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VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, April 4, 2008 Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS PRESENT
V. Doran, Chairperson R. Thompson C. Eaton
Vice Chairman Victor Abrunzo sent his apologies for his absence.
Guests: Grady Billington and Dana Bottoms
STAFF PRESENT
K. Eichenberger, Chief Deputy Warden L. Herron, Lt. J.C. Anderson, Capt. M.Graves, AW T. Scott, Capt. W. Miller, AW C. Etchebehere, Business Mgr. S. McFarland, Tech. Asst. P. Utalon, Community Partnership Mgr.
The meeting was called to order by IFC Chairperson Victoria Doran at 1:02 PM.A motion to approve the minutes was brought and seconded. The February 8, 2008 minutes were approved.
It was announced that Lt. Herron was transfered to Watch Commander and Lt. Jacobson is the new Lt. for Visiting and Mail. All present congratulated Lt. Herron on his transfer.
IFC Chairperson Victoria Doran presented formal letters of thanks for the staff involved in the march 16,2008 Chowchilla Family Express Anniversary event. Letters were provided to the administration and copies were given to all staff members. CDW Eichenberger thanked the IFC and stated he would be sure to advise Warden Hornbeak of the letters.
Charli Eaton presented pictures of the event and thank you cards to Lt.Herron, Lt. Neely and Warden Hornbeak. Return to Top
1.
Medical Records:
Medical records release forms are not being handled in a manner which allows the forms to be placed in the inmates central/medical file. It was requested that the proper procedure be provided so that inmates can quickly address the issue. The forms should be completed in front of medical staff to avoid processing problems and misunderstandings with officers/staff. The forms will remain at the clinic with the medical records of the inmate. The forms should not be mailed in. Additionally training will be implemented to insure the form is completed in the presence of medical personnel as it must be specific for each inmate, and assistance may be required with regards to terminology and rights.
2.
Ad Seg/SHU Shoes:
It was brought to the attention of Capt. Donaldson that the inmates in Ad Seg/SHU were not allowed tennis shoes for any purpose. It was stated that the inmates are allowed state issused tennis shoes, and that if they do not have any they may fill out the appropriate form and submit it to the staff. Tennis shoes will be issued.
3.
Ad Seg/SHU Jackets:
Jackets for Ad Seg/SHU inmates was tabled for the next meeting.
4.
Ad Seg/SHU Mail:
Mail for Ad Seg/SHU inmates has been taking up to two weeks for processing and delivery. Staff stated that mail should not be adversely delayed more than a day or two due to additional security checks. Staff agreed to investigate and determine what, if anything , was causing the delay.
5.
Childern's Room Pictures:
The Chair advised administration that the pictures of the "Childern's Visiting Rooms" were posted to the IFC website. The Chair advised that she had delivered to Lt. Herron fabric for the benches in the "Children's Visiting Rooms" and Lt. Herron stated he had not seen it but would look for it and facilitate the paperwork required to use the fabric.
6.
Out of Date Food:
The issue of out-of-date boxed juices was brought to the attention of the administration. It was discussed that general population can just return to the food stations and trade in their juice box for a new one. The Chair questioned what procedures were in place for inmates who were not in the general population. Staff advised that the inmate would need to notify staff in Ad Seg/SHU and that they would accommodate the inmate in switching out the juice.
7.
Condiments:
In addition, it was brought to the administration notice that salt and pepper, as well as other condiments, were not delivered on the trays in Ad Seg/SHU housing. Administration advised that there might be a restriction on pepper and that they would look into the matter and advise the IFC at the next meeting.
8.
Daystar Concert:
Chaplain Peter Untalon discussed the upcoming Daystar concert which will be televised. The Chaplain is hoping for an inmate participation of 1,200 or more. Chaplain Untalon discussed the various programs currently available for the inmates as well as new programs coming on line. Chaplain Untalon discussed the upcoming events for 2008.
9.
Chowchilla Express:
Charli Eaton spoke briefly on the success of the March 16th anniversary event for the "Chowchilla Express" and the appreciation expressed by both the children and their guardians.
10.
"Get On The Bus":
A brief discussion was held regarding the upcoming May 9th, "Get On The Bus" program. It is believed that the decline in participation by inmates is due to the success of the "Chowchilla Express". Lt. Herron assured all that any inmates signing up for the program would have the forms notarized and completed in time for the event.
The next meeting will be held on June 6, 2008 at 1:00 pm