Minutes of the Monthly Meeting of the Lancaster County Prison Board March 21, 2024  The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Joshua Parsons at 9:15 a.m. at the  Lancaster County Prison.  Members Present: Commissioner Joshua Parsons, Commissioner Ray D'Agostino, Commissioner Alice Yoder, Judge Merrill Spahn, Sheriff Christopher Leppler, District Attorney Heather Adams, and Controller Lisa Colon. Others Present: Cheryl Steberger, Miguel Castro, Joseph Shiffer, Arla Brown, Robert Devonshire, Dave Krahling, Christina Peddigree, Jacquelyn Pfursich, Jennifer Nissley, Larry George, Marc Wilson, Bill Aberts, Todd Haskins, Corrie Kurtz, John Nichols, Samuel Dayhoff, Zachary Price, Tom Lisi, Jason Perkowski, Note: There were others present who did not sign in and whose identity is Commissioner Parsons stated that the minutes of February 15, 2024, Prison Board meeting were submitted for approval. Hearing no additions or corrections from the Board, Commissioner Parsons stated the minutes were approved as submitted. Cheryl Steberger, Warden; Miguel Castro, Deputy Warden of Operations; Joseph Shiffer, Deputy Warden for Inmate Services; Arla Brown, Director of Administration; Robert Devonshire, Director of General Services; and Lisa Colon, Controller, gave reports on their areas of responsibility. All these reports, including operations and Warden Steberger gave her report on the population. In February 2023, 731 the average population compared to February 2024, the average population was 757. This Warden Steberger gave staff recognition to Sgt. John Nichols and Sgt. Samuel Dayhoff for their dedication to the betterment of the institution, stating that within their years of work, they have provided solutions for housing and detox units and special status individuals. She also mentioned they have improved the functionality within the unit as well as increased the care of the inmate population. Warden Steberger noted that Nichols and Dayhoff initiated removing and stacking bunks within the temporary For the next part of the staff recognition, Warden Steberger called Sgt. Kreider to the podium, who has been with the county's Training Department for over 10 years, to present the next award to Officer Zachary Price for his commitment to public safety. On Feb. 24th Officer Price was out to dinner with family as he assisted staff with an  Kent Kroehler, Neil Ward, Kathy Kunkel and Meriah Zink.  unknown.  statistical information, are posted on the County's website.  morning the total is 752.  detoxing unit to ensure safety and suicide prevention.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 2  unresponsive individual, giving chest compressions and assisting EMS when they arrived. This individual is alive and doing well because of the dedication of Officer Price. Warden Steberger introduced the new Deputy Warden of Operations, Miguel Castro. Deputy Warden Castro comes from Berks County working in corrections for 22 years, holding the position as Captain for 7 years. Deputy Warden Castro stated this new position is a blessing to him and his family and he is looking forward to working on Deputy Warden, Miguel Castro, reported on the officers of the month of February. First shift: Officer Katelyn Bair. Second shift: Officer Tajere Folk; and third shift: Officer Kerry Miller. It should also be noted that there are 3 sergeant vacancies and 1 lieutenant vacancy. There are also 11 new correctional officers in training that will graduate March 22nd. They also currently have a total of 26 vacancies that they are working diligently to Joseph Shiffer, Deputy Warden, gave an update on the Inmate Services Report. Deputy Warden Shiffer started by giving an update on the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Shiffer addressed last month's questions regarding inductions stating since 2022, they started continuation' which is when an inmate comes into the facility and is currently receiving one of the MAT medications in the community, the medical staff will verify that information and continue that medication while they are incarcerated in our Deputy Warden Shiffer continued by stating their next step in having a fully functioning MAT program, is to introduce inductions. Induction is when an individual comes into the facility and is assessed by the medical team, they have the option of starting any of the MAT medications without needed a current prescription. At last month's Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) medical meeting, they discussed the necessities for starting these inductions and they are working through the details but are hopeful to start Deputy Warden Shiffer reported that 56 individuals are on the MAT line. Roughly 16 of those individuals are on Methadone and 40 are receiving Subutex. Since the program began in 2022, the total number of participants on Subutex is 289. The total number of participants today is 68. For the month of February, the total number of participants is 49 (1 yr. recidivism rate: 38.9%, 180-day recidivism rate: 22.7% and a 90-day recidivism rate: 12.9%). Since the beginning of the program last spring, the total number of participants using Methadone is 60. The total number of participants today is 21. For the month of February, the total number of participants is 20 (180-day recidivism rate: Deputy Warden Shiffer reported on the Drug and. Alcohol Services, which is in correlation to the MAT program. Since December 2023, Marcos Ramos, Director of Inmate Services along with the drug and alcohol counselors, has been working diligently  future projects and learning our facilities and staff members.  get filled.  facility.  inductions in the beginning of April.  50.0% and a 90-day recidivism rate: 10.0%).    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 3  to increase the amount of drug and alcohol education programs they have throughout the facility. Based upon the population and staffing throughout the facility, they were able to offer 5 separate groups a week including AA (Alcoholics Anonymous), NA (Narcotics Anonymous), and their in-house programing. Starting in February, they increased these programs to around 12 groups per week, by collaborating schedules and meeting areas, while using an evidence-based curriculum to assist more inmates Deputy Warden Shiffer gave program updates regarding the New Beginnings re-entry program. Since July, they have served 53 inmates in this program, and in the month of February they have served 7 inmates. Controller Colon later commented on this, asking how many of the participants in this program will graduate on March 22, 2024. Deputy Deputy Warden Shiffer recognized partners DSAA' (Donegal Substance Abuse Association) who help with the drug and alcohol services within the program. He also recognized partners 'Blue Prints' and how they are working closely with them on some new projects that he is eager to speak about soon, stating he is appreciative of these Inc conclusion, Deputy Warden Shiffer asked Kaitlyn Garner, Intake Specialist, to the podium to present her with this quarter's Service Award. He stated that Ms. Garner shows her devotion to her unit and the inmates. Ms. Garner has been with the county Commissioner Yoder asked how participants may be eligible for future inductions and what the process will entail. Deputy Warden Shiffer explained that when an inmate comes in and indicates that they have an opioid addiction, the staff will do a variety of assessments, such as lab tests and blood draws to ensure that they are appropriate for Commissioner Yoder asked if there is an estimate on how many individuals would be eligible for the program. Deputy Warden Shiffer spoke about the survey mentioned in the last prison board meeting, stating approximately 20 individuals who took the survey met the initial criteria for the program, and out of those 20 individuals, about 12 are eligible to start the program but on a voluntary basis. He felt those numbers would be Commissioner Yoder stated that she attended the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) and noted that not many prisons in the area have a MAT program. She felt this has made a significant impact on the facility and community, and she applauded the staff for their hard work on maintaining these programs. She stated how this program will likely have an impact on recidivism rates as well. Commissioner Yoder felt it was important to have multiple groups for individuals who may fit better in certain social settings than others and that having a variety of groups is more likely to  while continuing to ensure inmate safety.  Warden Shiffer stated 6 participants are graduating.  partnerships and how everyone is working well as a team.  for 6 years and as an Intake Specialist for the last 3 years.  the program.  consistent going forward with this program.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 4  be successful. She said the adequate space in the new facility will continue to allow for Commissioner Yoder concluded by stating the importance of aftercare for an inmate participating in these programs and the care they receive once released. Deputy Warden Shiffler agreed that although it takes lots of resources, the ultimate goal is making sure these individuals continue to get the assistance they need after being released from the facility and to provide them with a road map to success. Tom Lisi, Lancaster Newspaper, asked about individuals who display indications of opioid use, what actions are being taken at intake. Deputy Warden Shiffer explained the process on how these individuals are assessed by the medical staff, put on detox protocols, medications and receiving vital checks, making sure they are detoxing safely and accurately. Mr. Lisi continued by asking what medications are currently being used. Deputy Warden Shiffer stated he could not remember all of them and would need to get back to him on that. Mr. Lisi also asked about individuals who come into the facility already on prescription medications, and how they regulate continuing these medications while they are incarcerated. Deputy Warden Shiffer explained that it is the same process: getting medically assessed, verifying the information on a patient's needs, and continuing the same medications as they normally would use. Kent Kroehler, East Hempfield resident, referenced Commissioner Yoder's comments of the re-entry process by asking if we calculate how many released inmates do not have a" "warm handoff". Deputy Warden Shiffer stated he does not have that information, although they work diligently to make sure released inmates have home plans and ways Commissioner Parsons commented that the statutes under which they operate, govern the conduct of the prison for the incarcerated and not what happens when an inmate is released. Commissioner Yoder stated that her comment was regarding not waiting for legislation, which she believes they have been doing sO far. They have departments which are focused on this, it is the perfection of it that is sO important. Mr. Kroehler continued by asking how often someone might slip through the process of having a warm handoff. Commissioner Yoder stated the prison will need help from their partners because it is not in their control and how these outside groups can provide Jason Perkowski, member of the Bail Reform Correlation, asked a question on the progress of the facility's new computer database and if they have capacity to track information regarding these groups and the individuals participating. Also, if the hand- offs and recidivism rates will also be included in the database. Deputy Warden Shiffer stated that as he understands it, they are analyzing all the data and functionality to make sure they track data. Sheriff Leppler commented by stating that from their perspective, that's exactly what they are looking to do with the new system.  multiple groups.  toa access resources after leaving the facility.  great opportunities in the future.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 5  Mr. Perkowski asked if all the systems will be able to communicate with each other, such as state systems and other parts of county government. Deputy Warden Shiffer Arla Brown, Administrative Director, gave her administration report. She stated within her department they currently have two vacancies. Ms. Brown introduced the new HR Manager, Beth Bowman, who came from Minnesota with an extensive Human Resources background. Ms. Brown reported on the barbering services: for the month of February were 59 haircuts with 29 of them being indigent. Ms. Brown had mentioned that in previous presentations, their Annual Information Report for the Department of Corrections has been submitted and she expected it to be available on their website Warden Steberger commented on Kent Kroehler's questions from earlier in the meeting, stating she reached out to Lt. Secor who stated they should expect the new software to be available in August, and they should have no issues producing the statistics based Robert Devonshire, Director of General Services, gave the Facilities Management Report. For the month of February, the current number of work orders at the facility is 94. The current number of work orders for the year is 221 and running an average of 111 work orders a month. Mr. Devonshire also mentioned that they are still working on the new facility and have been very busy getting the logistics of this project. He will have Mr. Devonshire stated work on the current facility has been in a "Reactionary Mode" and that the goal moving into the new facility is to be in more of a Preventative Mode". He stated they do get to touch on more preventative maintenance, although most of their time is spent as reactionary. Commissioner Yoder continued by stating about the air conditioning in the facility; Mr. Devonshire stated that although there is no air conditioning, they use other alternatives for traditional air conditioning (fans) and that the hot water levels are where they are supposed to be at 151 degrees. Controller Lisa Colôn, gave her financial report. For the month of February, the Prisons total revenues increased by $34,508.57. Personnel Services increased by $2 million, $186,907.95 in supplies, $1.1 million in Purchased Services for a total expensive increase of $3,416,205.23. For the Prison Maintenance category, there has been a $2,561.22 increase in supplies and $171,461.63 increase in Purchased Services for a Mr. Perkowski made a comment on the financial report, asking if the increase is what was actually spent and not an increase over the projected budget. Ms. Colôn clarified  assured him that it will be able to, although it is a work in progress.  within about a month.  on the program's module.  amore detailed work report at next month's meeting.  total increase of $174,022.85.  that it was the actuals of what was spent.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 6  Warden Steberger reported on the new prison program. Warden Steberger stated based on the direction of the Commissioners during the program approval process of February, prison staff have been working with CGL to reduce the facilities bed count to approximately 1000 beds. Recent population snapshots have been taken to evaluate the most appropriate areas where bed reduction can occur safely and effectively. Warden Steberger stated the design team is continuing to develop an essential design for the new facility, focusing on adjacencies of spaces to create an efficient flow of operations. Their team will also be looking at specific areas of focus, such as work Warden Steberger stated the Advisory Committee continues to collect the community's feedback about the facilities' progress and how you can submit information on the Mr. Kroehler asked about a date for the conceptual design of the facility. Warden Steberger stated they do not have a date, but they should have an estimate in the next few weeks. Commissioner Yoder stated the date was originally aimed for April or May, Neil Ward, West Earl Township, asked about the technology at the new facility, regarding work release, intake, and the facility's body scanners, stating how use of these scanners could decrease the chance of contraband in the facility. Mr. Kroehler seconds this by asking what the current plans are regarding these body scanners in the new facility. The Warden stated they have not discussed body scanners, as they are Commissioner Parsons opened the discussion for business from the guests. Mr. Ward spoke about the per diem cost per inmate and the impact on the budget if there is a reduction to the inmate population. Commissioner Parsons stated it is not necessarily a direct savings just because you have less population. That per diem amount adheres to providing the overall costs and is at a higher rate than it used to be, due to inflation and a lower population. Commissioner Parsons also stated if there was a projection of a substantial reduction, they may potentially budget differently. Commissioner Yoder stated that the diversion program would help assess the tracking ofwhere the increases are and what levels are impacted. Commissioner Parsons concluded that finances are always important, but the ultimate goal is still public safety. Controller Colôn mentioned that the budget is broken down into many categories such as personnel and payroll expenses, workman's compensation etc. and will not go away. Mr. Kroehler commended Commissioner D'Agostino for using visionary language while speaking about the new facility at the State of the County Report. He continued by  release, central booking and housing.  project website, LCCF-PA.com.  but sounds like it might be later than that.  not at that point yet.  Other items like operating and cleaning supplies, all add up quickly.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 7  questioning the length of stay of individuals awaiting trial. Kroehler states the percentage of individuals awaiting trial, opposed to individuals sentenced regularly, is about 30% higher. (196 in the month of February, compared to last month at 248.) Judge Merrill Spahn commented on this matter by stating that since this facility is not a state correctional institution, it is indeed limited to two years less one day. Judge Spahn also mentioned that although he is correct on the numbers regarding the length of stays ofi individuals awaiting trial, most of the time is spent on preparing serious trials to be handled properly. These numbers also caught his attention when he got involved, although the courts are currently putting together a task force that will include representatives from the District. Attorney's office and the Defense Bar who will be reviewing those statistics. Judge Spahn also included that they cannot overlook that the turnaround times were delaying the resolutions of cases, but they are doing a lot better Mr. Kroehler asked if our facility is typical compared to other jails in the state. Judge Spahn stated he has never reviewed statistics on that, but he assumes that it is. Commissioner Parsons commented on this stating county facilities do have the same purpose and a large part of that purpose is holding individuals awaiting court actions resolutions, they usually consider the time already served. Commissioner Yoder added to that by stating that the intent is to have a process improvement and to reduce that to whatever they can. They are doing everything they can to get these individuals out and Mr. Perkowski asked about the task force referenced earlier, if this force is going to look at how bail is set, probation/parole violations (PV's) and the expediting of lesser charges. Judge Spahn stated the task force has not been created yet, so he cannot Commissioner Parsons stated that in 2011/2012 when he reviewed the reports of these metrics, most cases are not over a year old. He stated most criminal cases are not usually over a year old unless it's a homicide case. At that time counties in our area were reporting around 3%, while Lancaster County was reporting at 21% which showed we had a big problem. Since then, the courts have implemented a lot of projects to reduce this amount and as a result, our numbers have reduced by half since then, but there is always room for improvement. Mr. Kroehler asked if the numbers are reported, which Commissioner Parsons stated President Judge David Ashworth reported at our last meeting. Mark Wilson, Director of Adult Probation & Parole was in attendance and stated that the percentage of PV's at the prison is approximately 32%. Mr. Kroehler concluded with a design question in the new facility, asking why they would use bunk beds in work release units. Warden Steberger stated that is already something they have questioned and looking into. Mr. Kroehler also stated that he is hopeful they  than they used to.  back to their families as soon as possible.  answer that fully, although his assumption is that they will.    Prison Board Minutes March 21, 2024 Page 8 bring.  would have focus groups for individuals at the new facility and the benefits that would Commissioner D'Agostino moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:12 a.m. Commissioner Joshua Parsons seconded. The motion carried unanimously. The next meeting will be  held on April 18, 2024 at 9:15a.m.  Respectfully submitted, Cuastht Lisa K. Colôn Controller