Fresno County Grand Jury

2022-2023

2 reports

Findings & Recommendations 9 findings
F1: There are insufficient tools, equipment and employees available to maintain the cemetery. This has caused the cemetery to become neglected, which is disrespectful to the veterans who are buried there.
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Related Recommendations (6)
R2: The Director of Public Works and Planning should obtain bids for outsourcing the maintenance of VLC by December 31, 2023. The Grand Jury feels that outsourcing could be a cost saving measure. (F1)
R3: The Director of Public Works and Planning should explore the option of replacing cemetery sod with low maintenance pebble/rock by September 30, 2023. The Grand Jury feels that this could be a cost saving measure because it would reduce the need for full time maintenance and reduce the use of water. (F1) (F2) (F3).
R4: The Director of Public Works and Planning should assign sufficient staff to adequately maintain the cemetery on a consistent basis by December 31, 2023. (F1).
R6: The Fresno County Board of Supervisors should adopt a separate annual budget for the VLC by December 31, 2023. (F1)(F3)
R7: The Director of Public Works and Planning should have staff purchase the necessary tools and equipment specific to the needs of VLC. These tools should be maintained in working order and stored at the cemetery by December 31, 2023. (F1) 33
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F2: The irrigation system is not adequate to provide consistent water to the entire cemetery. This should be resolved when the reclaimed water irrigation system is installed in 2023/2024.
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Related Recommendations (3)
R1: The Fresno County Board of Supervisors should approve one-time funding for the improvements necessary at VLC by December 31, 2023. (F2)
R3: The Director of Public Works and Planning should explore the option of replacing cemetery sod with low maintenance pebble/rock by September 30, 2023. The Grand Jury feels that this could be a cost saving measure because it would reduce the need for full time maintenance and reduce the use of water. (F1) (F2) (F3).
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F3: There are no funds allocated specifically for VLC in the Fresno County budget.
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Related Recommendations (3)
R3: The Director of Public Works and Planning should explore the option of replacing cemetery sod with low maintenance pebble/rock by September 30, 2023. The Grand Jury feels that this could be a cost saving measure because it would reduce the need for full time maintenance and reduce the use of water. (F1) (F2) (F3).
R6: The Fresno County Board of Supervisors should adopt a separate annual budget for the VLC by December 31, 2023. (F1)(F3)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F4: The locked restrooms are repeatedly vandalized. The restrooms have been boarded up and there is no access available.
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Related Recommendations (2)
R5: The Director of Public Works and Planning should have the outdoor restrooms removed due to ongoing vandalism by December 31, 2023. (F4)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F5: The cinder block wall surrounding the water tank is in disrepair. This is unsightly and hazardous.
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Related Recommendations (2)
R8: The Director of Public Works and Planning or the Fresno County Board of Supervisors should have the cinder block wall repaired by July 31, 2023. (F5)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F6: The Fresno County Board of Supervisors recently approved the use of ARPA funds for reclaimed water for VLC. After the Grand Jury initiated this investigation, this funding was approved.
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Related Recommendations (1)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F7: There appears to be no consistent coordination between Fresno County Parks Department and organizations who are interested in donating time and/or funds to VLC.
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Related Recommendations (1)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F8: Several dead trees along the cemetery walkways were hazardous to people who visit the cemetery; this has been rectified by removal of the trees by the Fresno County tree crews.
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Related Recommendations (1)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
F9: There was a lack of adequate signage directing visitors to VLC. This has been corrected, the signs are now updated, and there are plans to provide more 32 directional signs from Hwy 99.
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Related Recommendations (1)
R9: The Director of Public Works and Planning should appoint a current employee to be a liaison with volunteer groups who are interested in supporting VLC by July 31, 2023. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05 the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933(c), it is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. Required Respondents: Fresno County Board of Supervisors (F2, F3, F5, F6) and (R1, R6, R8) Invited Respondents: Director of Fresno County Public Works and Planning (F1, F4, F5, F7, F8, F9) and (R2,
Findings & Recommendations 5 findings
F1: The decision for purchasing new hydrants is based primarily on the lowest bidder and FCFD is not included in the hydrant selection and purchase process.
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Related Recommendations (2)
R2: The DPU-W Manager should include input from the FCFD on the selection and purchase of new hydrants. This should be implemented by September 2023. (F1) (F2) (F5).
R4: The FCFD should review their internal system to ensure fire hydrant inspections between stations are completed efficiently and on time. This should be completed by December 2023. (F3) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. The Grand Jury acknowledges that recommendations dealing with infrastructure, such as 125 the replacing and standardizing city fire hydrants, will be an ongoing process. The intent of the recommendations are to have the responsible departments recognize the long-term benefits and incorporate standardization into future actions. The scheduled software upgrades and new technology will provide communication platforms that improve department interactions and should be implemented as they become available. The other recommendations are offered to support the people involved with the operation, maintenance, and use of this complex water delivery and hydrant system for the public protection of the City of Fresno. Invited Respondents: FCFD - Fire Chief (F1, F2, F3, F4,) (R1, R2, R3, R4) DPU-W - Manager (F1, F2, F4, F5) (R1, R2, R3)
F2: Communication between FCFD and DPU-W regarding the maintenance and repair of fire hydrants is through inefficient communication systems and emails.
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Related Recommendations (4)
R1: The FCFD Chief should share the scheduled upgraded program with the DPU-W to streamline communications between all parties so the requisition of necessary repairs and reporting on completions of repairs could be more effectively tracked. This should be completed by March 2024. (F2) (F4)
R2: The DPU-W Manager should include input from the FCFD on the selection and purchase of new hydrants. This should be implemented by September 2023. (F1) (F2) (F5).
R3: The FCFD Chief should initiate scheduled quarterly meetings with DPU-W Manager, and the City of Fresno Purchasing Department to improve communications between departments. To be completed by December 2023. (F2) (F4)
R4: The FCFD should review their internal system to ensure fire hydrant inspections between stations are completed efficiently and on time. This should be completed by December 2023. (F3) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. The Grand Jury acknowledges that recommendations dealing with infrastructure, such as 125 the replacing and standardizing city fire hydrants, will be an ongoing process. The intent of the recommendations are to have the responsible departments recognize the long-term benefits and incorporate standardization into future actions. The scheduled software upgrades and new technology will provide communication platforms that improve department interactions and should be implemented as they become available. The other recommendations are offered to support the people involved with the operation, maintenance, and use of this complex water delivery and hydrant system for the public protection of the City of Fresno. Invited Respondents: FCFD - Fire Chief (F1, F2, F3, F4,) (R1, R2, R3, R4) DPU-W - Manager (F1, F2, F4, F5) (R1, R2, R3)
F3: Each FCFD fire station has different levels of priority calls and demands for services resulting in some stations having substantially less time for inspecting hydrants.
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Related Recommendations (1)
R4: The FCFD should review their internal system to ensure fire hydrant inspections between stations are completed efficiently and on time. This should be completed by December 2023. (F3) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. The Grand Jury acknowledges that recommendations dealing with infrastructure, such as 125 the replacing and standardizing city fire hydrants, will be an ongoing process. The intent of the recommendations are to have the responsible departments recognize the long-term benefits and incorporate standardization into future actions. The scheduled software upgrades and new technology will provide communication platforms that improve department interactions and should be implemented as they become available. The other recommendations are offered to support the people involved with the operation, maintenance, and use of this complex water delivery and hydrant system for the public protection of the City of Fresno. Invited Respondents: FCFD - Fire Chief (F1, F2, F3, F4,) (R1, R2, R3, R4) DPU-W - Manager (F1, F2, F4, F5) (R1, R2, R3)
F4: The Tiburon Software program is being replaced by a new software platform called First Due which will include additional monitoring and notification options.
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Related Recommendations (3)
R1: The FCFD Chief should share the scheduled upgraded program with the DPU-W to streamline communications between all parties so the requisition of necessary repairs and reporting on completions of repairs could be more effectively tracked. This should be completed by March 2024. (F2) (F4)
R3: The FCFD Chief should initiate scheduled quarterly meetings with DPU-W Manager, and the City of Fresno Purchasing Department to improve communications between departments. To be completed by December 2023. (F2) (F4)
R4: The FCFD should review their internal system to ensure fire hydrant inspections between stations are completed efficiently and on time. This should be completed by December 2023. (F3) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. The Grand Jury acknowledges that recommendations dealing with infrastructure, such as 125 the replacing and standardizing city fire hydrants, will be an ongoing process. The intent of the recommendations are to have the responsible departments recognize the long-term benefits and incorporate standardization into future actions. The scheduled software upgrades and new technology will provide communication platforms that improve department interactions and should be implemented as they become available. The other recommendations are offered to support the people involved with the operation, maintenance, and use of this complex water delivery and hydrant system for the public protection of the City of Fresno. Invited Respondents: FCFD - Fire Chief (F1, F2, F3, F4,) (R1, R2, R3, R4) DPU-W - Manager (F1, F2, F4, F5) (R1, R2, R3)
F5: The water supply and existing hydrant delivery system has earned Fresno City the highest rating from the ISO insuring agency.
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Related Recommendations (2)
R2: The DPU-W Manager should include input from the FCFD on the selection and purchase of new hydrants. This should be implemented by September 2023. (F1) (F2) (F5).
R4: The FCFD should review their internal system to ensure fire hydrant inspections between stations are completed efficiently and on time. This should be completed by December 2023. (F3) Request for Responses: Pursuant to California Penal Code Section 933.05, the 2022-2023 Fresno County Civil Grand Jury requests responses to each of the specific findings and recommendations. It is required that responses from elected County officers or agency heads are due within 60 days of the receipt of this report and 90 days from the governing body of a public agency. The Grand Jury acknowledges that recommendations dealing with infrastructure, such as 125 the replacing and standardizing city fire hydrants, will be an ongoing process. The intent of the recommendations are to have the responsible departments recognize the long-term benefits and incorporate standardization into future actions. The scheduled software upgrades and new technology will provide communication platforms that improve department interactions and should be implemented as they become available. The other recommendations are offered to support the people involved with the operation, maintenance, and use of this complex water delivery and hydrant system for the public protection of the City of Fresno. Invited Respondents: FCFD - Fire Chief (F1, F2, F3, F4,) (R1, R2, R3, R4) DPU-W - Manager (F1, F2, F4, F5) (R1, R2, R3)