Napa County Grand Jury
2014-2015
From the annual report
The consolidated year-end volume. The individual investigations it contains are listed separately below.
📑 Year-End Report
The full consolidated volume; individual reports are listed below.
Individual reports (7)
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The County has done an effective job of managing groundwater resources to date. However, there is no contingency plan in place that details the steps to 17 be taken in case the drought continues and groundwater supplies are further depleted.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By December 31, 2015, the Napa County Public Works Department to develop a contingency plan, approved by the Board of Supervisors, that lays out the major steps to be taken in the event of severe drought conditions.
F2:
Despite the continuing drought and some evidence that aquifers on the Valley floor may not be fully recharging, there appears to be sufficient groundwater available on the Valley floor at this time.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By June 30, 2016, the Napa County Public Works Department to require major groundwater users to meter and report their water usage on a quarterly basis to ensure all well owners are following prescribed usage rates.
F3:
Groundwater is less plentiful on the county’s hillsides, and each parcel must be studied independently. There have been a number of reports of existing wells drying up, and finding water for new wells is often difficult.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By June 30, 2016, the Napa County Public Works Department to adopt policies to encourage all other groundwater users to meter and monitor their well water usage. RECOMMENDATIONS – RECYCLED WATER 18
F4:
The County cannot enforce their usage restrictions effectively because they do not monitor usage of groundwater or enforce limits on groundwater extraction. FINDINGS – RECYCLED WATER
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
NSD to immediately begin exploring additional opportunities to expand their wastewater storage and infrastructure capacity through funds that may be available from the passage of California Proposition 1, the $7.1 Billion “Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014.”
F5:
The lack of adequate storage capacity and the need for additional infrastructure prevent NSD from maximizing the amount of recycled water that could be processed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
By June 30, 2016, NSD and the City of Napa Water Department to begin negotiations to extend the current agreement that requires NSD to reimburse the Water Department for lost revenue when a city water customer converts to recycled water.
F6:
There have been no discussions to date to renew the agreement between NSD and the City of Napa Water Department, expiring in 2017, requiring NSD to reimburse the city one year’s revenue for every customer converted from city water to recycled water.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
By December 31, 2015, that NSD and the City of Napa Water Department to begin working with local officials, lobbying groups, and trade associations to persuade the State to fund the conversion of Napa State Hospital to recycled water for their irrigation purposes.
F7:
Napa State Hospital could cut their potable water usage substantially if they converted their irrigation system to recycled water.
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Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
The video/camera system at the NCJH is still in need of the technical upgrading that F1. The video/camera system at the NCJH is still in need of the technical upgrading that would better identify the individuals on the monitoring screens in the Control would better identify the individuals on the monitoring screens in the Control Center. Center.
F2:
Extra surveillance cameras are still needed in the exercise yard area to help F2. Extra surveillance cameras are still needed in the exercise yard area to help eliminate blind spots within the yard and on the perimeter of the facility. eliminate blind spots within the yard and on the perimeter of the facility.
F3:
Some juveniles at NCJH are unaware of the procedures to arrange for visits by their F3. Some juveniles at NCJH are unaware of the procedures to arrange for visits by their younger siblings. younger siblings. VI. RECOMMENDATIONS VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
F4:
The requirements and procedures of the Tobacco Master Settlement F4. The requirements and procedures of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) grant appear burdensome to nonprofits. Agreement (MSA) grant appear burdensome to nonprofits.
F5:
HHSA lacks alcohol and drug treatment service located at Up Valley sites for F5. HHSA lacks alcohol and drug treatment service located at Up Valley sites for both youth and adults. both youth and adults.
F6:
The site in Calistoga that was selected to accommodate an adult drug F6. The site in Calistoga that was selected to accommodate an adult drug counselor is not yet certified by the State. counselor is not yet certified by the State.
F7:
The contract between the County and Aldea, Inc. (No 8207) is not clear as to F7. The contract between the County and Aldea, Inc. (No 8207) is not clear as to whether or not the substance abuse treatment services for youth are to be whether or not the substance abuse treatment services for youth are to be provided at Up Valley sites. provided at Up Valley sites.
F8:
From the information provided, HHSA apparently lacks specific measures to F8. From the information provided, HHSA apparently lacks specific measures to determine the adequacy of services provided at Up Valley locations. determine the adequacy of services provided at Up Valley locations.
Additional Recommendations
17
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends that by the end of FY 2014-2015, R1. The Grand Jury recommends that by the end of FY 2014-2015, all on duty NCJH employees should wear clothing that clearly all on duty NCJH employees should wear clothing that clearly identifies them as staff. identifies them as staff. Response: The Recommendation will not be implemented because it Response: The Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not reasonable. Budget constraints preclude the County from is not reasonable. Budget constraints preclude the County from making such a proposal. This would be a meet and confer issue with making such a proposal. This would be a meet and confer issue with the union if the County determined uniforms were appropriate. the union if the County determined uniforms were appropriate.
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that by the end of FY 2014-2015 R2. The Grand Jury recommends that by the end of FY 2014-2015 video equipment should be updated to current state-of-the-art video equipment should be updated to current state-of-the-art standards, and cameras added to the system to ensure that there are no standards, and cameras added to the system to ensure that there are no blind spots within the facility or along the perimeter of the yard. blind spots within the facility or along the perimeter of the yard. Response: The Recommendation will be implemented. Staff has Response: The Recommendation will be implemented. Staff has been working with Public Works to upgrade the video system. been working with Public Works to upgrade the video system. Cameras will be replaced by the end of FY 2014-2015. Cameras will Cameras will be replaced by the end of FY 2014-2015. Cameras will be installed to cover blind spots within the facility and along the be installed to cover blind spots within the facility and along the perimeter of the yard within next year. perimeter of the yard within next year. III. REVIEW OF RESPONSES TO THE 2013-2014 III. REVIEW OF RESPONSES TO THE 2013-2014 GRAND JURY REPORT ON THE NAPA COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ON THE NAPA COUNTY TRANSPORTATION & PLANNING AGENCY TRANSPORTATION & PLANNING AGENCY (NCTPA) WITH THE SUBTITLE VINE: (NCTPA) WITH THE SUBTITLE VINE: MANAGEMENT & RIDERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE MANAGEMENT & RIDERSHIP FOR THE FUTURE A. DISCUSSION A. DISCUSSION On March 18, 2014, the 2013-2014 Napa County Grand Jury issued On March 18, 2014, the 2013-2014 Napa County Grand Jury issued its Final Report on the Review of Responses to the 2013-2014 Report its Final Report on the Review of Responses to the 2013-2014 Report on the Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency (NCTPA) on the Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency (NCTPA) with the subtitle VINE: Management & Ridership for the Future. with the subtitle VINE: Management & Ridership for the Future. The Napa County Transportation & Planning Board of Directors The Napa County Transportation & Planning Board of Directors represent the incorporated cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, represent the incorporated cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Yountville and Napa County. The Grand Jury Napa, St. Helena, Yountville and Napa County. The Grand Jury initiated an investigation because of low VINE ridership, initiated an investigation because of low VINE ridership, notwithstanding an investment of $12.5 million by the Board of notwithstanding an investment of $12.5 million by the Board of Directors for a new Transit Center, new buses, and increased Directors for a new Transit Center, new buses, and increased operational costs to support the new buses, routes and schedules. operational costs to support the new buses, routes and schedules. The funds are a combination of federal and state grants, local The funds are a combination of federal and state grants, local jurisdiction fare payments, and Transportation Development Act jurisdiction fare payments, and Transportation Development Act funds that are generated by a 0.25% sales tax that is controlled by the funds that are generated by a 0.25% sales tax that is controlled by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Metropolitan Transportation Commission. The Grand Jury’s investigation strived to determine what might be The Grand Jury’s investigation strived to determine what might be done to ensure that Napa County’s transit ridership warrants the done to ensure that Napa County’s transit ridership warrants the significant investment and to engage the incorporated cities in significant investment and to engage the incorporated cities in maximizing VINE transit services. maximizing VINE transit services. The following Recommendations were addressed to the Napa County The following Recommendations were addressed to the Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency. Responses follow: Transportation & Planning Agency. Responses follow:
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends the Board of Directors explore ways R3. The Grand Jury recommends the Board of Directors explore ways to improve Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency to improve Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency management retention such as merit pay or other incentives and put in management retention such as merit pay or other incentives and put in place for the coming fiscal year. place for the coming fiscal year. Response: This Recommendation requires further analysis. The Napa Response: This Recommendation requires further analysis. The Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency Board appreciates the County Transportation & Planning Agency Board appreciates the Grand Jury’s suggestion and will take it under advisement. It should Grand Jury’s suggestion and will take it under advisement. It should be noted, however, that the agency has been [in] existence since 1998 be noted, however, that the agency has been [in] existence since 1998 and has only had four executive directors in its 16-year history. and has only had four executive directors in its 16-year history.
R4:
The Grand Jury recommends planning out the use of the $10 R4. The Grand Jury recommends planning out the use of the $10 million reserve fund to meet Transit’s existing needs over the next 10 million reserve fund to meet Transit’s existing needs over the next 10 years. This includes capital expenses and marketing costs by the years. This includes capital expenses and marketing costs by the beginning of the next fiscal year. beginning of the next fiscal year. Response: The Recommendation has been implemented. The agency Response: The Recommendation has been implemented. The agency has planned out its capital and operating needs over the next 10 years has planned out its capital and operating needs over the next 10 years and it is included in the Short Range Transit Plan. The Short Range and it is included in the Short Range Transit Plan. The Short Range Transit Plan is updated every 4 to 5 years; however, every two years Transit Plan is updated every 4 to 5 years; however, every two years Napa County Transportation Agency produces a “mini” Short Range Napa County Transportation Agency produces a “mini” Short Range Transit Plan that includes updates to its capital and operating Transit Plan that includes updates to its capital and operating programs as mandated by the Metropolitan Transportation programs as mandated by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission. Commission.
R5:
Napa County should consistently utilize the Napa County Short R5. Napa County should consistently utilize the Napa County Short Range Transit Plan FY 2013-2022 (June 2013) for guidance in the Range Transit Plan FY 2013-2022 (June 2013) for guidance in the sustainable operation of the Napa Transit System with timely progress sustainable operation of the Napa Transit System with timely progress reports to the Board of Directors put in place by June 2014. reports to the Board of Directors put in place by June 2014. Response: The Recommendation has been implemented. The Short Response: The Recommendation has been implemented. The Short Range Transit Plan is referred to frequently in both setting the Range Transit Plan is referred to frequently in both setting the groundwork for operations and for the annual development of the groundwork for operations and for the annual development of the operating and capital budget. In conjunction with the budget process, operating and capital budget. In conjunction with the budget process, Napa County Transit & Planning Agency staff develops, and the Napa County Transit & Planning Agency staff develops, and the Board adopts, an overall work plan which establishes the number of Board adopts, an overall work plan which establishes the number of staff hours required to complete various tasks and projects over the staff hours required to complete various tasks and projects over the course of the year. course of the year. The Board receives quarterly updates on the budget, quarterly updates The Board receives quarterly updates on the budget, quarterly updates on transit operations and performance ( more frequently as needed), on transit operations and performance ( more frequently as needed), and semi-annually overall plan updates. and semi-annually overall plan updates.
R6:
Napa County should develop financial, qualitative and R6. Napa County should develop financial, qualitative and quantitative reporting metrics that will identify problems in standards quantitative reporting metrics that will identify problems in standards of system performance so operation corrections can be made through of system performance so operation corrections can be made through adaptive management actions, with appropriate metrics in place by the adaptive management actions, with appropriate metrics in place by the end of the current fiscal year. end of the current fiscal year. Response: This Recommendation has been implemented. Service Response: This Recommendation has been implemented. Service Policies and performance metrics are adopted by the Board and are Policies and performance metrics are adopted by the Board and are summarized in Napa County Transportation & Planning’s Short summarized in Napa County Transportation & Planning’s Short Range Transit Plans. The most recent Service Policies were adopted Range Transit Plans. The most recent Service Policies were adopted in March 2013. The Board also received five-year financial in March 2013. The Board also received five-year financial projections quarterly. projections quarterly.
R7:
Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should install at R7. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should install at a minimum, temporary signage as soon as possible for the new Transit a minimum, temporary signage as soon as possible for the new Transit Center that can be seen from Soscol Avenue and install a complete Center that can be seen from Soscol Avenue and install a complete and consistent branding and marketing signage system for the center, and consistent branding and marketing signage system for the center, buses and bus shelters within 90 days of this report. buses and bus shelters within 90 days of this report. Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and is not reasonable. As previously discussed, the is not warranted and is not reasonable. As previously discussed, the building signage was part of the original SGTC contract but other building signage was part of the original SGTC contract but other building signs produced by the subcontractor were substandard. building signs produced by the subcontractor were substandard. Consequently, Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency Consequently, Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency cancelled the contract and solicited a sign contractor elsewhere. cancelled the contract and solicited a sign contractor elsewhere. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency is currently Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency is currently evaluating three quotes. Each of the quotes is deficient in some way evaluating three quotes. Each of the quotes is deficient in some way and we are unable to proceed until the issues are resolved. Temporary and we are unable to proceed until the issues are resolved. Temporary signage would require that we work with the city planning staff on signage would require that we work with the city planning staff on alternate signage design, and release another RFP, which would create alternate signage design, and release another RFP, which would create unnecessary delay, inefficiencies and costs. unnecessary delay, inefficiencies and costs.
R8:
Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should R8. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should implement within the current fiscal year a coordinated VINE implement within the current fiscal year a coordinated VINE marketing strategy with each Napa County jurisdiction so that Napa marketing strategy with each Napa County jurisdiction so that Napa County Transportation and Planning’s transit services are readily County Transportation and Planning’s transit services are readily available and consistently communicated across all public, community available and consistently communicated across all public, community and visitor websites. and visitor websites. Response: This Recommendation will be implemented within 90 Response: This Recommendation will be implemented within 90 days. Napa County Transportation & Planning will work with the days. Napa County Transportation & Planning will work with the jurisdictions and sited and request that information about the VINE jurisdictions and sited and request that information about the VINE and its ancillary services are consistently communicated. It should be and its ancillary services are consistently communicated. It should be noted that Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency has no noted that Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency has no authority to demand that Napa’s jurisdictions or its visitor sites authority to demand that Napa’s jurisdictions or its visitor sites comply with this request. comply with this request.
R9:
The Grand Jury recommends Napa County Transportation & R9. The Grand Jury recommends Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency contract with an agency with transit expertise to Planning Agency contract with an agency with transit expertise to develop and implement appropriate marketing efforts to targeted develop and implement appropriate marketing efforts to targeted ridership populations and major employers that will drive awareness ridership populations and major employers that will drive awareness of all VINE services and improve ridership within the current year of all VINE services and improve ridership within the current year and for the future fiscal year. and for the future fiscal year. Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and is not reasonable. Most transit operators spend is not warranted and is not reasonable. Most transit operators spend approximately 1% of its budget on marketing. The Napa County approximately 1% of its budget on marketing. The Napa County Transportation & Planning Board allocates roughly 2% of the VINE Transportation & Planning Board allocates roughly 2% of the VINE budget on marketing. The Napa County Transportation & Planning budget on marketing. The Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency Board is pleased with the marketing effort and acknowledges Agency Board is pleased with the marketing effort and acknowledges that professional support could enhance the marketing materials but is that professional support could enhance the marketing materials but is concerned that an advertising professional would consume a concerned that an advertising professional would consume a significant share of the agency’s annual budget for marketing. significant share of the agency’s annual budget for marketing.
R10:
Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should explore, R10. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should explore, adopt and apply sustainability design tools such as Transit-Oriented adopt and apply sustainability design tools such as Transit-Oriented Development to determine ideal alterations to transit services within Development to determine ideal alterations to transit services within the 2014 calendar year. the 2014 calendar year. Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and is not reasonable. Napa County Transportation is not warranted and is not reasonable. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency personnel take courses and attend conferences & Planning Agency personnel take courses and attend conferences regularly to learn about new trends and technologies in transit. regularly to learn about new trends and technologies in transit. Professionals in the field of transit in rural and suburban areas are Professionals in the field of transit in rural and suburban areas are often consulted in order to ensure that Napa County Transportation & often consulted in order to ensure that Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency transit services are utilizing the most up to date Planning Agency transit services are utilizing the most up to date technologies and employing state of the art practices. technologies and employing state of the art practices. Transit-Oriented Development’s are neighborhoods that are designed Transit-Oriented Development’s are neighborhoods that are designed by cities and towns. There are times that a transit partner may by cities and towns. There are times that a transit partner may participate if development occurs on a property owned by that transit participate if development occurs on a property owned by that transit operator but transit operators rarely initiate such developments. operator but transit operators rarely initiate such developments. The following Recommendation was addressed to the incorporated The following Recommendation was addressed to the incorporated cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, and cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, and Yountville. Responses follow: Yountville. Responses follow:
R11:
Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should R11. Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency should implement within the current fiscal year a coordinated VINE implement within the current fiscal year a coordinated VINE marketing strategy with each Napa County jurisdiction so that Napa marketing strategy with each Napa County jurisdiction so that Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency’s transit services are County Transportation & Planning Agency’s transit services are readily available and consistently communicated across all public, readily available and consistently communicated across all public, community and visitor websites. community and visitor websites. Response from the City of American Canyon: The City of Response from the City of American Canyon: The City of American Canyon supports this Recommendation and stands ready to American Canyon supports this Recommendation and stands ready to work with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency to bolster work with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency to bolster our current marketing efforts to encourage ridership. We are currently our current marketing efforts to encourage ridership. We are currently working on a website update and will work with Napa County working on a website update and will work with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency staff to ensure our website Transportation & Planning Agency staff to ensure our website provides consistent and clear information about the VINE. The City provides consistent and clear information about the VINE. The City of American Canyon also routinely conducts community outreach on of American Canyon also routinely conducts community outreach on a variety of topics and will include marketing information about the a variety of topics and will include marketing information about the VINE in the coming months. VINE in the coming months. Response from the City of Calistoga: The Calistoga City Council Response from the City of Calistoga: The Calistoga City Council will direct staff to work with the Napa County Transportation & will direct staff to work with the Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency and other jurisdictions as they develop further Planning Agency and other jurisdictions as they develop further marketing strategies so that all Napa County Transportation & marketing strategies so that all Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency’s transit services are readily available and Planning Agency’s transit services are readily available and consistently communicated across all potential users. This will consistently communicated across all potential users. This will include placing information on the City’s website once the include placing information on the City’s website once the information is developed. information is developed. Response from the City of Napa: This Recommendation will be Response from the City of Napa: This Recommendation will be implemented by the City of Napa by using its existing website to implemented by the City of Napa by using its existing website to provide a permanent link to an appropriate website or webpage that provide a permanent link to an appropriate website or webpage that provides user information on VINE Services. A permanent link will provides user information on VINE Services. A permanent link will be created by the end of Fiscal Year June 30, 2014. In addition, the be created by the end of Fiscal Year June 30, 2014. In addition, the City will regularly post on its website topical and timely information City will regularly post on its website topical and timely information provided by the Napa County Transportation & Planning about VINE provided by the Napa County Transportation & Planning about VINE services that is pertinent to City of Napa residents and businesses. services that is pertinent to City of Napa residents and businesses. These postings will begin July 1, 2014 and continue indefinitely. The These postings will begin July 1, 2014 and continue indefinitely. The selection of items to be posted, the frequency and duration of the selection of items to be posted, the frequency and duration of the posting and the editing of those items will be at the sole discretion of posting and the editing of those items will be at the sole discretion of the City of Napa. The City will provide this outreach assistance at no the City of Napa. The City will provide this outreach assistance at no charge to Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency. charge to Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency. Response from the City of St. Helena: The City of St. Helena Response from the City of St. Helena: The City of St. Helena supports this Recommendation and will coordinate efforts with Napa supports this Recommendation and will coordinate efforts with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency to improve and increase County Transportation & Planning Agency to improve and increase our current marketing efforts to encourage ridership. We plan to start our current marketing efforts to encourage ridership. We plan to start implementation of the following efforts within thirty days: City staff implementation of the following efforts within thirty days: City staff will communicate with Napa County Transportation & Planning will communicate with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency staff to integrate an appropriate link on the City website Agency staff to integrate an appropriate link on the City website www.ci.st-helena.ca.us as provided by Napa County Transportation & www.ci.st-helena.ca.us as provided by Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency. City staff will further evaluate other means of Planning Agency. City staff will further evaluate other means of reaching out to the community with such information being included reaching out to the community with such information being included in the water bill, e-news broadcast and posting at public facilities. in the water bill, e-news broadcast and posting at public facilities. Response from the City of Yountville: This Recommendation can Response from the City of Yountville: This Recommendation can be implemented within sixty (60) days. Town staff will communicate be implemented within sixty (60) days. Town staff will communicate with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency staff to with Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency staff to integrate an appropriate link on the Town website integrate an appropriate link on the Town website www.townofyountville.com as provided by Napa County www.townofyountville.com as provided by Napa County Transportation & Planning Agency. Town staff will further evaluate Transportation & Planning Agency. Town staff will further evaluate the ability to add a narrative content page on our site about local the ability to add a narrative content page on our site about local transportation alternatives. transportation alternatives. IV. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSES TO THE 2013- IV. REVIEW OF THE RESPONSES TO THE 2013- 2014 GRAND JURY REPORT ON PUBLIC 2014 GRAND JURY REPORT ON PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR EACH EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT BENEFITS FOR EACH NAPA COUNTY JURISDICTION NAPA COUNTY JURISDICTION A. DISCUSSION A. DISCUSSION The 2013-2014 Grand Jury issued its Final Report entitled A Review The 2013-2014 Grand Jury issued its Final Report entitled A Review of Public Employee Retirement Benefits for Each County Jurisdiction of Public Employee Retirement Benefits for Each County Jurisdiction on April 3, 2014. The topic under investigation was the status of the on April 3, 2014. The topic under investigation was the status of the county’s retirement benefit funding levels. The purpose was to county’s retirement benefit funding levels. The purpose was to provide clarity of the public pension and other post-employment provide clarity of the public pension and other post-employment benefits (OPEB) funding liabilities in the county’s jurisdictions. benefits (OPEB) funding liabilities in the county’s jurisdictions. Seven Findings were presented by the Grand Jury. They indicate that Seven Findings were presented by the Grand Jury. They indicate that no jurisdiction is facing imminent fiscal crisis due to pension fund no jurisdiction is facing imminent fiscal crisis due to pension fund liabilities but some jurisdictions are in better shape than others. The liabilities but some jurisdictions are in better shape than others. The Grand Jury also found that all jurisdictions had introduced employee Grand Jury also found that all jurisdictions had introduced employee sharing of pension costs, although some only applied to future sharing of pension costs, although some only applied to future employees, and that most jurisdictions are trying to achieve full employees, and that most jurisdictions are trying to achieve full funding of their OPEB liability before 2014, which follows the 30- funding of their OPEB liability before 2014, which follows the 30- year amortization rate recommended by the Government Finance year amortization rate recommended by the Government Finance Officers Association in March 2013. Officers Association in March 2013. Two Recommendations were made by the 2013-2014 Grand Jury to Two Recommendations were made by the 2013-2014 Grand Jury to the County Board of Supervisors as well as the cities of American the County Board of Supervisors as well as the cities of American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville. Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena and Yountville.
R12:
That the Director of Maintenance and Construction continue to R12. That the Director of Maintenance and Construction continue to research and apply the most effective methods of controlling gopher research and apply the most effective methods of controlling gopher infestation observed at many of the fields. infestation observed at many of the fields. Response: NVUSD agrees to implement this Recommendation but it Response: NVUSD agrees to implement this Recommendation but it does not specify which type of new management techniques it intends does not specify which type of new management techniques it intends to use to control the gopher infestation. to use to control the gopher infestation.
R13:
That the Superintendent of Schools and the Director of General R13. That the Superintendent of Schools and the Director of General Services and Facilities establish written guidelines for the public Services and Facilities establish written guidelines for the public posting of Youth Sports Council meetings, agendas and minutes. posting of Youth Sports Council meetings, agendas and minutes. Response: NVUSD will not implement this Recommendation Response: NVUSD will not implement this Recommendation because it is not warranted. NVUSD feels that the Youth Sports because it is not warranted. NVUSD feels that the Youth Sports Council is most effective if it remains an autonomous organization, Council is most effective if it remains an autonomous organization, outside the direct supervision and control of either NVUSD or the outside the direct supervision and control of either NVUSD or the City of Napa. City of Napa.
R14:
That the City of Napa and the NVUSD continue to collaborate R14. That the City of Napa and the NVUSD continue to collaborate in the development of more playing fields on city-owned land for in the development of more playing fields on city-owned land for community use such as Kennedy Park. community use such as Kennedy Park. Response: The City of Napa stated that this Recommendation has Response: The City of Napa stated that this Recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be in the near future with the not yet been implemented, but will be in the near future with the development of a Master Plan at Kennedy Park. The City stated that development of a Master Plan at Kennedy Park. The City stated that they are in the process of contracting with a firm that will develop a they are in the process of contracting with a firm that will develop a Master Plan within the next seven months. Master Plan within the next seven months.
R15:
That the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services R15. That the Assistant Superintendent of Business Services implement and maintain a new financial software system for implement and maintain a new financial software system for accounting services within the NVUSD to include the Napa Youth accounting services within the NVUSD to include the Napa Youth Sports League account. Sports League account. Response: NVUSD has implemented this Recommendation effective Response: NVUSD has implemented this Recommendation effective July 1, 2014. July 1, 2014.
R16:
That the NVUSD establish, within the next six months, written R16. That the NVUSD establish, within the next six months, written policies defining the type of work that can be performed on the fields policies defining the type of work that can be performed on the fields by volunteers from non-profit sports organizations. by volunteers from non-profit sports organizations. Response: NVUSD has implemented this Recommendation. A Response: NVUSD has implemented this Recommendation. A volunteer site improvement plan is in place that allows for a case –by- volunteer site improvement plan is in place that allows for a case –by- case review of all proposed site improvements projects. This includes: case review of all proposed site improvements projects. This includes: scope of the project; scale of the project; staffing impact; and potential scope of the project; scale of the project; staffing impact; and potential liability exposure mitigation by the District. liability exposure mitigation by the District. B. OBSERVATIONS B. OBSERVATIONS The Grand Jury requested responses from both NVUSD and the City The Grand Jury requested responses from both NVUSD and the City of Napa. The City of Napa filed timely responses within the ninety- of Napa. The City of Napa filed timely responses within the ninety- day statutory time frame. NVUSD submitted its Responses on day statutory time frame. NVUSD submitted its Responses on August 22, 2014, thirty days after the statutory time frame of ninety August 22, 2014, thirty days after the statutory time frame of ninety days. days. VII. REVIEW OF RESPONSES TO THE 2013-2014 VII. REVIEW OF RESPONSES TO THE 2013-2014 GRAND JURY REPORT ON THE NAPA COUNTY GRAND JURY REPORT ON THE NAPA COUNTY JAIL JAIL A. DISCUSSION A. DISCUSSION Each Grand Jury is required to issue an Annual Report on the Each Grand Jury is required to issue an Annual Report on the conditions and management of the public prisons within its county conditions and management of the public prisons within its county (CA Penal Code 919(b)). The 2013-2014 Napa County Grand Jury (CA Penal Code 919(b)). The 2013-2014 Napa County Grand Jury issued its Final Report on the Napa County Jail (NCJ) on May 13, issued its Final Report on the Napa County Jail (NCJ) on May 13, 2014. 2014. The Napa County Grand Jury inspected the Jail and found it The Napa County Grand Jury inspected the Jail and found it adequately maintained despite the fact that it is approaching four adequately maintained despite the fact that it is approaching four decades of use. The correctional staff that was observed appeared decades of use. The correctional staff that was observed appeared professional in appearance and attitude. The correctional staff noted professional in appearance and attitude. The correctional staff noted that the 2011 Public Safety Realignment Act shifted the burden for that the 2011 Public Safety Realignment Act shifted the burden for incarceration, monitoring and rehabilitation of certain felonies to incarceration, monitoring and rehabilitation of certain felonies to California's counties. California's counties. The Napa County Jail facility has adequately handled the additional The Napa County Jail facility has adequately handled the additional number of inmates but the addition of more criminally sophisticated number of inmates but the addition of more criminally sophisticated felons has impacted the system. A new county jail is in the planning felons has impacted the system. A new county jail is in the planning stages with a completion date in 2018. The new jail facility should stages with a completion date in 2018. The new jail facility should help ease the problem of overcrowding. help ease the problem of overcrowding. Both the 2006-2007 and the 2010-2011 Grand Juries recommended Both the 2006-2007 and the 2010-2011 Grand Juries recommended that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) consider returning the that the Board of Supervisors (BOS) consider returning the management of the Jail to the Sheriff (Napa is one of two California management of the Jail to the Sheriff (Napa is one of two California counties still with a civilian-run jail). counties still with a civilian-run jail). The following two Recommendations were addressed to the Napa The following two Recommendations were addressed to the Napa County Board of Supervisors. Responses follow: County Board of Supervisors. Responses follow:
R17:
That the Parks and Recreation Department resume the R17. That the Parks and Recreation Department resume the responsibility for collecting field use fees from the NVUSD as it did responsibility for collecting field use fees from the NVUSD as it did prior to 2007. prior to 2007. Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because Response: This Recommendation will not be implemented because it is unwarranted. The NVUSD currently schedules the use of the it is unwarranted. The NVUSD currently schedules the use of the fields directly with the NYSO, and accordingly should collect fees fields directly with the NYSO, and accordingly should collect fees associated with the scheduled use. The fees are intended to be used associated with the scheduled use. The fees are intended to be used for field maintenance activities by the NVUSD, so there would be no for field maintenance activities by the NVUSD, so there would be no merit from the City collecting fees associated with a schedule merit from the City collecting fees associated with a schedule developed by the NVUSD and subsequently forwarding fees to the developed by the NVUSD and subsequently forwarding fees to the NVUSD. NVUSD. The City of Napa stated there were no financial impacts from The City of Napa stated there were no financial impacts from Recommendations R1, R14 and R17. Recommendations R1, R14 and R17. The following Recommendations were addressed by the The following Recommendations were addressed by the NVUSD. Responses follow: NVUSD. Responses follow:
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The Control Room in the Napa County Jail is marginally operational and needs to be upgraded and moved as planned to safely manage access and control operations for the lengthy period until the new jail is constructed.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By January 1, 2017, the Board of Supervisors, the Napa County Executive Officer, and the NCDC Director to fund and implement the scheduled move and upgrade of the NCJ Control Room.
F2:
The August 2014 Earthquake caused damage in the jail resulting in the old section of the jail to be condemned, leading to more overcrowding and requiring the relocation of inmates to the Solano County Jail at extra cost to Napa County. 9
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By June 30, 2016, the Board of Supervisors to compete for jail construction funding under SB-863 and to consider a bond measure to fund part of the construction of a new jail.
F3:
NSH patients/inmates in custody at the jail require special handling that puts an additional strain on the staffing and housing components of an already overcrowded jail.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By June 30, 2016, the BOS and NCDC Director to devise a plan to include increased staffing and jail capacity to better manage NSH patients/inmates who enter NCJ.
F4:
A new county jail needs to be completed before 2022 if possible because the current jail is inadequate for the county’s needs due to earthquake damage, inmate overcrowding, Realignment effects, and inmate classification conflicts.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
The Napa County BOS and NCDC Director to include a body scanner in the 2016-2017 budget to help prevent contraband from entering the jail.
F5:
More attention to initial searching is needed to combat the increased contraband that is entering the jail due to the effects of Realignment.
Findings & Recommendations
5 findings
F1:
The code compliance audit does not review or inspect the following:
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
By January 1, 2016, the Planning Department to increase the number of yearly
F2:
In the audit years 2011-2013, the number of wineries that were out of
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By June 30, 2016, the Planning Department and the Planning Commissioners
F3:
The County’s ability to expand the audit program is limited because only 30%
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By January 1, 2016, the Planning Department to make the inspection reports
F4:
Penalties or restriction of wineries’ activities for non-compliance is
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
By June 30, 2016, the county Board of Supervisors and the Planning
F5:
The lack of specificity in the winery database for actual production quantities
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
By June 30, 2016, the Planning Commissioners to establish and publish a
Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
position, receives uniformly high praise both from Agency staff and community partners.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
HHSA Director to meet personally on an annual basis with contracted nonprofits and other community leaders located Up Valley to determine directly whether the needs of the community are being met.
F2:
The Director's introductory meeting with staff from Up Valley nonprofits was favorably received by the Up Valley Community.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By December 31, 2015, HHSA to review the application process for obtaining the MSA grant, and redesign the process for less burdensome completion and administration.
F3:
The Napa County HHSA provides broad and extensive services under the ultimate managerial responsibility of its Director. 10
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By December 31, 2015, HHSA to institute alcohol and drug treatment for adults at a location in Calistoga.
F4:
The requirements and procedures of the Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) grant appear burdensome to nonprofits. HHSA lacks alcohol and drug treatment service located at Up Valley sites for both youth
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
By July 1, 2015, HHSA to ascertain from Aldea how they are fulfilling their contractual commitment to provide drug and alcohol treatment to Up Valley youth at Up Valley locations. HHSA to institute corrective measures if such is not being provided there.
F5:
and adults. The site in Calistoga that was selected to accommodate an adult drug counselor is not yet
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
By December 31, 2015, HHSA to establish a mechanism for measuring services located Up Valley more often than or more specifically than "as needed."
F6:
certified by the State. The contract between the County and Aldea, Inc. (No 8207) is not clear as to whether or
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
By December 31, 2015, HHSA to review case reporting information within HHSA Divisions to ascertain the frequency and actual locations where Up Valley services are reportedly being provided.
F7:
not the substance abuse treatment services for youth are to be provided at Up Valley sites. From the information provided, HHSA apparently lacks specific measures to determine the
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
In all future contracts for Up Valley Services, where feasible, HHSA to include requirement that the service be provided at an Up Valley location.
F8:
adequacy of services provided at Up Valley locations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8:
HHSA to institute a reporting requirement regarding demographic locations of service for all HHSA Divisions and include in future nonprofit contracts. COMMENDATION The Grand Jury commends the Director for his institution of an integrated services philosophy which has been broadly accepted within HHSA and appears to continue improving the Agency's functioning and the quality of services it renders to Napa County.
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The video/camera system at the NCJH is still in need of the technical upgrading that would better identify the individuals on the monitoring screens in the Control Center.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Chief Probation Officer expedite by the end of FY 2015, the process of purchasing and installing upgraded video equipment in the Control Center consistent with current state-of-the-art equipment.
F2:
Extra surveillance cameras are still needed in the exercise yard area to help eliminate blind spots within the yard and on the perimeter of the facility.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Chief Probation Officer expedite by the end of FY 2015, the process of adding extra cameras in the exercise yard to ensure that there are no blind spots within the facility or along the perimeter of the yard.
F3:
Some juveniles at NCJH are unaware of the procedures to arrange for visits by their younger siblings. VI. RECOMMENDATIONS
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
The Grand Jury recommends that the Chief Probation Officer provide both the parents and the juveniles with a written copy of the guidelines governing the visitation rights of younger siblings and post the guidelines in the visitation area. VII. REQUEST FOR RESPONSES Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05, the Grand Jury requests Responses as follows: From the following individuals: Chief Probation Officer: R1, R2, R3 n It is requested that the NCJH Chief Probation Officer certify by signature that the responses conform to the requirements of Penal Code Section 933.05 VIII. COMMENDATIONS The 2014-2015 Grand Jury commends the Director of NCJH for her leadership role in achieving the nationally recognized American Probation “Presidents Award” in 2014. 8
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Findings & Recommendations
4 findings
F1:
required, and the FSAC meetings and agendas are not being published on the 203 County of Napa website for public viewing or access. 204
F2:
The Napa County volunteer fire companies continue to have concerns with the 205 documents such as the Memorandum of Agreement and the Site Use 206 Agreement (see Appendix). 207
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
By September 1, 2015, the nine Napa County Volunteer Fire Chiefs to re- 226 address their issues with the Memorandum of Agreement and the Site Use 227 Agreement documents by sharing with the FSAC a detailed letter that lists and 228 highlights each concern 229
F3:
Training and Certification continues to be a challenge for Napa County Fire 208 volunteer members. In order for Napa County Fire to maintain and possibly 209 grow the volunteer firefighter ranks, there needs to be greater attention 210 applied to a comprehensive training program that provides ample opportunity 211 for volunteer firefighters to receive the required training. 212
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
By September 1, 2015, The Fire Service Advisory Committee to ask for input 230 from all the Napa County Fire volunteer firefighters with regard to training 231 issues and by December 31, 2015, to present a plan to resolve the identified 232 training issues. 233
F4:
Payroll for volunteer firefighters that work on cover assignments at Napa 213 County Fire career fire stations or on other fire assignments is not paid in a 214 timely fashion. Receipt of payroll takes anywhere from three to nine months 215 after an assignment has ended. This is a hardship for volunteers that take time 216 off from regular jobs to work on cover assignments. 217
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
By December 31, 2015, Napa County Administration staff to implement 234 procedures to pay volunteer firefighters for wages that were earned while on 235 cover assignments within 30 days of their assignments. 236
Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R7:
LIABILITY a) COUNTY shall not be liable for the direct payment of any salaries, wages, or other
* 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.