Gran Jurado del Condado de Napa
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 (8)
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
1 hallazgos
F1:
The FSAC meetings have largely been postponed or cancelled due to career FSAC members having other legitimate obligations during their normal working hours. The consequence of meeting cancellations results in little to no forward progress on important issues. The communication flow of the sub-committees should also be addressed. We recommend creating links at the county website to better communicate the agendas and minutes of the sub-groups. Many in the volunteer ranks are involved and committed to this process. Most must take time off of work to attend these important meetings and the Volunteer Chiefs would like to acknowledge those sacrifices.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
By September 1, 2015, the Fire Service Advisory Committee to establish a regular meeting schedule, circulate the meeting minutes and update the FSAC website within 10 days of every meeting, in order to inform the community and firefighter ranks of scheduled meetings and agendas. In addition, the minutes for each FSAC meeting are to be circulated within 10 days of each meeting to all the members of the Napa County Fire ranks to keep them informed of the issues and the efforts to address them. NCVFC response: The volunteer chiefs agree with this recommendation. Clear and timely communication is a must. The Volunteer Chiefs agree with Finding 1. The FSAC meetings have largely been postponed or cancelled due to career FSAC members having other legitimate obligations during their normal working hours. The consequence of meeting cancellations results in little to no forward progress on important issues. The communication flow of the sub-committees should also be addressed. We recommend creating links at the county website to better communicate the agendas and minutes of the sub-groups. Many in the volunteer ranks are involved and committed to this process. Most must take time off of work to attend these important meetings and the Volunteer Chiefs would like to acknowledge those sacrifices.
Recomendaciones adicionales
2
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R2:
By September 1, 2015, the nine Napa County Volunteer Fire Chiefs to re-address their issues with the Memorandum of Agreement and the Site Use Agreement documents by sharing with the FSAC a detailed letter that lists and highlights each concern. NCVFC response: The Volunteer Chiefs disagree with this recommendation. The Volunteer Chiefs have provided the Barry Biermann, Napa County Fire Chief and Kevin Twohey, Liaison with a list of our concerns and possible remedies for the MOA and are waiting for the County to respond. We have been notified by the County Fire Chief that we will have a response by July 31st. As of this date, August 2, 2015, we have not received a response. Our agreement is between us and the County. If we are unable to come to an agreement, then we may use the FSAC, a public forum, to assist in resolving any pending issues. Until then, we will work tirelessly to achieve a mutual understanding based on collaborative efforts.
R3:
By September 1, 2015, the Fire Service Advisory Committee to ask for input from all the Napa County Fire volunteer firefighters with regard to training issues and by December 31, 2015, to present a plan to resolve the identified training issues. NCVFC response: The Volunteer Chiefs agree with this finding. The training sub-group has been engaged in adjusting the training requirements to meet industry standards in an effort to make compliance obtainable and realistic for volunteers. We agree that a survey may be a good tool to assist in creating a plan to facilitate training improvements. The volunteer departments Training Officers have been invited to provide questions to be included on the survey. .
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
3 hallazgos
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. The District agrees with the finding. The District, Napa County and the Los Carneros Water District are currently investing over $45 million to increase significantly the amount of recycled water that is produced by the District and distributed to users. This represents a substantial 1515 Soscol Ferry Road, Napa, CA 94558 Office (707) 258-6000 www.NapaSan.com Fax (707) 258-6048 Hon. Rodney Stone August 5, 2015 investment in expanding the use of recycled water in the community. With this investment, the District will maximize the amount of recycled water that can be stored, treated and delivered during the summer months, when demand for recycled water is greatest. Additional recycled water could be provided to the community during the summer irrigation season only if there was additional storage of water collected in the winter and spring, to be delivered during the high-demand summer months. The cost of additional storage is significant and may cost ratepayers up to $30 million.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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. As discussed above, the District and City of Napa staffs have already held preliminary discussions on extension of the service agreement. The District will actively seek an agreement that promotes recycled water use and that provides for the conversion of sites irrigated with potable water to recycled water where appropriate and feasible.
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. The agreement referenced by the Grand Jury expires in August 2018. Noting the Agreement does not expire for three (3) years, the District has held preliminary discussions with the City of Napa on extending the Agreement, including adding additional service area to the Agreement, but no formal extension has been reached. It is important to note that the agreement, while it includes elements regarding the reimbursement of lost revenues to the City of Napa Water Department, is primarily an agreement that confers to the District the right to distribute recycled water within part of the City's potable water service area. That agreement also states that recycled water customers that have already converted to recycled water will have the right to continue to receive recycled water, even if the agreement expires and is not renewed.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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. The District has worked with local representatives of Napa State Hospital, as well as the State's Department of Mental Health and State Department of General Services, to assist in the Hospitals conversion from potable water to recycled water for irrigation. District staff has also worked with local and state elected officials to seek support for the conversion to recycled water. The District and the City have also worked cooperatively to provide information and support necessary for conversion. The District will continue to provide support necessary to assist the State in the conversion of its property to recycled water for irrigation purposes. Again, we would like to thank the Grand Jury for conducting the difficult work of researching and reporting on this vitally important issue. We believe that these responses adequately address the Findings and Recommendations regarding the distribution and Hon. Rodney Stone August 5, 2015 increased availability of recycled water, and that they serve to promote the underlying goals of the Grand Jury report. Sincerely, Justale Jill Techel Chair, On behalf of the Board of the Napa Sanitation District Board of Directors cc: Tim Healy, General Manager John Bakker, Legal Counsel -
F7:
– Napa State Hospital could cut their potable water usage substantially if they converted their irrigation system to recycled water. The Napa Sanitation District agrees with this finding. The report also includes several recommendations that apply specifically to the District. As requested in the Grand Jury report, and as required under Section 933(c) and 933.05(b) of the California Penal Code, the following represents the District's responses to the specific Recommendations made in the report.
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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." This recommendation is currently being implemented. Hon. Rodney Stone August 5, 2015 The District is a founding member of the North Bay Water Reuse Authority, which was formed to help communities in Marin, Sonoma and Napa County to develop recycled water projects, complete the environmental analysis and studies required, and find federal and state funding support for the projects. The District is currently studying the development of new and expanded recycled water storage as part of the NBWRA's current "Phase 2" study. This work will culminate in the necessary analysis, community outreach and reports that are required under NEPA and CEQA to obtain any federal or state grant support, including Proposition 1 funding. Once the environmental studies are completed, the District intends to apply for federal and state grants, including Proposition 1 funding, to support expansion of recycled water storage and infrastructure capacity projects.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
5 hallazgos
F1:
The code compliance audit does not review or inspect the following:
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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%
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R5:
By June 30, 2016, the Planning Commissioners to establish and publish a
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
8 hallazgos
F1:
position, receives uniformly high praise both from Agency staff and community partners.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
3 hallazgos
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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
4 hallazgos
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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones relacionadas (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
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
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.