Lake County Grand Jury
2014-2015
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The Grand Jury found that all active detention facilities appear to be in compliance with the Grand Jury Inspection Forms.
F2:
At the South Court Holding Facility in Clearlake it appeared the lock to the main door leading to the holding facilities was difficult to open.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Should the Superior Court have a need to use the holding cells at South Lake Superior Court, the Sheriff of Lake County should contact the appropriate agency to ensure the cells meet with all in-custody security and public safety standards. (F2) NOTE: Two Grand Jury members recused themselves from site visits to Hill Road Jail, and one member recused him/herself from visits to Clearlake Police Holding. 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
EHD is now current on all incomplete inspections identified during the 2013- 14 Grand Jury investigation.
F2:
Based on the current number of food service providers in the county, EHD needs to have three inspectors serving consumers.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1:
EHD should continue to aggressively recruit a third inspector. (F2)
R11:
Develop a program to recruit student interns (paid and unpaid) among college students in California. (F2, F3)
F3:
EHD needs to increase their income in order to have adequate staff to effectively serve the public.
Related Recommendations (9)
R2:
In accordance with the California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code Sections 114381, 114387, 114395, 114419.3), when inspection violations are identified, offending organizations should have to pay the defined fine or fee. We recommend that the amount of the fine or fee should be based on the severity of the violations, the level of risk faced by the public, and/or the limits set by the Code. (F3)
R3:
When inspection violations are identified, offending organizations should be required to pay a set rate for EHD inspectors for every re-inspection. This may require a change in current county ordinances. (F3)
R4:
There should be an annual increase in permit fees. (F3)
R5:
Since some county departments (i.e., IT) charge other county departments/agencies for their services, EHD should be able to charge county departments/agencies for their services or be paid for them out of the county funds. (F3)
R6:
A way should be found to make up lost revenue from fee waivers granted by the Board of Supervisors. (F3, F4)
R7:
Have staff certified as trainers in this field and start offering training for a fee (like that required for a Food Handlers Permit which is no longer offered locally). (F3)
R9:
Research the possibility of opening an EHD testing laboratory as an income generator and offer those services to other counties. (F3)
R10:
To ensure that all permit funds due are collected, online sources should be used to identify new start-up food service organizations in the area. (F3)
R11:
Develop a program to recruit student interns (paid and unpaid) among college students in California. (F2, F3)
F4:
EHD loses considerable revenue due to fee waivers and exemptions.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
A way should be found to make up lost revenue from fee waivers granted by the Board of Supervisors. (F3, F4)
F5:
Currently the public has no way of knowing the safety ranking of a food service provider or what risk level or code violations an organization has been given. 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Related Recommendations (2)
R8:
In coordination with California Retail Food Code (Health and Safety Code Section 114381(e)), develop a color coded/alpha-numeric system posted on each facility that the public can easily see to verify the safety rating of the organization and that a current, valid permit exists. (F5)
R12:
Post organizations in violation on the EHD website. Add the website address to the posted permit (http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Government/Directory/Environmental_Health.ht m). (F5) 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Fraudulent activity exists and is being investigated within the limits of the laws governing IHSS.
F2:
Providers are not screened for criminal records outside of California.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Provide a more extensive background check that extends outside of the State of California. (F2)
F3:
Providers are not tested for drug use.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Provide random drug testing of providers to increase public confidence and protect vulnerable recipients. (F3)
F4:
Some impediments to full efficiency exist due to the shortage of vehicles for social workers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Provide additional vehicles for IHSS social workers. (F4)
F5:
The rate of pay per hour is low compared to some other similar sized counties. 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
Increase wages to attract and retain more qualified providers and provide a livable wage. (F5, F6)
R6:
Establish a certificate program for advanced training for providers as part of a pay incentive program. (F5, F6)
F6:
Improvements in the quality of care might be achieved if providers were offered pay incentives for completing advanced training.
Related Recommendations (3)
R4:
Increase wages to attract and retain more qualified providers and provide a livable wage. (F5, F6)
R5:
Increase training for providers that perform higher ranking tasks in each category. (F6)
R6:
Establish a certificate program for advanced training for providers as part of a pay incentive program. (F5, F6)
F7:
Use of latest technology available is not being utilized at present. On-site reporting should increase accuracy and provide for more time in the field. Recommendations
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Purchase on-site input devices with the reporting software installed and train social workers in their use. (F7) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, Section C, the Lake County Civil Grand Jury requests responses from the following individuals: • Board of Public Authority for IHSS R1, R2, R4, R5, R6 (90 days). • Department of Social Services, In-Home Supportive Services Division via the Board of Supervisors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 (90 days). Responses are to be submitted to the presiding judge of the Lake County Civil Grand Jury via hard copy. The Grand Jury also requests a digital copy in MS Word delivered to the presiding judge as well. 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Transit services and grant applications may be interrupted if the current Executive Director becomes unable to fulfill the conditions and terms of his contract.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The LTA should have a succession plan in place for the ED if he is unable to perform his duties.(F1)
F2:
The LTA website does not list places, dates and times for upcoming Board meetings. This makes it difficult to find out when meetings occur.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Informational panels should be located inside the busses to make the public aware of the Board of Directors’ meeting times and dates, and noting the meetings will allow public input, complaints or suggestions. (F2, 6)
F3:
It is difficult to find the minutes and agendas of the LTA board meetings, since the LTA website is not updated on a regular basis
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
LTA should create a link on their homepage to minutes and agendas located on the Lake County/City Area Planning Council website (http://lakeapc.org/). (F3)
F4:
Printed schedules are not always available on busses or in bus shelters. This could lead to reduced ridership.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Bus schedules should be available on each bus in a visible and convenient location. (F4)
F5:
The “Find Your Bus” button links to a map that shows the location of operating busses. This could be a very useful page on the website, however this page was not available for many days during this investigation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9:
The “Find Your Bus Now” page on the LTA website should be made available at all times. (F5) REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, Section C, the Lake County Civil Grand Jury requests responses from the following individuals: • Lake Transit Authority Board, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 (90 days). • Lake County Board of Supervisors, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8 (90 days). Responses are to be submitted to the presiding judge of the Lake County Civil Grand Jury via hard copy. The Grand Jury also requests a digital copy in MS Word delivered to the presiding judge as well. 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F6:
No forms or phone numbers were visible on busses for riders to communicate directly to LTA regarding complaints, which hampers communication between riders and LTA administration.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
LTA should make it easier for riders to comment by placing web address, phone numbers and complaint/satisfaction forms on all busses. (F6)
F7:
Advertising on busses would appear more effective if more advertising space were sold. The community would benefit if unsold ad space were donated to local non-profit organizations.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4:
information, to be posted inside busses in some of the empty advertising spaces. (F7)
R7:
LTA should create a link on their website to promote bus advertising. (F7)
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R3:
LTA should allow public service notices, such as: community services, drug and alcohol programs, Veterans Administration options and senior center 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
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Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
Airport fees have not been assessed or collected consistently due to non- compliance of existing policies and procedures.
Related Recommendations (6)
R1:
Department of Public Works and Treasurer/Tax Collector review the Lake County Policy and Procedures, Section 7 Chapter 8, concerning collections of past due accounts and take the appropriate actions to collect all past due accounts for Aeronautical Use Fees and Lease payments. (F1, F2)
R2:
The Airport Manager should review and equitably enforce the Lake County Codes and Ordinances (Article X of Chapter 19 of the Lake County Code) to all property owners who own property abutting or adjacent to the Airport with access to the taxiway and have any aeronautical activities. (F1)
R4:
The transit parking lockbox and envelopes should be made more prominent and available to advise visiting airmen that transit fees are required and must be paid. (F1)
R6:
Due to the differences in various listings and reports the County Auditor should perform a special audit of the Department of Public Works accounting system. They should cross-reference the accounts in the Tax Collectors office with the Assessor’s Office and Department of Public Works office. (F1, F7)
R11:
The Board of Supervisors should review the Aeronautical Use Fee Ordinance, to consider increasing fees based on CPI increases since the last increase of 2009. (F1)
R13:
Install a kiosk which would provide visitors with local information, a lockbox and envelopes for daily tie-down fees, information on public transportation, taxi and car rental information as well as points of interest in Lake County. This should be located prominently in the area of the Transit Parking Area. (F1, F7)
F2:
Lease payments are currently delinquent on one hanger, and they have been for an extended period of time.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Department of Public Works and Treasurer/Tax Collector review the Lake County Policy and Procedures, Section 7 Chapter 8, concerning collections of past due accounts and take the appropriate actions to collect all past due accounts for Aeronautical Use Fees and Lease payments. (F1, F2)
F3:
Aircraft fueling operations do not fully meet the required safety standards.
Related Recommendations (3)
R3:
Department of Public Works should (in conjunction with the Fire Department) perform periodic site inspections of hangers, fueling points, and other facilities to ensure the buildings are in compliance with building codes and the National Fire Protection Association Codes. (F3)
R7:
Establish the Airport Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Supervisors of the needs toward maintaining and improving the Airports operation and safety. (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)
R8:
Install signs with information on how to report concerns and safety problems, or deficiencies, from both resident and transient airmen. (F3) 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
F4:
There is a general lack of airport security and adequate safety signage.
Related Recommendations (3)
R7:
Establish the Airport Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Supervisors of the needs toward maintaining and improving the Airports operation and safety. (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)
R10:
Establish a remote office at the Airport for the Airport Manager and maintenance personnel. This would provide a location to perform various administrative duties and function as a physical point of contact. (F4, F7)
R14:
Install signage at each taxiway entrance prohibiting autos, trucks, and other vehicles from entering, or crossing the taxiway and active runway in accordance with Lake County Code (Article X, Chapter 19). (F4)
F5:
The current AWOS-A system provides inadequate information for pilots.
Related Recommendations (2)
R7:
Establish the Airport Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Supervisors of the needs toward maintaining and improving the Airports operation and safety. (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)
R9:
Continue efforts to upgrade the AWOS-A to an AWOS-II or III to improve the weather reporting system. (F5)
F6:
Taxiway and tarmac areas have had little recent preventative maintenance performed.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5:
Develop a five to ten year plan to perform maintenance to the taxiway and tarmac pavement to address the cracking and washout of the pavement. The worst areas should be repaired first. This would help preserve the existing asphalt until a re-pavement project can be funded and accomplished. (F6)
R7:
Establish the Airport Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Supervisors of the needs toward maintaining and improving the Airports operation and safety. (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)
F7:
Lampson Airport appears to lack viable goals and objectives for current and future use.
Related Recommendations (5)
R6:
Due to the differences in various listings and reports the County Auditor should perform a special audit of the Department of Public Works accounting system. They should cross-reference the accounts in the Tax Collectors office with the Assessor’s Office and Department of Public Works office. (F1, F7)
R7:
Establish the Airport Advisory Committee to advise the Board of Supervisors of the needs toward maintaining and improving the Airports operation and safety. (F3, F4, F5, F6, F7)
R10:
Establish a remote office at the Airport for the Airport Manager and maintenance personnel. This would provide a location to perform various administrative duties and function as a physical point of contact. (F4, F7)
R12:
Improve the signage indicating the name of the Airport, the name of the Airport Manager, the elevation and contact information. (F7)
R13:
Install a kiosk which would provide visitors with local information, a lockbox and envelopes for daily tie-down fees, information on public transportation, taxi and car rental information as well as points of interest in Lake County. This should be located prominently in the area of the Transit Parking Area. (F1, F7)
F8:
There has not been recent action to resolve the sewage issue on the Airport Expansion project 2014-2015 Civil Grand Jury Final Report
Related Recommendations (1)
R16:
The Department of Public Works should actively pursue action to resolve the sewage problems with the property. This will allow for further action to proceed toward the Airport Improvement Plan. (F8)
F9:
Since the County and the F.A.A. are currently at an impasse concerning the need for security fencing, and the county has reached the $600,000.00 limit of the F.A.A. AIP fund, the county is forfeiting $160,000.00 in additional funding per year until such time as the reserved funds are spent. Recommendations
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R15:
The Department of Public Works should expedite the installation of the security fence around the airport. (F4, F9 )