Sheriff, commission address inmate issues
Staff reporter
Just a few days after discussing the need for a new jail facility, Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker presented a list of issues to Marion County Commission Monday from inmates at the county jail.
The memo listed 12 issues regarding jail conditions of which the inmates wanted the sheriff to be aware.
The issues were overcrowding which results in prisoners sleeping on the floor, food quality, television accessibility, going outdoors at least an hour per day, no newspapers or magazines, no nightly medications, poor hygiene management, asbestos, theft of personal property, poor ventilation, and longer visitation.
Becker said inmates sleep on mattresses on the floor because there is not enough bed space.
Currently, Marion Manor provides meals to prisoners and the county pays $3.25 per meal. A dietitian on the nursing home's staff monitors nutritional values and food groups for a balanced diet, said Becker.
Corrections officer Garry Klose said he checked with other jails in the area and was told television is not a requirement for inmates.
"TVs are excellent babysitters," said Becker, but did not necessarily agree they should be available to prisoners.
Most issues presented by inmates were staff issues.
There is not an adequate staff or facility to provide prisoners outdoor time for at least one hour per day, said Becker. Sometimes it is not advisable for inmates to be outdoors when a victim may live near the jail.
Newspapers and magazines are not allowed because they can become a safety issue.
Medications are not dispensed at night and longer visitations are not possible because of a shortage of staff.
Rust in the showers and sewers backing up will be monitored. A plumber will be hired to check the drains.
Becker also will check for asbestos, even though he is not aware of any. He also will have an air conditioning contractor inspect the jail's ventilation system.
"Eventually, we will need 24-hour staff at the jail," said Becker, whether it's an old or new facility.
In other business:
— The commission approved the replacement of a door on the north side of the jail for $385.
— The purchase of new patrol cars was put on hold until bids could be obtained from the three dealerships in Hillsboro.
— County clerk Carol Maggard researched the necessary steps for the county's name to be placed on a proposed legislative bill for a special sales tax for a new law enforcement facility.
The commission instructed Maggard to contact Representative Don Dahl and research other necessary processes.
— Maggard received permission to purchase the lowest bid for tires for the county's Ford Crown Victoria that is used by courthouse personnel and commissioners.
— The commission also approved Maggard's use of commission members' signature stamps to send letters regarding solid waste abatements.
— Lights for the courthouse flag pole will be checked. Maggard said the maintenance workers spend time each day raising and lowering the flag. She also will check into costs to replace the flag, which probably would be every six months.
— Maggard asked the commission to consider removing two large trees on the west side of the courthouse lawn. Two trees were planted to replace the two to be removed.
— Randy Krueger was introduced to the commission as director of community corrections.
He reported Linda Ogden of Marion will be asked to serve on the community corrections board.
— Peggy Blackman of the county conservation district and administrator of a federal grant program, reported the 2005 report will be submitted to Kansas Department of Health & Environment.
A request for an additional $10,000 will be made to KDHE, for a total of $100,000, to assist with sediment issues at Marion Reservoir.
The commission approved a letter and resolution of support for a comprehensive study and commitment to the project.
— Following a 10-minute executive session with county appraiser Cindy Magill to discuss personnel, the commission approved additional training for appraiser employee Robin Taylor to become the assistant appraiser. In the meantime, both Taylor and appraiser employee Dana Wear would share the assistant appraiser position.
Pay increases will be implemented.
— A truck bed was approved for the noxious weed department.
Director Rollin Schmidt reported Hillsboro Industries of Hillsboro, had submitted a bid for $2,452 for the bed. A second bid was noted from a Wichita company. Circle D of Hillsboro and Donahue Corporation of Durham do not make the specific bed requested.
— Schmidt presented a department evaluation and noted maintenance issues that will be addressed.
The commission signed an annual report to the board of agriculture regarding chemical sales.
Schmidt requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel.
The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Jim Herzet, road and bridge superintendent, reported bids were needed for two generic bridges at 250th and Indigo roads and 240th and Clover roads.
— Advertising will begin for four summer employees.
Discussion followed regarding the size of mowing decks from four feet to eight feet.
— Herzet will check with two construction companies regarding bids for 10,000 tons of cold mix.
— A 1980s model Allis-Chalmers mower will be sold at a consignment auction at Goessel. A minimum bid will be required.
— Kansas Department of Transportation physicals may be required for county commercial drivers' license holders. Herzet was instructed to check the costs and report back.
— Commission chairman Dan Holub requested and received a five-minute executive session to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— A 10-minute executive session was requested and received to discuss personnel with David Brazil, county zoning administrator, also in attendance. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
— Later in the meeting, a 15-minute executive session was called by Holub with the other two commissioners to discuss personnel. The meeting reconvened with no decisions.
The next commission meeting will be at 9 a.m. Monday at the courthouse.
