Discussion and possible action to approve a Resolution and authorize the submission of a grant application to the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance and establish a Mental Health Court Program. Grant Number BJA-2015-4081

Issue:  It has been documented that offenders with mental illnesses are readily falling through the cracks in an inadequate criminal justice system. This appears to be due to the lack of mental health facilities available to them. This has brought to the fore the urgent need for a judicial system that could specifically advance these services to them. The presence of defendants with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system imposes substantial costs on that system and a substantial harm on the community.

Solution: Judge Notzon began a pilot Mental Health Court program which emphasizes public safety, diverts defendants with mental illness from incarceration to appropriate treatment facility and community resources.

Result: If funded, the program would be designed to identify and address the unique needs of the criminal offenders with behavioral needs.  Mental Health Court would represent an effort to increase effective cooperation between the criminal justice system and the mental health system. Positive results are seen with faster processing time, improved access to mental health treatment services and reducing recidivism.

Issue: Due to damages sustained by the Probation/PAL building located at 3802 S. Zapata HWY, the PAL division was relocated temporarily to the above mentioned location under a lease rental agreement with Mr. Gonzalez.  Initial term was for one (1) year ending March 2014.  Subsequent to that the lease agreement was extended for one more year ending March 2015.  

Solution: The estimated time of completion for renovations are projected by end of June 2015.  Since renovations are nearing completion it would not be favorable to Webb County to renew lease agreement for another year or any other term that would exceed the estimated time of completion.  

Result: Therefore, exercising the HOLDING OVER clause would provide a month to month rental payment without any financial commitments beyond the vacancy of this leased property.  

Discussion with possible action to solicit Request for Proposals (RFP's) for development and maintenance of a Risk Management Program as required by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plants regarding Safe Use and Maintenance of Hazardous Chemicals.

Issue: Section 112(r) of the Clean Air Act Amendments requires EPA to publish regulations and guidance for chemical accident prevention at facilities that use extremely hazardous substances. These regulations and guidance are contained in the Risk Management Plan (RMP) rule.  The information required from facilities under RMP helps local fire, police, and emergency response personnel prepare for and respond to chemical emergencies. Making RMPs available to the public also fosters communication and awareness to improve accident prevention and emergency response practices at the local level. The RMP rule was built upon existing industry codes and standards. It requires companies that use certain flammable and toxic substance to develop a Risk Management Program.


Although the Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant was required to implement a RMP several years back, the program has never been implemented and our systems have never been inspected by EPA.  However, due to the improvement in training and safety not only with our employees but the first responders and the public it is highly recommend we pursue this RFP and acquire the required services.

Solution: Specialized companies have been practicing for several years to provide the necessary support and compliance guarantees to small system to comply with these requirements.  These companies can provide firs a compliance set-up service for each facility, which includes Compliance Audits, Hazard Assessments, a prevention program, and provide monthly training of employees to maintain compliance.
 
Result: Hiring of the most qualified and best value will guarantee meeting compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency's required Risk Management Plan. 
 

Solution: An approved policy and approved procedures will allow for timely purchases.

Result: An approved policy and approved procedures will provide for timely payment of purchase orders and inform all users of allowable expenses.