Corrections Standards Authority Meeting Minutes

MINUTES
 CORRECTIONS STANDARDS AUTHORITY MEETING
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2007

 600 BERCUT DRIVE
SACRAMENTO, CA 95811
(916) 445-5073
Meeting held at: Napa County Juvenile Justice Center, 212 Walnut Street, Napa, CA 94559

 

 

Secretary James E. Tilton, Chair of the CSA swore Ms. Adele Arnold in to the board.
Executive Director Mr. C. Scott Harris Jr. called the meeting to order. Mr. Harris introduced Ms. Mary Butler, Chief Probation Officer of the Napa County Juvenile Justice Center. Ms. Butler, welcomed everyone to the Center. She informed the Board members that the facility was completed two and half years prior and has the capacity to hold 60 minors, presently holding 40 minors, offered a tour to those who would like one after the meeting and introduced Mr. Christopher Howard, the new Superintendent who would be hosting the tour.

Chairman Tilton directed Ms. Yolanda Campos, Executive Assistant of Corrections Standards Authority (CSA) to take roll call.

The following members were in attendance:
James Tilton
Scott Kernan
Bernard Warner
Ed Prieto
Gary Penrod
William Powers
Linda Penner
Adele Arnold
John Ingrassia
Kim Petersen
Carol Biondi
Pamela Gilyard
Cleotha Adams
Karrie Eckhardt

Ms. Campos announced the absences of board members:
David Bacigalupo
Robert Hernandez
Mimi Silbert
Travis Townsy

A motion to excuse the absence was made by
Mr. Scott Kernan and seconded by Ms. Kim Petersen.
The motion carried.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES FROM THE SEPTEMBER 13, 2007 CORRECTIONS STANDARDS AUTHORITY

(AGENDA ITEM A) A motion to adopt the minutes of the September 13, 2007, Corrections Standards Authority meeting was made by Mr. Powers and seconded by Mr. Warner. The motion carried.

CORRECTIONS STANDARDS AUTHORITY POLICY CHANGE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT (AGENDA ITEM B)
Mr. Harris presents the opinion from the legal department to allow for public comment to be at the beginning of the meeting.Secretary Tilton allows public comment to be tied to the agenda item it relates to. There will be a recommendation to approve public comment on each item as they relate.

PUBLIC COMMENT (AGENDA ITEM C)
No public comment

BOARD MEETING CALENDAR FOR 2008 (AGENDA ITEM D)
Mr. Harris, Executive Director presented the proposing dates and locations for CSA’s 2008 meeting calendar to the Board.  CSA Board meeting dates are typically scheduled for the second Thursday of the meeting month.  The CSA Board convenes six times during the year.  Typically, CSA hosts three meetings in Sacramento, and the other three locations showcase new facility construction or programs funded or administered by the CSA.  This accomplishes two important objectives: it provides access to CSA meetings for those local corrections administrators and county officials who find it difficult to travel to Sacramento; and, it is a cost-effective way to provide CSA board members with an opportunity to personally observe the progress of key programs, projects and facilities for which the board is responsible.

The California Probation Parole Correctional Association (CPPCA) has requested that the CSA Board consider changing the meeting date from the second Thursday in September to the third Thursday (September 18) to coincide with CPPCA’s 77 th annual conference in Alameda (see Attachment A).  The Chief Probation Officers of California (CPOC) and the Executive Committee of the California Association of Probation Institution Administrators (CAPIA) will be in attendance at the this conference, and the timing of these events will allow chief probation officers and institution administrators the opportunity to attend the CSA Board meeting, and to meet with CSA Board members and staff.

The following proposed calendar was proposed to the CSA Board:  2008:
Thursday, January 10, 200                  Sacramento County (CSA)
Thursday, March 13, 2008                 San Mateo County (JH)
Thursday, May 8, 2008                       Sacramento County (CSA)
Thursday, July 10, 2008                       Santa Barbara County (JH)
Thursday, September 18, 2008           Alameda County (JH)
Thursday, November 13, 2008        Sacramento County (JH)

Some conflicts were identified.  Sheriffs Penrod and Prieto requested the CSA Board to consider changing the meeting date from the second Thursday in March to the third Thursday (March 20) to avoid a conflict with the scheduled California State Sheriff’s Association legislative day.  In addition, the Board requested staff identify another location for the July meeting due to the difficulty many of the Board members will have traveling to Santa Barbara County.

The Board approved the January 10, 2008 meeting date and location, and staff was directed to provide an alternate schedule addressing the conflicts at the next CSA Board meeting. 

A motion to approve the January 10, 2008, Corrections Standards Authority meeting was made by Mr. Warner and was seconded by Ms. Carol Biondi. The motion carried.

ASSEMBLY BILL 900-THE PUBLIC SAFETY AND OFFENDER REHABILITATION SERVICES ACT OF 2007 UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM E)
Deputy Director Robert Takeshta presented this information only item to update the Board on the Executive Steering Committee’s (ESC) progress. Sheriff Penrod and Sheriff Prieto are chair and co-chair appointed in May. The ESC roster was approved at the July 2007 meeting. ESC met in Sacramento on September 24 th, which was an open session to the public. There is up to $750 million for phase one, divided into three categories, small, medium and large county. Small counties would have $50 million, medium counties $100 million, large counties would have up to $600 million. Caps were placed on the money so that one county would not receive a disproportionate amount of funding. Large counties were capped at $125 million, medium counties $25 million and small counties $12.5 million. The ESC will accept recommendations from the board. The RFP is on the website.

Secretary Tilton stated that over twenty counties have stepped up to provide a better transition into the community with these rehabilitative facilities. Secretary Tilton recommended three issues for the committee to consider; first, the value in the scoring system of the reentry system, second the prioritization of finding a site, and third, to demonstrate the readiness from us for these reentry facilities. These are primarily for the assessment of readiness for the use of these facilities.

The rural counties have issues with regionalization in regards to reentry facilities and transition of services.

Public Comment:
Chief Deputy Secretary Deborah Hysen made a brief overview of AB 900 as it applies to prisons. The administration saw AB 900 as the largest public works legislation for the State of California. Build capacity quickly and make sure it is smart. 16,000 reentries beds, San Joaquin, Amador and Calaveras counties for stepping up and support the first facilities with 500 beds. Prototypical designs, program spaces and treatment space meets the constitutional care requirements. Looking at current facilities that might be able to be used for reentry. We are trying to fit the architectural fabric of each community. Also trying to combine facilities amenities to allow for more use of grant money.

Sheriff Bill Brown from Santa Barbara County stated that AB 900 as it relates to the RFP that there is a formula for distribution of funding as it relates to counties. There are concerns of funding that is available for primarily mid-size counties. The low ranking value of the preferential points does not reflect the urgency of the Governor’s office for reform. The level of reward should be commensurate with the level of support that is being offered. This county is fully prepared to work with CDCR on a reentry facility. However, construction costs are very high in this community. The timeline does not allow for the partnering with the state the ability to construct a combined facility in sync with the state’s timeline. Sheriff Brown offered to fund projects that meet the legislative attempt and second, to coordinate the timeline.

Sheriff Steve Moore from San Joaquin County stated a cap of $100 million should be placed for all counties to allow for enough funding to take place.

Sheriff James Mele from Tuolumne County stated that small counties concerns are that the cap is too small at $12.5 million. The current facilities progress is being made; however, this amount is just not enough.

Sheriff Dennis Downum from Calaveras County would like to see the board look at the process of the counties living under court ordered capacity limits and would like to see some process where that has some value in points. He also proposes to make the cap to a competitive level.

Sheriff Martin Ryan of Amador County poses the same concerns as the other sheriff’s statements. $12.5 million is just not enough for what the county needs. They should also be granted more preferential points.

SPECIAL SESSION BOARD MEETING DECEMBER 13, 2007 (AGENDA ITEM F)
Deputy Robert Takeshta presented this information only item. Mr. Takeshta stated the CSA Board will be meeting in special session on December 13, 2007 at 10:00 am to approve the final RFP for jail construction funding and Deputy Director Marlon Yarber will present information on the DMC process evaluation.

IMPLEMENTATION OF SENATE BILL 81 AND ASSEMBLY BILL 191 (AGENDA ITEM G)
Executive Director Scott Harris stated that the staff has come up with recommendations and an update regarding this issue. SB 81’s focus was on the realignment of the Youthful Offender population. CSA staff is supportive of the realignment of Youthful Offenders; however, if the legislation did not authorize resources for CSA to administer this, that is why we are here to relay this to the board. CDCR and CSA shall give plenty of preference to counties that assist the state in sighting mental health day treatment and crisis care as well as to counties that assist the state with reentry facilities.

Deputy Director Gary Wion presented Section 18 of SB 81 which amended Section 208.5 of the Welfare Institutions Code to allow individuals under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court between the age of 19 and 21 to come into and remain in contact with persons under the age of 18. Before the county can house these offenders CSA must approve the county’s plan. CSA staff recommends the following process, a letter being drafted that states the programming, capacity and safety issues associated with housing older offenders. The CSA staff will then review the applications using Title 15 and 24 regulations and current Federal Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act requirements to access the facilities programming ability and capacity. CSA staff will notify the county within thirty days in regards to either approval or denial of the application. During the Bi-annual inspection the assigned field representative will then further scrutinize the facility’s ability to meet the content of Section 208.5. At this point there are a dozen counties asking what this process is. The thirty day period will begin once their request has been processed. The appeal will be to Deputy Director Gary Wion, then Executive Director Harris then the Board.

At this point there was a discussion on what to do with youthful offender age 19 and 20. Do they stay in contact and in facilities that house Juvenile’s or do they go to adult facilities.

Deputy Director Marlon Yarber presented the next issue Section 29 of SB 81. It describes the structure of the State Commission on Juvenile Justice. It also tasks this body with “Comprehensive oversight, planning and coordination efforts which enhance the partnership and performance of State and Local agencies in preventing and responding to juvenile crime”. SB 737 abolished the State Commission on Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and reestablished it as the State Commission on Juvenile Justice with 12 members. The Chief Deputy Secretary of Juvenile Justice has been appointed as a co-chair as opposed to chair. The ACJJDP (SAG) is tasked with the coordination of the three year State plan for California and insuring that all State and Local plans are in accordance with that plan. SB 81 requires the State Commission to develop a juvenile justice operational master plan that takes into account evidence based programs and needs assessment tools used by the counties as well as the costs of these strategies.

Mr. Warner stated that for the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, the Chair and Co-chairs have been appointed as well as 70 percent of the members.

Section 7 of AB 191 amended Section 30 of SB 81 and also states that 5 percent of youthful offender block grant should be held in reserve by the State Controller’s Office and then distributed by the Department of Finance upon recommendation by CSA in collaboration with the Division of Juvenile facilities. The block grant amounts have been sent out and there has been one request returned to date.

Section 30 of SB 81 requires that counties submit to CSA Juvenile Justice Development Plans that detail programs, placement services and strategies to be funded by the Youthful Offender Block Grant. The plan must also identify any regional agreements supported by the block grant. The plans must be back to CSA by January 1 st, 2008. There will be updates to the board on a regular basis to share progress regarding the plans the counties have established.

Mr. Takeshta stated that section 30 authorizes up to $100 million in bonds to be administered by State Public Works Board.

Ms. Linda Penner made a motion that the ESC in relation to the Juvenile Construction Funds Requests be put on the December 13 th agenda for establishment of that committee in order to be prepared for action in January.

Seconded by Mr. Warner
Motion Approved

Deputy Director Marlon Yarber presented Section 34 of SB 81. Section 34 of AB 191 amended Section 34 of SB 81. Both pilots must have an overarching goal of reducing the number of offenders being sent to State prison. At the end of the three year timeline each county must submit a report and evaluation of their respective projects. CSA staff has provided T/A to Alameda County regarding their implementation plan and has begun discussions with Los Angeles County to do the same.

FEDERAL AND STATE CONSTRUCTION GRANTS INFORAMTION ITEMS (AGENDA ITEM H)
Field Representative Charlene Aboytes presented this item. This item advises CSA of staff decisions on State and or federally funded construction projects by describing minor project changes such as timeline and grant award changes. This requires staff to document actions and identify them at future board meetings. The three remaining federally funded construction projects, the juvenile halls in San Francisco, Sacramento and Alameda have been completed and all the retention monies have been released to those counties.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION (ACCJDP) UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM I)
Deputy Director Marlon Yarber presented this information only item stating that on October 10, 2007 ACJJDP held a meeting in Los Angeles County. There was discussion on the roles and responsibilities of the State Commission on Juvenile Justice, a program update on the CPP Division, formation of a planning subcommittee, an update regarding the Enhance Disproportionate Minority Contact process evaluation RFP and on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act Compliance Monitoring Report. At this meeting Mr. Bernard Warner discussed the State Commission on Juvenile Justice’s implementation of SB 81. He also discussed the Youthful Offender population affected by realignment both by age and offenses. He also spoke in regards to the informal connections between the State Commission and the ACJJDP and the need to reduce duplication of efforts. Staff is currently working on refining the roles and responsibilities of ACJJDP.

The Roles and Responsibilities sub-committee met in order to enhance State and Local decision making on initiatives regarding the DMC process evaluation RFP, at the September 2007 board meeting, CSA allotted $200,000 in available federal funds to evaluate the Technical Assistance Project. The Compliance Monitoring report for 2006 Act was also highlighted. It stated that California is in full compliance with all the core requirements for the federal programs. The total number of secured detention facilities is just over 1,100.

STANDARD & TRAINING FOR CORRECTIONS-FY 2006-2007 PROGRAM STATUS AND COMPLIANCE LONITORING REPORT (AGENDA ITEM J)
Deputy Director Debbie Rives presented this action Item.
Pursuant to 6035 of the California Penal Code and Title of the California Code of Regulations the CSA is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of selection and training standards for local corrections agencies.

During this past fiscal year 164 local agencies and 13 community corrections facilities participated in the STC Program. In addition, over 18,000 selection exams were administered to the field. The number of Core courses remained relatively the same and approximately 6,000 Annual and Core courses were certified by staff.

The CSA is required to monitor participating agencies on an annual basis. The purpose of the compliance monitoring process is to ensure that agencies adhere to standards and operate in accordance with their Annual Training Plan and program regulations. Training records are reviewed and rosters and/or certificates are verified for all training being claimed for credit. This information is used to determine individual and departmental compliance.

This past fiscal year 66 local agencies were found to be in Full Compliance, 63 agencies were identified as meeting Substantial Compliance, and 35 agencies were found Out of Compliance in accordance to their Annual Training Plans and STC policies and procedures. The total number of staff statewide that did not meet standards consisted of approximately 3 percent of the required eligible staff to be trained. The majority of the agencies not meeting STC standards this fiscal year were a result of not having required staff complete Core trainings within the prescribed timeframe of one year of assignment. Corrective action plans have been submitted by all of the agencies that were found to be out of compliance. It is believed that these agencies are taking proactive measures which should result in acquiring their goal of full compliance.

As required by policy those agencies being considered for a finding of Substantial Compliance must be presented to the CSA Board for approval. It is the staff’s recommendation that the Board approve the status of substantial compliance for the 63 local agencies identified in attachment D.

A motion to approve staff’s recommendations was made by Sheriff Penrod and was seconded by Ms. Kim Petersen. The motion carried.

JOB COMPONENTS ANALYSIS PROJECT UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM K)
Field Representative Amy Kohls presented this information only item. This is CSA’s effort to develop and monitor standards for the selection and training of State correctional peace officers. CSA is also conducting maintenance activities for the written selection exam for these classifications. In March the methodological data gathering part of the job analysis was completed which marked the beginning of three new phases: (1) work with subject matter experts from institutions around the state to confirm CSA’s preliminary conception of the three positions, (2) Travel to approximately 20 adult and juvenile institutions from May through August to administer a job analysis survey to over 500 CO’s, YCO’s and YCC’s, and (3) additional work with subject matter experts in August and September to determine the knowledge, skills and abilities required for successful performance on the job. The data is being analyzed to define the job skills necessary for these positions. There will be a final report completed in December that will be submitted to CDCR executive staff to be reviewed. This report is critical to determining the training standards for these positions.

The second major project is the interim written exam for the selection of CO’s, YCO’s and YCC’s. The exam is going under revision currently and the updated test will be in effect in January of 2008.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE (AGENDA ITEM L)
Field Representative Leslie Heller presented this agenda item as an information only item. The Legislature is winding down this year’s legislative session, and there is no new legislation or legislative activity to report. October 14 was the last day the Governor had in this year’s legislative session to sign bills, veto them or take no action and thus allow a Bill to become law. Following their interim recess, the Legislature will reconvene on January 7, 2008.

Mr. Harris announced that Executive Assistant Yolanda Campos had accepted a position closer to home and was leaving CSA. Mr. Harris also reminded everyone of the special session teleconference being held on December 13, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. and that the next CSA board meeting will be held in Sacramento on January 10, 2008 at 9:30 a.m.

Meeting Adjourned

Respectfully submitted,
Originally signed by
KRYSTEN MEYER
Executive Assistant
Corrections Standards Authority

ROSTER OF PERSONS IN ATTENDANCE
CSA Board Members
James Tilton , CDCR Secretary
Scott Kernan, CDCR, Adult Operations
Bernard Warner , CDCR, Juvenile Offenders
Ed Prieto , Sheriff, Yolo County
Gary Penrod , County Sheriff
William Powers , County Supervisor
Linda Penner , Chief Probation Officer
Adele Arnold , Chief Probation Officer
John Ingrassia , Local Detention Facility
Kim Petersen , Public Member, Represents Interests of Crime Victims
Carol Biondi , Public Member
Pamela Gilyard , Rank & File Representative, Juvenile Probation Officer
Cleotha Adams , Rank & File Representative, Deputy Sheriff
Karrie Eckhardt , Rank & File Representative, State Parole Officer

CSA Staff
C. Scott Harris Jr., Executive Director
Marlon Yarber, Deputy Director, CPP
Connie Lucero, Corrections Consultant
Patricia Sanchez, Information System Technician
Reizo Shibamoto, Secretary, CPP
Yolanda Campos, Executive Assistant
Leslie Heller, Field Representative, CFC
Deborah Rives, Deputy Director, STC
Amy Kohls, Field Representative, STC
Gary Wion, Deputy Director (A), FSO
Robert Takeshta, Deputy Director, CFC
Maria Rodriguez, Secretary, FSO
Rebecca Craig, Field Representative, FSO
Charlene Aboytes, Field Representative, CFC
Melinda Ciarabellini, Field Representative, CFC
Don Allen, Field Representative, FSO

Guests
Deborah Hysen, Chief Deputy Secretary
Bill Brown, Sheriff, Santa Barbara County
Steve Moore, Sheriff, San Joaquin County
James Mele, Sheriff, Tuolumne County
Dennis Downum, Sheriff, Calaveras County
Martin Ryan, Sheriff, Amador County
Julie Hudgins, Chief Probation Officer, Napa County Juvenile Justice Center
Christopher Howard, Superintendent Napa County Juvenile Justice Center