Erie County Community Corrections Advisory Board
Minutes Meeting 11 – November 1, 2011
Rev. Pierce called meeting to order at 1:08 and led the Pledge of Allegiance
Roll Call:
Present:
Dr. Lavonne Ansari joined meeting at 1:12
Karima Amin
Johnny Cabrera
Richard Carr
Charles Culhane joined meeting at 1:12
Cheryl Green
Nan Haynes
Robert Koch
Michael Kubik
Rev. Pierce
Michael Lex joined meeting at 1:12
Absent:
Dr. Michael Cummings
William Burgin
Anne Constantino
Barry Covert
Motion by Cheryl Green to amend from Meeting 10, second by Johnny Cabrera. Motion carried. Motion to approve minutes from meeting 10 as amended made by Cheryl Green, seconded by Johnny Cabrera, motion carried unanimously
Michael Kubik explained the Health intake forms that were distributed to everyone.
Dr. Lavonne Ansari, Michael Lex and Charles Culhane joined meeting at 1:12
Mr. Kubik explained the difference between the health screenings and mental health screenings. Supt. Koch further explained
Explanation on follow up on screenings after inmates have been in facility
Question by Karima Amin on medications for inmates
Michael Kubik explained process for discovering what medications the inmate is currently prescribed prior to entering facility – confirmed that yes, patients receive medication within 24 hour period
Supt Koch expressed that the decision of the physician overrides.
Cheryl Green read letters that Dr. Cummings drafted to send to Comptroller and Sheriff to request an update on commissary/telephone funds.
Nan Haynes expressed that she believed the letters should say both Commissary and Telephone funds.
Rev. Pierce asked everyone to look at information that was handed out from Sheriff regarding accounting of Commissary and Telephone funds at mid-year
Rev. Pierce stated that he had been informed that the County should not benefit from monies generated from inmates through Commissary and telephone funds.
Koch said that Commissary and Telephone Funds are separate funds. Stated that there is a difference in what they must be used for, in other counties telephone funds go into general revenue
Nan Haynes referenced a 2007 document, Koch expressed that at that time they were mixed in one account – there was no distinction between the two pots of money
Nan Haynes suggested that if it is not directed by COC then Advisory Board could make recommendation that telephone funds be used in the same way as it is directed that Commissary funds be used for welfare and rehabilitation of inmates
Rev. Pierce said we need further clarification
Michael Kubik asked where Rev. Pierce’s definition of “welfare” with regards to Commissary funds as to make prisoner work ready comes from
Rev. Pierce said it comes from Correctional Practitioners. Those involved in corrections and reentry
Rev. Pierce referenced Toolkit for Reentry that was provided to Board previously
Karima Amin asked for explanation of Property Storage in fund accounting
Supt Koch explained that it was to purchase bins so that inmates can store personal belongings in their cell and to keep them secure
Karima Amin asked about SAC program – Service Action Corps – groups that go into community to do work – this is for tools, supplies, etc…
Johnny Cabrera asked if cells at HC were wired for TV’s
Karima Amin asked if electronic message board was installed – Supt Koch said yes
Mr. Lex led discussion about substance abuse programs that have been cut and the need for these programs, Supt Koch added to discussion
Dr. Ansari asked about costs of programs being discussed
Supt Koch said he would reach out to those running programs currently
Michael Lex said he encouraged everyone to urge ECMC to keep substance abuse clinics open
Michael Lex pointed out that if the money is moved out of telephone fund then the Dept. might not be able to fund what is currently funded out of that program due to tax cap
Board suggested that letter be modified to include Telephone funds as well Commissary funds
Charles Culhane read a resolution he had drafted regarding the Commissary fund and telephone fund
Cheryl Green expressed her reservations about the accuracy of the resolution, Michael Lex agreed
Michael Kubik said we are not sure that telephone funds are supposed to be used as commissary funds.
Richard Carr expressed concern that inquiring into telephone funds may encourage the County Executive to take the telephone funds and put them back into the General Fund as is done in other county and then they would not be available for programs listed
Nan Haynes asked to understand the mechanism for the telephone funds being moved to general fund
Cheryl Green explained – discussion followed
Question regarding Medical and Safety line – asked for detail
Charles Culhane expressed concern that a majority of the money was going to facility, vehicles, etc…
Karima Amin asked about newspapers – USA Today, Challenger in library, Artvoice
Rev. Pierce asked about revenues from electronic monitoring – Koch indicated it goes to general fund.
Karima Amin asked about details on the latest suicide
Discussion followed
Rev. Pierce asked about having the next meeting at Alden. Supt Koch said he indicated we could have 10 on the tour now.
Next meeting will be at Alden facility
Motion to adjourn ____________, second by _________________
Meeting adjourned at 2:41