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2009-1217-Minutes for Meeting March 02,2009 Recorded 5/19/2009DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL u G j Monday, March 2, 2009 Allen Room, County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall Street, Bend, OR MINUTES OF MEETING Present were Judge Michael Sullivan; County Administrator Dave Kanner; Commissioners Tammy Baney and Alan Unger; Ken Hales, Community Corrections; Deevy Holcomb, Juvenile Community Justice; Ron Roberts, Redmond Police Chief; Jack Blum and Bev Clarno, citizen members; Becky McDonald, 9-1- 1; Mike Dugan, District Attorney; Aaron Brenneman, defense attorney; Ernie Mazorol, Court Administrator; Sheriff Blanton and Lt. Tracy Jones, Sheriff's Office; Scott Johnson, Health and Mental Health; Hillary Saraceno, Commission on Children & Families; and Jessie Watkins, JBar Jand Andrea Blum, citizen. No representatives of the media were present. 1. Call to Order & Introductions. Judge Sullivan called the meeting to order at 3:35 p.m., at which time the attendees introduced themselves. 2. February Minutes. Dave Kanner moved approval; Ken Hales seconded. Approval was unanimous. 3. Public Comment. NANCYU RECORDS BLANKENSHIP, COUNTY CLERK CJ ZOO9'~L+1 None was offered. COMMISSiONER5' JOURNAL 05/19/2009 01:48;49 PM IIIIIIIII Jill IIIIIIIIIIIIII) III 2009-3237 Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 1 of 7 Pages 4. Juvenile Gang Assessment Deevy Holcomb said that the final report was scheduled to be done but data collection has taken longer than anticipated. It will be ready by the April 6 meeting. Mike Dugan said that there is training on gangs coming up later in the month through the DOJ for law enforcement. Chief Baxter said she thought it was similar to what was presented last year. 5. Discussion of Budget Impacts Judge Sullivan gave an overview of the impacts of the poor economy and resultant reduced budgets. The immediate problem is finishing up the biennium. A shortfall was projected last year but within the past couple of weeks it has been made clear that the revenue picture is worse than anticipated. A cut at this time is dramatic, as the adjustment has to be made in a very brief period of time. A 2% cut at this late date in the biennium equals in essence about 12%. The Courts will begin operating on a four-day work week for the rest of the fiscal year, being closed on Fridays. The Judges may continue to work on Fridays on other issues but they will be without staff. The last time this happened, about four or five years ago, the cuts were for four months but it took much longer than that to get operations back to normal, about a year. At this point they have a 20% reduction in personnel, not including positions that were left open and temporary employees who have been laid off. This does not consider sick leave or vacations. This decision was made by the Chief Justice with input from the Presiding Judges. What this means to those in the Court system is that they will not be arraigning anyone on Fridays. More people in custody will have to be transported the rest of the week, with more of them on Monday morning. Most of these people behave and know what they are supposed to do, but there could be problems with some of the prisoners. There are safety concerns when this many people are brought over in chains. Staff has to be very vigilant. It has been difficult to keep up with cases in the past but it will be particularly hard in the future. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 2 of 7 Pages Aaron Brenneman agreed that it has been challenging from the defense side of things as well, and they also are always backed up. Judge Sullivan said that costs will go up, as Officers testifying may have to wait longer. And of course the cost of transport is an issue. Some cases may be delayed to the point of dismissal. Some valuable employees may be forced to quit, as they could have to move from the area. The investment in employee training, especially those in law enforcement, is another potential loss. The Sheriff does not want the Courthouse to be partially open. If they are to close some operations on Fridays, it needs to be closed to all. Ernie Mazorol said that if there is an expense for personnel above and beyond the reduced hours, they have been advised that the local Court will be responsible for that cost. Also, the press release that indicates the cut in hours is at least for the rest of the biennium, but could go on much longer. Mike Dugan stated that there are few instances when the prisoner has to be physically present. He asked if the video conferencing can include sentencing or other actions. Judge Sullivan said the jail is already tied up with video conferencing much of the day, but the scheduling has to be very tight. The biggest problem is that they need to be able to effectively communicate with their attorneys. Mr. Brenneman said that probation violations are an issue. It is difficult for them to go to the jail to visit with the client. They usually have to meet with the clients at the courthouse. Sentencing can sometimes be handled via video conferencing, but the scheduling is often a problem. Mike Dugan stated that there is a statutory requirement of sixty days maximum to be brought to trial or they are released. He asked if the Chief Justice would allow a delay beyond the sixty days. Judge Sullivan said that he would inquire, but assumes that it might be up to the individual judge. Mr. Dugan stated that the 48 hour hold did not apply the last time this situation happened. Judge Sullivan will advise as soon as he knows more. Ballot Measure 11 cases will be a priority. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 3 of 7 Pages The 2008-09 budget is being built on the Governor's recommendation. The Department will prepare for a continued reduced work week. They are not filling positions that have been open and there could be some layoffs. The public affected are those who are not insured and have serious mental illness. These people are at risk to themselves and others. Chief Roberts said that they are set for the rest of this fiscal year, although they did not fill one position. They have cut back on most expenses. The next fiscal year does not look good; over $400,000 in cuts are anticipated. He is not sure how this will come out, but they are working with the unions. Chief Baxter stated their situation is similar. They have not filled five positions, which is about 7% of their personnel. The calls are about the same number but many calls require more than one officer, as they often involved violent behavior. The COPS grants might start coming in soon, per President Obama's recommendation, but the grants are for a limited time. Ken Hales said that the Parole & Probation Department has already cut some from Juvenile; the adult program is being cut $190,000 and it will have to be absorbed through contingencies. Next year will be more challenging, with a loss of at least 12%. This means they will have to cut everything except the basics. Misdemeanors, domestic violence, transitional housing, indigent treatment and other services will not be provided, and positions will have to remain open. He will seek funds for misdemeanor supervision this year but is not sure if the funding is available. If next year is as bad as anticipated, they will have to reduce even more. The cost of the misdemeanor supervision is about $400,000. They have to maintain what they have on the felony side, which is required. They may have to reduce the misdemeanor supervision to the point where funding, if any, is available. The State is trying hard not to take over local Parole & Probation, if the counties decide to opt out. The Governor's Office said that they may try to alleviate this. Mr. Dugan said that the opt out requires six months' notice. Mr. Blum stated that he worked in corrections when the State had it and felt they handled it very badly. He does not want to see everything that has worked well for years be dumped during this time. Sending young people to the State penitentiary is not always the best thing to do. Judge Sullivan said that the counties do a much better job with the 1145 money. There will be some difficult decisions to come. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 5 of 7 Pages Sheriff Blanton observed that there is a ripple effect of all of these situations. Ballot Measure 57 will also effect the jail population. His Department will carry four vacant positions the next year. A lot of people don't realize that the Courts do not just handle criminal cases, but there are a lot of civil cases handled there. There are a lot of concerns this year. They are going to have to consider using jail beds in Jefferson County, which costs more and makes it harder for the defense attorneys. They had to rewrite policies as to who goes into the Work Center. They used to have 28 female beds, but now there are 40, which means fewer beds for men. The biggest challenge is the changing budget environment. Public safety is a complete package and what happens with one effects the others. Hillary Saraceno said that they are anticipating a 5% cut the rest of this biennium, and they are already down about 20% on staffing. They are looking at a $460,000 loss for programs in the next biennium, such as Ready Set Go home visitations, CASA and other programs. This impacts the system in other ways later on. She asked if domestic violence and child abuse calls are categorized by zip code or in another way by location. Child Welfare has said that there are no particular "hot spots". The law enforcement people present said that there are definitely areas where this is a greater problem. Chief Roberts said they are working with the schools to address these types of issues. Bev Clarno stated that she anticipates this will be as serious as it was a few years ago. She thinks there will be special sessions taking place so the legislature can address some of these problems. Dave Kanner said that they may adopt a placeholder budget for one year and come back to readdress the second year. Chief Roberts indicated that the prevention programs are very important. It is easy to think about what is happening right now, but what may happen in the future is also important. He wants to continue these programs and partnerships as much as possible. Judge Sullivan stated that the money to be used for furniture in the new jail courtroom has been taken back by the State. It was an eye-opener to go with the Sheriff to other locations where they load up buses with prisoners to go to court. The Judges can't do what they need to do without staff. Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 6 of 7 Pages 6. Other Business. None was offered. Being no further items discussed, the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Bonnie Baker Recording Secretary Attachments Exhibit A: Agenda Exhibit B: Sign in sheets Minutes of LPSCC Meeting Monday, March 2, 2009 Page 7 of 7 Pages DESCHUTES COUNTY PUBLIC SAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL ~J ES n Monday, March 2, 2009 - 3:30 pm Allen Room, County Administration Building, 1300 NW Wall, Bend, OR A ends Call to Order & Introductions Judge Sullivan II February Minutes Attachment 1 Judge Sullivan Action: Approve minutes III Public Comment Judge Sullivan IV Juvenile Gang Assessment Deevy Holcomb Provide project update V Budget Impacts Judge Sullivan Public safety agency members report on revenue and service forecast IX Other Business Judge Sullivan z u LU Q W J a N ~ II I li I i I S ~ _ Oil I c U +r c l M 0 i r IZN I J V °~1 -41Z I J v