August 20, 2014 Executive Committee Meeting Minutes

I. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 9:05am.

II. Roll Call

Present: Executive Committee Chairman George Timberlake, Lisa Jacobs, Esther Franco-Payne, Julie Biehl, Chairman George Timberlake. Quorum established at 9:16am. Staff: Rob Vickery, Karima Douglas, Susan Witkin, Julie Stremlau, Monica Kelley, Jeff Bradley.

III. Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Biehl motioned to approve the minutes. Chairman Timberlake seconded the motion. Minutes approved.

IV. Study: Alternatives to In-Person Court Appearance

IJJC Executive Director, Rob Vickery presented updated information concerning the Transportation Study. He indicated certain items we should start to review to begin the process. Commissioner Jacobs added information about best practices, what they mandate us to do. The Joint Resolution is included in packet. The group discussed the reasons for the study and best practices.

Rob continued with discussion of the work plan. JDAI Coordinator Jeff Bradley and Susan Witkin, CPRD, will look into what they can determine on cost effective alternatives. There was a discussion of issues with different counties. Jeff explained jail standards and transportation standard of care while the kids are waiting. Susan Witkin explained how the current transportation data is captured. The data exists for miles, individuals, dates and centers but not the cost. The question was raised if the centers were now building that cost into their budgets. Commissioner Jacobs stated we need to start building an analysis of the issues and move from there. Might find this is not cost effective. Jeff Bradley suggested we evaluate what we are currently using and how to use it best. A smaller group to review would work best. Jeff Bradley, Commissioner Ben Roe would be good resources.

Commissioner Jacobs wants to select certain centers to get their feedback. We only want to cover court and hearings and the constitutional aspects. There are doctor visits, etc., that require transportation and they are not in our scope.
Commissioner Jacobs stated we determine what we are asking, what information we need and determine the roles. Jeff Bradley added IPSCA and their role in this process. Using a survey was mentioned. Discussion ensued about surveys and what we gain from them. Susan Witkin advised the group it would be easy to complete an on line survey. Again cost was noted. Discussion tabled due to time constraints.

V. Review SFY15 Project Budgets

Rob Vickery explained current projects and budget. Spreadsheet included in packet for review. Commissioner Jacobs noted the long due date on the expungement study resolution. We will complete the work in two stages.

VI. Committee Structure & Assignments – DMC and others

DMC Coordinator, Karima Douglas discussed the non-commission members active on the DMC Committee. Commissioner Jacobs added that DMC is and should be a priority in everything we do. We want a “hands-on” approach and our involvement is imperative. We should use the JJ Councils to effect the change we seek. Give them the support and tools they need to achieve DMC Compliance overall. Commissioner Jacobs recommends a uniform Data Process for all. Rob Vickery explained the current data-keeping differences. Susan Witkin stated the data template needs to be clear and we can take that information many different directions.Jeff Bradley believes the issue is the small data pool. All the players have their different issues and we need to get down to the data and not get lost in “it’s the prosecutors fault or the judges fault”, etc. Need to know the issues we are identifying. Susan Witkin added AOIC can do many types of reports.

VII. New Business

A. Probation Review Project

Chairman Timberlake discussed the Probation Review Project. Commissioner Biehl asked if this is a $100,000 project. Can the project be done without money? This is a very important subject for the Commission but there are also other priorities at this time. No decision or recommendation was made. It will be discussed at the next Commission meeting.

B. CJJ (Coalition for Juvenile Justice) virtual visit

Rob Vickery further explained that Reauthorization on the Federal level is our goal and it seems to be moving forward. DJJ is finally working to get this moving. The group agreed that the visual visit would be useful, provided they can present over video rather than over the phone.

VIII. Next Meeting

October 15, 2014

IX. Adjournment

Commissioner Jacobs moved to adjourn, Chairman Timberlake seconded. Meeting adjourned at 11:04am.