HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 11 Correspondence from Nicholas Antone with Staff Response M E M O R A N D U M CITY OF SPRINGFIELD COMMITTED TO EXCELLENCE
DATE: October 11, 2017
TO: Gino Grimaldi City Manager
FROM: Richard Lewis Chief of Police
SUBJECT: Council Correspondence - Nicholas Antone
Nicholas Antone wrote several letters to the Springfield City Council regarding his treatment while
incarcerated at the Springfield Municipal Jail. Mr. Antone indicated his religious access was denied, the
temperature inside the facility was less than tolerable, inmate meals should be provided by “Meals on
Wheels” and pesticide was sprayed in the jail.
The Municipal Jail has a specific policy on religious access (Section 28 Religious Welfare) and the
Springfield Inmate Manual provides direction to inmates on how to obtain religious services. In this
particular case, Mr. Antone requested religious services and jail personnel notified a pastor on October
3rd. Mr. Antone was released on the 6th of October which was prior to the meeting with the religious
advisor.
Regarding the temperature complaint, each POD is controlled by a computer program operated by
the building maintenance personnel, not jail staff. The temperature is set to 70 degrees. Occasionally,
there are temporary system malfunctions that jail staff recognizes when doing their hourly checks and
the problem is addressed as soon as possible.
In reference to the inmate meals, we supply one hot meal each day which is required by state law.
The company who provides the prepackaged meals delivers to many other government institutions and
a dietitian has certified that the meals meet all state requirements. As you are aware “Meals on
Wheels” is a charitable organization and not in the business of providing food for inmates.
In reference to the pesticide complaint, we are mandated by state statute 169.076 to have a vermin
pest control system in place and we have a specific policy that requires staff to provide a clean and
healthy environment. Pest control is part of providing clean and healthy living conditions.
Lt. Boring advised that he spoke with Mr. Antone on October 6th and explained to him the “kite”
process and told him that if he does not receive an answer to his kites he needs to notify staff or request
to speak with him.