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Show Beaver County Monitor 12, 1998 FEBRUARY PAGE 4 The Pig Pen Grandma still isn’t baking cookies... Dedicated to wallerin’ in the mud and.... Management & Training Corporation’s (MTC) presentation leaves a lot of unanswered questions........ beginning with one biggie: Is the purpose of a “prison for profit” to punish and/or rehabilitate offenders........ or is a design emerging to furnish cheap labor for the benefit of agri-business and industry? Questions for Beaver County Commissioners: & Doug Garrett says he is not the “Doug” that the Milford City Council cordially thanked for bringing MTC representatives to last week’s council meeting........ it was Doug Carriger. This, quite obviously, shines a whole different light on the “prison for profit” promotional. How does Carriger, Beaver County administrative assistant, figure into the “prison for profit” scenario? Was he representing the commissioners? * Commissioner Ross Marshall’s term expires at the end of 1998. Term for Commissioner Richard Rollins, appointed to fill Commissioner Gary Sullivan’s term, also ends this year. Commissioner Chad Johnson has two more years to serve. Where.do you stand, Commissioners? Do you support a 400 bed private prison in Milford? Have you considered the following: & Ifa private prison is built in Milford, what would keep guards from the Beaver County jail......trained at county. expense.......from transferring to the private prison? Would greater demand for such guards drive up the wage scale....and ultimately the incarceration cost? Lana Chadburn and Jetadiah’s Gold -1 x If convicts work for private industry, what is the wage scale? What effect would a 400 inmate labor force....not to mention the possibility of 150+ in the county jail...... have on the local economy? Would a participating industry be allowed to employ both prisoners and private citizens? Would family members of prisoners work along side inmates? Pince 150 Barrel racers entered the annual “Shady D Showdown” in North Las Vegas on January 30 and 31: They were divided into 3 “go’s” of 50 riders each. With a time of 18.667, Lana placed Ist in the 3D division on the 2nd go. She picked up a check for $339. as compensation for her effort. The Minersville grandmother.....well, actually she does bake cookies, too.....has been working the 10-year-old Palomino mare in serious competition for about 4 years. Mary Ann Newswanger entered the Las Vegas competition and represented Beaver County very well. . UNAPPROVED MINUTES MILFORD CITY COUNCIL February 3, 1998 Mayor Mary Wiseman called’ the meeting to order at approximately 6:00 p.m Present: Council members Junior Davis, Doug Garrett, Nolan Davis and Mark Dotson, Attorney Leo Kanell, Treasurer Arden Fowles, City Manager Nedra Kennedy Visitors: Beverly Erickson, Troy Torgersen representing Jones and DeMille Engineering, Ray Rowley, Mark Ewart, Keith Draper, Cheryl Ewart, Doug Carriger, Leo Finch, Mitch Cole, Ronald Walker, Michael Murphy, Bernie Diamond, Alice Smith representing the Beaver County Monitor, Norm Lamb. Milford City Lewis Addition Special Improvement District — Troy Torgersen presented the revised boundaries and improvements of the Milford City Lewis Addition Special Improvement District. He stated he had met with the property owners of the area and would be ready to bid the project the _ -week of February 9, 1998. He asked Councilto make necessary decisions to enable the plans to be completed on Friday, February @h . He stated there was some concern over the drainage along 600 West and asked Council direction on methods to fix the problem. Repairs will need to be made on curb and gutter along 600 West but should be completed before the project is bid as agreed by Dick Rollins. Utility companies have been contacted to install their services before the project begins to avoid digging the streets after construction. Total cost of the project is estimated to be $245,000.00. The schedule for the program is: February 27 Ih - bid opening, middle of March the project should begin. Councilman Nolan Davis made a motion to approve the installation of a French drain to aid in the drainage along 600 West, Councilman Doug Garrett seconded the motion, all were in favor. MTC Management _and_Training Corporation Bernie Diamond and Mike Murphy representing Management and Training Corporation presented a background of their company. He stated the company has three divisions one being contractor for the U.S. Department of Labor for the Job Corps program. The program lets disadvantaged youths volunteer to go into a residential setting for up to two years and learn a job skill. They feed, cloth and train up to 1 1,000 youth in the Job Corps program in 24 centers in 19 states: They also operate U.S. Federal Buildings in the states of Washington, New Mexico, Texas and California, and fourth largest private company in privatized corrections. Private companies under contract with the state department of corrections is possibly the fastest growing business in the country. Twenty-nine states including Utah have permissive legislation that lets the state department of correction contract with private corporations to design, build, operate and manage large scale correction facilities. They are only interested in correction contracts where there is education and training involved. They have been operational in the State of California for 11 years which began with a 200 bed facility and has grown to 400 beds due to success the of the program. They also operate a 450 bed unit near Tucson, Arizona and are very successful. Part of the contract, the legislature told the department of corrections that after three years before they renewed the contract they should do a comparative study against the state and private operations. They found that cost-wise they were 13% to 16% more cost effective than the state in running their facilities. He stated that the reason people support the industry is because they are good clean jobs and property values go up as there are many trained correction employees in the area. There are no gun towers and guards are not * they make in the prison commissary, which entities reap a profit from such sales.....suppliers, corrections armed. He stated that they just recently until February 17 th meetine received a request for proposal from the Councilman Doug Garrett made a State of Utah. They hope to be under motion for Councilman Mark Dotson contract by March Ist. They will then to act as Mayor Pro-temp as Mayor pick a location. Michael Murphy Mary Wiseman was called away from reported the State has asked for the 400 the meeting, Councilman Nolan Davis bed facility. for medium custody seconded the motion, all were in favor. offenders which help defined the scope Consent Issues — of the project. They are interested in Councilman Doug Garrett made a motion finding a community that wants the to approve the consent issues as program and does not locate in areas presented, Councilman Nolan Davis they are not wanted. They not want to seconded the motion, all were in favor. create problems for the city or county New Business ; levels. They are looking for a Bids received for the Fiat partnership with the community. There grader, four bids were received: John are certain criteria that the communities Brown - $500.00, Indian Queen Marble Site, 500 bed medium ‘must meet. $1,950.00, Mark Brian - $1,000.00 and facility, average stay is one to three St. George Refrigeration and Electric years, hospital available within 15 $1,523.76, Councilman Nolan Davis minutes, law enforcement available made a motion to accept the high bid within 15 minutes, access to major from Indian Queen Marble for freeway for transportation of prisoners, $1,950.00, Councilman Junior Davis fire station to help support the facility, seconded the motion, all were in favor. infrastructure, water and sewer, 50 acre Mayor Mary Wiseman returned at piece of property not located by schools approximately 8:00 p.m. and secluded. Water and sewer usage is Councilman Mark Dotson made a approximately 70-100 gallons per day per prisoner. worry about the government as crimes and the Major problem is the burden placed on local far as prosecution of impact on the local infrastructure. motion to appoint Councilman would be between $15 to $20 million for Junior Davis, and Mark Dotson voted in Councilman Doug Garrett favor, abstained declaring he had a direct conflict as he is a manager working for Circle Four Farms. ‘Councilman Mark Dotson made a motion to authorize Mayor Wiseman to sign the contract and drawing for the procedures, volunteers, education process, community relations and purchasing. Doug Carriger stated that the County Commission is neutral on the proposal and is not trying to promote the project. Leo Finch Representing the Association of Christian Missionaries Mr. Leo Finch requested the Council consider renting the Council Chambers in the new building for their services every Sunday. Councilman Mark Dotson stated he did not see a problem unless it created conflicts with the city schedule. Attorney Leo Kanell asked how many other religions would like the facility and if given to one is that a promotion of one over the others. Councilman Junior Davis asked if the room could be rented for weddings or such would the building be available. The issue will be. tabled this year not included in the equation? Additionally, it is pertinent to note that such media coverage almost always foreruns public meetings and hearings where governing entities make decisions regarding funding for jails. Rolling out the cots was a great publicity stunt......but, let’s get real.......how many of those cots were actually used? * Russia is the only country where the incarceration rate exceeds.that of the United States. Do-you.think this rate will’ go up, or down, *City Manager Nedra Kennedy asked that Tatia Bradshaw be allowed to attend all Utah Airport Association Conferences and that the City Council approve the payment of Councilman the traveling expenses. Doug Garrett made a motion to approve the expenses, Councilman Nolan Davis seconded the motion, all were in favor. City Manager Nedra Kennedy presented an Economic Profile for the Milford Area and asked that the Council I review the contents and make changes. ‘Councilman Nolan Davis stated he had contacted property owners.in reference to safety and clean up. He stated most property owners have been contacted and will be working on demolition/and clean up of their properties. He asked Council to determine how they want the residential areas addressed. As there was no further business, the meeting adjourned at approximately 8:45 p.m. These minutes will be presented for approval at the scheduled meeting. next are allowed:to make a’ profit:from the use ‘of prison labor? - * Does Milford City have sufficient real valuation to use their bonding capacity to participate with MTC in building a private prison? What happens if MTC defaults on such bonds? If Milford City has no obligation in the event of a default, why does MTC want to use Milford City’s bonding capacity? AND why do bonds under the city’s umbrella carry a lower interest rate if there is no risk to property owners? & MTC representatives offered to add revenue to the city coffers by using the existing city sewer system, and purchasing city water. Does that mean Milford City would annex the 50 or so acres needed for the prison, or has a location inside the existing city limits been selected? If the prison is located inside the city limits, would the city be responsible for the cost of prosecuting crimes inside the prison walls? % What impact would a 400 bed prison have on Milford City’s existing water and sewer resources? Would it be necessary to upgrade and expand those systems......and if so, would residential water and sewer bills. take an even greater hike? & What happens to prisoners who are injured on the job? Who pays for medical treatment.....the employer, the work placement agency, or the private prison? Let’s say Number 666123 breaks a leg......where does he go for treatment? The local hospital? HIV? Are substance abuse prisoners, either by willful acts (needles) committed before incarceration.....or by exploitation (prison rape) after incarceration, at higher risk for HIV? %& MTC will reportedly turn the prison over to Milford City at the end of a 20-year period if the city participates in the bonds. How much money does MTC expect to make during the time they control the prison? What percentage of that income is from tax dollars? What other revenue source does a private prison draw from? Questions for Circle 4: %& Mayor Wiseman quoted Rob Adams as saying, “Circle 4 isn’t interested in having the prison here.” Is that the official statement from the company.....:and what, exactly, does it mean? Is Circle 4 “not interested” - to the point of issuing a statement that they will not at any time in the forthcoming 20 years use inmate labor from MTC if they locate in Milford? %& Do your parent companies use inmates as a labor resource? Questions for MTC: %& MITC has previously approached Cedar City and Payson to locate their 400 bed prison in those communities. An abundance of “dirty boots” jobs are available in surrounding areas of both communities. Would MTC be interested in Milford without a labor market for prisoners? * Ifyour sole intent is to house prisoners and relieve overcrowding in the system, why not locate in an area of high unemployment....possibly Grand County or Garfield County......where the 125 staff jobs you offer would be greatly appreciated? % Your promotional brochure refers to upwards of $230 million in sales for 1995. What do you sell? Question for Sheriff Yardley: (He’s up for re-election this year, too.) %* As I recall, in late 1995 and early 1996 during efforts to promote the oversized Beaver County jail to house state prisoners, you emphatically denied that prison inmates would be used as a labor force. Ona personal note.....for what it’s worth Sheriff, I trusted you and, therefore, based feasibility calculations solely on projected jail population increase versus projected prison bed increase. Again, as I recall, your comment was, “CONVICT LABOR.....LIKE THE OLD CHAIN GANGB....... I WILL HAVE NO PART IN IT?’ What say ye now, Sheriff? Questions for the good people of Beaver County: %® Is industry going to contract for violent criminals in their labor force.......or would they prefer “nice” prisoners who are easily managed? “They shouldn’t have done wrong......punish them, don’t coddle them...... they deserve whatever they get,” you say? Add tobacco to the controlled substance list and lock up a bunch more of them? Is it the “righteous” fervor of revenge against criminals? OR is it exploitation for dollar profit in the name of . protection for society? Are the local “powers that be” gearing up to punish offenders, get criminals and lawbreakers off the streets......or to create a “profitable” labor market? How long will it be before young, strong workers from the local community become part of that market? Answers are in the history books! Such exploitation is initially directed toward the most hated of all segment of society.....in this case, prisoners......in Nazi Germany, it was Jews. HOW, EXACTLY, DID THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL GET INTO BONDAGE? Was it one step at a time......by the choice of the people? regularly Until such time, they are considered unofficial. if corporations Construction of stretch limousines and $500,000 Shelby Cobras built in Nevada, designer jeans in California.....or is it Oregon...... “dirty boots” jobs where there is a demand and no work force. “Good Morning, Warden.......... XX corporation calling......we need 64 non-violent inmates to re-locate chipmunks next week. Yes, some nice substance abuse offenders would be ideal.” Realistically, just how does “prison for profit” differ from other forms of slavery? * If jails are promoted as a “for profit business” will jails exist to serve the law.....or will the law exist to serve the jails? Questions for Milford City Council: motion, Council members Nolan Davis, renovation of the Milford City Offices, Saturday evening television news picked up a story which showed cots in an empty area. Why did the main stream media carry this story immediately before a legislative subcommittee reconvenes to make recommendations for prison funding and expansion? AND....why are the numbers not more clearly defined? Why was the number of county jail beds scheduled to come on line later property from Circle Four Farms, Councilman Junior Davis seconded the Councilman Junior Davis seconded the raise funds. Mayor Mary Wiseman motion, all were in favor. asked if Circle Four Farms had been Staff Comments contacted. Mr. Murphy stated that they : B.J. Moore made the recommendation had not contacted Circle Four Farms. to not allow the construction of a French Mayor Mary Wiseman stated that drain at 600 West, 1 00 North. He stated comments had been made that Circle he did not think one would work. Four Farms would hire labor from the Councilman Nolan Davis stated the prison which Rob Adams had stated that drainage is a problem on 400 and 500 was not the company's intention. West and felt a French drain was the Councilman Nolan Davis stated that Ely, only alternative. Councilman Doug Nevada had to double the court system Garrett stated that Troy Torgersen was just to handle the prison cases. - Mr. concerned about the drainage within the Diamond stated that Senator Blackham curb and gutter that was installed. has submitted legislation concerning ‘B. J. Moore presented recent prosecution and reimbursement from the correspondence from the State state for the fees. Mr. Murphy stated that concerning the Water Source Protection the medical for the units would be Plan. He stated there were many issues contracted but would have nursing for which needed to be addressed. City minor medical instances. Councilman Manager Nedra Kennedy stated that Ray Nolan Davis asked if there would be a Whiting was in contact. with Carl negative aspect in regard to the new Carpenter to resolve the issues. Mr. Murphy stated there has been contact and felt there will be no problems with competition. He stated if there is interest they would come back and offer the information to the residents. He reported on the hiring February 7, 1998 the Salt Lake Tribune reported a “record 4,924 inmates in Utah’s prison system.” (Sunday’s Tribune reported 4,932.) $3,000.00 for the concrete building and can use the cities bonding to Beaver County Jail and competition. December 31, 1997 would have been 5,071. With beds scheduled for integration into the system by that date, a slight surplus should have been available. p.m. and Councilman Junior Davis as the alternate, Councilman Doug Garrett Council made the determination to allow the delegates to vote their choice. ‘Councilman Nolan Davis made a motion to accept the purchase price of What percentage of the prison population is incarcerated for violent crimes as opposed to the percentage that time, projected prison population increase was 550 prisoners per year. Using the 1995 calculations, or 550 more prisoners incarcerated than released in 1996 and 550 prisoners for 1997, total prison population on Meeting on February 25, 1998 at 8:00 seconded the motion, all were in favor. company *& incarcerated for non-violent crimes and substance abuse? Why are violent criminals given early release “because there is no room for them” while non-violent offenders take up jail space? we The “Crime Bill” upped jail population increase by 400% in 1995 over recorded increase in 1994. December 31, 1995, state prison population was 3,971, reflecting a 550 inmate increase during the year. At Nolan The law states that any a 400 to 500 bed facility. Would look to use tax exempt financing for the project which would create a partnership with the communities and would generate income for the municipality. He stated that many cities have benefited from the projects. Mr. Diamond stated the city does not have to put up money but the department, the county or private prison? General Questions: Davis as delegate to the Hospital Board crime committed in the institution must be investigated by local law enforcement which adds a burden to the local finances. He mentioned the conception from local residents who feel that the facility as unsafe. He stated that he felt the impacts were positive rather than negative. Facility construction cost What happens to the money inmates make? Are they required to pay a daily rate of more or less than the tax.dollar per diem paid by the state to the incarceration facility? Is the state reimbursed ....... or does the county and/or private prison collect on both ends? Do rehabilitation and work placement entities take a cut? % What happens to inmates who choose to not work? Who pays the legal costs if prisoners are involved in criminal acts while in the private jail.......or while they are getting some “on the job training” at a location in the county? % With the use of convict labor, do correctional officers....in either county or private prisons.... receive any type of incentive bonuses for the rate of production? If prisoners are allowed to spend a portion of the money use of inmate labor by private industry? Is it possible that such legislation is shrouded in the pious cloak of “job training, rehabilitation, or opportunity for the disadvantaged?” _ |