Merced County Grand Jury
2020-2021
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
That there is a lack of adequate training for emergencies at polling sites.
F2:
That signage visibility and placement issues exist.
F3:
That ballot privacy is not consistently protected from public view.
F4:
That the new technology transitioned well into election procedures.
F5:
That poll workers responded well to the needs of voters.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That training for emergency situations is implemented before the November 3, 2020 General Election.
R2:
That signage to polling sites be visible and in well-lit locations for evening voters.
R3:
That adequate training for the secure and secret handling of ballots be required before the November 3, 2020 General Election.
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The City of Dos Palos Water Treatment Plant is inadequate for the needs of the community.
F2:
The Dos Palos water system does not consistently meet state water quality standards which can cause health issues if consumed over a long period of time.
F3:
City of Dos Palos and JPA water users have experienced two major water service interruptions in recent years due to algae bloom, equipment failure, and inadequate storage.
F4:
Although two grants for a total of $11 million have been secured, additional funding is needed to complete necessary improvements including increased water storage.
F5:
A rate study is required as part of the grant contract and is not yet completed. *
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
It is recommended that the city of Dos Palos continue an aggressive program of securing funds for additional water storage. (F-1, F-4, F-5)
R2:
It is recommended that the city of Dos Palos complete the necessary rate study and implement any changes required. (F-5)
Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
That 64% of roads in Los Banos fall below a “satisfactory” rating and need more than a fog seal for preservation.
F2:
That the money spent fog sealing and restriping roads below “good” rating is not an effective means of long-term maintenance.
F3:
That the website does not provide relevant or current information for the public regarding RD activities and schedules.
F4:
That the RD does not have a central system for submitting and tracking public complaints. Figure 14: Fog sealed and striped road rated at 71 PCI (fair condition) located on 2nd Street in Los Banos. Figure 15: Fog sealed and striped road rated at 81 PCI (satisfactory condition) located on F Street in Los Banos.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That the RD budget more money toward road improvement instead of putting it into fog sealing and striping roads with ratings below “satisfactory” in the 2021-2022 fiscal year budget.
R2:
That the RD update their website and make it more user friendly by January 1, 2021.
R3:
That the RD create a pamphlet or newsletter to provide information to the public regarding procedures and road maintenance schedules by January 1, 2021.
R4:
That the City create a centralized online system to report road problems by January 1, 2021.
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The exercise area is non-compliant and does not provide access to toilets or washbasins but does have available drinking water stations. The toilet and washbasin access will be addressed in Phase I slated to begin in April 2020.*
F2:
The in-custody treatment program at JLCF reduced recidivism, which saved the county money by providing courses that improved the ability of participants to succeed after release.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
That Well 3C pumps 864,000 gallons of water into the storm drain system every day.
F2:
That Well 3C has been offline and pumping water into the storm drain system since approximately November 2017.
F3:
That the water from Well 3C has been given to MID at no cost to MID.
F4:
That the cost of the wasted water and pumping costs average close to $30,000 per month.
F5:
That the Public Works department received a quote of $70,000 for the caustic disinfection at Well 3C including labor, chemicals, and training for Merced City employees.
F6:
That the maintenance logbooks contain multiple blank lines between entries.
F7:
That the public is unaware of the 864,000 gallons of water being pumped into the storm drain system every day.
Additional Recommendations
4
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That Well 3C be disinfected and brought back online by December 31, 2020 or decommissioned to prevent continued waste of water and costs associated with pumping.
R2:
That water running to waste from Well 3C be sold or directed to ground water recharge basins immediately until Well 3C goes back online.
R3:
That the Public Works logbooks be maintained from this point forward with no blank spaces between entries as best practices for maintaining a proper logbook.
R4:
That the public be informed about the water running to waste from this point forward until it is repaired.
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Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
That the majority of CADC is undeveloped and underutilized.
F2:
That no central online website location with information about present and future development at CADC exists.
F3:
That CADC is actively seeking business opportunities and investments for increased interconnectivity of commerce and commercial business that extend beyond the County.
Additional Recommendations
2
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
That an informative and up-to-date website and social media presence be developed and presented to the public to convey current pertinent information about the CADC redevelopment project by December 31, 2020.
R2:
That the website be maintained with up-to-date information regarding CADC business development progress.