TOWN OF MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY, April 15, 2009

Bergin Correctional Facility

Minutes

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

Members Absent: G. Cole, R. Pellegrine, W. Solenski

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

I.          CALL TO ORDER

The meeting came to order at 1:05p.m. 

II.          MINUTES

Ms. Barberet made a motion, seconded by Mr. Paulhus to adopt the minutes of January 14, 2009.  Minutes of January 14, 2009 were approved unanimously.

III.         WARDEN’S REPORT AND DISCUSSION

Warden Higgins provided an update on the prison population; it is currently at 1,089 inmates.  A general discussion occurred regarding the list of offenses. 

Warden Higgins also provided an update on education and programming opportunities at Bergin.  The school is doing well and there have been no significant changes in staffing.  A GED graduation ceremony will occur in summer.  The garden is up and running again; they are using the fresh produce generated from the garden internally at Bergin as well at local senior centers and soup kitchens.  Staff will be implementing a new inmate assessment tool that will assist in matching up programming needs of inmates.  Staff continues to run domestic violence, anger management, re-entry and other programs.

Deputy Warden Kearny updated the Committee on the Prison Outreach Program.  Staff goes to schools across the state with inmates; inmates share their stories with students and talk about the importance of making good decisions.  Deputy Warden Kearney also updated the Committee on Bergin work crews.  Bergin inmate work crews are assisting the DOT and towns with road work and litter pick-up, for example.  Bergin will continue to assist with litter pick-up in Mansfield after Spring Weekend.  Bergin is exploring the feasibility of work crews assisting with clean-up from events, etc. at the UCONN campus in Storrs; Major Blicher respectfully requested to be notified in the event that Bergin work crews are scheduled to be on campus.

IV.        COMMUNICATIONS

Mansfield Prison Fence Topped with Razor Wire, March 25, 2009, Mansfield Today: General discussion occurred regarding the recent article on the razor wire installation.  Warden Higgins provided an update and indicated that the installation is nearly complete.

V.        CHAIRPERSON’S REPORT

None.

VI.        OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK

Mr. Gene Barberet was present and asked questions about programming at Bergin.

VII.       ADJOURNMENT

The meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m.  Following adjournment, members took a tour of educational facilities at Bergin.

Respectfully submitted,

Maria E. Capriola, M.P.A.

Assistant to Town Manager