Amador County Grand Jury
2006-2007
Findings & Recommendations
13 findings
F1:
Despite the recent improvements, the detention center is an old and obsolete facility that no longer meets the necessary requirements to house both male and female inmates, safely and efficiently, at the local level.
F2:
On February 10, 2003, at approximately 11:59 in the morning, the Sergeant of the Ione City Police Department responded to a 9-1-1 call from the residence. Upon his arrival, the Sergeant spent two hours interviewing the victim and others about the alleged criminal conduct that occurred at the residence the night before. The Sergeant stated he tape recorded the interviews.
F3:
Upon his return to the Ione City Police Department, the Sergeant stated he wrote a summary of his investigation on his office computer. The Sergeant also indicated that he placed the 24 interview tape in his desk drawer, not the evidence locker.
F4:
The Sergeant further stated he directed, in general, three officers under his supervision to further investigate the alleged criminal incident.
F5:
Approximately two weeks later, the Sergeant discovered no further investigation had been conducted on the matter. Thereafter, in an attempt to do some follow-up work on the case, the Sergeant discovered that his written summary of the incident had been allegedly deleted from his computer and the victim/witness interview tape had been removed from his desk.
F6:
At the time of the incident, Ione City Police Department’s computer system was tied into the Amador County Sheriff’s Department computer system. A review of the Amador County Sheriff’s dispatch computer indicated that the Sergeant did respond to the residence and stayed for two hours on February 10, 2003. The Sergeant cleared the call and classified it as an “Incident.” The computer system did not have a record of a written summary of the matter.
F7:
According to the Captain (formerly the Sergeant referenced above) , the Chief of Police felt that the matter was “no big deal.” The Chief of Police stated that at the time of the incident, he was under the impression a report had been taken, and that the matter involved a minor misdemeanor offense. According to the Chief of Police, he did not learn that a report was not taken until July 2006.
F8:
Ultimately, the Ione City Police Department conducted no follow-up work on the case. No subsequent report was taken and no temporary restraining order was sought on behalf of the victim against the suspect. Findings:
F9:
ACUSD school administrators utilize radios, school phones and intercom systems to communicate at school sites during emergency situations. As of December 2006, Jackson Junior High School’s intercom system had not been fully installed.
F10:
ACUSD has established a "Blue Ribbon" committee consisting of members from local law enforcement agencies and the school district to discuss and evaluate school safety and security, as well as revise ACUSD Emergency Preparedness Plan and Guidelines. The committee meets once a month.
F11:
ACUSD utilizes a leadership program entitled “Tomorrow’s Leaders Today,” where select high school students speak to junior high school children about “bullying” amongst students.
F12:
ACUSD employed two minimum days during the spring semester to discuss issues of school safety and security with staff at each school. Findings:
F13:
ACUSD should develop policies and procedures regarding the use of security cameras. As suggested by some administrators, teachers, and staff, ACUSD should install security cameras at strategic locations at school sites to enhance visibility, deter theft, vandalism, and violence and possibly reduce wandering by students in the halls during school hours. ACUSD School Maintenance Facts:
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
There are no delineated parking areas for vehicles inside the airport controlled perimeter.
F2:
General Services Administration procedures allow the GSAD to designate areas for parking. The American Disabilities Act must be considered in establishing parking areas.
F3:
The GSAD and staff have proposed future delineated parking in the next revision of the Westover Field Master Plan.
F4:
These inspections primarily look for violations relating to building and fire codes.
F5:
The Amador County Land Use Agency and General Services Administration are working on standardizing inspection documents to include requirements under building and fire codes and regulations.
F6:
The Westover Field Public Service Director and Airport Manager are active participants in the inspection of all hangars. Findings:
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The Grand Jury reviewed an accounting of the funding received and spent by the Jackson Homeless Shelter in 2006.
F2:
Based upon this review, the Grand Jury finds that the Jackson Homeless Shelter appears to have properly used their funding in 2006.
F3:
The Jackson Homeless Shelter provides a much needed service to the residents of Amador County.
F4:
The Grand Jury Office computer systems were outdated. At the request of the Grand Jury, the Amador County Information Technology Department assisted with the updating of the computer systems, which included updating the computer software and installation of a DSL line. Findings:
F5:
GSA Director shall schedule excess equipment auctions whenever the volume of surplus vehicles and equipment threaten to exceed the vehicle maintenance yard or warehouse capacity.
F6:
Increase hangar lease fees annually by the percentage provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics commonly known as the Cost of Living Index (COL). Responses: Department Head
F7:
Two ACUSD Board of Trustee members residing outside the district boundaries had resigned from the Board. R esponses: ACUSD Superintendent Finding One: Agree Finding Two: Agree Finding Three: Agree Finding Four: Agree Finding Five: Agree Finding Six: Agree Finding Seven: Agree 2005-2006 Grand Jury Recommendations Section
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Vehicles (including county owned vehicles) are routinely observed parked at the airport not in compliance with Airport code 12.44.250.
R2:
In November 2005 the County Board of Supervisors authorized the GSA Director to publish a Request for Proposals offering for lease airport property in the “commercial” zone. Lessees would construct buildings to house aviation related businesses. The Grand Jury applauds this effort to develop Westover Field in a manner that will benefit Amador County and generate revenues to support airfield improvements listed in the Airport Master Plan.
R3:
Numerous hangar lease agreement and County code violations persist at Westover Field. Responses: General Services Administration - Department Head
R4:
Amador County shall hire a dedicated grants writer to aggressively seek funding for projects listed in the Airport Master Plan as well as provide support to other County departments that could benefit from available grants.
R5:
GSA Director shall schedule excess equipment auctions whenever the volume of surplus vehicles and equipment threaten to exceed the vehicle maintenance yard or warehouse capacity.
R6:
Increase hangar lease fees annually by the percentage provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics commonly known as the Cost of Living Index (COL). Responses: Department Head Recommendation One: “Not yet implemented, but will be implemented by October 2006. A letter will be sent to all tenants with their monthly rent statements informing them of their requirement to adhere to lease agreements and the Amador County Airport Rules and Regulations (Airport Code). Included in this letter will be instructions as to where the “Airport Code” can be obtained, either on the Amador County Web page or at the Airport Manager’s office.” 65 R ecommendation Two: “Not yet implemented, but will be implemented. The Airport Manager will begin coordinating inspection schedules with tenants and the Building Official beginning in September. Code Enforcement would not be involved with inspections unless the inspection resulted in a violation where no action was taken by a tenant exceeding statutory time limits. Currently one hangar at the Airport has exceeded statutory time limits. The matter is being handled by Code Enforcement and is anticipated to be resolved shortly.” Recommendation Three: “Implemented. Copies of the Customer Service Survey form are available at the Airport Terminal building and the lobby of the GSA building.” Recommendation Four: “Not yet implemented, but the County has approved a Public Services Director position that includes oversight of the Airport. One of the individual primary responsibilities will be to seek out sources of revenue, grants included. In addition, the County has hired a grants writer under contract whom will be looking for grant opportunities County wide.” Recommendation Five: “Implemented, for vehicles and heavy equipment exceeding the maintenance yard capacity. An auction will be held September 9, 2006. The recommendation relative to the warehouse will not be implemented because no vehicles or equipment are stored in a warehouse that impact Airport operations.” Recommendation Six: “Requires further analysis. Leases currently in place use the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as the basis for rent increases. Rent increases are currently enacted when the Airport Budget requires rate increases.” Amador County Board of Supervisors Recommendation One: “This recommendation will be implemented by October 2006.” Recommendation Two: “This recommendation will be implemented in Fall 2006.” Recommendation Three: “This recommendation will be implemented September 2006.” Recommendation Four: “Implemented” Recommendation Five: “Implemented” Recommendation Six: “Not implemented. This recommendation will not be implemented due to the existing lease component noted above.” 66 EXCESSIVE WATER BORNE CONTAMINANTS FOLLOW-UP REPORT Introduction: The 2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury received a citizen’s complaint regarding the Amador Water Agency (AWA) Buckhorn Water Treatment Plant located in Pioneer. The complainant was concerned that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards may have been exceeded for a group of by-products of the purification process known as Haloacetic Acids (HAA5s). The Amador Water Agency responded in accordance with Penal Code section 933 (c) and 933.05. 2005-2006 Grand Jury Report Findings Section
R7:
Two ACUSD Board of Trustee members residing outside the district boundaries had resigned from the Board. R esponses: ACUSD Superintendent
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Wards coming into the system at Preston are given the full advantage of medical and psychiatric evaluations, as well as academic and vocational choices, allowing them to earn high school diplomas and vocational certificates upon completion of required course work.
F2:
For students who are exceptionally motivated, PYCF offers an opportunity to begin college studies through correspondence courses from Coastline Community College.
F3:
Wards with psychiatric or behavioral problems are assigned counselors to assist the wards with their varying needs. Counseling is available to help with gang affiliations, environmental issues, parenting, stress alleviations and drug intervention.
F4:
The recidivism rate currently ranges from 60% to 70%.
F5:
The current population is approximately 340 wards. The capacity is 1,200. Only the most violent juveniles or juveniles counties cannot accommodate are mandated for State incarceration.
F6:
Wards are paroled back to the original County of commitment.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
In order to enhance the rehabilitation of individual wards, PYCF should work towards offering more life skills so upon parole, the re-integration into society is more successful, therefore reducing the recidivism rate. Response Required: Response to this report is required by Preston Youth Correctional Facility pursuant to California Penal Code section 933, (c), and 933.05. Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp Background: The Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp (PGYCC) is a training facility dedicated to the rehabilitation of young men and the conservation of California’s natural resources. CAL Fire (formerly named the California Department of Forestry) and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Division of Juvenile Justice, operate the camp together. The camp is located on 80 acres, just outside the town of Pine Grove, and has been in operation for 62 years. Wards who meet the specified criteria for this type of “open setting” sentencing receive education, fire training and basic life skills to prepare them for re-entry into society. In 2006-2007, the camp was budgeted for 120 wards between the ages of 18 and 25 years. The objectives of the camp include providing fire protection for the State of California, perform public conservation projects and provide wards with the skills required for their successful return to society. Method of Review: The 2006-2007 Grand Jury’s review of the Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp consisted of the following: Individuals Interviewed: Superintendent of PGYCC Documents Reviewed: Pine Grove Youth Conservation Brochure-Open House November 3, 2005 Organizational Chart 53 Points of Light - Publication Quarterly Public Service Report Statistics - April through June 2006 Staff News –Edition June 20, 2003 Today in California Youth Authority - Edition 2001 Facts: 1. This State facility house only those wards who fit the criteria for a “camp” setting. Wards are carefully screened at intake as to their compatibility with the camp setting since there are no barriers around the facility to prevent escape. At the time of the Grand Jury tour in November 2006, the camp was almost filled to its capacity of 120 wards. 2. The camp wards often provide a great service to the surrounding community by clearing vegetation and brush from the countryside. Additionally, wards train and suppress wild land fires in conjunction with CAL Fire. 20 3. Pine Grove Youth Correctional Facility provide community service by crafting ornamental holiday wreaths which are distributed to the surrounding communities . 4. During their time at the camp, each ward must take academic classes totaling four hours a day. Wards also attend classes in counseling, parenting, gang awareness and decision making skills. 5. PGYCC provided 157,799.5 hours of public service during calendar year 2006. Recommendations: 1. PGYCC should implement additional vocational training programs in order to provide wards with an employable skill upon their release from the camp. Response Required: Response to this report is required by Pine Grove Youth Conservation Camp pursuant to California Penal Code section 933, subdivision (c ) and 933.05. 21
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Findings & Recommendations
1 findings
F1:
State the finding as stated in the grand jury 2006/2007 report. Response by Department Head State your detailed response to the finding. Follow this same procedure for each finding that you respond to.
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
State the recommendations as stated in the 2006/2007 grand jury report. Follow this same procedure for each recommendation you respond to. Response by Department Head State your detailed response to the recommendations. This should include progress on your planned actions. This format is the standard format used by all agencies when responding to grand jury reports. Grand Jury Citizens Complaint Form 11
Findings & Recommendations
10 findings
F1:
The old transportation facility is run down and decrepit, and provided a poor working environment for department employees.
F2:
The new transportation facility provides a modern and safe environment. When the Grand Jury first contacted the Transportation Department in September 2006, the Grand Jury was told that the Transportation Department would move into the new facility within two to three weeks. The Transportation Department did not move into the new facility until Spring Break 2007.
F3:
The Transportation Department needs stability in its leadership.
F4:
The Transportation Department needs additional bus drivers and more bus driving training. The Transportation Department has trouble recruiting and retaining bus drivers 38 because positions are part time and involve split shifts.
F5:
ACUSD pays more for charter buses and rental vans to transport students involved in extracurricular activities than it costs to use school drivers and buses. On one occasion, ACUSD hired a charter bus to transport an athletic team to a play-off game. However, the bus got lost. As a result, the team arrived just minutes before the game was to begin.
F6:
The radio frequency utilized by the Transportation Department has experienced constant interference by other entities since May 2006, causing problems with radio communication between drivers and the Transportation Department office. As a result, the Transportation Department spends additional resources monitoring radio calls from buses each day. The Transportation Department has obtained a new frequency but has yet to implement it due to licensing issues.
F7:
At the start of the school year, the bus digital security system was not working properly. The Transportation Department corrected the problem.
F8:
Student behavior on school buses is getting worse. It is very difficult for drivers to enforce the rules and curb misbehavior.
F9:
Communication between ACUSD and the Transportation Department needs improvement.
F10:
The Transportation Department will be hindered by ACUSD’s proposed budget reductions (March 2007) for the 2007-2008 school year.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
MCSP is at 230% of design capacity. MCSP has over double the inmate population it was originally built to sustain.
F2:
As a result, the gymnasiums in Facilities A, B, and C have been converted into housing units with three tier bunk beds for the additional inmates.
F3:
Housing inmates in the gymnasiums present a dangerous situation to the inmates and Correctional Officers.
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Mule Creek State Prison’s Wastewater Treatment Plant cannot properly treat the wastewater being produced by the prison, CAL Fire (formerly named the California Department of Forestry) and the Preston Youth Authority Correctional Facility.
F2:
As a result, there is evidence that strongly suggests that discharged wastewater from the prison and the WTP is seeping into local wells and contaminating water supplies.
F3:
This problem will continue unless Mule Creek State Prison dramatically reduces its inmate population or rectifies and/or expands its ability to treat wastewater properly.
F4:
The Director of Amador County Environmental Health has been in direct and close contact 43 with State and local officials conducting investigations and sampling water supplies. The Director has been working with contract engineering firms to expedite independent testing and analysis of local water tables. This extensive effort should be recognized by county residents as reassurance that all efforts are being taken to ensure public health and safety.
F5:
The Amador County Board of Supervisors should continue to retain an independent consultant to test the water in wells around Mule Creek State Prison for contaminants.
F6:
Mule Creek State Prison and the appropriate county and state agencies should work in partnership to determine an immediate, safe, and economical solution to the wastewater problems.
F7:
Mule Creek State Prison should immediately implement the corrective measures set forth by the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) on December 8, 2006, required to rectify the wastewater discharge problem. Response Required: Response to this report is required from Mule Creek State Prison pursuant to California Penal Code sections 933, subdivision (c), and 933.05. 44 45 WESTOVER FIELD (Amador County Airport) Introduction: The 2006-2007 Amador County Grand Jury elected to continue the review of Westover Field (Amador County Airport) begun by the 2002-2003 Amador County Grand Jury. This review was conducted pursuant to Penal Code section 925. Background: Westover Field is a general aviation airport with hangars, tie downs, fuel and aircraft maintenance services. Amador County General Services Administration Director (GSAD) is responsible for overall operations and activities relating to Westover Field. The GSAD is appointed by the Amador County Board of Supervisors. The current GSAD was appointed in 2006 and had worked as an assistant to the previous GSAD for approximately seven years. The current GSAD responded to the 2005-2006 Amador County Grand Jury findings and recommendations in his capacity as an assistant. Therefore, he is familiar with the issues the Grand Jury has reviewed in the past. The GSAD’s staff includes a full time Public Services Director and Airport Manager, both of which are County employees. Method of Investigation: Individuals Interviewed: Current GSAD Documents Reviewed: Previous Amador County Grand Jury Reports on Westover Field Westover Field Rules and Regulations, Chapter 12 Section 12.44.330 (Administrative Enforcement) Section 12.44.320 (Penalties) Section 12.44.250 (Vehicle Operations) California Vehicle Code section 4000 Amador County Ordinance No. 10.12.380 Airport Parking Facts: