TOWN OF
MANSFIELD/DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTION
PUBLIC SAFETY
COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY, July 15,
2009
Audrey Beck Municipal Building – Council Chambers
Minutes
Members Present: G. Cole, C. Lary, C.
Paulhus, Warden M. Rinaldi, W. Stauder (Chair), S. Thomas, W.
Solenski
Members Absent: A. Barberet, R. Blicher,
J. Kodzis, R. Pellegrine
Staff: Maria
Capriola (Town of Mansfield), Deputy Warden N. Kearney (DOC), M. Davis (DOC)
I. CALL
TO ORDER
The meeting came to
order at 3:05p.m.
II. MINUTES
Minutes of April 15, 2009 were approved
unanimously.
III. WARDEN’S
REPORT AND DISCUSSION
Warden Higgins retired and Ms. Monica Rinaldi
has replaced Ms. Higgins as Warden of Bergin.
Warden Rinaldi provided an update on the prison population; it is
currently at 1,036 inmates. Bergin has
been able to close the overflow unit due to the decrease in population. A general discussion occurred regarding the
list of offenses.
Deputy Warden Kearney updated the Committee
on educational, programming, and outreach opportunities. Currently 108 inmates are assisting Towns and
the DOT with work crews; the Towns and the DOT provide supervision to inmates
on work crews. Mr. Cole asked about
whether or not Bergin was having difficulties with inmates obtaining cell
phones or other forms of contraband.
Deputy Warden stated that it has not been a problem. Bergin employees are prohibited from bringing
cell phones into the facilities. Beginning
7/17/09, educational classes (school) will be extended by one hour every day
for inmates. There have been some
vacancies at Bergin created by the retirement incentive offered to State
employees in June. Recruitments are
underway for replacement staff, including the Commissioner position for the
DOC. The razor wire project has been
completed. The emergency phone line will
be tested within the next month or so.
Bergin staff will notify Town staff so letters may be sent to residents
on the emergency notification list.
IV. CHAIRPERSON’S
REPORT
Chairwoman Stauder welcomed Warden Rinaldi to
the Committee.
V. COMMUNICATIONS
No comments or concerns.
VI. OPPORTUNITY
FOR PUBLIC TO SPEAK
None.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned
at 3:22 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Maria E. Capriola,
M.P.A., Assistant to Town Manager