Somers Public Safety Committee

Annual Report For 2003

In accordance with State Statute, Section 18-81h, each Public Safety Committee shall submit a report to the chairpersons and ranking members of the join standing committee of the General Assembly relating to Public Safety, which outlines Issues of Concern in each municipality in which a correctional facility is located.

HISTORY

The Somers Public Safety Committee was established in accordance with Public Act 93-291. The Committee is comprised of town residents and officials who are selected to serve on the Committee as well as the Complex Warden and Wardens of Northern C. I., Willard/Cybulski C.I. and Osborn C.I. Department of Correction officials update committee members on Public Safety Issues, and committee members bring to the table any Concerns.

ISSUES

• Prison Expansion was discussed. A public hearing was held on the draft of the Environmental Impact Evaluation, prepared By Baystate Environmental Consultants Inc. The report had many errors, which resulted in the public hearing being re-opened in July. The town has not been given the final Environmental Impact Evaluation as of yet.

• The community notification system has been updated to a Phone Tree 2500 Auto & Emergency Notification System and continues to be tested in accordance with the agreement.

• The community was advised of the facilities population counts at each quarterly meeting.

• New wardens were appointed due to retirements and DOC restructuring its management.

• The Public Safety Committee had two new members appointed due to resignations.

Respectfully Submitted,

George Van Tasel Jr.

Chairperson

Cc: Judiciary Committee Chair, Senator Andrew J. McDonald

Public Safety Committee Chair, Senator Earnest E. Newton

Judiciary Committee Chair, State Representative Michael Lawlor

Public Safety Committee Chair, State Representative Stephen Dargon

1^st Selectman Richard Jackson

Northern District Administrator Remi Acosta