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Home My WebLink About2012-08-06 Work Session Minutes Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, August 6, 2012 Page 1 of 5 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 - Fax (541) 385-3202 - www.deschutes.org MINUTES OF WORK SESSION DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2012 ___________________________ Present were Commissioners Anthony DeBone, Alan Unger and Tammy Baney. Also present were Erik Kropp, Interim County Administrator; Judge Michael Sullivan; Judge Alta Brady; District Attorney Patrick Flaherty; Sheriff Larry Blanton; numerous members of the Sheriff’s Office; Chief Jeff Sale, Bend Police Department; Marty Wynne, Finance; David Givans, County Internal Auditor; County Counsel Mark Pilliod and Darryl Nakahira; and several other citizens, including media representative Hillary Borrud of The Bulletin. Chair DeBone opened the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 1. Discussion of Deschutes County Jail Housing Needs. Erik Kropp said for the last seven to ten years, jail overcrowding has been one of the biggest safety issues in the County. However, the voters turned down the last levy. At that time, an internal group of staff and officials (consisting of the Sheriff, Commissioner Baney, Marty Wynne, Ken Hales, Susan Ross, Erik Kropp; and former County Administrator Mike Maier) was formed to look at options and to come up with recommendations. One question was, should the Juvenile Detention Center become part of the Jail, and a new Juvenile Detention center built. A major drawback to this is the cost, with the number of jail beds gained being only about 44; and staff cannot run out of different centers efficiently. If the jail were expanded, this would add another 144 beds. The group, therefore, recommends this option. Sheriff Blanton said that work on this concept has taken several years. They started a needs assessment committee in 2006, with Judge Sullivan presiding. The task was to look at immediate and future needs. In May 2010, the public was asked to support a $45 million project, but this was defeated. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, August 6, 2012 Page 2 of 5 Sheriff Blanton feels the public was supportive overall and knows the need for public safety, and that adequate facilities are needed for those inmates with health, mental health, co-dependent and behavioral issues, but indicated the Sheriff’s Office and County have to live within their means. The group looked at options, and a 73,000 square foot facility to accommodate 300 beds; to a more immediately available 15,000 square foot with 144 beds. They can construct and pay the debt service on a full-faith and credit bond, without asking the taxpayers for additional funds. There has been a huge effort to get to this point They continue to struggle with capacity, as the only jail in Deschutes County, and this makes it hard for all law enforcement agencies, the courts, District Attorney and others. They will work out the details of construction based on a professional evaluation of needs, the bid process, and so on. Chair DeBone asked when capacity started to be an issue. The Sheriff said around 2006, and it has been a growing trend. They have 228 beds but there are continual complications. Renting jail beds is a good short-term solution, but if there are other issues (behavior, health, mental health), it does not work that well. They serve 1,000 meals a day, endless laundry, and there is a lot of work to handle this population. If people have to be moved around for various reasons, that has a significant impact. Mike Maier said this was not a surprise. Projections from long ago were that the jail would max out about that time or sooner, based on population growth. Judge Brady said they get an e-mail every day about jail capacity. They should not have to make decisions sometimes on whether the jail has room. Some inmates are being held pre-trial. The Courts are a small piece of the picture, and there may be many cases that are not yet at the court level. There can be all kinds of complications with caseloads and jail space. She added that credibility of the Court system is based on people getting the sentences they deserve. Some are mandated. She has seen this coming for a long time. This is the best way to address this issue without having to ask the voters for money. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, August 6, 2012 Page 3 of 5 Sheriff Blanton said they are in essence matrixing every day. The Courts try to release to third parties and impose other conditions, but this is a problem almost every day. Judge Sullivan said that all departments have cooperated on this. Parole & Probation has tried to reduce the number of days; and law enforcement is issuing citations in lieu of custody. The District Attorney cannot get enough fingerprints without burdening the jail. They are trying to reduce demand on the jail. Sometimes they have to reduce the number of days. They exhausted alternatives and need to get something else in place. Patrick Flaherty stated they are working as effectively as possible. They have problem inmates, and try to resolve those cases more quickly. When the Grand Jury did its correctional inspection, they were extremely impressed how professionally operated the jail is, but noted the lack of jail beds, especially concerning those inmates who need medical or other special care. He said they are working as effectively as possible. If there are problem inmates, they try to resolve those cases more quickly. When grand jury did a correctional inspection, they were extremely impressed how professionally operated the jail is, but noted the lack of jail beds, especially considering medical and mental health issues. He agrees that they have done everything they are capable of doing with this existing space. Jeff Sale stated it is well managed on a day-to-day basis, and they do a good job of getting people out who can reasonably be out; but some need to go to or be in jail. Without more capacity, they will have to keep releasing people that will need to be chased down in a day or a week. Mike Maier added that the committee agreed that this could be done fairly quickly. It is a stepping-stone for future expansion, and not a waste. It is a part of the overall plan for the future and they have the ability to build more. It is a good investment. Susan Ross noted that the original project of about $40 million involved a lot of physical site work. This time they looked at how to just come up with beds. They would be adding one component of the housing units. (She referred to display boards at this time.) She explained where unit would be added: six units, two stories, with 24 people in each unit. Minutes of Board of Commissioners’ Work Session Monday, August 6, 2012 Page 4 of 5 Sheriff Blanton indicated that they need to finalize the nuts & bolts of the project, and that some has been done already. What they need from the Board is instructions to staff to move forward with planning. They do not just house people at the jail; they provide drug and alcohol treatment, GED and other programs. They do not have medical segregation at this time. This will allow them to care for those with medical, mental health or suicide issues. Years down the road, this will be part of the big picture plan. However, it would have an immediate impact on public safety in Deschutes County. Commissioner Unger thanked all for working with Sheriff on this. He noted that the plan sounds cost-effective and is the right thing to do. The committee did a great job. Commissioner Baney indicated that she was part of the committee. It was hard to figure out options and how best to handle this population. There has been great linkage between the different interests. Agencies have done a lot of creative things to keep people out of the jail, but cannot do much more. They have been and continue to do more with less, and are living within their means as much as possible. Chair DeBone said these are exciting times, coming out of a hard recession, and it is good to know the County can handle this in spite of the obstacles. Thinking big and long-term is important. UNGER: Recommend Board support of the conceptual expansion, and the issuance of a reimbursement resolution and a resolution for bonding. BANEY: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Media representative Hillary Borrud asked the Commissioners and Sheriff for a solid cost of the project. The Sheriff said last time they were forced to guess at some of this to get it on the ballot with a tax rate, and that was difficult. It will be significantly less than the previous proposal. There has not been a number presented to the Board. This is a conceptual plan and it is not ready to go out for bids. Commissioner Baney noted that public safety is a priority and there is no need to hide anything. However, a more certain amount is needed. Mr. Kropp added that the bond would cover everything including the permi ts and soft costs. 2. Other Items. . Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), Pending or Threatened Litigation -Mark Pilliod . Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(d), Labor Negotiations -Erik Kropp Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(i), Personnel Issue -Erik Kropp After executive session under a personnel issue: BANEY: Direct staff to negotiate with the plaintiff on the case to allow for a ceiling amount as discussed. UNGER: Second. VOTE: UNGER: Yes. BANEY: Yes. DEBONE: Chair votes yes. Being no fitrther discussion, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m., at which time the Board went into further executive session. 2012 for the DATED this Z!1J':!:-, Day of ~ Deschutes County Board of Commissioners. Anthony DeBone, Chair Alan Unger, Vice Chair ATTEST: ~~ Recording Secretary Minutes of Board of Commissioners' Work Session Monday, August 6,2012 Page50f5 Deschutes County Board of Commissioners 1300 NW Wall St., Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701-1960 (541) 388-6570 -Fax (541) 385-3202 -www.deschutes.org WORK SESSION AGENDA DESCHUTES COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 1:30 P.M., MONDAY, AUGUST 6, 2012 1. Discussion of Deschutes County Jail Housing Needs -SheriffBlanton 2. Other Items Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(h), Pending or Threatened Litigation -Mark Pi Iliad Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)( d), Labor Negotiations -Erik Kropp Executive Session under ORS 192.660(2)(i), Personnel Issue -Erik Kropp PLEASE NOTE: At any time during this meeting. an executive session could be called to address issues relating to ORS 192.660(2) (e), real property negotiations; ORS 192.660(2) (h). litigation; ORS 192.660(2Xd). labor negotiations; or ORS 192.660(2) (b), personnel issues. Meeting dates. times and discussion items are subject to change. All meetings are conducted in the Board o/Commissioners' meeting rooms at 1300 NW Wall St .• Bend. unless otherwise indicated. Ifyou have questions regarding a meeting. please call 388-6572. Deschutes County meeting locations are wheelchair accessible. Deschutes County provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For deaf, hearing impaired or speech disabled, dial 7-1-1 to access the state transfer relay service forTfY. Please call (541) 388-6571 regarding alternative formats or for further information. I I I I -----l---i--I----+------j-I ----!-I--1---+--+--+----t----t-:- I I~ I--t-l-I -t--'-J -l-i----~'+___;__i____JI....! I I I . ---r--~II I ~ ~ ~ .~ co E I QJ ~ I ~-------!--------,--''i.~~~+---:-_I;---+-------;.-I_ I I I I I ~ I I IQJ C I II Io I.I:. 0.. I I I I I i I----:-i ---..If.-- DESCHUTES COUNTY ADULT JAIL EXPANSION FINALIZED ON AUGUST 6,2012 TALKING POINTS ... WHY THE NEED ~ WE'VE BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE NEED FOR MORE JAIL BEDS FOR MANY YEARS. THE CONCERNS AND SAFETY ISSUES TO BOTH OUR STAFF AND THE PUBLIC HAVE NOT DIMINISHED SINCE WE BEGAN THE CONCEPT IN 2006. ~ THE GOAL IS TO HAVE MORE GENERAL USE BEDS, MORE BEDS FOR PROPER INMATE CLASSIFICATION AND MORE JAIL BEDS TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE NEEDED TREATMENT AND CARE FOR THOSE INDIVIDUALS INCARCERATED WITHOUT ASKING THE TAXPAYERS FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING. --------.-.-~. -.~.~--~----~-~ -------~-~-----. --.~-.-~~-.------------------------- 2 JAIL EXPANSION KEY EVENTS • THE CITIZEN CORRECTIONS NEED ASSESSMENT COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED EXPANDING THE JAIL IN JANUARY 2006 • A GENERAL OBLIGATION BOND WAS PROPOSED AND DEFEATED IN THE MAY 18, 2010 ELECTION . ----------------------.-----------------. ,-----------------------------------------3 2010 PLAN VS. 2012 PROPOSED PLAN M o ~ BOND MEASURE WAS FOR $45 MILLION ~ ADDITIONAL 73,000 SQUARE FEET ~ ADDITIONAL 300 BEDS ~ PLAN CALLED FOR: ~ NEW COURTROOM EXPANDED SALLY PORT, KITCHEN, MEDICAL UNIT, ADMINISTRATION AND STAFF FACILITIES AND OTHER REMODEL ~ FULL FAITH & CREDIT BOND ~ THE ANNUAL DEBT SERVICE WILL BE FUNDED BY EXISTING REVENUE SOURCES. ~ ADDITIONAL 15,000 SQUARE FEET ~ ADDITIONAL 144 BEDS ~ NO ADDITIONAL SERVICE EXPANSION OR REMODEL .. 4 WHAT THE EXPANSION WILL DO ~ PROVIDE ADEQUATE BED-SPACE CAPACITY TO EFFECTIVELY CLASSIFY AND MANAGE INMATES ACCORDING TO: ~ GENDER ~ AGE ~ MEDICAL CONDITIONS JULY 26,2012 CONDITION DAYS IN CUSTODY Male Inmate -Severed tendon in arm, 8 attempted suicide out of custody Male Inmate -Huntington's Disease 1 Male Inmate -Heart Condition 14 Male Inmate -Medical issues 18 Male Inmate -Hernia surgery weight loss 569 Male Inmate -Severe Diabetic 65 Male Inmate -Severe Diabetic-Requires dialysis 237 ., 5 WHAT THE EXPANSION WILL DO • PROVIDE ADEQUATE BED-SPACE CAPACITY TO EFFECTIVELY CLASSIFY AND MANAGE INMATES ACCORDING TO: • MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS JULY 26,2012 CONDITION DAYS IN CUSTODY Male Inmate -Medical Mental 2 Female Inmate -Suicidal 8 Male Inmate -Oregon State Hospital Motion 39 Male Inmate -Suicidal 61 Female Inmate -Suicidal 15 Male Inmate -Medical Mental 15 Male Inmate -Psychotic, Oregon State Hospital Motion 130 6 WHAT THE EXPANSION WILL DO ~ PROVIDE ADEQUATE BED-SPACE CAPACITY TO EFFECTIVELY CLASSIFY AND MANAGE INMATES ACCORDING TO: ~ CHARGE ~ LEGAL STATUS ~ LEVEL OF ESCAPE RISK DANGER POSED TO OTHER INMATES OR SELF ~ ASSAULTIVE AND COMBATIVE BEHAVIOR &CLASSIFICATION ~ LENGTH OF STAY ~ 7 EXPANSION WILL ALSO ~ PROTECT THE COMMUNITY BY PROVIDING ADEQUATE BED SPACE FOR OFFENDERS REQUIRED TO BE IN CUSTODY ~ ELIMINATE THE NEED TO "MATRIX" INMATES DUE TO LACK OF BEDS. BETWEEN 2006 & 2007 THERE WERE 1,000 INMATES RELEASED EACH YEAR ~ ELIMINATE THE NEED TO RENT BEDS FROM JEFFERSON COUNTY WHICH IS NOT A VIABLE LONG TERM SOLUTION ~ INCRFASE SPACE FOR INMATE PROGRAMS WHICH OFFER INMATES THE TOOLS TO MAKE POSITIVE CHANGES IN THEIR LIVES, SUCH AS: AA, NA, &GED CLASSES ~ PARENTING CLASSES ~ INMATE WORK CREWS ---~--.----~-~~~~ ~~ ~ '-';'<¥'/i~~ ~ -.0 Y> C C8 QJI ' C4§8