PSCJ MEMBERS: Kaplowitz, Latimer, Mosiello, Oros, Swanson, Wishnie
OTHERS: C.E.’s Office: Bill Randolph, Robi Schlaff, Symra Brandon, Anne Boyar; Budget Department: Brian Fitzpatrick, Meredith Waltman; DOT: Larry Salley; Planning Dept.: Fran McLaughlin; Grosfeld Architects: John Grosfeld; Ricci Associates: Ken Ricci; Department of Correction: Rocco Pozzi, Joseph Miranda, Chris Merritt, Tony Czarnecki, Stephen Nowakowski; Department of Emergency Services: Pat Kelly; DPW: Anthony Landi; Journal News: Milton Hoffman; CBAC: George Hosey, Barbara Strauss; BOL: Tara Bernard, Peter Neglia, Barbara Dodds, Robert Boland, Sally Schecter, Chris Chang, Tina Seckerson
Chairman Wishnie called the Budget Committee meeting to order at 9:25 a.m.
Acting Chair Swanson called the Public Safety Committee meeting to order at 9:25 a.m.
DISCUSSION:
Proposed legislation, which would authorize, subject to referendum, the issuance of $59,500,000 in County bonds to finance the costs of construction of additions to and reconstruction of portions of the County Penitentiary. (8/1/00)
Commissioner Pozzi briefed the Committee on the proposal as follows:
· The Penitentiary was built in 1916.
· Replacement pen has been studied for at least 12 years beginning with Corrections Master Plan in 1988.
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· An independent infrastructure study of the Pen commissioned by DPW in 1993 and completed by the Grosfeld Partnership/Architects and Planners, found serious deficiencies.
· A recent inspection by the NYS Commission of Correction (July 2000) concluded that it was “unfit for inmate habitation and unsafe for inmates and staff).
· In 1998 the CE’s Task Force on Corrections studied the 1916 Pen and recommended that it be closed. They suggested 4 initiatives:
1) A value engineering study of all buildings comprising the Pen Division
2) A preliminary design analysis for a replacement facility using a mix of dormitory beds and secure cells.
3) Creation of additional program space within the correctional complex
4) An inmate population forecasting study
· Ricci Associates competed a value engineering study in April 2000 and developed a strategic plan that recommended
1) Demolition of 1916 housing units (A, B, C & D) and several pre-fab modular units (G block)
2) A replacement facility with 264 general population secure cells, dorm beds and a 16 cell special housing unit
3) Conversion of 2 existing buildings (H-Block & E-Dorm) to permanent program space
· Design Analysis:
1) The ideal location for the replacement housing facility is the area now occupied by ABC& D Blocks
2) A mix of 60 cell pods and 48 dorm would save construction dollars and be more staff efficient to operate
3) A new connecting corridor between the Jail and a replacement facility for sentenced prisoners
4) Replacement facility could operate with 23 fewer correction officers allowing the re-deployment of security staff to reduce overtime costs.
· Inmate Programs: 1999 study on inmate programs conducted by the National Institute of Corrections recommended:
1) Appointment of a full time Assistant Warden for Program Services
2) A day reporting center program for low risk /low bail detainees
3) Expanded program activities within the correctional complex.
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· Population Trends:
1) On the national level, the US Justice Department recently reported (August 2000) that a record high level of 2 million persons were now confined in the nations prisons and jails.
2) During the past 5 years the average number of inmates serving time in the Pen was 326.
3) Because the 280 cells built in 1916 have been condemned and closed as “unfit and unsafe” there are now only 100 permanent cells (F Unit) to hold sentenced prisoners in Westchester County.
4) The overflow is now being housed in program space that has been temporarily converted to dormitory-style quarters.
5) Housing sentenced prisoners in program space results in high levels of inmate idleness and limited access to programs that can correct patterns of educational failure, substance abuse, and poor decision making.
· In 1999 the average daily inmate population in Westchester County was 1389.
· Current capacity is 1198 new capacity will be 1478 after completion of construction.
· A recent study on inmate population projections (august 2000) by an independent consultant concluded that Westchester County’s inmate population will soon begin to experience an upward trend and is projected to peak at the following benchmarks (excluding any Federal prisoners housed on a contract basis: 2001: 1400+: yearly average: 1333; 2009: 1500+: yearly average 1432; 2015: 1600+: yearly average: 1524
· The permanent loss of 280 cells without any planned replacement in the immediate future will create a serious prisoner housing crisis in Westchester.
· Temporary Housing vs. Program Space: Two program buildings (H-Block (160) and E Dorm (96) are temporarily converted to dormitory style housing to accommodate the overflow of sentenced prisoners, resulting in high levels of inmate idleness and limited access to educational/treatment programs. The conversion of these two buildings to permanent program space would permit vocational education, adult literacy, distance learning and drug treatment.
· Can we “board out” our sentenced prisoners to other County jails?
1) A teletype inquiry to all of the County jails in NYS revealed only 57 beds “for sale” in 4 separate jurisdictions – none within the NYC metropolitan area or the Hudson Valley Region.
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2) Long term contracts would be unlikely and the prisoner transportation and officer overtime costs would be substantial.
3) Sentenced prisoners in Westchester would be denied reasonable access to lawyers, programs, and family visits in any temporary out-of-county arrangement.
4) Because the number of beds “For Sale” is short term and changes daily, Westchester needs a concrete plan for 280 permanent beds.
· Voter referendum to authorize $59.5 million in bonds to accomplish the following objectives:
1) Demolish the 1916 housing units
2) Convert H-Block into an Educational Programs Center and E-Dorm into program space for Youth Corps/Boot Camp
3) Construct a new connecting corridor between the replacement facility and centralized services in the County Jail.
4) Install “smart wiring” and enhanced electronic security systems in the replacement facility and the renovated program areas
· Advantages of a replacement facility:
1) Would replace, not expand, housing capacity
2) Mix of new dormitory beds and secure cells would reduce construction costs, saving $28 million from the original 1993 construction plan.
3) Design efficiencies would reduce present staffing/operating costs by 23 correction officers allowing security staff to be re-deployed to reduce overtime costs, saving $26 million
4) Renovation of H-Block and E-Dorm for educational, behavioral and treatment programs would greatly reduce inmate idleness and improve officer safety.
· Where are we now?
1) Capital project has been finalized to meet the long term housing and program needs of sentenced prisoners in Westchester.
2) An inmate population forecasting study has confirmed the need to replace (not expand) capacity now.
3) Westchester County Planning Board has formally endorsed the Penitentiary Housing Replacement Project.
4) Legislation for public referendum needs approval by the Board of Legislators before September 22nd to be on the ballot for November 7th.
· Legislator Swanson stated that she read that there were two plans, Plan A and Plan B. Commissioner Pozzi responded that they are recommending Plan B
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· Ratio: Prisoner to cell: state recommends 15% overage
· Legislator Mosiello asked about the size of new cell space. The new cells will be larger than the 40 sq. ft. old cell. There is a state requirement of 60 sq. ft. per cell. Although they will be able to double bunk in there it would require a state waiver for permanent use in this manner. There is no intention to increase prisoner population by using larger cells.
· Legislator Kaplowitz stated that state readies are expected go up even though they are down this year. He also asked how many beds there are without federal prisoners. Commissioner Pozzi stated that there are 1284 total beds in use at this time. If you add in the E & H beds (150) there would be 1434
· Commissioner Pozzi stated that people are currently being housed in facilities where they should not be (E & H). Standards are not up to par because they weren’t designed for that.
· Major capital outlays will have to be made to E & H if the replacement facility is not built. He pointed out that there is no place to put the inmates to make the renovations
· Currently there are 160 prisoners in H and 90 in E
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins asked how many prisoners are in for drug offenses? The Commissioner stated that 75-80% of the people who come in for arrest have some substance abuse problem at the time but he did not have the statistics for the numbers of people who have been imprisoned for drug offenses.
· Legislator Stewart-Cousins asked when the project would be completed. The response was late in 2005
· Legislator Swanson requested the cost per cell. They responded that the old jail, built in 1992, cost $l00,000 per cell and they will have the requested figures for Thursday’s meeting.
· Committee requested an update on the physical condition of new jail
ADJOURNMENT FOR PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
There being no further items for discussion for the Committee on Public Safety & Criminal Justice, on motion of Legislator Mosiello, seconded by Legislator Wishnie, the meeting was adjourned at 10:35 a.m.
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At 10:35 a.m. Chairman Wishnie recessed the Budget Committee meeting for 5 minutes.
At 10:40 a.m. Chairman Wishnie reconvened the Budget Committee meeting.
D4: Bond Act 152-2000 (BFT08): Authorizing the issuance of $275,000 in bonds – Acquisition of replacement fire truck for Fire Training Center. (8/1/00)
· Substitution legislation was submitted. In lieu of a $330,000 bond act for a replacement fire truck, the revised legislation is for $275,000 and was based on the most recent cost estimate for the fire truck.
· This matter was discussed in detail at a previous meeting.
· Legislator Swanson stated that she like to discuss the protection plan for the Grasslands reservation at a future meeting.
On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0. (Legislator Carsky out for vote)
A7: License and Lease Agreement: Legislation authorizing the County of Westchester to enter into a license and lease agreement with The Children’s Village, Inc. for the construction and operation of a shelter facility for runaway and homeless youths at the property located next to the Valhalla Residence on the Valhalla Campus. (7/10/00)
· A new shelter facility will be constructed by the Children’s Village on the property next to the Valhalla Residence. The County has already demolished the duplex that was located on that property.
· Children’s Village will pay the County rent in the sum of $100.00 per annum. Children’s Village shall be solely responsible for and shall any and all real property tax assessments, water meter and sewer rents, utility charges and all other charges that may become due and payable with respect to the property during the term of the lease.
· Legislator Swanson stated that the new shelter will be designed for a maximum of 12 and she would not like to see that number increase just because of the square footage increase.
· Legislator Swanson stated that she would like to make sure that the fire department is contacted for input with regard to the plans.
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On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve this item was carried by a vote of 7-0. Legislator Carsky out for the vote)
A9: Airport Special Revenue Budget: Proposed Act amending the 2000
Airport Special revenue Budget. (8/1/00)
· DOT has identified unanticipated environmental conditions at the Airport that required immediate attention. Cleanup and restoration of identified soil contamination sites has been done in the amount of $363,000 to comply with the County’s consent agreement with the NYS DEC. The budget amendment is to increase the appropriation in the Airport’s Non-Recurring Repairs and Maintenance account to cover these costs. The work was accomplished by reprioritizing and temporarily deferring other important projects.
· An additional appropriation is required to expand an ongoing study of groundwater quality. This will include installing a network of geoprobes and monitoring wells. The cost of the work is $387,000. DOT has identified savings within the Airport’s Expense accounts of $156,500 to be applied toward this work and requires an additional appropriation of $230,500 in its technical services account.
· In addition, funding for an increase of 15 ticketing and check-in service employees (from 17 to 32) is required because the processing of check-in and boarding operations is being transferred from airline employed staff to airport ground handling staff. The Department has identified savings of $80,000 of the required $279,000 funding in existing Airport personal services accounts. An additional appropriation of $199,000 in the Airport Annual Regular account is required to fund these positions through the end of the year.
· The revenue generated by the transfer of check-in and boarding operations from the airlines to the Airport is estimated at $678,000 and will more than offset the cost of the additional staff.
· There was a discussion as to what degree the County has control over the opening and closing hours of the terminal. It was suggested that the terminal open later and ticketing not start until 6:30 a.m. The Committee was informed that the County Attorney is examining this matter.
· The Committee did not take action on this item at this time pending further information from the County Attorney’s Office.
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A6. Budget Transfer Resolution: Proposed Resolution transferring funds
within various departments.
· Total amount of transfer: $125,000.
· Labs & Research: $75,000: Medical/Supply Account to cover the increase in the number of TB tests being performed plus the increasing costs for Medical/Lab supplies.
· Budget Dept.: $5,000: for educational training expenses
· Consumer Affairs: $10,000: Technical Service Account: for additional contractual hourly personnel that were needed to assist in the increase in workload due to the Home Improvement Law.
· PRC: $35,000: for additional advertising to promote the new rides installed this season.
· Legislator Swanson stated for the record that she has made a conscious decision not to vote for any more transfers until she receives answers from the Administration with regard to questions she has asked on other transfer matters. She stated that she had even filed a FOIL request with the Administration.
· The Committee did not take action on this item at this time.
MINUTES: On motion of Legislator Swanson, seconded by Legislator Kaplowitz, the motion to approve the Minutes of August 21, 2000 was carried by a vote of 7-0. (Legislator Carsky out for vote)
A&C:
· Chairman Latimer explained to the committee the various methods he uses to deal with late starters on the A&C calendar.
· Committee made various requests for back-up information for the 9/14 agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further items for discussion, on motion of Legislator Kaplowitz, seconded by Legislator Noto, the meeting was adjourned at 11:39 a.m.