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Public funds pay for $12,752 prison skillets
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The state Controlling Board has approved up to $70,000 for industrial kitchen supplies at state prisons, including $12,752 skillets used to cook meals for inmates at the Ohio Sate Penitentiary in Youngstown.
Two of the “industrial tilting skillets” will be purchased from the Louis R. Polster Co. of Columbus, at a cost of $12,752 each. The company submitted the lowest bid among five firms competing for the business.
Each skillet is specially designed, “with deep sides and an attached lid,” according to documents. “It is used to grill, fry, simmer and braise large quantities of food, and can be tilted at least 90 degrees from the normal horizontal position for emptying cooked foods and cleaning.” They’re used to prepare breakfast, lunch and dinner for inmates.
The existing skillets at the Youngstown prison are more than 7 years old and “have had major repairs over the past 18 months,” according to documents. “When the skillets undergo repairs it causes serving delays and makes it difficult to maintain proper food temperatures.”
In other business Monday, the Controlling Board released $49,850 for roof repairs at the State Penitentiary.
According to documents, “The existing roof is over 12 years old and is in poor condition. The roof is leaking in various areas throughout the facility, and has major leaks in the inmate programming area and the staff training area.”
Tremco Inc. of Beachwood is handling the work.