewed the list of offenses that were provided in the packet as communications. The members raised the following questions:
· What is meant by criminal possession with an electric weapon? Ms. Smayda – a stun gun.
· What is involved with a charge of manufacture of bombs? Mr. Roache - the offense includes a number of illegal activities related to the manufacture of explosives.
· Is the number of inmates changed with interfering with a police officer unusually high? Ms. Smayda - No.
· What about those inmates who are on special parole? Mr. Roache - state statute requires special parole for a violation of various sentences. The report lists the original offence.
IV. WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION
1. Population Status Report – Ms. Smayda reported that the current population is 957 inmates, but it is likely the facility will reach its maximum capacity of 962 tonight
2. List of Offenses – Ms. Smayda reported that staff does not have the most recent list of offenses, but the charges are similar to recent history.
3. Other:
· The vegetable garden is doing well and the facility has donated 250 lbs of vegetables to area soup kitchens.
· Franklin Fence was awarded the contract to make improvements to the fence, but has not started work yet.
· Staff has modified the recreational schedule to include two yards and the gym, which provides more recreational time than in the past.
V. CHAIRMAN’S REPORT – None
VI.
VII. OLD BUSINESS - None
VI. NEW BUSINESS
1. Upcoming Test of Community Notification System – Mr. Hart announced that the town and Bergin would soon be testing the system. Mr. Cole asked if the system would work with a cell phone. Staff will look into this question.
2. Location of October 18, 2006 Meeting – Staff will look into the possibility of holding the next meeting at Bergin.
3. Other – Deputy Warden Smayda reported that she would be retiring in the near future. The committee wished her well, and thanked her for her dedicated service over the years.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Adjourned the meeting at 3:23 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Hart
Assistant Town Manager
TOWN
OF
July 19, 2006
Members and Staff Present: Same as DOC Public Safety Committee.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting came to order at 3:00 p.m.
II. MINUTES
1. Mr. Cole made a motion, seconded by Mr. Solenski, to approve the minutes of April 19, 2006. The motion passed unanimously.
III. COMMUNICATIONS – None
IV. WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION
1. Community Outreach and Programming Updates – Deputy Warden Smayda reported on the following:
· Staff has increased the hours that inmates are able to view TV.
· Bergin is starting a culinary Arts program
· Addiction services is changing to a tier 3 program
· A fourth unit manager and a counselor are arriving soon
Ms. Barberet asked if the facility needed anything from the community? Ms. Smayda - No.
Ms. Stearns asked about the average stay. Ms. Smayda – 91 days, can be 2.5 years max.
Mr. Hart asked about increase in TV hours. Ms. Smayda –the change engendered some controversy but it is an important incentive that 3rd shift officers can offer to promote good behavior. The recreation director determines what programs can be watched
V.
VI. OLD BUSINESS – None
VII. NEW BUSINESS – None
VIII. ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Stauder adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Matthew Hart
Assistant Town Manager