Humboldt County Grand Jury
2005-2006
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Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Government Code 995.8 gives a governing body discretion to provide legal defense for an accusation or criminal action brought against an employee or former employee. The Grand Jury makes no finding regarding malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the Fortuna City Council. Consequently, the Grand Jury will take no further action on this matter.
F2:
The Grand Jury finds no external phone available for emergencies. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree
F3:
The Grand Jury finds that there is no alarm system in the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree 13
F4:
The Grand Jury finds that photos of arrestees are displayed in public view. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Disagree. All photographs were removed several months ago based on an internal inspection and audit of our station facility.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury has no recommendation on this matter. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-01 Asset Forfeiture Executive Summary: The Grand Jury of Humboldt County made inquiries regarding the distribution of funds received from the sale of asset forfeitures. These funds are distributed to the County and occur as a result of crime related action taken against individuals, or groups of residents, of Humboldt County. • No Response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-02 County Elections Department Executive Summary: The Grand Jury recognizes that one of the most important functions of County government is to insure fair and accurate elections – the backbone of our representative democracy. Concerns from the public led Congress to pass the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) and California voters to pass Proposition 41, the “Voting Modernization Bond Act” in 2002. These actions suggested to the Grand Jury that it review the Humboldt County Election Department’s procedures and determine the impact, if any, these legislative changes will have on future election practice. Therefore, members of the Grand Jury monitored all phases of the November 2005 Special Election, interviewed Election Department personnel and participated in the pre-election Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-01 County Veterans Service Office Executive Summary: The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was established by the Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. The CVSO staff consists of a Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Service Representative. The CVSO also works in cooperation with other veteran’s organizations within the county and state. The CVSO is fulfilling its mission to the veterans of Humboldt County. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-02 Humboldt Senior Resource Center Executive Summary: The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization which provides numerous services to the community’s senior citizens, including Dial-a-Ride, a firewood program, senior home repair, a job bank, a senior nutrition program, Adult Day Health Services, an Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and ombudsman services. The Senior Resource Center is committed to collaboration with other agencies in both private and public sectors. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report # 2006-HS-03 Mental Health Services to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility Executive Summary: The Grand Jury received information that the mental health services being provided to the inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) were not meeting the facility’s expectations or the inmate’s needs. The information alleged the lack of sufficient mental health services at the HCCF was having an adverse effect upon correctional staff and inmates. The Grand Jury was further provided testimony that there exists some degree of inconsistency in mental health treatment to inmates due to a rotating system of doctors, each with their own method of patient management. The Grand Jury’s subsequent investigation revealed a significant difference between the services that the Mental Health Branch, Department of Health & Human Services, had set forth in its policies to provide to the HCCF, and the services they were actually providing.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that a dedicated 911 line be installed on the exterior of the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation requires further analysis to determine the feasibility and cost to install an exterior line. A feasibility study will be done within the next sixty to ninety days.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends either the installation of an alarm system, or that evidence should not be stored at the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation is being implemented. Since the only court held in Garberville is for traffic matters, items of evidence have no need to be maintained at the Garberville Station. All items of evidence will now be transported and booked and held at our Eureka Main Station Evidence/Property Storage facility.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends these photographs be removed from public view. . Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation was implemented several months ago based o an internal audit/inspection prior to the Grand Jury’s release of their findings. Grand Jury Reports #2006-JL-14 Sheriff’s Evidence Yard • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-JL-15 Sheriff’s Evidence Room
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
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Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Government Code 995.8 gives a governing body discretion to provide legal defense for an accusation or criminal action brought against an employee or former employee. The Grand Jury makes no finding regarding malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the Fortuna City Council. Consequently, the Grand Jury will take no further action on this matter.
F2:
The Grand Jury finds no external phone available for emergencies. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree
F3:
The Grand Jury finds that there is no alarm system in the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree 13
F4:
The Grand Jury finds that photos of arrestees are displayed in public view. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Disagree. All photographs were removed several months ago based on an internal inspection and audit of our station facility.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury has no recommendation on this matter. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-01 Asset Forfeiture Executive Summary: The Grand Jury of Humboldt County made inquiries regarding the distribution of funds received from the sale of asset forfeitures. These funds are distributed to the County and occur as a result of crime related action taken against individuals, or groups of residents, of Humboldt County. • No Response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-02 County Elections Department Executive Summary: The Grand Jury recognizes that one of the most important functions of County government is to insure fair and accurate elections – the backbone of our representative democracy. Concerns from the public led Congress to pass the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) and California voters to pass Proposition 41, the “Voting Modernization Bond Act” in 2002. These actions suggested to the Grand Jury that it review the Humboldt County Election Department’s procedures and determine the impact, if any, these legislative changes will have on future election practice. Therefore, members of the Grand Jury monitored all phases of the November 2005 Special Election, interviewed Election Department personnel and participated in the pre-election Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-01 County Veterans Service Office Executive Summary: The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was established by the Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. The CVSO staff consists of a Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Service Representative. The CVSO also works in cooperation with other veteran’s organizations within the county and state. The CVSO is fulfilling its mission to the veterans of Humboldt County. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-02 Humboldt Senior Resource Center Executive Summary: The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization which provides numerous services to the community’s senior citizens, including Dial-a-Ride, a firewood program, senior home repair, a job bank, a senior nutrition program, Adult Day Health Services, an Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and ombudsman services. The Senior Resource Center is committed to collaboration with other agencies in both private and public sectors. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report # 2006-HS-03 Mental Health Services to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility Executive Summary: The Grand Jury received information that the mental health services being provided to the inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) were not meeting the facility’s expectations or the inmate’s needs. The information alleged the lack of sufficient mental health services at the HCCF was having an adverse effect upon correctional staff and inmates. The Grand Jury was further provided testimony that there exists some degree of inconsistency in mental health treatment to inmates due to a rotating system of doctors, each with their own method of patient management. The Grand Jury’s subsequent investigation revealed a significant difference between the services that the Mental Health Branch, Department of Health & Human Services, had set forth in its policies to provide to the HCCF, and the services they were actually providing.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that a dedicated 911 line be installed on the exterior of the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation requires further analysis to determine the feasibility and cost to install an exterior line. A feasibility study will be done within the next sixty to ninety days.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends either the installation of an alarm system, or that evidence should not be stored at the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation is being implemented. Since the only court held in Garberville is for traffic matters, items of evidence have no need to be maintained at the Garberville Station. All items of evidence will now be transported and booked and held at our Eureka Main Station Evidence/Property Storage facility.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends these photographs be removed from public view. . Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation was implemented several months ago based o an internal audit/inspection prior to the Grand Jury’s release of their findings. Grand Jury Reports #2006-JL-14 Sheriff’s Evidence Yard • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-JL-15 Sheriff’s Evidence Room
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Government Code 995.8 gives a governing body discretion to provide legal defense for an accusation or criminal action brought against an employee or former employee. The Grand Jury makes no finding regarding malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the Fortuna City Council. Consequently, the Grand Jury will take no further action on this matter.
F2:
The Grand Jury finds no external phone available for emergencies. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree
F3:
The Grand Jury finds that there is no alarm system in the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree 13
F4:
The Grand Jury finds that photos of arrestees are displayed in public view. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Disagree. All photographs were removed several months ago based on an internal inspection and audit of our station facility.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury has no recommendation on this matter. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-01 Asset Forfeiture Executive Summary: The Grand Jury of Humboldt County made inquiries regarding the distribution of funds received from the sale of asset forfeitures. These funds are distributed to the County and occur as a result of crime related action taken against individuals, or groups of residents, of Humboldt County. • No Response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-02 County Elections Department Executive Summary: The Grand Jury recognizes that one of the most important functions of County government is to insure fair and accurate elections – the backbone of our representative democracy. Concerns from the public led Congress to pass the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) and California voters to pass Proposition 41, the “Voting Modernization Bond Act” in 2002. These actions suggested to the Grand Jury that it review the Humboldt County Election Department’s procedures and determine the impact, if any, these legislative changes will have on future election practice. Therefore, members of the Grand Jury monitored all phases of the November 2005 Special Election, interviewed Election Department personnel and participated in the pre-election Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-01 County Veterans Service Office Executive Summary: The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was established by the Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. The CVSO staff consists of a Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Service Representative. The CVSO also works in cooperation with other veteran’s organizations within the county and state. The CVSO is fulfilling its mission to the veterans of Humboldt County. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-02 Humboldt Senior Resource Center Executive Summary: The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization which provides numerous services to the community’s senior citizens, including Dial-a-Ride, a firewood program, senior home repair, a job bank, a senior nutrition program, Adult Day Health Services, an Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and ombudsman services. The Senior Resource Center is committed to collaboration with other agencies in both private and public sectors. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report # 2006-HS-03 Mental Health Services to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility Executive Summary: The Grand Jury received information that the mental health services being provided to the inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) were not meeting the facility’s expectations or the inmate’s needs. The information alleged the lack of sufficient mental health services at the HCCF was having an adverse effect upon correctional staff and inmates. The Grand Jury was further provided testimony that there exists some degree of inconsistency in mental health treatment to inmates due to a rotating system of doctors, each with their own method of patient management. The Grand Jury’s subsequent investigation revealed a significant difference between the services that the Mental Health Branch, Department of Health & Human Services, had set forth in its policies to provide to the HCCF, and the services they were actually providing.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that a dedicated 911 line be installed on the exterior of the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation requires further analysis to determine the feasibility and cost to install an exterior line. A feasibility study will be done within the next sixty to ninety days.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends either the installation of an alarm system, or that evidence should not be stored at the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation is being implemented. Since the only court held in Garberville is for traffic matters, items of evidence have no need to be maintained at the Garberville Station. All items of evidence will now be transported and booked and held at our Eureka Main Station Evidence/Property Storage facility.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends these photographs be removed from public view. . Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation was implemented several months ago based o an internal audit/inspection prior to the Grand Jury’s release of their findings. Grand Jury Reports #2006-JL-14 Sheriff’s Evidence Yard • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-JL-15 Sheriff’s Evidence Room
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Government Code 995.8 gives a governing body discretion to provide legal defense for an accusation or criminal action brought against an employee or former employee. The Grand Jury makes no finding regarding malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the Fortuna City Council. Consequently, the Grand Jury will take no further action on this matter.
F2:
The Grand Jury finds no external phone available for emergencies. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree
F3:
The Grand Jury finds that there is no alarm system in the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree 13
F4:
The Grand Jury finds that photos of arrestees are displayed in public view. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Disagree. All photographs were removed several months ago based on an internal inspection and audit of our station facility.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury has no recommendation on this matter. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-01 Asset Forfeiture Executive Summary: The Grand Jury of Humboldt County made inquiries regarding the distribution of funds received from the sale of asset forfeitures. These funds are distributed to the County and occur as a result of crime related action taken against individuals, or groups of residents, of Humboldt County. • No Response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-02 County Elections Department Executive Summary: The Grand Jury recognizes that one of the most important functions of County government is to insure fair and accurate elections – the backbone of our representative democracy. Concerns from the public led Congress to pass the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) and California voters to pass Proposition 41, the “Voting Modernization Bond Act” in 2002. These actions suggested to the Grand Jury that it review the Humboldt County Election Department’s procedures and determine the impact, if any, these legislative changes will have on future election practice. Therefore, members of the Grand Jury monitored all phases of the November 2005 Special Election, interviewed Election Department personnel and participated in the pre-election Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-01 County Veterans Service Office Executive Summary: The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was established by the Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. The CVSO staff consists of a Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Service Representative. The CVSO also works in cooperation with other veteran’s organizations within the county and state. The CVSO is fulfilling its mission to the veterans of Humboldt County. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-02 Humboldt Senior Resource Center Executive Summary: The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization which provides numerous services to the community’s senior citizens, including Dial-a-Ride, a firewood program, senior home repair, a job bank, a senior nutrition program, Adult Day Health Services, an Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and ombudsman services. The Senior Resource Center is committed to collaboration with other agencies in both private and public sectors. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report # 2006-HS-03 Mental Health Services to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility Executive Summary: The Grand Jury received information that the mental health services being provided to the inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) were not meeting the facility’s expectations or the inmate’s needs. The information alleged the lack of sufficient mental health services at the HCCF was having an adverse effect upon correctional staff and inmates. The Grand Jury was further provided testimony that there exists some degree of inconsistency in mental health treatment to inmates due to a rotating system of doctors, each with their own method of patient management. The Grand Jury’s subsequent investigation revealed a significant difference between the services that the Mental Health Branch, Department of Health & Human Services, had set forth in its policies to provide to the HCCF, and the services they were actually providing.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that a dedicated 911 line be installed on the exterior of the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation requires further analysis to determine the feasibility and cost to install an exterior line. A feasibility study will be done within the next sixty to ninety days.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends either the installation of an alarm system, or that evidence should not be stored at the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation is being implemented. Since the only court held in Garberville is for traffic matters, items of evidence have no need to be maintained at the Garberville Station. All items of evidence will now be transported and booked and held at our Eureka Main Station Evidence/Property Storage facility.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends these photographs be removed from public view. . Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation was implemented several months ago based o an internal audit/inspection prior to the Grand Jury’s release of their findings. Grand Jury Reports #2006-JL-14 Sheriff’s Evidence Yard • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-JL-15 Sheriff’s Evidence Room
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
Quick View
Full Details →
Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Government Code 995.8 gives a governing body discretion to provide legal defense for an accusation or criminal action brought against an employee or former employee. The Grand Jury makes no finding regarding malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance on the part of the Fortuna City Council. Consequently, the Grand Jury will take no further action on this matter.
F2:
The Grand Jury finds no external phone available for emergencies. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree
F3:
The Grand Jury finds that there is no alarm system in the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Agree 13
F4:
The Grand Jury finds that photos of arrestees are displayed in public view. Response from Sheriff’s Office: Disagree. All photographs were removed several months ago based on an internal inspection and audit of our station facility.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury has no recommendation on this matter. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-01 Asset Forfeiture Executive Summary: The Grand Jury of Humboldt County made inquiries regarding the distribution of funds received from the sale of asset forfeitures. These funds are distributed to the County and occur as a result of crime related action taken against individuals, or groups of residents, of Humboldt County. • No Response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-AF-02 County Elections Department Executive Summary: The Grand Jury recognizes that one of the most important functions of County government is to insure fair and accurate elections – the backbone of our representative democracy. Concerns from the public led Congress to pass the “Help America Vote Act” (HAVA) and California voters to pass Proposition 41, the “Voting Modernization Bond Act” in 2002. These actions suggested to the Grand Jury that it review the Humboldt County Election Department’s procedures and determine the impact, if any, these legislative changes will have on future election practice. Therefore, members of the Grand Jury monitored all phases of the November 2005 Special Election, interviewed Election Department personnel and participated in the pre-election Logic and Accuracy Observer Panel. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-01 County Veterans Service Office Executive Summary: The County Veterans Service Office (CVSO) was established by the Board of Supervisors of Humboldt County to assist veterans and their dependents in obtaining benefits from federal, state and local agencies administering programs for veterans. The CVSO staff consists of a Veterans Service Officer and a Veterans Service Representative. The CVSO also works in cooperation with other veteran’s organizations within the county and state. The CVSO is fulfilling its mission to the veterans of Humboldt County. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-HS-02 Humboldt Senior Resource Center Executive Summary: The Humboldt Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization which provides numerous services to the community’s senior citizens, including Dial-a-Ride, a firewood program, senior home repair, a job bank, a senior nutrition program, Adult Day Health Services, an Alzheimer’s Resource Center, and ombudsman services. The Senior Resource Center is committed to collaboration with other agencies in both private and public sectors. • No response is required. Grand Jury Report # 2006-HS-03 Mental Health Services to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility Executive Summary: The Grand Jury received information that the mental health services being provided to the inmates in the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) were not meeting the facility’s expectations or the inmate’s needs. The information alleged the lack of sufficient mental health services at the HCCF was having an adverse effect upon correctional staff and inmates. The Grand Jury was further provided testimony that there exists some degree of inconsistency in mental health treatment to inmates due to a rotating system of doctors, each with their own method of patient management. The Grand Jury’s subsequent investigation revealed a significant difference between the services that the Mental Health Branch, Department of Health & Human Services, had set forth in its policies to provide to the HCCF, and the services they were actually providing.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that a dedicated 911 line be installed on the exterior of the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation requires further analysis to determine the feasibility and cost to install an exterior line. A feasibility study will be done within the next sixty to ninety days.
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends either the installation of an alarm system, or that evidence should not be stored at the facility. Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation is being implemented. Since the only court held in Garberville is for traffic matters, items of evidence have no need to be maintained at the Garberville Station. All items of evidence will now be transported and booked and held at our Eureka Main Station Evidence/Property Storage facility.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends these photographs be removed from public view. . Response from Sheriff’s Office: The recommendation was implemented several months ago based o an internal audit/inspection prior to the Grand Jury’s release of their findings. Grand Jury Reports #2006-JL-14 Sheriff’s Evidence Yard • No response is required. Grand Jury Report #2006-JL-15 Sheriff’s Evidence Room
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
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Findings & Recommendations
16 findings
F1:
Obsolete items left over from when the airport facility was under the control of the U.S. Government present a degree of hazard and liability.
F2:
The Arcata/Eureka Airport’s principal emergency response vehicle is thirty years old.
F3:
Develop formalized Customer Service Program, with annual customer service training and periodic collection of customer service feedback/surveys. Substantially completed.
F4:
Establish 1 24-hour Call-Back Policy. Fully implemented.
F5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
F6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
F7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
F8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
F9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
F10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
F11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
F12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
F13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
F14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
F15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
F16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction. Finding 2: Many parcels of land in Humboldt County are of “suspect” legality under California’s Subdivision Map Act. CDS does not proactively attempt to rectify this problem by contacting the owners of these “suspect” properties. Response from Director of Community Development Services: The Community Development Services Department agrees with this finding.
Additional Recommendations
16
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors and County Department of Aviation personnel appeal to the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers for the removal of all “left-over” government material from the airport. Response to Airport Manager to Findings and Recommendations 1: I agree with the Grand Jury findings and have been working with the following to establish implementation dates: • Mr. Dan Larkin of the Humboldt County Office of Emergency Services for removal of the surplus/obsolete circa 1950 X-ray machine, mobile emergency generators and other Civil Defense equipment that has been parked on and around the airport for over forty years. It is my understanding that OES is in the process of removing the items and the Aviation Division will request a removal date of September 1, 2006. • Mr. Jerry Vincent who manages the Formerly Used Defense Site program for the US Army Corp of Engineers, is working with the County to remove tanks and other items left behind by the military at Arcata/Eureka Airport. An action timeline on this issue is based on federal funding. Mr. Vincent has been very responsive and met with the airport a number of times this past year and is dedicated to completing the clean up at ACV. • The Sheriff’s Department will be asked to remove the safe by September 1, 2006.
R2:
The Grand Jury strongly recommends the Board of Supervisors and County Department of Aviation management determine if there is a need to replace or upgrade the airport’s emergency response vehicles. Response from Airport Manager to Findings and Recommendations 2: I agree with the Grand Jury finding that the Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Vehicle needs to be replaced and the County has been working with the Federal Aviation Administration to establish implementation by: • Completing an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant application for FAA to replace the existing ARFF vehicle. A new vehicle costs approximately $800,000 and is AIP grant eligible. The Grant application will be completed by April 1, 2006. • Being prepared to provide the 5% sponsor match through the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program #8. This was established on April 1, 2006. • Understanding AIP Grant funding for this depends on the availability of discretionary AIP funds. A timeline for purchase cannot be determined, however, FAA is aware of the need for a new ARFF truck. Response from Board of Supervisors to all Findings and Recommendations The respondents agree with the findings. The Board of Supervisors is pleased that the obsolete equipment is scheduled for removal, and strongly supports the Aviation Division’s application for federal Airport Improvement Program funds to replace the Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) vehicle. Grand Jury Report #2006-PW-02 Department of Community Development Services (CDS) Planning Division Executive Summary: The 2006 Grand Jury of Humboldt County received several citizen complaints concerning aspects of the county’s Department of Community Development Services (CDS) operations. The Grand Jury was introduced to a large, specialized, and complex county agency during its investigation. CDS is divided into three main divisions; building, planning, and economic development. Most of the complaints received dealt with problems in the planning division, consequently the Grand Jury focused its attention on this area.
R3:
Develop formalized Customer Service Program, with annual customer service training and periodic collection of customer service feedback/surveys. Substantially completed.
R4:
Establish 1 24-hour Call-Back Policy. Fully implemented.
R5:
Establish a Permit Tracking System. A pilot program is underway.
R6:
Reformat Planning Commission Report and Agenda. Substantially completed.
R7:
Expand the Use of Applicant-Attended Scoping Meetings. In progress.
R8:
Identify Back-Up Staff Assignments. Substantially completed.
R9:
Implement Complaint Handling System. Implemented.
R10:
Increase Permit Processing Productivity. In progress.
R11:
Create Application Processing Guides. Eight of 11 planned brochures are completed and are available on the department’s website.
R12:
Re-engineer Permit Process to Decrease Timeframes. In progress.
R13:
Improve Permit Processing Staff Training (technical, administrative, legal). In progress, will be an ongoing process.
R14:
Implement Customer-Service-Related Performance Measures. Parameters are now being tracked by the department.
R15:
Front Counter “Express Lane”. In progress.
R16:
Increase staffing levels to improve permit process performance. In progress. The Board of Supervisors is committed to improving the permit application process, and will continue to monitor the effectiveness of the initiatives and their resultant impacts on customer satisfaction.
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