The Board of County Commissioners of Brevard County, Florida, met in special session on March 14, 1995, at 2:10 p.m. in the Government Center Multipurpose Room, Building C, 2725 St. Johns Street, Melbourne, Florida. Present were: Chairman Higgs, Commissioners Scarborough, O'Brien, Cook, and Ellis, County Manager Tom Jenkins, and County Attorney Scott Knox.

DISCUSSION, RE: JAIL EXPANSION

Chairman Higgs requested an explanation of the letter to Sheriff Miller which Ms. Parker distributed.

Assistant to County Manager Yvette Parker explained the letter to Sheriff Miller from the Florida Department of Correction relating to overcrowding at the jail, and providing official notice that if corrective action is not taken with ten days, the facility will be subject to an enforcement suit in State Circuit Court. She advised as of today, the facility is still 118 inmates over; relief is not anticipated; and the 60-bed minimum security facility which will come on line in November will not provide much relief to this. She outlined the issues which the courts will consider.

Commissioner Ellis inquired what is the status on the minimum security facility. Ms. Parker distributed a project report; and advised it is a November time frame for completion. She noted it is a 60-bed facility; and it will be a total capacity of 120.

Commissioner Scarborough inquired if Ms. Parker is saying that will not alleviate the situation in terms of time or the facility; with Ms. Parker responding both. Commissioner Scarborough inquired if having 60 beds coming on line tomorrow would not solve the problem because it is not the type of bed that is needed. Ms. Parker responded it would take 50 to 60 individuals out of the main facility, but there it would still be 50 to 60 individuals over capacity. Commissioner Scarborough inquired about the possibility of contracting out to another county. Ms. Parker responded the majority of the surrounding counties are overcrowded at this time; the only jail with beds available is Seminole County which has a 48-bed contract with the federal government; but for normal beds Seminole County is at capacity. She advised she has not contacted beyond surrounding counties; and outlined the reasons it would be inadvisable.

Commissioner O'Brien inquired what other counties uses military tents. Ms. Parker responded Broward County did that as a receiving facility; but they did not house inmates. She noted in order to be done at the County level, the Department of Corrections would have to approve.

County Manager Tom Jenkins advised of Ms. Parker's participation in a regional meeting on correction issues. Ms. Parker advised of pending legislation which may impact county jails. Mr. Jenkins noted the difficulty in planning what to do when the rules may be changing at the State level. Ms. Parker noted if the Board approved a one-pod expansion of 240 beds, that may not be enough; and the Board may want to look at other programs and less expensive alternatives based on what happens in the Legislature. She advised the main facility is 100+ individuals overcrowded in the main facility and the County is under attack.

Chairman Higgs inquired how long would it take if the Board decided to move forward with the double bunk of B-pod renovations. Ms. Parker responded it would take nine months to a year; but if that is done only, it compromises the Sheriff's ability to segregate prisoners. Chairman Higgs advised if it was a short-term action to alleviate the immediate problem, it could work. Assistant County Attorney Shannon Wilson advised there are two issues; and it may solve one issue relating to the overall cap; but the other issue is separation of prisoners. She noted based on the current facility design, it is difficult to meet all those classifications; and the State is aware the County is still having those problems and could be part of a lawsuit against the County. She advised while the federal court case has been administratively dismissed, if the County does not solve the overpopulation problems, there is still potential for that lawsuit to be reactivated.

Commissioner Ellis inquired what will happen if it is, noting no matter what happens, there will be no additional bed space in the immediate future. He requested background information on what has happened in other counties. Ms. Parker noted the current facility is the result of a State lawsuit; and explained what happens in the lawsuits in terms of good faith efforts. Commissioner Ellis advised the County is going to be sued regardless; and inquired why people should be turned out. Ms. Parker advised they are not being turned out at this time; and until the court instructs the County to lose 100 people, it will not do that. Commissioner Ellis inquired what are the consequences of not doing that if the courts instruct the County to turn them out. Ms. Parker responded there are many remedies; and hopefully a court would not come in with that at the last minute because that would put the County at jeopardy. She described other remedies. Ms. Wilson advised of the typical procedure a court would look to. Mr. Jenkins advised the County could do a barracks type prison at the least cost, but he does not know if the people in this facility could be put in a barracks facility. Chief Ron Clark advised they could not. Commissioner Ellis stated the alternative is to turn them loose on the street. Ms. Parker advised the courts could say in the interim the County is forced to put them in the minimum security facility; and that would put the Sheriff at a big disadvantage.

Commissioner Scarborough inquired what is the difference between the minimum security and what the County is being driven to build. Ms. Parker explained the differences in criteria and classification as well as the differences in facilities.

Commissioner Ellis inquired about the medium security facility. Ms. Parker advised the current jail is a medium/maximum facility. Commissioner Ellis inquired if there are lesser standards for medium security. He noted many of the pod style additions are medium security which is achieved by going to a plexiglass open front which means they are male only, with no juveniles or females because of lack of privacy. Ms. Parker advised that is somewhat what the Sheriff has submitted; and the expansion is a pod style with an increased efficiency in classification. Commissioner Ellis stated the County's pod style is expensive; and described the pod styles. Mr. Jenkins stated the medium/maximum security which is cellblocks where the hard core people are put; the County's minimum security is actually a medium security facility; and the minimum security is actually a work-release facility with practically no security. Ms. Parker advised the offender put into the minimum security is a minimum/medium type based on multiple charges; but the reason the minimum security is only be expanded 60 beds is because the Sheriff advises there are only 60 more individuals which can be put into a less expensive and less security facility. Commissioner Ellis inquired if there are other jail designs available between what the County has as minimum and what it has as maximum that are less expensive. Commissioner Ellis stated the big problem is inmate on inmate violence; and that is why they are not suitable for closed barracks. Mr. Jenkins stated that can be done in the maximum/medium, but not in the minimum/medium. Commissioner Ellis stated he understands why that will not work in barracks style; with Mr. Jenkins advising it will not work in the minimum/medium either. Commissioner Ellis inquired if there is a circular design with two men to a cell and 30 to 40 cells. Ms. Wilson advised the plan is to change those fronts that are solid to plexiglass; and the focus is to drive down the operational costs. Commissioner Ellis stated that can only be done with adult male prisoners. Chairman Higgs stated it is the State's job to incarcerate juveniles. Ms. Parker advised the County has ten juveniles charged as adults, but not housed with adults; and the it is an operations problem. Ms. Wilson stated one of the biggest problems is if there are a certain number of juveniles, many of the beds have to be given up; and the plan is to take a pod and section off smaller sections of the pod. She advised how the security and classifications needs of juveniles and females can be accomplished. Commissioner Ellis inquired if there is another design that can be adapted at a less expensive price to be used for juveniles and females in medium security; and then the Sharpes facility can be dedicated to violence prone adult male criminals. Chief Clark advised the design of the current jail required fewer correction officers to operate; and a barracks-style facility would require more officers. Commissioner Ellis stated as long as they can be isolated two to a cell, you do not have the barracks style problem. Mr. Jenkins described the operation of the medium and minimum security facilities; and explained the type of facility Commissioner Ellis is proposing. Discussion ensued on the need to release the inmates from their cells for a specified period each day.

Chairman Higgs recommended the Board discuss the immediate options, and then look beyond that for something more permanent. She outlined options which could be achieved within twelve months to house 256 inmates. Mr. Jenkins noted double bunking Pod B will present a safety hazard for the people who work there and a liability for the County. Chairman Higgs stated if the Board has to make a choice in the short term, that may be an option until a new pod can be constructed. Commissioner Ellis suggested double bunking half of Pod B. Chief Clark advised double bunking Pod B would compound the problems; and there would be tremendous liability exposure for the Board. Chairman Higgs inquired if part of Pod B could be double bunked; with Chief Clark responding it would have to be partitioned off, but could be done. Major Toni Merritt advised only two cell blocks could be double bunked, and it would not be cost effective. She explained the problems with double bunking Pod B. Chairman Higgs noted with work release and minimum security, 160 slots could come online; but that does not get more beds in maximum security.

Mr. Jenkins inquired if there is anything that can be done in minimum security to increase the level of security to do isolation there instead of in Pod B. Ms. Parker advised the classification for that is single cell. Chief Clark stated those recommendations could be made; however it is necessary to get sanction from the State to do it. Mr. Jenkins suggested changing the configuration of the minimum security facility and put isolation people there for short term. Chief Clark recommended against that because the building was not constructed for maximum security. Major Merritt advised the people in isolation are the ones that require back up personnel. Chairman Higgs noted staff is telling the Board there is nothing else that can be done but build a pod. Chief Clark advised a lot of effort went into the recommendations; and they have investigated every option. Mr. Jenkins inquired if you can rent maximum security facilities; with Chief Clark responding it is a possibility. Mr. Jenkins stated modular jails might be a temporary solution.

Commissioner Ellis noted many of the people held are there because of violation of probation. Ms. Parker agreed many are back but with new charges. Commissioner Ellis inquired if they are back for violation of probation and are non-violent, would they be candidates for a minimum security facility. Chief Clark stated with the concept Mr. Jenkins addressed for the modulars, maximum security would be in the main structure, and the inmates Commissioner Ellis is referring to could utilize the modulars. Mr. Jenkins advised he has seen the modulars; and they are secure, but portable. Ms. Parker advised there are 100 people in on violation of probation; some have charges; and she is not sure of the classification. Commissioner Ellis inquired why would it not be appropriate to put them in minimum security if it was appropriate to release them into the community, and they are in due to violation of probation for a non-violent offense. Chief Clark noted it would depend on the additional charges; and if they are in strictly on violation of probation, it would still necessary to get sanctions from the State to do that. Chairman Higgs inquired do they do that often; with Chief Clark responding approximately 30% violate probation. Ms. Parker noted that is not non-violent; and a substantial amount of the 30% have violence in their criminal history. Commissioner Ellis inquired if they return on violation of probation, and it is a non-violent violation, why can they not go to a minimum security facility; with Major Merritt responding if they escape, the Sheriff would assume that liability. Discussion ensued on the proper placement of individuals violating probation.

Chief Clark explained the differences in minimum, medium and maximum security in terms of construction. Ms. Wilson advised of the cost effectiveness of constructing medium and maximum facilities together, and the differences in operational costs. She noted there is no straightforward answer to the maximum/medium question. Commissioner Ellis stated putting a medium security prisoner in a maximum security facility is wasting space in the maximum security facility. Ms. Parker advised the facility is based on construction standards imposed by Florida Statute and the Department of Corrections; and the classification of medium and maximum becomes an internal operation. She stated an inmate has to be housed in a certain construction for operations based on what you believe the inmate's behavior to be; and charges are one facet of classification along with behavior, prior criminal history, potential Department of Corrections sentencing, etc. She stated the long run cost is the number of officers necessary to watch the inmates versus having to build a separate facility; and the Sheriff was asked to provide the most effective design for long run costs and short term construction.

Chairman Higgs inquired what does the Board absolutely need to do; with Chief Clark explained the proposal. Chairman Higgs inquired if two pods are necessary; with Chief Clark responding two pods are recommended.

Commissioner Ellis stated that would leave the same problem with females and juveniles. Ms. Parker advised the consideration of the expansion plan took that into consideration in Pod E. Commissioner Ellis inquired if one pod could have multiple uses and would that free space in other pods; with Ms. Parker responding affirmatively. Ms. Parker explained several options Commissioner Ellis stated with Pod E and 240 beds, there could conceivably be three different types of inmates. Ms. Parker agreed there could be juveniles, females and males in that pod configuration. Chairman Higgs noted the cost is $20.5 million; and inquired if there is any way to bring down the infrastructure and support costs. Ms. Parker advised the proposed expansion plan was costed out by Facilities Construction; and beds are needed and the structure needs to be brought into infrastructure and support compliance. She noted the original facility was designed for 384 inmates; and it opened with 450 inmates, double bunking. Chairman Higgs inquired about infrastructure; with Ms. Parker outlining those elements which make up infrastructure. Ms. Parker stated the 384-bed infrastructure has never been increased or improved upon; and for the two-pod expansion plan of 1,320 beds, all the infrastructure facilities would need to be improved. Commissioner Cook inquired if the original jail was double bunked; with Ms. Parker responding yes, to 672 inmates, but it is currently running at 850. Commissioner Ellis inquired about excess money from the sales tax for the jail; with Ms. Wilson responding she does not recall, but could research the question.

Chairman Higgs inquired if there is no way to expand the one pod and not have more that $2.5 million in infrastructure cost. Ms. Parker stated the Board needs to focus on bed space, and then ask Facilities Construction to review the cost of the infrastructure to come back with a minimal need. She noted the Sheriff's Office can be consulted; but all the infrastructure areas are overtaxed at this time. She advised the problem is not only the overcrowding, but lack of infrastructure that has never been improved upon. Chairman Higgs inquired how long has the County been in the jail; with Ms, Parker responding since March, 1987. Chairman Higgs inquired if any improvements have been done; with Ms. Parker responding the minimum security facility was added.

Commissioner Cook inquired if Commissioner Ellis is talking about part of the money that was originally for the jail. Commissioner Ellis stated the tax generated more than the cost of the jail; and the excess was escrowed into a capital facilities fund. Ms. Parker advised the minimum security facility may have been funded from that. Commissioner Cook stated it may have been used to fund another facility, but there was an excess. Chairman Higgs inquired was excess sales collected and how was it used. She stated given the Sheriff's recommendation, the Board is looking at $20 million to expand the one pod and build the infrastructure; it is $19.5 if the double bunking of Pod B is added; but staff recommends against double bunking Pod B. She stated the County is looking at increasing capacity 336 beds for $20.5 million.

Commissioner O'Brien stated if the Board is going to build a new justice center, rather than expand pods, it may be financially feasible to build a jail next to the justice center and save transport costs of people awaiting trial. Commissioner Ellis expressed concern about requiring double infrastructure. Commissioner O'Brien noted infrastructure improvements will be required if the population is increased. Commissioner O'Brien stated if the Board is going to expand by 300 beds, they can be put by the justice center. Commissioner Scarborough explained if $10 million is put into infrastructure improvements, there is a capacity to look at other locations; and the Sheriff has complained in the past about transportation costs. Chief Clark noted the need for a second staff. Commissioner O'Brien advised the same number of guards will be needed no matter whether the expansion is done at the justice center or the jail. Discussion ensued on the feasibility of building at the justice center. Ms. Parker advised there are other courthouses to which the inmates will have to be transported. Commissioner Cook stated there is no guarantee the property at the justice center would be available. Commissioner O'Brien stated it is worth exploring. Commissioner Ellis stated the economies of scale would be lost by putting it next to the justice center. Ms. Parker advised a memorandum was provided a year ago concerning South Brevard jail which outlined the services which would need to be duplicated. Chairman Higgs stated she asked about moving south with the jail; and explained the rationale for moving south. Commissioner O'Brien expressed interest in exploring the option; and stated in the long term, it might be feasible.

Chairman Higgs stated transportation, corrections and emergency services impact fees are being collected; and inquired how much is being collected on corrections. Ms. Parker advised $33 a household is being collected; the account was approximately $600,000 last year; and $400,000 of that was attached for the minimum security expansion approved in August, 1994. Ms. Parker noted the minimum security facility is being built solely on impact fees. Chairman Higgs inquired what is the $33 based on; with Ms. Parker responding it is being re-evaluated. Ms. Parker advised Volusia County has proposed legislation for an additional court cost for convicted offenders; and she will provide that to the Board for consideration. Mr. Jenkins stated they are going to be forced to pay for their stay; with Ms. Parker advising that is the Statute that was passed last summer. Mr. Jenkins noted the problems with collecting money from criminal is that they do not pay. He suggested the military might have some sort of modular facilities that could be borrowed.

Motion by Commissioner Scarborough, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to direct staff to investigate and report to the Commissioners on the feasibility of using modulars and the possibility of housing inmates in other counties. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

The meeting recessed at 3:05 p.m. and reconvened at 3:20 p.m.

Commissioner O'Brien inquired what is the Board trying to accomplish with the jail expansion. Commissioner Ellis stated he would like an itemization of the original jail cost and the structure support improvements. Discussion ensued on what the Board is attempting to accomplish at this meeting.

DISCUSSION, RE: WORK RELEASE PROGRAM

Ms. Parker advised she submitted a figure of 100 beds for a work release barracks facility in her original options.

Community Services Supervisor Nancy Hanshaw stated the Board requested information on recidivism on work release; and what she has found in a study of the whole state from July 1, 1991 to June 30, 1992 is that out of 2,283 offenders released directly from work release centers, 18.4% or 420 were recommitted by the Department of Corrections. She advised of a visit to the work release center in Orlando; and stated that center had a recidivism rate of approximately 12%, but now has one of approximately 30%. She noted the Orlando center offers furloughs over weekends; and that is why the rate is so high.

Commissioner O'Brien advised of his experiences with work release employees.

Ms. Hanshaw advised Commissioner Ellis requested 60 beds instead 20. Commissioner Ellis advised it would involved the same operational cost. Ms. Hanshaw noted Facilities Construction Director Joseph Vislay provided cost figures for 7,200 square-foot; the same staff of 13 would be used; and the estimated yearly revenues would increase.

Mr. Jenkins described another option using the modular which will be vacated by the State Attorney. Ms. Hanshaw stated the costs for moving the modulars range from twenty-five to thirty-five dollars a square foot. Ms. Parker noted that type of facility is agreeable to the type of offender that would be in a work release program; and the construction facility proposal is a butler building style facility which is less expensive to build.

Commissioner Scarborough stated this is a means to alleviate the other problems discussed earlier; this involves the inmate who can be released into the community while the previous involved the hardened criminal; and inquired if there is a relationship between the two, and is there relief. Ms. Parker responded there will be a small percentage of relief; and explained how the sentencing guideline changes create a population of felony sentences. Commissioner Scarborough inquired if they are the type of felons who will be let back out into the community; with Ms. Parker responding yes, and there will be misdemeanors as well. Commissioner Scarborough stated it is confusing when talking about the programs because the population is diverse in terms of what can be done with them.

Ms. Parker stated this is a need they are trying to fill based on the sentencing guideline changes. Commissioner Scarborough requested statistics. Ms. Parker estimated only fifteen to twenty people will be taken out of the jail, if there is a 60-bed program.

Commissioner Cook noted the work release program would have a minor effect on the overall population. He inquired if the purpose of work release is rehabilitation; with Ms. Parker responding affirmatively. Ms. Parker explained why the judges voted to bring the concept to the Board. Commissioner Cook inquired if this will be administered by the County because the Sheriff does not want to do it; with Ms. Parker responding affirmatively. Commissioner Cook expressed his philosophy that rehabilitation is a state responsibility and will not solve any overcrowding problems the County has.

Commissioner Ellis stated he thought work release was going to involve another minimum security facility; and if there were 60 beds, you would be able to take 60 people out of the jail. Ms. Parker advised there will be a potential offender population to fill that 60-bed work release program. Commissioner Ellis stated if it was located with the jail, there would be economies of scale. Ms. Parker advised that is where they are trying to locate this, either in a modular facility or a butler style building right adjacent to the jail. Commissioner Ellis inquired if a minimum security facility could be built on the Sheriff's compound area so if the program fails or becomes expensive, it could be turned into a minimum security block. Commissioner Cook stated once you start on this road, you never come back; and it will get bigger and more expensive. Commissioner Ellis stated work release farm is not rehabilitating anybody. Commissioner Cook stated this is something the judges want to put people in for rehabilitative purposes instead of incarceration.

Chairman Higgs described the work release program; and advised the net result is a cost savings to the County.

Commissioner Cook suggested the County fund it and let the Sheriff run it. Chief Clark advised the Sheriff does not want to run it because if the inmates go out and do not come back, he will have to go out and find them; and there are administrative problems the Sheriff would prefer not to be burdened with.

Chairman Higgs inquired does a work release program increase or decrease the number of prisoners coming back through the system; and requested a cost per prisoner per day. Chief Clark stated it would prevent the person from coming back through the system; and it would be on the positive side. Ms. Parker advised the state recidivism average is 18% of those on work release; and it was 30% in Orange County based on the furlough program. Chairman Higgs inquired what is the rate of recidivism for the Brevard County jail. Ms. Parker advised the recidivism rates are not calculated; but it is known that approximately 85% of the population has been there before. Chairman Higgs inquired why can that not be calculated. Ms. Parker reiterated there is 85% at any given time; but she can go in and look at a population but it takes computer programming and things like that. Chairman Higgs stated 85% will be back; and on work release 18% will be back in a 24 month period. Ms. Parker described the study. Chairman Higgs requested a comparison of a control population with similar crimes who were incarcerated and not part of a work release program; with Ms. Parker responding she does not have those figures. Commissioner Ellis stated the statistics are different because it is a better population in work release. Chairman Higgs stated she wants a control study that shows work release versus non-work release, with similar crime populations to see if work release works. She stated if it works long-term, it is a mechanism for the Board to explore; and she would like cost figures. Ms. Parker stated the jail at this time is running $37 a day; it has been averaging $34; and work release will have a 30% garnish rate and a cost per week of $75 that will be charged to the inmate.

Commissioner Cook stated regardless of the merits of a work release program, this is not something the County should be in; and if it is going to happen, it should happen under the Sheriff's Department.

Chairman Higgs stated if it is costing "X"dollars a day now, and it would cost "X-minus" a day for work release, then the taxpayers would be paying significantly less; and if someone can document that long term costs are also less, then it will awful not to consider doing that. Commissioner Cook reiterated his philosophy; and advised he is in agreement with Sheriff Miller. Chairman Higgs noted she is not talking about a rehabilitative service; she is talking about a cost effective, long-term mechanism to keep people from coming back to the jail, if it works; and she does not know yet if it does work.

Commissioner Ellis inquired how does work release compare with house arrest. Ms. Parker stated house arrest sentences are not used, and the State is doing away with that program. She advised the conclusion is you are giving the citizens a false sense of security; the person can commit crimes; and the bracelet does not stop them. Commissioner Ellis noted it is no different than work release. Ms. Parker noted in the view of a lot of people, that is true.

Commissioner O'Brien advised of his experiences with work release in his factory; and explained how it works. He noted work release is effective in that the prisoner is making and saving money; and when he is released from prison, he at least has enough clothing to suffice. He noted a certain percentage of his wages are garnished and put back into the system to help pay for his stay there. He noted he did get some of his work release employees back after a period of time; but if the inmate had done hard time the whole time, he would still have gotten in trouble.

Commissioner Cook stated he is not arguing the merits; what Commissioner O'Brien described is what happens; and if the Sheriff does not want to take this, why should the County take it.

Ms. Hanshaw stated the people who are going to go to work release will have a job; and this way they do not lose their jobs if they go to jail for 60 days. Commissioner O'Brien noted if they are fired from their job, they are more likely to go back to jail. Commissioner Ellis stated if the Sheriff ran it, he could keep it full. Commissioner Cook stated if the Sheriff was going to run it, he would have a better outlook.

Motion by Commissioner O'Brien, seconded by Commissioner Cook, to approve looking at the work release program further only if the Sheriff agrees to supervise the program.

Chairman Higgs stated she will not support the motion. She stated she shares the concern that the County would be involved in a program the Sheriff does not want to support; however the County will still pay the cost of keeping the individuals in jail; and if someone can document that it is a long term good investment and will cost less short term, then the County would be remiss in not supporting the program.

Commissioner O'Brien stated he supports it; the Board is not being remiss; but if the Sheriff does not support it, he may be being remiss. He stated this is not the County's responsibility; if the County starts running the prison, it is outstepping its bounds; and if the Sheriff advises this is a not a good idea, he probably has good reasons.

Commissioner Scarborough noted the Sheriff is willing to let the County take over the jail system; and the difference may be in where the Sheriff sees his role. He advised Orange County runs its correctional program separate from the Sheriff; and he does not want the bigger philosophical issues to get lost in this one issue.

Commissioner Ellis stated the Board does not want the division of responsibility; and the County should run all the jails or none of the jails. Commissioner Cook stated it has to be one or the other; and he supports Commissioner O'Brien's motion. Commissioner O'Brien stated he agrees with Commissioner Scarborough about the separation of the Sheriff and corrections because people are arrested by the Sheriff and then they are incarcerated under the same system; and that system may be abused. Commissioner Cook noted that is another issue for the Board to consider.

Chief Clark noted it is not that Sheriff Miller is opposed to the program; but he does not want to run the program.

Chairman Higgs called for a vote on the motion. Motion carried and ordered. Commissioners O'Brien, Cook and Ellis; Commissioners Scarborough and Higgs voted nay.

Commissioner Ellis requested a report from the Sheriff and the County Manager about splitting the jail function from the Sheriff and setting up a jail administrator similar to the operation in Orange County.

Motion by Commissioner Ellis, seconded by Commissioner Scarborough, to direct the County Manager to provide the Board with information on the County assuming responsibility for the jail. Motion carried and ordered unanimously.

Chairman Higgs requested statistical information on the effectiveness of work release programs on recidivism and daily cost.

DISCUSSION, RE: JAIL AND CRIME

Commissioner Ellis inquired if there has been any movement in the private sector to put a facility up; and requested a cost per day figure for private sector. Ms. Parker noted Mr. Riley did not bid on any of the private projects that were legislatively approved; however projects were bid on, have been awarded, and have broken ground; and privatization is occurring at the State prison level. She noted there are also County jails which are operated by private vendors. Commissioner Ellis advised there is property available at the County jail now; and inquired what would be the cost of having a private jail built co-existing with the current jail versus expansion of the jail system. Discussion ensued on privatization.

Commissioner Ellis outlined the issues in which he is interested including privately constructed jails, ability for inmates to post bond at Viera, and video teleconferencing. He stated many of the judges are receptive to the idea of teleconferencing. Chairman Higgs inquired if Commissioner Ellis is talking about teleconferencing at the new justice center. Commissioner Ellis stated he does not know the value of installing it at the old courthouses and then moving it. Commissioner O'Brien stated transportation should come out of the budget of any judge who will not use the system. Commissioner Ellis noted the judges' budget is from the State and the transportation budget is from the County. Commissioner Cook inquired if the video conferencing was done previously. Ms. Parker responded it was utilized; and the only drawback was lightning. She noted there were times when multiple judges wanted to tap into the system and were not able to do so. Discussion ensued on the advances in technology.

Chairman Higgs stated the Board will get information on the expansion, cost for the infrastructure, estimated cost for construction; and it will be placed on a regular agenda. She stated various financing scenarios will be put together; and requested information on the correctional impact fees, and the basis for that. Commissioner Ellis noted if you survey the general prison population, they are not homeowners. Ms. Parker advised impact fees are assessed to help with the growth; but with corrections, it will not pay for the growth. Chairman Higgs stated the homeowner is not paying for his space in the jail, but for the space of someone he does not want to live next to. Commissioner Ellis stated he does not think that is an impact. Commissioner O'Brien stated any kind of growth is an impact. Discussion ensued on the issue.

REPORT, RE: CITIZENS TASK FORCE

Mr. George Rosenfield, member of the Citizens Jail Advisory Committee, and noted Helen Robinson who was also a member was present. He advised of the background on the Committee; and the results of the referendums. He recommended the Board follow the recommendation of the Committee to have the sales tax stand alone on the referendum and negotiate with the municipalities for the sales tax only for the jail.

Chairman Higgs requested a copy of the Committee's 1990 report; with Ms. Parker responding the Board has the report.

Commissioner Scarborough stated at the last meeting he mentioned about reactivating the Committee; and inquired if the members would be interested in meeting again; with Mr. Rosenfield responding he does not know. Commissioner Scarborough stated he would like to know the interest of the group to begin again. Chairman Higgs requested the County Manager contact the former members and determine the potential of the group meeting to look at the 1990 recommendations in light of today, but not to conduct another six-month study. Commissioner Scarborough stated as the Board comes with ideas and suggestions, they should be reviewed by staff and this Committee. Chairman Higgs stated that would be useful, but they need to know they are not being asked to give another six months.

Upon motion and vote, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m.

NANCY N. HIGGS, CHAIRMAN
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA

ATTEST:
SANDY CRAWFORD, CLERK
( S E A L )