TOWN OF MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, January 14, 2009

Bergin Correctional Facility

Minutes

Members Present: A. Barberet, R. Blicher, Warden E. Higgins, J. Kodzis, C. Lary, C. Paulhus, R. Pellegrine, W. Solenski, W. Stauder (Chair), S. Thomas

Members Absent: G. Cole

Staff:   Maria Capriola (Town of Mansfield), Deputy Warden N. Kearney (DOC)

I.          CALL TO ORDER

The meeting came to order at 3:05p.m. 

II.          MINUTES

Minutes of October 15, 2008 were approved unanimously.

III.         COMMUNICATIONS

Bergin Capacity Letter: Warden Higgins provided information on the population, including overflow population.  Inmate/staff ratios are maintained during times of overflow. There is close to 300 staff currently working at Bergin.  About one-third of the population is released monthly.

IV.        WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION

Warden Higgins reviewed and discussed the most recent list of offenses dated 1/14/09 and distributed at the Committee meeting.  Ms. Barberet inquired about an inmate with a felony murder conviction and Lt. Solenski inquired about an inmate with a kidnapping in the first conviction; Warden Higgins stated that both of those individuals are completing their sentences and are on their way out (to re-entry). Chairperson Stauder inquired as to whether or not staff knows of about the inmates’ convictions.  Deputy Warden Kearney stated that the Counselors are informed about the inmates’ offenses, but that the officers are not.

Warden Higgins reviewed offender re-entry statistics with the Committee; Bergin does the best in the state amongst other prisons.  Lt. Solenski commended Bergin staff on the high number of supervised transitions.  Warden Higgins stated that at any given time, up to 300 inmates can need domestic violence training before they are permitted to re-enter (society). 

Warden Higgins and Deputy Warden Kearney continued to update the Committee on activities at Bergin.  All counselor vacancies have been filled.  Video conferencing has been added for parole board hearings.  Contractors are working in the installation of razor wire; there have been no escapes since the original installation of razor wire.  Bergin will be expanding its vegetable garden program; they currently donate vegetables locally and use fresh produce in the prison which increases nutrition and reduces costs.  Bergin has started a paper recycling program. A graduation ceremony was held in December.  Staff at Bergin adopted 2 local families in need around the holidays; the Committee commended Bergin for its efforts and asked to have that information posted on the Town website on the Public Safety Committee’s webpage. 

V.        CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

None at this time.

VI.        OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK

There was no one from the public who wished to address the committee at this meeting.

VII.       ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola, M.P.A.

Assistant to Town Manager