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• Tina Shull, staff member at Civic Community Initiatives for Visiting <br />Immigrants in Confinement, opined a jail reuse study without a study on <br />conditions of confinements is not a true jail reuse study; conducting an <br />independent and community based report to Veneer's jail reuse study to <br />help City Council make an informed decision. <br />• Daisy Ramirez, Jails Project Coordinator at American Civil Liberties <br />Union, opined that Veneer's assessment solely focuses on the <br />mechanical and physical components of the jail and fails to exam <br />conditions for physical security, medical and mental healthcare; urged <br />to prioritize alternative uses that will benefit the community at large. <br />City Manager Godinez, noted item has been brought back to City Council <br />to validate four scenarios City Council is interested to be studied or provide <br />revised areas of study. <br />Assistant to the City Manager Jorge Garcia, provided update of reuse study, <br />community outreach process, and workshops conducted to City Council. <br />Noted phase one of the reuse study now completed, reviewed four potential <br />categories of jail use, completion target date, and overview of potential <br />facility enhancements. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, opined jail facility was designed for one purpose <br />without looking to future and noted loss of opportunity. <br />Councilmember Villegas, commented prison was built over 20 years ago. <br />Opined any reuse would require it to be secure and cost to change would <br />be high. <br />Councilmember Sarmiento, commented other jails have converted to other <br />uses, expressed desire to use jail in a good responsible manner, and to also <br />be able to pay debt service. <br />Councilmember Tinajero, commented on providing additional input and <br />expressed desire to have staff present findings to City Council within the <br />next few months. <br />Councilmember Benavides, questioned Veneer's ability to complete report <br />within the time frame and possibility of contract extension. Commented <br />community based study should be provided information to complete report. <br />Councilmember Solorio, opined initial findings by consultant indicate any <br />reuse will be costly and complex. Noted commercial options such as data <br />centers can be done at a lower cost to the City and possible jail reuse <br />separation by floor. <br />Mayor Pro Tem Martinez, commented on successful transition of jail <br />facilities throughout the country, covered potential uses, and questioned <br />community benefit to continue with a jail business model. <br />CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 26 DECEMBER 5, 2017 <br />1 OB -26 <br />