LOUISIANA INDIGENT DEFENDER BOARD

 

                                                BOARD MEETING

 

                           SUPREME COURT OF LOUISIANA BUILDING

                                        NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

                                                  January 17, 1997

 

 

                                             MINUTES

 

 

 

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:  Dr. Ben Barron; Victor Bussie; Thomas A. Casey, Chair;  Samuel S. Dalton; Timothy F. Daniels; Leah Guerry (by proxy); Rebecca Hudsmith; Wayne J. Lee; Robert P. McLeod; Herman Robinson; Perry R. Sanders, Jr.; J. Michael Small (by proxy); Sonja Spears, Secretary-Treasurer; and Henry Walker.

 

STAFF PRESENT:  Jean M. Faria and Jelpi P. Picou, Jr.

 

GUEST PRESENT:  Chief Justice Pascal F. Calogero, Jr.

 

          1.  Call to Order.  The meeting was called to order by the Chair of the Board.

 

          2.  Roll Call.  The Chair recognized the members of the Board present for the meeting and noted the proxy executed by Leah Guerry in favor of Thomas Casey and the proxy executed by J. Michael Small in favor of Rebecca Hudsmith.  It was noted that a quorum was present.

 

          3.  Welcoming Remarks of the Chair.  Following general remarks of welcome, the Chair recognized and welcomed Perry R. Sanders, Jr. as the newest member of the Board.  Mr. Sanders was appointed to take the place of Walter M. Sanchez, who resigned from the Board at the November 1, 1996 meeting.  Mr. Walker then moved to approve the minutes of the November 1, 1996 meeting, which motion was seconded by Mr. Dalton.  The minutes were approved without changes.

 

          4.  Review of Executive Committee Action.  The staff presented to the Board actions taken that morning by the Executive Committee, specifically renewal of contracts with the 32nd JDC IDB for investigative funds and with the 19th JDC IDB for the second of two installments on a grant to defray a portion of the expenses associated with ongoing capital cases.  The Board was also informed of the Jelpi P. Picou, Jr.'s agreement to act as the Chief Executive Officer as of February 1, 1997.  In addition, Robert McLeod agreed to serve as Vice-Chair of the Board, a position formerly held by Walter M Sanchez.  Upon motion of Mr. Walker, seconded by Mr. Bussie, the Executive Committee's actions were adopted without objection.

 

          5.  Budget and Program Review.  The staff presented a budget update on the Board's financing, noting that the expenditures were in keeping with budget predictions.  Mr. McLeod requested details on the capital program expenditures and Mr. Lee requested clarification on the technical assistance program expenditures.  Following answers from the staff, Mr. McLeod moved to accept the budget report.  This motion, seconded by Mr. Walker, passed without objection.

 

          6.  Case-Tracking Computer Software.  The staff updated the Board on its previous move to provide case-tracking software to the judicial district indigent defender boards.  The staff had located two companies willing to supply, install, and support the software within the budget limitations set by the Board.  The staff presented data which showed that the Board could offer reimbursement of up to $5,000.00 for each district wanting to purchase or upgrade case-tracking software.  Mr. Walker moved that the item be approved, with Mr. Daniels seconding the motion.  The motion passed without objection.

 

          7.  Legislative Study Committee.  The Chair recognized and welcomed Chief Justice Calogero, who sat in on the meeting during the discussion of the upcoming legislative study committee and the proposed legislation previously developed by the Board.  There followed a detailed and involved discussion on the Board's approach to the Legislative Study Committee.  Following this discussion, the Board, without dissent, decided to monitor the process and take positions--based on the programs and philosophy followed by the Board--as the issues arose.

 

          The Chief Justice was recognized by the Chair.  The Chief Justice thanked the members of the Board for the work being done and wished them luck in the upcoming legislative session.  He stated that the Supreme Court was proud of their accomplishments and would assist them in any way it could.

 

          8.  Other Business.  Mr. Dalton was recognized by the Chair.  Mr. Dalton recognized Ms. Faria and thanked her for the time and effort she had expended during her tenure as Chief Executive Officer.  He commented that she would be sorely missed and wished her luck in the future.

 

          9.  Adjournment.  After completion of business, a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed without opposition.