Public Meeting Notice  Restrictive Housing Oversight Committee Meeting

Meeting Minutes

Call to Order

At 11:04am, the meeting was called to order once a quorum had been established.

October 28, 2020 Meeting Minutes Review/Approval

Sean Medeiros made a motion to approve the minutes. Bob Fleischner seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously and the minutes were approved.

2019 Quarterly Reports

Hollie Matthews explained where folks can find the reports online. Bonnie Tenneriello suggested strategizing on getting the county reports from 2019 to the Committee. Chairman Peck said he would speak to the MSA (Massachusetts Sheriffs Association) Executive Director, Carrie Hill, about what the challenges are. Bob asked that we continue to keep this as an agenda item since they have not been received.

Subcommittees

Bob said they have gathered the information and need to begin the writing phase. Bonnie said she would like to meet very soon. Tony asked her to start an outline and she and Jesse White are prepared to do that. The info requests went out at the time of the last meeting.

Member Comment

Bonnie spoke about non-disciplinary and disciplinary segregation due to Covid-19 and stated that it is a concern because it is segregation regardless of the reason.

On the Fallon Group presentation, Bob Fleischner said he was very impressed. Justice Hines echoed his sentiments. Chairman Peck said the group spent a tremendous amount of time working on this and have done a comprehensive job. They were very invested in it and would be great if we could incorporate their work into the Committee’s report. Bob made some additional comments about the different issues such as due process that the Fallon Group are covering which the RHOC has also spoken to inmates about. Bonnie thanked Chairman Peck for opening up the system to these recommendations.

Public Comment

Mary Valerio stated that she reviewed the report that noted at Concord, families of color were treated improperly and asked if there were any analysis of why certain facilities have issues and some don’t (with respect to treatment of families of color). She said category 3 offenses should not have anyone in RH.

Cassandra of MASC (Massachusetts Against Solitary Confinement) stated she was saddened to see suicides on the 2019 reports and has been hoping for something better.

Adjourn

There was a motion to adjourn by Brandy and seconded by Sean. The meeting adjourned at 11:45am.

       AGENDA

1.       Call To Order

2. November 24, 2020 Meeting Minutes Approval/Vote

3. Discussion of 2019 Quarterly RH Reports (Bob requested we keep on agenda at last meeting)

4. Subcommittee Updates and Update on Outstanding Information Requests from Sheriffs

5. DOJ Report on Mental Health Watch

6. Status of Falcon Report

7. Member Comment

8. Public Comment

9. Adjourn