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Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, August 5, 2005
Warden’s Conference Room
|
Heat Problems
HobbyCraft/Kiln Honor Dorm Liquid Soap |
Lockdowns/Bomb Threats
Medical Staffing Mosquitos Visitor Searches |
Logo Created By VSPW Graphic Arts Program
"Thank You Ladies"
VALLEY STATE PRISON FOR WOMEN
INMATE FAMILY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES
Friday, August 5, 2005
Warden’s Conference Room
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES PRESENT
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Tammy R.
Elizabeth M.
Frank A.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Dr. John Videen (excused)
Irma C.
Louisa C.
Helen V. (excused)
Mark H.
Sherrie G.
Regina T. (excused)
Alexandria B.
STAFF PRESENT
R. Padilla, A.W.
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
D. Harman, Captain
G. Martinez, D Yard Facility Captain
C.A. Bowers, Chief Dental Officer
C. Pierini, HCM (A)
K. Eichenberger, A.W.
G. Frede, E.A.
The meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh. Introductions were made around the room.
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Book Program: Captain Harman reported that Lt. Donaldson is on vacation, so any reports about book programs need to be tabled until the next IFC meeting. She answered general questions about books. Books are now considered a special purchase, and only 10 per quarter may be delivered to an inmate, under special purchase guidelines. If families would like to donate books to the prison library, they need to obtain the special donation form from Zack Patrick, the Special Education Supervisor.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL FOLLOW UP WITH ZACK PATRICK TO GET A COPY OF THE DONATION FORM AND FIND OUT WHAT THE ROUTINE IS FOR BOOK DONATIONS.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Current Medical Staffing: There have been two resignations from doctors on the medical staff. One was Dr. Follett. Dr. Martin is currently the active Health Care Manager. Clinical signoffs are still occurring through the on-call doctors. Dr. Bowers is our new Chief Dental Officer, allowing Dr. Perez to go back out on the yards to practice dentistry. There is funding available for a new dentist and there are some applicants being interviewed shortly. There is also funding for another Full Time physician and a Limited Time physician, and the prison is looking for people to fill these positions right now.
Right now, the medical staffing on C and D yards is stable. B yard is short a physician (due to the recent resignation), and the prison administration has assigned a physician temporarily to this yard.
2. Vendors: Captain Harman verified that MGM is no longer an accepted Vendor. There have been no other problems. The prison is anticipating an approved Vendor list from headquarters any day now, but has not yet received this list. The person at state level who is in charge of approving Vendors may be Don Price, but Captain Harman was not sure of this. Marvin Coolbaugh said he would check with Mr. Price to see if MGM could be re-approved.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL CHECK WITH HEADQUARTERS TO SEE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE VENDOR APPROVAL PROGRAM, AND IF MGM CAN BE REINSTATED AT VSPW.
3. Honor Dorm: Several members of IFC report that their inmates, now housed in the Honor Dorm, are very, very happy. The Honor Dorm housing assignment has obviously reduced the stress level of the inmates, and is also reducing the stress level of family members. All of our feedback for VSPW is totally positive. Captain Martinez, the D Yard Facility Captain came in and gave us a report. She told us that many different departments are working with the staff and the inmates to get the Honor Dorm up and running. She mentioned that a committee has been established to list all the donations that have come in, and that Plant Operations has been tremendously helpful in finding furnishings and helping with the move and the setup. Cleaning and refurbishing is ongoing. The Education Department is supplying furniture and fixtures.
This is a trial period, and there are hopes for an expansion. Currently, the Honor Dorm has 206 women, with another 200 applications pending. The applications are reviewed and the most qualified go in first. Criteria for residence in the Honor Dorm includes two years disciplinary free, pursuit of a positive program with definite goals and objectives and a plan for parole; a commitment to living harmoniously with other inmates and staff, and agreeing to obey all rules, regulations and instructions (orders) from staff. Perks for the residents include 6-person rooms, choice of room and roommates, doors left open throughout the day (except at count time), first to meals, relaxed telephone usage, plants in the dayroom, and other privileges.
The IFC members wanted to let Captain Martinez know that we’ve been hearing from inmates that it is a very positive move for them. This also helps family members feel less stressed about their inmate loved ones. The IFC members present asked that a letter of appreciation be written to Captain Martinez.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL DRAFT A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO CAPTAIN MARTINEZ FROM THE IFC FOR HER WORK ON THE HONOR DORM. IT WILL BE CIRCULATED FOR APPROVAL ASAP.
4. Bomb Threats & Lockdowns: As of August 5th, it’s been over two weeks since the last bomb threat. The bomb threats started up right around the time the Honor Dorm started up. That may or may not have been a contributing factor. The bomb threats were the only reason for the previous lockdowns.
5. Heat Monitoring and Heat Problems in Dorm Rooms: Several of the inmates are reporting high temperatures in their dorm rooms, especially on the upper bunks and on the south window sides. We understand that windows cannot be covered, for safety and security reasons. Would it be possible to use a tint on the windows, or strips of tape or paper?
Lt. Eichenberg reported that the prison uses an evaporative system. This works well, within certain limits, unless there is a problem with air circulation. When there are problems with air circulation, he recommended that the women utilize the showers that are available in every dorm room to help make them more comfortable when the temperatures get high.
Captain Martinez reported that there were some problems with clogged and blocked vents, and that Plant Operations and the contract heating/air conditioning people are working on the problem. The contractor is bringing in a big air compressor on Monday, August 8th to clean out the vent ducts.
6. Mosquito abatement: The staff is monitoring the campus and leased areas around the prison to make sure that all standing water is eliminated. Last weekend, the AOD checked throughout the campus for standing water, and found none.
The PIA orchards are kept moist with drip systems, which prevent standing water.
If VSPW was having a problem with standing water, it would probably be a problem that would be assigned to the prison’s pest abatement contractor. The contractor comes in on a regular basis for vector control of various pests (rodents, insects, etc.). The County also has an Abatement District, but that would be separate from the measures and efforts taken at the prison and on prison-leased grounds.
C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. Kiln for Hobby Craft: Marvin Coolbaugh has been working with the Education Department to get the new kiln approved and delivered. Right now, the donation paperwork is in process, and needs to be followed up on. Mr. Sumner says that the paperwork at his end has been completed to move out the old one, and they are just waiting for the work to get done, and to go out and get the new one. Zack Patrick is involved, along with Plant Operations. Transportation still needs to be arranged. Marvin is concerned about getting the job done, as the lady who has sold us the kiln is moving soon.
The Warden has already sent a letter of thanks to the IFC for the donation.
The IFC would like to have a plaque put on the Kiln, indicating that the donation is from the IFC.
It was suggested by staff that Business Services needs to get involved to get the new one into the Warehouse.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL FOLLOW UP WITH ZACK PATRICK AND MR. SUMNER TO MAKE SURE ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE TO PICK UP THE NEW KILN.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL FOLLOW UP ON HAVING A DONATION PLAQUE ATTACHED TO THE KILN, ONCE IT IS INSTALLED.
2. Strip Searches in Visiting: IFC members have inquired in Visiting about obtaining copies of permission slips allowing strip searches. They have been told that there is no way for the staff to provide a copy, and that they don’t believe that the person signing the permission slip has any right to have a copy, nor is there any way to get one. It is our understanding that all persons signing an agreement to be strip searched may obtain a copy of that signed document.
None of the staff at this meeting are aware of the problem, or are aware of any procedure that allows a visitor to receive a copy of this paperwork. This item will need to be tabled until the next meeting.
If anyone has a problem like this, staff suggests that we bring their specific problem to the administration for an answer.
3. Lack of Liquid Soap on D Yard: An IFC member reported that there are people on D Yard who are reporting a lack of liquid soap this month. Staff reports that this might be transition-move related, and that things should be back to normal by now.
4. CA-IFC Website Logo Contest: Marvin Coolbaugh reported that we have received three drawings by the logo deadline, and that they will be scanned into the computer and mailed out to everyone for review and to vote on the one to use for our web page logo. We will report the results by the end of next week.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:47 PM.
Marvin Coolbaugh, Chair
Nancy Rubinstein, Secretary
Tammy R.
Elizabeth M.
Frank A.
MEMBERS/ALTERNATES ABSENT
Dr. John Videen (excused)
Irma C.
Louisa C.
Helen V. (excused)
Mark H.
Sherrie G.
Regina T. (excused)
Alexandria B.
STAFF PRESENT
R. Padilla, A.W.
J. Cavazos, Administrative Assistant
D. Harman, Captain
G. Martinez, D Yard Facility Captain
C.A. Bowers, Chief Dental Officer
C. Pierini, HCM (A)
K. Eichenberger, A.W.
G. Frede, E.A.
The meeting was called to order at 1:01 PM by Marvin Coolbaugh. Introductions were made around the room.
A. OLD BUSINESS
1. Book Program: Captain Harman reported that Lt. Donaldson is on vacation, so any reports about book programs need to be tabled until the next IFC meeting. She answered general questions about books. Books are now considered a special purchase, and only 10 per quarter may be delivered to an inmate, under special purchase guidelines. If families would like to donate books to the prison library, they need to obtain the special donation form from Zack Patrick, the Special Education Supervisor.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL FOLLOW UP WITH ZACK PATRICK TO GET A COPY OF THE DONATION FORM AND FIND OUT WHAT THE ROUTINE IS FOR BOOK DONATIONS.
B. NEW BUSINESS
1. Current Medical Staffing: There have been two resignations from doctors on the medical staff. One was Dr. Follett. Dr. Martin is currently the active Health Care Manager. Clinical signoffs are still occurring through the on-call doctors. Dr. Bowers is our new Chief Dental Officer, allowing Dr. Perez to go back out on the yards to practice dentistry. There is funding available for a new dentist and there are some applicants being interviewed shortly. There is also funding for another Full Time physician and a Limited Time physician, and the prison is looking for people to fill these positions right now.
Right now, the medical staffing on C and D yards is stable. B yard is short a physician (due to the recent resignation), and the prison administration has assigned a physician temporarily to this yard.
2. Vendors: Captain Harman verified that MGM is no longer an accepted Vendor. There have been no other problems. The prison is anticipating an approved Vendor list from headquarters any day now, but has not yet received this list. The person at state level who is in charge of approving Vendors may be Don Price, but Captain Harman was not sure of this. Marvin Coolbaugh said he would check with Mr. Price to see if MGM could be re-approved.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL CHECK WITH HEADQUARTERS TO SEE WHO IS IN CHARGE OF THE VENDOR APPROVAL PROGRAM, AND IF MGM CAN BE REINSTATED AT VSPW.
3. Honor Dorm: Several members of IFC report that their inmates, now housed in the Honor Dorm, are very, very happy. The Honor Dorm housing assignment has obviously reduced the stress level of the inmates, and is also reducing the stress level of family members. All of our feedback for VSPW is totally positive. Captain Martinez, the D Yard Facility Captain came in and gave us a report. She told us that many different departments are working with the staff and the inmates to get the Honor Dorm up and running. She mentioned that a committee has been established to list all the donations that have come in, and that Plant Operations has been tremendously helpful in finding furnishings and helping with the move and the setup. Cleaning and refurbishing is ongoing. The Education Department is supplying furniture and fixtures.
This is a trial period, and there are hopes for an expansion. Currently, the Honor Dorm has 206 women, with another 200 applications pending. The applications are reviewed and the most qualified go in first. Criteria for residence in the Honor Dorm includes two years disciplinary free, pursuit of a positive program with definite goals and objectives and a plan for parole; a commitment to living harmoniously with other inmates and staff, and agreeing to obey all rules, regulations and instructions (orders) from staff. Perks for the residents include 6-person rooms, choice of room and roommates, doors left open throughout the day (except at count time), first to meals, relaxed telephone usage, plants in the dayroom, and other privileges.
The IFC members wanted to let Captain Martinez know that we’ve been hearing from inmates that it is a very positive move for them. This also helps family members feel less stressed about their inmate loved ones. The IFC members present asked that a letter of appreciation be written to Captain Martinez.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL DRAFT A LETTER OF APPRECIATION TO CAPTAIN MARTINEZ FROM THE IFC FOR HER WORK ON THE HONOR DORM. IT WILL BE CIRCULATED FOR APPROVAL ASAP.
4. Bomb Threats & Lockdowns: As of August 5th, it’s been over two weeks since the last bomb threat. The bomb threats started up right around the time the Honor Dorm started up. That may or may not have been a contributing factor. The bomb threats were the only reason for the previous lockdowns.
5. Heat Monitoring and Heat Problems in Dorm Rooms: Several of the inmates are reporting high temperatures in their dorm rooms, especially on the upper bunks and on the south window sides. We understand that windows cannot be covered, for safety and security reasons. Would it be possible to use a tint on the windows, or strips of tape or paper?
Lt. Eichenberg reported that the prison uses an evaporative system. This works well, within certain limits, unless there is a problem with air circulation. When there are problems with air circulation, he recommended that the women utilize the showers that are available in every dorm room to help make them more comfortable when the temperatures get high.
Captain Martinez reported that there were some problems with clogged and blocked vents, and that Plant Operations and the contract heating/air conditioning people are working on the problem. The contractor is bringing in a big air compressor on Monday, August 8th to clean out the vent ducts.
6. Mosquito abatement: The staff is monitoring the campus and leased areas around the prison to make sure that all standing water is eliminated. Last weekend, the AOD checked throughout the campus for standing water, and found none.
The PIA orchards are kept moist with drip systems, which prevent standing water.
If VSPW was having a problem with standing water, it would probably be a problem that would be assigned to the prison’s pest abatement contractor. The contractor comes in on a regular basis for vector control of various pests (rodents, insects, etc.). The County also has an Abatement District, but that would be separate from the measures and efforts taken at the prison and on prison-leased grounds.
C. OTHER DISCUSSION
1. Kiln for Hobby Craft: Marvin Coolbaugh has been working with the Education Department to get the new kiln approved and delivered. Right now, the donation paperwork is in process, and needs to be followed up on. Mr. Sumner says that the paperwork at his end has been completed to move out the old one, and they are just waiting for the work to get done, and to go out and get the new one. Zack Patrick is involved, along with Plant Operations. Transportation still needs to be arranged. Marvin is concerned about getting the job done, as the lady who has sold us the kiln is moving soon.
The Warden has already sent a letter of thanks to the IFC for the donation.
The IFC would like to have a plaque put on the Kiln, indicating that the donation is from the IFC.
It was suggested by staff that Business Services needs to get involved to get the new one into the Warehouse.
ACTION ITEM: MARVIN COOLBAUGH WILL FOLLOW UP WITH ZACK PATRICK AND MR. SUMNER TO MAKE SURE ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE TO PICK UP THE NEW KILN.
ACTION ITEM: NANCY RUBINSTEIN WILL FOLLOW UP ON HAVING A DONATION PLAQUE ATTACHED TO THE KILN, ONCE IT IS INSTALLED.
2. Strip Searches in Visiting: IFC members have inquired in Visiting about obtaining copies of permission slips allowing strip searches. They have been told that there is no way for the staff to provide a copy, and that they don’t believe that the person signing the permission slip has any right to have a copy, nor is there any way to get one. It is our understanding that all persons signing an agreement to be strip searched may obtain a copy of that signed document.
None of the staff at this meeting are aware of the problem, or are aware of any procedure that allows a visitor to receive a copy of this paperwork. This item will need to be tabled until the next meeting.
If anyone has a problem like this, staff suggests that we bring their specific problem to the administration for an answer.
3. Lack of Liquid Soap on D Yard: An IFC member reported that there are people on D Yard who are reporting a lack of liquid soap this month. Staff reports that this might be transition-move related, and that things should be back to normal by now.
4. CA-IFC Website Logo Contest: Marvin Coolbaugh reported that we have received three drawings by the logo deadline, and that they will be scanned into the computer and mailed out to everyone for review and to vote on the one to use for our web page logo. We will report the results by the end of next week.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:47 PM.
