Oct 31, 2002 By Amy Karpinsky 3 min read

A request by the warden of the Fayette County Prison to allow him to continue to use the services of the county’s outgoing personnel consultant was rejected Wednesday by the county’s prison board. Warden Larry Medlock said he was “somewhat upset” because the county commissioners voted to terminate the contract with Felice Associates. He said he had a good relationship with the company, adding that Felice saved the county $25,000 by handling grievances. He said there is one outstanding grievance that needs to be addressed in the next two or three weeks.

At a county commissioners meeting earlier this month, commissioners Sean M. Cavanagh and Ronald M. Nehls voted to initiate a clause in the contract notifying the Greensburg-based company it has 60 days notice, essentially ending the contract at the end of the year. Commission chairman Vincent A. Vicites voted against the move.

Medlock said he needs to know where he stands with regard to Felice and added that he probably calls the consultant two times a week with regard to prison personnel matters. Although county controller Mark Roberts said he felt it was a prison board matter, Cavanagh disagreed saying that the county commissioners hire consultants.

Medlock said he is somewhat worried about what will happen and he needs someone to talk to regarding personnel matters. Cavanagh said he is committed to bringing the best human resource people in the state to work in the county. He added that Felice is obligated for the next 60 days.

“We’ll adjust and go forward,” he said.

Vicites said there are not too many full-service consultants available and most attorneys will only handle contract negotiations.

When Sheriff Gary Brownfield asked if the prison board would make a recommendation to the commissioners to keep Felice on board, Cavanagh said it would be futile because it wouldn’t pass. Although Vicites made the motion and Roberts’ seconded it, it didn’t pass.

Judge John Wagner said since Felice is contractually obligated until next year, the problem will likely arise next year. Cavanagh said the request for proposals is due next Thursday and someone should be on board in the near future.

Nehls, who didn’t attend the meeting, said later that he received a certified letter dated Oct. 29 from Felice stating that the company will fulfill all the obligations under the contract until it expires.

“There will be absolutely no slippage as far as this is concerned because Felice Associates is under contract until the end of the year,” Nehls said.

In other personnel items, the board voted to hire Michelle Horan for the newly created position of confidential secretary. Medlock said she is very qualified and has worked for seven years as a county employee in the probation office. He said Horan is familiar with the prison computer system and she shouldn’t require a lot of training.

“She has vast knowledge of the prison program,” he said.

Medlock said hiring someone for the position has been discussed for two years. Brownfield said he believes the position will save money over time. Medlock said Horan’s duties include covering the transportation of inmates to and from the county and state facilities, handling court orders, helping to commit and release prisoners and assisting with communication to the public. He said handling court orders, of which there are about 100 a week, will also be her responsibility. The position pays $7.01 per hour to start.

With the resignation of another part-time correction’s officer, Medlock said he is down to four part-timers. He said one or two more need to be hired.