Minutes for the Meeting of the
Public Safety Advisory Commission
February 2, 2006
Present members of Advisory Commission: Robert Turner, Charles Kurtz, Robert
Loving, C. A. Hardmon, James Wilson, Harold Bryant, Cheryl Gallatin, Greg Camp,
Archie Rainey (Chairman)
Absent members: Allen McMullen, Keyla Cabret
Visitors: Chief Jeff Meyer, Chief Jerry Fountain, Major Terri Ezell, Captain
Leroy Mills
Recording Secretary: Ms. Deborah Gasaway, Administrative Specialist III
Location: Community Room of the Public Safety Building
Meeting began at 4:00 p.m.
CHAIRMAN ARCHIE RAINEY CALLS THE MEETING TO ORDER:
Archie Rainey calls the meeting to order. Roll is taken.
REVIEW OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING?S MINUTES:
The commission members took a few moments to review the minutes of the previous
meeting for January 5, 2006. There was a motion, and a second motion to
approve minutes, and they were then approved.
Chairman Rainey introduces Fire Chief Jeff Meyer of the Columbus Fire & EMS
Department.
FIRE CHIEF JEFF MEYER OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ADDRESSES THE COMMISSION.
Fire Chief Jeff Meyer discusses the concerns of retaining personnel within the
Fire Department. He stresses the issues of losing personnel because of better
pay and benefits at different cities. He explains some of the problems of
retaining personnel; one issue he finds is the retirement plan the City of
Columbus has, and how it has been cut from sixty percent to forty-five
percent. He finds that his personnel are leaving his department for better pay
and benefits. He explains they work for the city for four to five years and
then leave after they are trained to go to better jobs in different cities. He
states that Columbus is probably the best training ground in the area for
Public Safety employees, from EMTS to Police Officers, and Firefighters. He
stresses that even though they are losing personnel, the plain simple fact is
that Public Safety has a service to provide the public, but when you?re short
staffed and looking for alternate ways to save money that?s going to affect
emergency services in Columbus.
There is a discussion between Chief Meyer and committee members concerning the
shortage of Firefighters and EMT?s within his department. Chief Meyer answered
some the commission members? questions concerning personnel problems within his
department.
There is a short group discussion regarding other types of revenue that could
be used for the city. The commission members discuss how different revenue can
be used to keep and pay personnel for the city.
Chairman Rainey questions Chief Meyer on how training is done within the Fire
Department. Chief Meyer explains that training occurs when personnel are on
duty and this cuts down on the overtime that is spent. At the present time,
the Fire Department has several classes being conducted. He describes the
different classes, EMT Basic, EMT Interments, and EMT Paramedic classes.
MAJOR TERRI EZELL OF THE MUSCOGEE COUNTY SHERIFF?S OFFICE ADDRESSES THE
COMMISSION
Major Terri Ezell gave handouts to all members of the commission concerning the
policy on visitation within the Jail, Visitation, 5-17. Major Ezell explained
the procedures that are required; how inmates are provided the opportunity to
visit with friends and family at least twice a week on Saturday and Sunday.
Major Ezell explained the different areas of the Jail?s Visitation policy.
Major Ezell described how the jail is setting up a new way of visitation by,
Video Visitation. She stated that this would allow friends and family members
to visit seven days a week instead of the two days. This will provide a longer
time period for friends and relatives to visit. Major Ezell discusses how the
video units will be set up in the Jail. The visitors will come down to the
Jail where a room is set up with a screen monitor. The visitors will be able
to talk via screen monitor to an inmate. On the floor where the inmates are
locked up they will have a station set up with a monitor to talk to people
visiting. Major Ezell explains that with Video Visitation this will cut down
on the contraband that is being brought to the inmates by some of the
visitors. She further explains that this will also free up the Sheriff
Deputy?s time.
There is a short discussion between Major Ezell and the commission members on
the different areas of the Jail. Major Ezell answered several questions on the
policies and procedures of visiting at the Jail.
Chairman Rainey asks Major Ezell to explain to the committee how you would get
permission to tour the jail. Major Ezell explained that anyone who wanted to
tour the jail would need the approval of the Sheriff. She explained that if a
school group wanted to come tour the jail, they needed the Sheriff?s approval,
and be at least seventeen years of age.
Mr. Loving discussed with Major Ezell a complaint that was told to him by a
lady when she went to visit her daughter at the Jail. Major Ezell stated that
this lady had made a complaint with the Sheriff?s Office. Major Ezell stated
to Mr. Loving what had occurred, and how the situation was resolved.
There is a brief discussion concerning the long distance phone rates and why it
costs so much to accept long distance phone calls. Major Ezell explained that
they are contracted with Beal?s Communications who they use at this time.
Major Ezell explains why the cost is so high, and how the calls are handled
through the jail.
A commission member asks where the money goes that is generated from the long
distance phone calls. Major Ezell and Captain Mills explains the money that is
generated from the long distance phone calls is used for the inmates. The
money, for example, has been used in setting up the new equipment that will be
used for the new Video Visitation. The money is also used for whatever the
inmates require, such as new televisions, things of that nature.
A commission member asks about the medical attention an inmate receives. Major
Ezell and Captain Mills discuss the medical treatment that is available to the
inmates.
A commission member asks how a deputy would get his vehicle or the equipment in
the vehicle serviced. Major Ezell explains the procedure of getting a vehicle
and the equipment fixed at the city shop.
Chairman Rainey thanks Chief Meyer and Major Ezell for coming and speaking to
the committee.
Several members commend the Fire Chief and Major Ezell on their jobs.
ELECTION OF NEW OFFICERS
Chairman Rainey opens the floor for nominations of Chairman and Vice Chair of
the Public Safety Advisory Commission.
Greg Camp nominates Harold Bryant for Chairman.
Charles Kurtz re-nominates Archie Rainey for Chairman.
Archie Rainey withdraws from the nomination.
All members unanimously elect Mr. Harold Bryant as the new Chairman of the
Public Safety Advisory Committee.
Chairman Rainey opens the floor for nominations for Vice Chair.
Mr. Robert Loving nominates Mr. C. A. Hardmon for Vice Chairman. All members
unanimously elected Mr. C. A. Hardmon for Vice Chairman.
Chairman Rainey moved to adjourn the meeting at 5:06 p.m., and the meeting
adjourned.
_________________________
Deborah Gasaway
Administrative Specialist III
Recording Secretary
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