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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 29, 2012 Agenda PacketsT. LuC~E COUNTY PUBLIC sAFETY COORDINATING COUNCIL Marsh Z9, Z01Z 3x30 p.1tt. fT. LUCIE COUNTY ADMINIfTRAT10N ANNEX BOARD OF COUNTY COMMIff10NERf CONFERENCE ROOM 3 1. Call to Order -Chairman Tod Mowery Z. Roll Call 3. Approval of Minute=- January 19, ZO~Z Meeting 4. f heriff'f Offiee Update - fheriff Ma:eara/Mayor Tighe s. Update by Criminal ~u~ti`e Coordinator- Mark Godwin 6. ~udi~igl Update- Chief fudge Levin ?. Old Bu=ine=: s. New Bufine:: 9. Ad~ourninent Members: Suzanne Caudell Janet Collins State Attorney Bruce Colton Commissioner Tod Mowery Public Defender Diamond Litty Justine Patterson Sheriff Ken Mascara Chief Judge Lein John Romano Major Pat Tighe Judge Philip Yacucci PUBLIC =AI~E1'Y COORDINA?ING COUNCIL Minutes of Meeting February 23, 2012 Convened: 3:32 p.m. Adiowrned~ 4:28 p.m. CALL TO ORDER Commissioner Mowery called the meeting to order at 3:32 p.m. in Conference Room # 3, 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, Florida. ROLL CALL Roll call was taken. Men+bers present: Commissioner Tod Mowery Chief Judge Steve Levin,19t" Circuit Judge Philip 1. Yacucci,19t" Circuit Justine Patterson, Department of Corrections Suzanne Caudell, CORE Program Ken Mascara, Sheriff of SLC Major Pat Tighe, SL SO John Romano, New Horizons Diamond Litty, Public Defender Members Absent: Bruce Colton, State Attorney Janet Collins, Bail Association Others present: Mark Godwin, SLC Criminal Justice Coordinator Broderick Underwood, C11S Analyst Lisa Savage, SLC Pre-Trial Program Kristen Garrison, Clerk of Court Ethal Rowland, Tax payer Kevin Housel,luvenile Assessment Center Trevor Morganti, SL SO Chief Sean Baldwin, FP PD lay Meisel, Hometown News Scott Harloff, CORE Program Chris Harris, Magellan Health APPROVAL OP MINUTE=~ The minutes from January 19, 2012 were unanimously approved. Pablie fafeby Coordinatins Cowneil Pebraary Z3, =O1Z Paye Z UPDATE by fLC fherriff~= Offiee- Maior 1'ishe behalf of sheriff Masearae Major Tighe reported the population to be 1,267 with 49 US Marshal Prisoners. A-graph of SLC Jail Inmates in Detox in 2011 was distributed and discussed (see attached). Major Tighe explained the detox relates to the OxyContin dilemma. Last year there were 303 individuals who went through the detox process which amounted to $84,952 in medical care. He suspected the numbers for 2012 will go up and partly because people do not have anywhere else to go without insurance. Major Tighe shared two cases in the past that involved overdue females who tried to turn themselves in to have their babies delivered using the jail for medical coverage. In both cases they were able to get a Judge to vacate the order for the violation of probation (VOP). Commissioner Mowery asked if what the Major described was a new trend. Major Tighe replied that he had seen. it in Broward ten years ago, but due the economy it seemed to be happening more. Major Tighe continued that in order to be a constitutional jail, services like medical, mental health, and dental have to be provided. He mentioned a few stories regarding a jail in New Mexico and how it cost millions when they had lawsuits because medical services were not provided. His point was it costs to run a constitutional jail, but it also costs to run an unconstitutional jail. Sheriff Mascara presumed and John Romano agreed (CEO of New Horizons) an average cost for a three day stay at Lawnwood Medical Center for detox would. be ten to twelve thousand dollars. If the three hundred they treated at the jail was treated at Lawnwood, it would cost three million dollars and since most patients would be considered indigent, eventually the tax payers would have to pay for it anyway. He compared that to the cost the jail was able to do it for which was $84,952 and felt it was a good. bargain. He also shared with the group that the Major and Chief went to Howey-in-the-Hills, FL and, received a second reaccreditation from Florida Corrections Accreditation Commission (FCAC). It was awarded for being 100 percent incompliance for all standards and policies. The SherifF concluded by saying they are very proud of that and will continue to make sure they are running a constitutional jail. Judge Vacucci brought up a topic about having video cameras in law enforcement vehicles. He mentioned that because of television, jurors expect to see one and the question always comes up at trials. The Judge also mentioned he understood funding issues and it was a wish he had and wondered how much money might be saved by not going to trial because of a video. The group spoke of which agencies had cameras and how they were used and the pros and cons along with it. Pyblie fafety Coordinaitiny Cowneil Pebrwary Z3, 20iZ Paye 3 UPDATE by Criminal ~y=tire Coordinator- Mar& Godwin Mr. Mark Godwin discussed the Criminal Justice budget briefly with it being budget time. He indicated that his budget will remain flat and he explained that funding for the Juvenile Assessment Center (lAC) is included. He reported that the Port St. Lucie Police- Department contributed Ten Thousand dollars to the JAC this year. He explained since the grant that funded mental health and substance abuse expired in June after three years, services continue through the Criminal Justice budget. Over $500,000 tax payer dollars which goes through New Horizons and Mental Health Court, included in that is services of a Forensic Case Manager. Mr. Godwin informed the group that the Drug Labs and Pretrial programs are doing well. The Drug Screening Lab recently had another truckring company sign on with them for DOT testing. The St. Lucie County Drug Lab will be moved into the new lab space. in the weeks ahead. Lisa Savage, Pretrial Manager gave a brief overview of some cases involved in her program. Mr. Godwin informed the group that a letter written by Commissioner Chris Dzadovsk~y was sent to Tallahassee to oppose the proposed Health and Human Services Appropriations cuts. The letter was sent in February and Commissioner Dzadovsky was opposed to a cut to adult substance abuse and mental health services treatment (see attached). Marks complimented the Major on the Detox program Major Tighe spoke of earlier because not only are the numbers cost effective, but it saves lives. He also shared some information he learned from a webinar given. by The National Association of Counties (NACO). There was a brief discussion on what may come in January of 2014 regarding healthcare reform and the eligibility of individuals who are in custody pre-detention for Medicaid. JUDICIAL ilPDATE -Chief ~wdge Levin Chief Judge Levin agreed about the Detox Program. A few defendants in Drug Court requested to go to the "drug dorm" in the -jail because they knew they needed help. He complimented the Sheriff and Major on their involvement with that. The Chief Judge announced that there was a new bond schedule set for St. Lucie County and would be available soon. The previous one was set by road officers and had been around for twenty years or so without ever being changed. There are about two hundred and forty pages of charges; the order is in the process of being signed. Major Tighe supplied all the charges and what the bond was currently listed at. Chief Judge Levin and Criminal Division Administrative Judge Mirman adjusted the numbers to the cost of living over time. He stated the schedule is a starting point/guidance and the Judges have full discretion to raise or lower them as they see fit. Major Tighe added that there was another aspect of the project because there were a lot of FL Statutes that had no bond set because of some computer crimes that did not exist before and changes that took place over the last twenty years. He explained, to maintain consistency with law enforcement agencies in SLC the officer will be able to type in Publie fafeiy Coordinating Council February Z3, ZOfZ Page 4 the Statute number and the verbiage will automatically appear. This will also help when an analysis is done on certain charges and so forth. Major Tighe and Chief Judge Levin agreed that it will be a benefit to everyone including the Clerk's office. Chief Judge Levin remarked that Juvenile Drug Court was going well. He noted that Kevin Housel, the Director of Juvenile Detention was in attendance and how Mr. Housel's reports of the juvenile's behavior at staff meetings have made a major difference. Chief Judge Levin announced as of March 1St 2012, the new courtrooms will be in use on the first floor of the main courthouse. Two Dependency Courtrooms will be there and then once the holding cell is finished the Juvenile Delinquency Court will be open. With that move Seventh Street will be closed which will alleviate issues it had security and otherwise. Sheriff Mascara asked Chief Judge to speak about the tour he and Clerk Smith along with Chief Judge took regarding security issues for the Courthouse Complex and how it would be resolved. Chief Judge explained on Second Street he refers to the new Courthouse as building A, the old Courthouse as building B, and the Clerk's building C. Sheriff Mascara elaborated that the concern was people who have access to the Clerk's building would now have access to the "B" building and how would they secure that. He explained that access would have to be cut off and direct those people to the front of the new courthouse, the "A" side and have them go through security there. The Sheriff indicated with the closing of Seventh St. he had anticipated some cost savings by releasing the two Wackenhut security guards there. In light of the security concern, it was decided to continue the Wackenhut contrdct and bring them and the security devices over to the entrance of the Clerk's building during operating hours. The Sheriff hoped the cost would have been passed on to the Clerk's office but it remains a part of his budget. Commissioner Mowery asked about the cost of the two security guards and the Sheriff replied it was just under ninety thousand a year. On a side note, Commissioner Mowery commented that he had an opportunity to watch Judge Yacucci's court in session. He and other members complimented on how timely and efficient Judge Yacucci was. OLD BUfINEff -None NEW BUfINEff Mr. Romano, CEO of New Horizons brought an informative report for members regarding Mental Health and Substance Abuse cuts that are being recommended by The Senate for Health and Human Services Appropriation. Please see attached. Mr. Romano touched on some facts throughout the report. The group offered a support letter to be sent to our entire delegation to oppose the cuts on behalf of the Public Safety Coordinating Council. All members agreed any cuts would have a very negative impact on our community. Pyblie fafety Coordinating Cowneil Febrwary 23, ZOfZ Page s Comment=: Diamond Litty, Public Defender complimented the pac42et Mr. Romano put together by saying it was easy reading and something they all need when people asf~ questions. She also commented that it is not smoke and mirrors, mental illness is real bad and all of them around the table have seen it and something has to be done. Justine Patterson, Department of Corrections Director, shared that as of today, there are 1600 offenders in St. Lucie County on one type of supervision or another. In January they collected close to $30,000 in court costs and approximately $23,000 in restitution from the offenders. Susan Caudell, CORE Program Director, mentioned a recent article about DUI arrests being down about twenty percent. She thought it may have more to do with the economy and arrests being down than people not drinl~ing and driving. She also announced that Scott Harloff, CORE Program Supervisor, was interviewed about the SCRAM bracelets (Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring) with News Channel 12 and would be aired later that evening. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Mowery adjourned the meeting at 4:28 p.m. Submitted by, Carlene Busse THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD March 29, 2012 Inmates on Detox ~~~ ~°b ~~ ~~~ ~~ ~~ `~~i '9~ ~~.a O~, ~o O~ -• ~ r ~ v ~. ~ ~ ~ n o _. ~ _ ~ ~ ~ n~ ~ _. o ~ - ~ ~ ~ m -~ ~ N N W W •P -P C,n O U1 O U1 O C3~ O CJ1 O QOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS February 9, 2012 Senator Joe Negron Chairman Senate Budget Subcommittee Health and Human Services Appropriations 306 Senate Office Building 404 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-110(- RE: St. Lucie County Opposes proposed HHS Appropriations Cuts Dear Senator Negron, CHRIS DZADOVSKY COMMISSIONER I am opposed to a cut to adult substance abuse and mental health services and treatment. Any potential cuts i~T Mental Health/Substance Abuse services will place ADDITIONAL stress on acute care hospitals, ER's. and jails/prisons. In short, it is much more cost effective and efficient to treat people in community based. settings (case management, therapy, medication management, etc.) rather than the costly alternatives mentioned above. Over the years it has been demonstrated that mental health and substance abuse services and treatment are an investment, and not merely a cost. The return on investment (ROI) for the state is proven, and has been clearly demonstrated over the many years the federal, state, and local governments have funded these important services. St. Lucie County and the rest of the State are in the middle of the largest drug epidemic ever faced. Now is not the time to be cutting services, rather it is the time to fund additional services to begin addressing the consequences of the drug epidemic. A CUT AT THE STATE LEVEL IS A TAX INCREASE FOR THE FLORIDA TAXPAYER AT THE LOCAL LEVEL. Respectfully, Chris Dzadovskv Chair, St Lucie Board of County Commissioners C'C: District Office BOCC 3500 SVJ Corporate Parkway, Suite 204 Count) Administration Palm City, FL 34990 County Attorney PSCC CHRIS DZADOVSKti". Darn::r No. TOD MOWEP,Y. District No. c PAULA A. LEWIS Uisricr No .i FRANNIE HUTCHIN50N Darrcr Nc•..: CHRIS CRAFT, Disrncr No. 5 2300 Virginia Avenue Forr Pierce. FL 34982-5652 • (772) 462-1412 FAX 1772) 462-2131 TDD (772) 462-1428 wwv,~.srlucieco.gov Tough economic times require legislators to maximize the use of taxpayer dollars. Cutting funding in these tough times is not a wise decision. Funding behavioral health services is one of the most effective and efficient uses of public dollars. Here's why: Community Mental Health/Addictions Alternative Costs 'Treatment Costs Average crisis stabilization cost to the state per day = Average Florida emergency room cost per visit = $292 $2,887 Average detox cost per day = $205 Average hospital cost per day = $2,000 Average annual substance abuse treatment cost Average prison cost for a drug offender = $60,000 for an adult = $2,400 Average annual intensive community mental health Average annual state hospital cost = $112,000 treatment cost for an adult = $20,000 Treatment is cost effective ~ Prevention and treatment result in safer communities. The Pinellas County jail diversion program had an 87 percent reduction in re-arrest rates for nearly 3,000 offenders enrolled in the mental health jail diversion program. ~ 93% of offenders who complete community drug treatment do not. re-offend. One percent change equals $8 million over three years. ~~ Treatrrrent gets people back to work: 69% of adults are employed after treatment. ~c~st5 of neat receiving trea~inc~ ~ A recent study estimates that serious mental illnesses cost society $255.4 billion annraally in lost earnings. Extrapolating to Florida in 2011 dollars the estimate of lost earnings is equal to $26.1 billion. Extrapolating that to Florida in 2011 dollars, the estimate of lost earnings is equal to $26.1 billion. American Journal of Psychiatry (2008) ~ Besides lost productivity mental health and substance abuse disorders result in poor health outcomes, sr.iicide and other premature deaths, disability, and wasted public and private dollars. ~ Twenty-three percent (23%) of parents and caregivers of children with mental illnesses were forced by state regulations to consider relinquishing custody of their child in order to access mental health services and 20% relinquished custody. (NIMH, 2008) The economic impact in Florida of alcohol and drug abuse is $43.7 billion each year. (The Price Florida Pays for Drug and Alcohol Abuse, 2009) ~ A recent analysis of Miami-Dade County found that over afive-year period 97 individuals were identified with serious mental illness and "heavy users" of acute and institutional services. They accounted for 2,200 bookings in the county jail, 27,000 days in the jail and 13,000 days in crisis units, state hospitals and emergency rooms. The cost to the state and local taxpayers was nearly $13 million. (FL Mental Health Institute, University of South Florida, 2010). ~ On average, every three hours a person in Florida commits suicide. It is the second leading cause of deaths for persons ages 25-34. In 2009, the suicide rate in Florida was the highest it has been in 15 years. ~/ Treatment success rates for such disorders as schizophrenia (60%), depression (80% percent) and substance abuse disorders (60%) surpass those of other medical conditions such. as heart disease (45-50%) and other chronic illnesses. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2004) / Individuals with mental illnesses are four times more likely to die from treatable illnesses than other individuals and 58 times more likely to die before the age of 50 (Disability Rights Commission, 2005) ~1 One of eight visits to ERs and 1 in 4 hospital stays involves a person with a mental health disorder and/or substance use disorder. ~ Sixteen percent of people in jails and prisons have serious mental illnesses. (NIMH, 2008) ~ Between 50% and 75% of youth in juvenile justice facilities have a diagnosable mental health disorder and frequently do not receive counseling, treatment or support. (NIMH, 2008) ~ A great number of studies show that children in child welfare are the highest users of behavioral health services. (University of South Florida,) ~ A study related to mental illnesses and diabetes found than a person with diabetes and depression costs 60% more than a person with diabetes without depression. That is, untreated mental illness results in reduced health outcomes and higher health care costs. Diabetes Care, 2008). Stop the _108+ Million Reduction in DCF Mental Health .and Substance Funding Included in the Senate HHS Budget Proposal $76,1 Million Cut in Adult Mental Health $31.6 Million Cut in Adult Substance Abuse A 34% Reduction in Mental Health Funding and a 25.5% Reduction in Substance Abuse Funding If Adopted It Would 13e the Largest Reduction Ever Taken in These Programs Nearly 140,000 Floridians Would Lose Mental Health and/or Substance Abuse Services Save Our System (SOS) • 50t"- Florida's Ranking Among the States and the District of Columbia in Per Capita Publicly Financed Mental Health Care • 35t"-- Florida's Ranking Among the States and the District of Columbia in Per Capita Publicly Financed Substance Abuse Care • Only 54% of Adult Mental Health Need Met • Only 38% of Adult Substance Abuse Need Met • Less than 50% of DCF Mental Health Funding Devoted to Community Based Care (Rest Spent on Institutional/Forensic Care) • Adjusted for Inflation, Florida Now Spends Less Per Capita for Mental Health Than It Did in the 1950s • • • r Florida Partners in Crisis SAY "NO" TO MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE In partnership with local treatment providers, law enforcement officials and the court system, communities tlu•oughout Florida have created programs that successfully combine criminal justice sanctions with mental health and addictions treatment, saving taxpayer dollars and creating safer communities. The Senate has proposed a cut of $76.1 million to Adult Mental Health funding and a cut of $31.3 million to Adult Substance Abuse Services. If adopted, nearly 140,000 Floridians will lose treatment services. If adopted, this would be the largest reduction ever taken in mental health and substance abuse heatment services. Here's why you should oppose these cuts: Reducing recidivism rates save taxpaye><• dollars and improve public safety: / 93% of offenders who complete community drug treatment do not re-offend. A one percent change equals $8 million over three years. / The Pinellas County jail diversion program had an 87 percent reduction in re-anent rates for offenders enrolled in the mental health jail diversion program. Investing wisely improves outcomes, increases public safety: / 'The Osceola County jail diversion program has reduced recidivism from 80 percent to 12 percent through treatment, case management and social rehabilitation services. / Miami-Dade County's Felony Jail Diversion program which provides community treatment alternatives has resulted in 8,300 fewer jail days; $1.1 million in cost avoidance to the jail; and a 41 % reduction in admissions to state forensic treatment facilities. Saving time and money gives law enforcement officers ><nore time on the street: / Orange County's mental health diversion program, the Central Receiving Center, has saved law enforcement $2.2 million over seven years, the equivalent of 45 positions as a result of reducing or eliminating the time law enforcement nnist spend with each person at emergency rooms. / .hee County's Triage Center, apre-ai•~•est alternative for individuals with mental ilhiesses or substance use disorders, allows law enforcement officers to drop off a client and return to their patrol within minutes, rather than spending time in the emergency room or at the jail. 175 Marlin Drive • Merritt Island, FL 32952 •321-453-8825 • www.flpic.org BUDGET CUTS! Fli~rida Partners in Crisis Criminal Justice Reinvestment Grants Improve Public Safety, Support Recovery, Save Tax Dollars The Cximinal Justice, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Reinvestment Grant Program, created by the Legislature in 2007, helps community leaders find cost-effective ways to combine criminal justice sanctions with mental health and addictions treatment, saving taxpayer dollars and creating safer communities. The grants are matched 100% by the counties and have produced impressive results though community treatment systems, mental health and drug courts, specialized law enforcement training and other diversion methods. Why? / Each year, more than 125,000 individuals with serious mental illnesses are at7•ested and booked into Florida jails. Avast majority are-also experiencing a drug addiction. Roughly half are charged with low-level, non-violent crimes. / In 2010, the Florida Mental Health Institute found. that over afive-year period, just 97 individuals in Miami-Dade County had accumulated 2,172 arrest; 26,640 jail days; 7,000 inpatient psychiatric hospital days and 3,200 state hospital days at a cost of $12.6 million to state and local taxpayers. Investing ~cvisely improves outcomes, increases public safety / The grants are matched 100 percent by the local community ensuring commitment to the projects and maximization of state resources. / The Pinellas County jail diversion program had an 87 percent reduction in re-arrest rates for nearly 1,000 offenders enrolled in the mental health jail diversion program. Prior to the program, arrests for these clients were 12,985 with arrest dropping to 1,677 after completing the program. / "fhe Osceola County jail diversion program has reduced recidivism from 80 percent to 12 pe1•cent through treatment, case management and social rehabilitation services. / IVliami-Dade County's Felony Jail Diversion program has a 6 percent recidivism rate for those who complete the program, has resulted in 8,300 fewer jail days, $1.1 million cost avoidance to the jail and a 41% reduction in admissions to state forensic treatment facilities. Saving time and money gives law enforcement officers more time on the street: / Orange C'ounty's mental health diversion program, the Central Receiving Center, has saved law enforcement $2.2 million over seven years, the equivalent of 45 positions as a result of reducing or eliminating the time law enforcement must spend with each person at an emergency room. / I,ee County's Triage Center provides pre-arrest alternatives for individuals with mental illnesses or substance use disorders that allow law enforcement officers to drop off a client and return to their patrol within minutes, rather than spending time in the emer~ency room or at the jail. 175 Marlin Drive • Merritt Island, FL 32952 • 321-453-8825 • www.flgic.orca 2/14/12 Legislators leave hard work to local ofticials - OrlandoSentinel.com Page 1 of 2 orlandosenti nel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-local-tax-cuts-022212-20120221,0,6706323.story OrlandoSentinel.com Legislators leave hard work to local officials Februarv 22.2012 Florida lawmakers,just love to crow about cutting taxes. But cutting taxes is easy; paying for it is hard. And .lawmakers have been dumping much of that dirty work on local government leaders. Freshman state Rep. Fred Costello, a Republican who served as Ormond Beach's mayor for eight years, called out his colleagues earlier this month. "We're trying to take credit for cutting taxes when we're, in essence, really j ust telling somebody else, 'You need to cut,"' he said in remarks reported by the Miami Herald. Costello sounded off at a House committee meeting where members approved various tax cuts that would take more than $600 million out of local government coffers. It would be up to local leaders to make up the difference -and take the heat. Local tax collections peaked five years ago, before the Great Recession staggered Florida's economy and real-estate values tanked. Counties and cities, which can't spend more than they take in, have been forced to adjust with service cuts, tax hikes or some combination of the two. Local governments were ripe for some cutbacks. Their budgets had gotten bloated on the windfall that accompanied the run-up in property values. But counties and cities, as a group, are now having to make do on billions less in revenues. And lawmakers are just making it tougher on them with measures that have further shrunk local tax bases by hundreds of millions of dollars. Floridians depend on their local governments for a wide range of basic services, including police and fire protection, public health programs, parks and libraries. Those governments have pared back many of those services, and employees, as the dollars to pay for them have dropped. Orlando, for example, has eliminated more than 400 positions in the past three years, postponed pay raises, reduced hours at community centers and done away with many other services considered nonessential. The city also hiked property taxes in 2008 but hasn't raised them since. Proposals on the table this legislative session to eliminate local business taxes could cost Orlando another $8 million a year. Even such a seemingly minor cut in a $350 million budget could cause problems. httn•//www nrlancincPntinPl rnm/nPwc/nnininn/n~-P~1-local-tax-~tiit~-0222.12-?.(112(127.1.0.77... 2/23/2012 legislators leave hard work to local officials - OrlandoSentinel.com Page 2 of 2 The city has been counting on its business tax collections to make payments on its debts, and to help cover the cost of police and firefighters it hired with federal grants when those grants run out. So the next time you're upset with cuts made by your local leaders, remember that state lawmakers probably had a hand on the ax, too. Copyright r) 2012, t )rl~+ncf~~_~~~ntin~l http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/opinion/os-ed-local-tax-cuts-022212-20120221,0,77... 2/23/2012