Napa County Grand Jury

2003-2004

4 reports

From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
View the full annual report (PDF)
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (4)
Findings & Recommendations 3 findings
F1: The Grand Jury commends HHS for making the Compliance Officer ultimately responsible for any failures. It appears that Medicare reimbursements reflect a small percent of total reimbursements received from the federal government. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: HHS agrees with the finding. Federal Medicare reimbursements reflect a very small percentage of the total reimbursements that are received by the County, either from Federal or State sources, for the services provided by the Agency. Response - Board of Supervisors': The Board of Supervisors concurs with HHS's response.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: The Grand Jury recommends that Napa County do a fiscal analysis to determine if the financial return on Medicare billing outweighs the costs involved in processing claims for reimbursement. Given the costs of Compliance Department staff and ongoing training costs it may be advisable to absorb the Medicare costs at the end of the five-year term of the Agreement. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not appropriate. Due to the requirements for sequential billing for dually-eligible clients (those eligible for both Medicare and MediCal), the Agency must bill Medicare to access available MediCal revenue as well. Additionally, our ability to demonstrate that we can accurately claim for, and retain, Medicare revenue is vital to our Agency's ongoing goals for full compliance and fiscal integrity. The Compliance program costs are justified as a prudent and effective method of ensuring that the agency is accurately claiming for all sources of revenue. Although Medicare represents a small percentage of all revenue, the compliance effort addresses MediCal claims as well as other grants, funding sources, and general Agency compliance issues. It is our plan to continue the compliance program beyond the conclusion of the five-year term of the Integrity Agreement, expiring in 2005, to ensure maximum claiming and retention of all revenues. Response - Board of Supervisors': The Board of Supervisors concurs with HHS's response. RECOMMENDATION # 2: HHS should give serious consideration to outsourcing its billing to a private provider whose expertise is in proper billing procedures for Medi- Cal/Medicare. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. The Agency continues to contract with expert consultants and software vendors to assist us in developing and maintaining billing software and procedures that ensure accurate billing for all revenue sources. As the September 16, 2003 Agency holds ultimate responsibility for the accuracy of billings, we believe that the management of such billing, and the necessary expertise, should remain within the Agency fiscal management that works closely with the Napa County Auditor-Controller staff. Response - Board of Supervisors': The Board of Supervisors concurs with HHS's response.
F2: There is a substantial group of individuals eligible for food stamps that do not currently take advantage of these services. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: HHS agrees, in part, with this finding. It is likely that many people who would be eligible for food stamps may not be receiving these services. It is not clearly understood how substantial this number is. Additionally, it is not clear how many of the people who would otherwise be eligible, choose not to pursue these services. With the implementation of Electronic Benefit Transfer, the numbers of people eligible for food benefits may choose to pursue services as the system for transacting these benefits allows for more privacy of the beneficiary. As a positive byproduct of this new system, the food benefits program will have fewer stigmas associated with it.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: The Grand Jury is pleased that the current WIB is developing more readily understandable reports. These reports should not become a standard unless all members of the WIB can make sense of the data provided. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: The recommendation to ensure that all WIB members understand the reports generated by and about One Stop performance is reasonable. HHS/TEC staff has been working closely with the WIB and its Executive Director to develop and/or enhance various reporting mechanisms that would describe the most complete picture of One Stop performance in the most readable format. Meeting State performance measures is still critical as this is the information the State uses to determine performance incentive awards and future funding. Having the dual reporting responsibilities, however, are not nor need not to be mutually exclusive.
F4: The Grand Jury was pleasantly surprised to find such valuable resources for the community available at the Job Connection. Attempts should be made to better market these resources to make Napa County residents aware of the benefits available. The focus of this marketing should be: awareness of the self-service CORE services, name recognition for Job Connection, use of on-the-job training for employers, and benefits available to companies through the One-stop Center. Second, there is a great need to extend services to low-income and low-skilled workers throughout the Valley, including the Latino population. A better outreach program need to be developed to inform these individuals who can truly benefit from WIA programs. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: HHS agrees with these findings. Job Connection is a valuable service to the community to both job seekers and employers. Outreach and marketing have been targeted primarily to audiences suitable for programs funded under special projects, such as the Nurses Workforce Initiative and the These projects provided funding for Knowledge Administrator Training program. building capacity in these occupational areas and also had performance expectations specific to numbers of people served. WIA formula funds decreased over the past several years, thus limiting HHS/TEC's ability to enroll large numbers of people. Consequently, recruitment and outreach did not seem prudent. Additionally, there have not been funds to support enhanced employer/business services, therefore, marketing toward this group did not seem warranted. With this being said, the value added to the community of the Job Connection services would be greatly enhanced by increasing its visibility to all parts of the Valley and to business.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Work with local service organizations and small business groups to inform more companies about available services. Develop a relationship with the county's newspapers and other media to obtain coverage about services and special September 16, 2003 2002-03 Grand Jury Report Response training programs. Publicity should be generated at the beginning of the fiscal year, when sufficient funds are available to serve those responding to that publicity. Religious newsletters and local market bulletin boards may be used to reach the public. Job Connection should access free public service announcements when available. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: The recommendations are appropriate and in the process of being further developed and implemented. The Job Connection has a marketing plan and materials ready for strategic dissemination. HHS/TEC staff is working with the WIB and its Executive Director to confirm population(s) most in need of WIA services and outreach will be targeted accordingly. Additionally, preliminary discussion has ensued with staff of the Work Connection in St. Helena to review possibilities for coordination of services. There is a plan to have similar contact in Calistoga and American Canyon. Finally, HHS/TEC received additional funding to work with local business to develop a strategic plan for the provision of HR services, primarily for small to medium businesses. Funding is being sought from the Department of Labor that will enable HHS/TEC and the Job Connection to implement this strategic plan. September 16, 2003
Additional Recommendations 1

Not linked to specific findings.

R3: While we recognize that not all eligible individuals are interested in these services, or may be willing to seek government assistance, many residents are simply not aware of what is available to them. Consequently, we recommend that a more proactive outreach program be developed which includes American Canyon and upper Napa Valley to Calistoga. Utilizing religious bulletins, market bulletin boards, and other public locations as possible target points would be beneficial. Response - Health & Human Services Agency: The recommendation is a thoughtful one, yet needs further analysis to determine efficiency. The department is committed to ensuring that information about food stamp services is widely available and that whoever needs these services receive them - timely and with care. The means and/or breadth of materials for a more proactive outreach and marketing program will be determined based upon need and available resources. HHS out-stationed eligibility workers Up Valley and in the schools until just recently when program allocations were reduced. It is possible that there are other effective ways of promoting the food stamp program benefits and/or outreaching to those in need. Opportunities to be more proactive will be fully explored. September 16, 2003 2002-03 Grand Jury Report Response TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTER REPORT
Findings & Recommendations 2 findings
F1: The Auditor- Controller's Staff lacks the skills to implement the new version of the PeopleSoft software. Response 1 We disagree with the finding. The implementation of PeopleSoft Human Resources/Payroll and Financial Systems requires the expertise of the Auditor-Controller's Department, Human Resources, various user departments and the County's Information Technology Services Department (ITS). The Auditor- Controller's staff skill set has allowed the County to complete the initial implementation in 1996 and numerous upgrades over the past seven years.
F2: There are discrepancies in the cash reconciliation process. Response 2 We agree in part with the finding. The Auditor-Controller's Department had in previous years dealt with cash reconciliation issues. As noted in the 2002-2003 Management Report issued by the County's external auditors Bartig, Basler & Ray, the management finding dealing with the cash reconciliation problem was fully implemented in the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Additional Recommendations 2

Not linked to specific findings.

R1: The Auditor-Controller should ensure that the staff receives the requisite training. Response 1 We agree with the recommendation. Continuous training of all County staff involved in the implementation process is critical to the successful implementation and operation of the PeopleSoft software. Napa County Auditor-Controller Responses to Grand Jury Recommendations Fiscal Year 2003-2004 Cash Reconciliation
R2: The general ledger should be reconciled each month. Response 2 We agree in part with the recommendation. The Auditor-Controller's Department continues to reconcile the cash general ledger account on a monthly basis. Certain general ledger accounts will continue to be reconciled on an annual basis.
Findings & Recommendations 4 findings
F1: There is no unified service for water delivery in Napa County. There are numerous water systems. Some of these are privately held and some are operated with public funding. There are a number of agencies and interest groups formed to oversee water delivery. Consultants are engaged by many of these groups to solve problems. The Grand Jury estimates that well over a million dollars have left Napa County to pay consultants within the last fiscal year.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: of the Water Report in the 2002-2003 Napa County Grand Jury Report. CITY OF NAPA: 1 Deis (Signature ED HENDERSON, Mayor (Type name and title) ATTEST: (Signature) PAMYLA NIGLIAZZO, City Clerk (Type name and title) COUNTERSIGNED: (Signature) PATRICIA S. THOMPSON, City Manager (Type name and title) On August 27, 2003 the City of St. Helena forwarded its response to its portion of the 2003-2004 Grand Jury Report under separate cover. The following agencies: City of American Canyon, City of Calistoga, City of Napa, Town of Yountville, Napa Sanitation District, County of Napa, and the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District along with the City of St. Helena have jointly responded to Grand Jury Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 - Formation of a Napa Water Agency. As mentioned in the first paragraph of this correspondence, this letter serves as a Joint Response from the agencies noted. Sincerely, Best John Bert Johansson City Manager City ManagerBJ/GJ 2003-04 Joint Response Signature Page Town of Yountville Subject: Response to Grand Jury Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 - Formation of a Napa Water Agency Joint response approved by Yountville Town Council September 16, 2003 by the following vote: Saucerman, Steiger, Knight, and Carlson Ayes: Noes: None Absent: Dutton Sincerely, Jan R. Clou Kevin R. Plett Town Administrator Town of Yountville • 6550 Yount Street • Yountville • California • 94599 Telephone (707) 944-8851 • FAX (707) 944-9619 935 HARTLE COURT P.O. BOX 2480 Dedicated to Preserving the Napa River for Generations to Come NAPA, CALIFORNIA 94558-0522 TELEPHONE (707) 258-6000 FAX (707) 258-6048 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, on this 177 day of September, 2003, the Napa Sanitation District, per Board action Minute Resolution No. 03-080 at the September 17, 2003 meeting, hereby agrees to the joint response from the City of American Canyon, City of Calistoga, City of Napa, City of St. Helena, Town of Yountville, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District), the Napa Sanitation District (NSD), and Napa County Department of Public Works regarding Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 of the Water Report in the 2002-2003 Napa County Grand Jury Report. NAPA SANITATION DISTRICT der ED HENDERSON, Chairman ATTEST: 1880 CHERYL SCHUH, Board Secretary ATTACHMENT A NAPA COUNTY FLOOD CONTROL AND WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT 1001 SECOND STREET • SUITE 145 • NAPA, CALIFORNIA 94559-3030 ROBERT J. PETERSON, P.E. PHONE 707-259-8600 FAX 707-259-8619 www.co.napa.ca.us/Departments/PublicWorks Director of Public Works September 16, 2003 The Honorable Scott Snowden Presiding Judge Napa County Superior Court 825 Brown Street Napa, CA 94559 Subject: Response to Grand Jury Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 – Formation of a Napa Water Agency Dear Judge Snowden and Members of the Grand Jury: This letter serves as a joint response from the City of American Canyon, City of Calistoga, City of Napa, City of St. Helena, Town of Yountville, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District), the Napa Sanitation District (NSD), and Napa County Department of Public Works regarding Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 of the Water Report in the 2002-2003 Napa County Grand Jury Report. We would like to commend the Grand Jury Committee in their willingness to take on the monumental task of reviewing the many complex and diverse water purveyors in Napa County. The 2002-2003 Napa County Grand Jury Final Report, Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 of the Water Report is attached to this response for reference. RESPONSE TO FINDING 1 The Grand Jury is correct in that there are a number of independent water systems serving the residents of Napa County. As is typical in all other counties in California, these systems have evolved over time to meet the individual needs of each separate city or town. However, the five Cities, the District, NSD, and Napa County Public Works disagree with the statement that "there is no unified service for water delivery in Napa County" and would like to clarify that there is considerable coordination and cooperation among the cities and NSD regarding potable water and recycled water deliveries. All water agencies in the County are The Honorable Scott Snowden September 16, 2003 operated independently and the Cities, District, NSD, and County agree that they should remain as autonomous entities and not be governed by a single water agency. Each water agency in the County operates its water system according to the need and desire of its community and at the direction of the board or council that governs its operations and actions. This form of management allows for each community to have local control and prevents a larger population or neighboring community from dictating local needs and desires. This does not prevent unity in water delivery in Napa County. Where economics and geographic location have allowed, agencies have interconnected their water systems and have worked cooperatively and jointly to deliver potable water and recycled water to their customers. All five cities have interconnected piping systems giving them the ability to exchange potable water and pursue joint projects to develop new water supplies. One water supply common to all five cities is the State Water Project (SWP) water received through the North Bay Aqueduct (NBA), which is operated by the State Department of Water Resources (DWR). The District contracts with DWR for this water and subcontracts this water to all five cities. The SWP contract is substantial, supplying more than half of the cumulative water supply needs of the cities. The District acts as the coordinator of the NBA water delivery and interacts and negotiates with DWR on the cities' behalf regarding the operation and changes to the SWP. The District is a member of the State Water Contractors Association and through this association provides oversight and review of the SWP to ensure DWR is operating the water system appropriately and is pursuing improvements and new supplies on the members' behalf. The District, the Cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, the Town of Yountville, NSD, and the County of Napa believe this cooperative effort and coordination among agencies provides the unity of potable water service and recycled water delivery the Grand Jury has recommended in the County of Napa. The District, the County, NSD, and these five cities also believe that maintaining independence is appropriate and ensures that the residents of each agency have financial, operational, and planning control of their respective water systems serving their local residents. RESPONSE TO RECOMMENDATION 1
F2: Public awareness of water issues needs to be heightened. Flowing water is constrained by inventory, funding, pipe capacity, entitlement programs and citizen consent. Response - Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District/Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District: The Napa Berryessa (NB) and Lake Berryessa (LB) Resort Improvement Districts agree with Finding 2 on of the Grand Jury Report. Public awareness of water issues is important to these districts as they are in all water agencies. It is important for these districts to heighten public awareness of water issues due to the funding constraints of both districts and the need for their respective communities to understand their needs and challenges with regard to maintaining and improving their water systems to meet the ever changing drinking water quality regulations required by the State.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: Water consumption should be reduced. Landscaping practices should accommodate environmental conditions. Reclaimed water should be used for irrigation and landscaping whenever possible. . Potable water, including well water, should be designated for indoor, as well as • outdoor, use. Water saving ideas should be promoted and publicly rewarded throughout the • County. Water use in excess of a base line amount should not be subsidized. • Response - Napa Berryessa Resort Improvement District/Lake Berryessa Resort Improvement District: The Napa Berryessa (NB) and Lake Berryessa (LB) Resort Improvement Districts have very different water supply challenges that other water districts in the County of Napa. LB and NB have a stable water supply and are not subject to cutbacks in supply during drought years. These two districts will not be implementing Recommendation 2 in the Grand Jury Report because their specific water system needs do not include a need for additional water supply. These districts suffer from a very small customer base that has not grown to the size originally planned and therefore suffer from spreading the financial cost of operating water and wastewater facilities over very small customer bases. The vast majority of the costs to operate these water systems are fixed, or do not vary with the amount of water delivered. Therefore, LB and NB need to sell enough water to generate adequate revenue to be financially solvent agencies. Revenue is needed to replace aging infrastructure that while sized to deliver adequate volumes of water, was constructed in the 1960's and is in need of repair and replacement. The districts need vacant lots within their service areas to be developed so additional customers can come on line within their communities to assist with the financial needs of the infrastructure replacement. September 16, 2003 ATTACHMENT D Napa Valley Workforce Investment Board August 27, 2003 CEI \mathbb{V} E E SEP 16 0000 The Honorable Scott Snowden Presiding Judge NAPA COUNTY Napa County Superior Court EXECUTIVE OFFICE 825 Brown Street Napa, CA 94559 Dear Judge Snowden, This letter transmits the Napa Valley Workforce Investment Board's (NVWIB) response to the Grand Jury findings, stated in the July 2003 report. The NVWIB is an advisory board on workforce development issues in the County. As such, NVWIB provides oversight of Job Connection activities, including functions performed by the Training and Employment Center (TEC), a division of Health and Human Services. The Grand Jury reviewed TEC this past year and reported 4 findings. The Grand Jury findings and the NVWIB responses are attached to this letter. The NVWIB works closely with Health and Human Services/TEC management and is committed to providing workforce services in the most effective and efficient way. The NVWIB appreciates the attention and interest the Grand Jury gave TEC and Job Connection and looks forward to implementing the enhancements referenced in the responses. Please feel free to contact me at (707)255-2729, or Craig Smithson, NVWIB Executive Director, at (707)429-8413 if you have any questions or need for clarification. Sincerely, Arvin Chaudhary, Vice Chairman Napa Valley Workforce Investment Board 650 Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Fax (707) 253-4693 Phone: (707) 253-4697 TRAINING AND EDUCATION CENTER REPORT
F3: Of those WIB members interviewed, a majority was uncertain of their roles, how Job Connection worked, or how WIB evaluated the performance of TEC in running the One-Stop Center. The majority of those interviewed felt the federal and state performance standards and formulas were incomprehensible. A newly Response: NVWIB has reviewed the finding and understands the implications. developed new member Orientation was implemented on August 26, 2003.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: WIB needs to provide new members with better orientation so they can play a more effective role in determining and evaluating policy. The Grand Jury suggests an initial "new member" meeting, scheduled at a time other than regular WIB meeting, to acquaint new members with WIA and their roles as members. They should also be given a brief tour of Job Connection. In addition, a long-term member should act as a mentor, advising the new member during is or her first year. Response: The Board of Supervisors recently appointed four (4) new members to the WIB. Those members will receive a complete orientation on August 26, 2003, and given an opportunity to tour the Job Connection's Employment Network Center. Orientation manuals are also given to new members as a handy reference guide to programs and services.
F4: The Grand Jury was pleasantly surprised to find such valuable resources for the community available at the Job Connection. Attempts should be made to better market these resources to make Napa County residents aware of the benefits available. The focus of this marketing should be: awareness of the self-service Core services, name recognition for Job Connection, use of on-the-job training for employers, and benefits available to companies 650 Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Phone: (707) 253-4697 Fax (707) 253-4693 through the One-stop Center. Second, there is a great need to extend services to low-income and low-skilled workers throughout the Valley, including the Latino population. A better outreach programs need to be developed to inform these individuals who can truly benefit from WIA programs. NVWIB agrees with these findings and concurs with HHS's response: Job Response: Connection is a valuable service to the community to both job seekers and employers. Outreach and marketing have been more targeted to audiences suitable for programs funded under special projects, such as the Nurses Workforce Initiative and the Knowledge Administrator Training program. These projects provided funding for building capacity in these occupational areas and also had performance expectations specific to numbers of people served. WIA formula funds have been decreasing over the past several years, thus limiting HHS/TEC's ability to enroll large numbers of people. Consequently, recruitment and outreach did not seem prudent. Additionally, there have not been funds to support enhanced employer/business services, therefore, marketing toward this group did not seem warranted. With this being said, the value added to the community of the Job Connection services would be greatly enhanced by increasing its visibility to all parts of the Valley and to business.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Work with local service organizations and small business groups to inform more companies about available services. Develop a relationship with the county's newspapers and other media to obtain coverage about services and special training programs. Publicity should be generated at the beginning of the fiscal year, when sufficient funds are available to serve those responding to that publicity. Religious newsletters and local market bulletin boards may be used to reach the public. Job Connection should access free public service announcements when available. Response: The WIB recently established a new Business Services Committee that will be responsible for providing guidance to the Job Connection's outreach and recruitment efforts. Part of the marketing strategy will include the implementation of a "Speakers' Bureau", composed of private sector WIB members. The "Speakers' Bureau" will provide marketing presentations to business and community groups throughout Napa Valley. Additionally, the WIB and the Job Connection have agreed to expand outreach and recruitment efforts to reach more Napa Valley residents and businesses in need of workforce services. The goal of reaching more of our residents is contained in the revised scope of work in the Memorandum of Understanding between the WIB and HHS/TEC for 2003-04. The NVWIB works closely with Health and Human Services/TEC management and is committed to providing workforce services in the most effective and efficient way. The NVWIB appreciates the attention and interest the Grand Jury gave TEC and Job Connection and looks forward to implementing the enhancements referenced in the responses. Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Fax (707) 253-4693 Phone: (707) 253-4697 CITY OF AMERICAN CANYON Administration Gateway to the Napa Valley RECEIVED September 5, 2003 SEP 9 2003 The Honorable Scott Snowden Presiding Judge STEPHEN A. BOUCH Napa County Superior Court COURT EXECUTIVE OFFICER 825 Brown Street Napa, CA 94559 Subject: Response to Grand Jury Finding 1 and Recommendation 1 - Formation of a Napa Water Agency Dear Judge Snowden and Members of the Grand Jury: This letter serves as a joint response from the City of American Canyon, City of Calistoga, City of Napa, City of St. Helena, Town of Yountville, the Napa County Flood Control and Water Conservation District (District), the Napa Sanitation District (NSD), and Napa County Department of Public Works regarding Finding 1 and
Findings & Recommendations 4 findings
F1: State and federal WIA performance evaluations do not track the use of basic Core services which are utilized by more individuals that other services. The costs for providing these services to the community are absorbed in the staff costs of each on-site partner agency. WIB performance measures should include a broad picture of One-Stop Center activities. The full scope of staff time, available resources, program success and service to the community cannot be adequately evaluated without including timely data gathered by the Connect Card. This important segment of service should be a part of the equation reviewed when making decisions. Response: NVWIB agrees with the finding. NVWIB concurs with HHS's response: The agency reports to the state the amount of WIA formula funding to be used for CORE services. The report, the annual modifications to the Five-Year Strategic Plan, does not contain information about the true costs of operating the Employment Network Center, which is where CORE services are carried out. Additionally, State performance measures are based on only those clients who are enrolled into WIA, and do not consider all clients served through CORE. The WIB, however, reviews One Stop performance based upon the planned activities submitted by the agency to the State via the modifications to the plan. Information is reported to the WIB at least quarterly regarding actual performance compared to planned performance in terms of number of clients served in total. Finally, what has not been previously reported is the total cost of operating the Employment Network Center, including HHS/TEC's cost of CORE or other agencies' participation in those costs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1: Reevaluate the procedure for swiping Connect Cards to better measure the number of users versus the number of times someone comes through the door. Include and monitor the number of individuals using Core services in the new performance standards currently being developed by WIB. Response: The NVWIB concurs with the response submitted by HHS: The recommendation is reasonable, however, does not capture the full extent of the issue. There are two means of monitoring performance of the One Stop, or the WIA programs agency. One is for the WIB to monitor overall performance of the One Stop through review of reports describing numbers of participants served, including CORE; the costs of carrying out those services in total; and; the costs incurred by HHS/TEC and those picked up by other One Stop Partners. Secondly, the State has set performance measures that are negotiated annually with the Federal Government, then subsequently negotiated and passed on to the local area. These performance measures as currently designed do not include the measurement of CORE outcomes. To do this requires legislative change. WIA is in the process of being reauthorized and this measure is not contained in any proposed changes to the law.
F2: The Job Connection has been commended for meeting performance standards set Although completing federal and state performance by state and federal governments. requirements are necessary for WIA compliance, they are basically useless in evaluating and 650 Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Fax (707) 253-4693 Phone: (707) 253-4697 planning One-Stop Center activities. Surprisingly, previous WIB members and Job Connection were so focused on mandated evaluations that there appeared to be little concern about obtaining easily understood information that could be useful in making decisions and setting policy. Response: NVWIB agrees, in part, with this finding. Where it is true that the emphasis of HHS/TEC has been in meeting State performance goals, the department has not taken lightly the need to develop reporting for the WIB that would give them a comprehensive picture of the activities and performance of the One Stop.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2: The Grand Jury is pleased that the current WIB is developing more readily understandable reports. These reports should not become a standard unless all members of the WIB can make sense of the data provided. Response: The Job Connection staff is currently preparing quarterly plan vs. actual reports on all programs. These reports are submitted to the WIB and the Youth Council on a timely basis, along with discussion regarding program activity. Additionally, the Job Connection's continuous quality improvement program is generating helpful information on the quality of customer services. The Job Connection Partners Committee and the WIB on a regular basis review that information.
F3: Of those WIB members interviewed, a majority was uncertain of their roles, how Job Connection worked, or how WIB evaluated the performance of TEC in running the One-Stop Center. The majority of those interviewed felt the federal and state performance standards and formulas were incomprehensible. A newly Response: NVWIB has reviewed the finding and understands the implications. developed new member Orientation was implemented on August 26, 2003.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3: WIB needs to provide new members with better orientation so they can play a more effective role in determining and evaluating policy. The Grand Jury suggests an initial "new member" meeting, scheduled at a time other than regular WIB meeting, to acquaint new members with WIA and their roles as members. They should also be given a brief tour of Job Connection. In addition, a long-term member should act as a mentor, advising the new member during is or her first year. Response: The Board of Supervisors recently appointed four (4) new members to the WIB. Those members will receive a complete orientation on August 26, 2003, and given an opportunity to tour the Job Connection's Employment Network Center. Orientation manuals are also given to new members as a handy reference guide to programs and services.
F4: The Grand Jury was pleasantly surprised to find such valuable resources for the community available at the Job Connection. Attempts should be made to better market these resources to make Napa County residents aware of the benefits available. The focus of this marketing should be: awareness of the self-service Core services, name recognition for Job Connection, use of on-the-job training for employers, and benefits available to companies 650 Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Fax (707) 253-4693 Phone: (707) 253-4697 through the One-stop Center. Second, there is a great need to extend services to low-income and low-skilled workers throughout the Valley, including the Latino population. A better outreach programs need to be developed to inform these individuals who can truly benefit from WIA programs. NVWIB agrees with these findings and concurs with HHS's response: Job Response: Connection is a valuable service to the community to both job seekers and employers. Outreach and marketing have been more targeted to audiences suitable for programs funded under special projects, such as the Nurses Workforce Initiative and the Knowledge Administrator Training program. These projects provided funding for building capacity in these occupational areas and also had performance expectations specific to numbers of people served. WIA formula funds have been decreasing over the past several years, thus limiting HHS/TEC's ability to enroll large numbers of people. Consequently, recruitment and outreach did not seem prudent. Additionally, there have not been funds to support enhanced employer/business services, therefore, marketing toward this group did not seem warranted. With this being said, the value added to the community of the Job Connection services would be greatly enhanced by increasing its visibility to all parts of the Valley and to business.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4: Work with local service organizations and small business groups to inform more companies about available services. Develop a relationship with the county's newspapers and other media to obtain coverage about services and special training programs. Publicity should be generated at the beginning of the fiscal year, when sufficient funds are available to serve those responding to that publicity. Religious newsletters and local market bulletin boards may be used to reach the public. Job Connection should access free public service announcements when available. The WIB recently established a new Business Services Committee that will be Response: responsible for providing guidance to the Job Connection's outreach and recruitment efforts. Part of the marketing strategy will include the implementation of a "Speakers' Bureau", composed of private sector WIB members. The "Speakers' Bureau" will provide marketing presentations to business and community groups throughout Napa Valley. Additionally, the WIB and the Job Connection have agreed to expand outreach and recruitment efforts to reach more Napa Valley residents and businesses in need of workforce services. The goal of reaching more of our residents is contained in the revised scope of work in the Memorandum of Understanding between the WIB and HHS/TEC for 2003-04. The NVWIB works closely with Health and Human Services/TEC management and is committed to providing workforce services in the most effective and efficient way. The NVWIB appreciates the attention and interest the Grand Jury gave TEC and Job Connection and looks forward to implementing the enhancements referenced in the responses. Imperial Way, Suite 101, Napa, California Fax (707) 253-4693 Phone: (707) 253-4697

* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.