Nevada 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 (8)
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The District’s residents, including fire department personnel, would benefit by having regular meetings and consistent postings of Board meeting agendas per the Brown Act.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Post all Board meeting agendas in a public place per Brown Act requirements.
F2:
The District’s operations could be carried out more effectively by having a comprehensive policy and procedures manual.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Develop a comprehensive policy and procedures manual.
F3:
Through Proposition 84 the taxpayers have made a substantial investment in the District water system.
F4:
SCADA will enable operational and maintenance efficiencies.
F5:
The District’s operations will benefit from the operations and maintenance plan which is to be provided by the current contract with CABY.
F6:
Physical improvements to the water system will provide the District with data for more accurate billing and improve efficiencies, including the operation of the water treatment plant. Washington County Water
F7:
The Board would benefit by receiving special district training which would include budgeting as well as receiving training on fire and medical service requirements and regulations.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Receive training on the governance of a special district.
F8:
The District would benefit by reducing the turnover rate among board members.
F9:
Based on its current income sources the District cannot continue to provide the water, fire and medical services along with the necessary long-term maintenance needs.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Develop a financial plan for future operation and maintenance of the water system.
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Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
The Grand Jury found that the Office lacks a definitive written policy or policy manual to define allowable expenses, excessive spending, or reimbursement regarding travel expenses. We disagree with this finding. NCSOS has an existing written policy that adequately defines allowable expenses, excessive spending, or reimbursement regarding travel expenses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Board of Education should: . Ensure all accounts payable forms are accurate and up to date and have a policy manual in place to address expenses on credit cards. Implement use of the State Rate for allowed travel expenses that include hotel, . meals, and miscellaneous expenses. · Consider using an independent auditor or themselves to check for expense report accuracy and credit card expenditures.
F2:
The Grand Jury found that the Office would benefit by having charges reviewed by the Board and Board approval for the Superintendent's credit card charges and reimbursements. We disagree with this finding. Moreover, the statement that "the Office would benefit by having charges reviewed by the Board and Board approval for the Superintendent's credit card charges and reimbursements" is not a finding, but a recommendation, and the imperative to require such review and approval was not established in the report. The Board is satisfied with its level of oversight over the Superintendent's credit card charges and reimbursements. Specifically, the Board is required to adopt the budget of the NCSOS and review two interim financial reports and annual audit. Furthermore, the Grand Jury report did not demonstrate that the existing authority of the Board has failed to provide appropriate oversight for the Superintendent's credit card charges and reimbursements.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Nevada County Board of Education should perform due diligence by being the approving authority for the Superintendent's credit card expenses. This recommendation appears to be redundant of the fifth recommendation identified in
F3:
The Grand Jury found that the policy that prohibits alcohol purchases is being violated. We disagree with this finding. The Grand Jury omitted from its report subdivision (b) of Education Code Section 32435 which provides that if an employee of a school district or county educational agency requests and is erroneously granted reimbursement for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, the employee may refund the reimbursement. Clearly, the state legislature contemplated that mistakes can be made. Here, the few alcohol purchases which were made in error using an NCSOS credit card were promptly refunded as contemplated by Section 32435(b). No public funds have been spent on the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
used by the Board or any agent of the Nevada County Office of Education to purchase alcoholic beverages or incur questionable expenses. This recommendation has been implemented in that there is no evidence that public funds have been used to purchase alcoholic beverages or for "questionable expenses."
F4:
The Grand Jury found that the Office did not follow the California Public Records Act and did not provide all relevant information requested by the complainant, in a timely manner. We disagree with this finding. In response to complainant's Public Records Request a complete packet of requested documentation was provided to the complainant and the entire board of education on July 9, 2014.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
All alcohol related and excessive credit card charges should be brought to the attention of the Superintendent and Board for discussion and determination of card revocation. This recommendation has been implemented in that there is no evidence that public funds have been used to purchase alcoholic beverages or evidence of "excessive credit card charges."
F5:
The Grand Jury found that the public would benefit from having electronic access to the Nevada County Office of Education Policy. We agree with this finding. Again, this "finding" is actually a generic recommendation which we agree would help facilitate the public's access to NCSOS policies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
The Nevada County Board of Education should exercise oversight of Superintendent's expenditures. This recommendation appears to be redundant of the fifth recommendation identified in
F6:
There is an appearance of inappropriate and excessive spending using a commercial credit card. We disagree with this finding. This statement is broad, vague, and not substantiated in the report. The Board regularly reviews NCSOS's interim financial reports and annual audit. Based upon this review, the Board has no concerns about inappropriate and excessive spending using a commercial credit card. This finding is completely subjective and the evidence presented in this report does not support such a sweeping assessment. The Grand Jury's synopsis is selective, one- sided and clearly tailored to reach a predetermined conclusion.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
The Nevada County Board of Education should post the Nevada County Office of 3.14 Education Policy on the Superintendent of Schools website for transparency purposes. W 198 This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented within the next HOLLY A. HERMANSEN, SUPERINTENDENT 112 Nevada City Highway Nevada County NEVADA CITY, CA 95959 530-478-6400 · fax 530-478-6410 Superintendent of Schools October 1, 2015 The Honorable Thomas M. Anderson Presiding Judge of the Grand Jury Nevada County Superior Court 201 Church Street Nevada City, CA 95959 Subject: Response to Grand Jury Report issued during 2014-15 term not received Dear Judge Anderson, This letter serves as my response to the September 28, 2015 Grand Jury letter stating my direct response required as to Recommendation R7 of the "Nevada County Superintendent of Schools - A Review of Transparency and Policy" report was not received. Please note that on August 21, 2015, my response was sent via US Mail. Enclosed is a copy of the response. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Manga olly Holly A. Hermansen Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Enclosures Doug Wight, Forman, Grand Jury of Nevada County CC 950 Maidu Avenue, Nevada City CA 95959 . Ja . . . . 12 2 5 8 그리아 아이 그리아 아니다면 가게 하는 사람들이 아니는 아니라 하나 아이를 하게 하는 것이 바로 다른 것이다. anger of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the contraction of the the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of the state of t - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Y g HOLLY A. HERMANSEN, SUPERINTENDENT 112 NEVADA CITY HIGHWAY NEVADA CITY, CA 95959 Nevada County 530-478-6400 · fax 530-478-6410 Superintendent of Schools VIA U.S. MAIL August 21, 2015 The Honorable Thomas M. Anderson Nevada County Superior Court 201 Church Street Nevada City, CA 95959 Response to Grand Jury Report Subject: Nevada County Superintendent of Schools: A Review of Transparency and Policy Dear Judge Anderson: The following is the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools' (NCSOS's) response to the
F7:
insufficient. I disagree with this finding. Supporting documentation for credit card charges was sufficient in that proper receipts clearly stating the item(s) purchased, cost, sales tax, shipping, vendor and date of charge, have and will continue to be submitted for every charge made using NCSOS credit cards in accordance with NCSOS policies and procedures. Furthermore, NCSOS's financial statements are audited on an annual basis by a certified public accountant and there have been no findings related to insufficient documentation for credit card charges as a result of said audits. The Grand Jury's synopsis of the information provided by NCSOS related to the credit charges at issue is selective, one-sided and clearly tailored to reach a predetermined conclusion.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
supporting documentation for travel expenses. This recommendation has been implemented in that it reflects existing practice. Specifically, the Superintendent currently provides appropriate documentation for travel expenses associated with performing services for NCSOS in accordance with NCSOS policies and procedures. Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Holly Hermonen Holly Hermansen Nevada County Superintendent of Schools 2.0
Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury has concluded, based on the detailed plans for dealing with various types of health emergencies, SNMH, PH, HHS and NCSOS have on-going programs for prevention of control of infectious diseases, training activities for staff members, and public education, public health agencies within Nevada County appear to be prepared for an infectious diseases outbreak.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury encourages Nevada County agencies to continue informing the public as to the importance of vaccinations.
F2:
The low vaccination rates in Nevada County create the potential for infectious disease outbreaks.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
The Nevada County Grand Jury encourages Nevada County residents to understand the consequences of not having current vaccinations.
Findings & Recommendations
7 findings
F1:
Citizens of western Nevada County need to know and understand the significant wildfire risks posed by illegal campfires.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F2:
Law abiding citizens and property owners should not have to suffer from the threat and potential liability from a fire started by someone who chooses to illegally camp in the wooded areas.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F3:
Property owners may have legal responsibility for costs and damages associated with suppression efforts resulting from an illegal fire on their property.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F4:
The extraordinary cost of paying for fire suppression and damages resulting from a wildfire is a financially life-altering event for the average person, and is more than most property owners can afford.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F5:
Significant public funds are being spent, and firefighting resources are being committed to responding to illegal camp fires and transient activities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F6:
The extraordinary threat of illegal transient fires, within our fire prone environment, is a major public safety issue.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
The Nevada County Grand Jury recommends that the citizens of western Nevada County take every opportunity to reduce the threat of a catastrophic wild fire, including the following: Report any individuals maintaining illegal camps in wooded areas. Be aware of what is happening on their own property, and if camping is suspected, follow the procedures to get law enforcement involved. Call 911 immediately if a plume of smoke is observed.
F7:
The GVPD is taking proactive and effective actions in dealing with transient fire and trespass issues in their jurisdiction.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Grass Valley Police Department Strategic Response Team should be commended for taking actions on dealing with transient fires and trespassing issues and should continue their effort.
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The Fire Camp provides significant monetary savings and community service to local public entities.
F2:
The Fire Camp provides fire prevention and fire suppression at significant cost savings to Nevada County.
F3:
The low recidivism rate at the Fire Camp shows that the program has been successful.
F4:
The camp is succeeding in the development of skills and discipline, assisting inmates to integrate into society on release.
F5:
Fire Camps are a most cost effective way to house inmates.
F6:
The Fire Camp appears to be well-maintained.
Findings & Recommendations
9 findings
F1:
The training did not require demonstrated competence and capability by each poll worker in the use of equipment.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1:
Provide additional and effective training for all poll workers to personally demonstrate their ability to perform their duties on Election Day.
F2:
Mock-board demonstrations were ineffective for some poll workers.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2:
Review, edit and implement changes to the Poll Worker Training Manual to ensure consistency in instructions given to poll workers.
F3:
Training material and some verbal instructions provided inconsistent and contradictory information.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3:
Ensure the FEDs make scheduled stops at precincts where cellular reception is poor.
F4:
The training did not require demonstrated competence and capability of each poll worker to understand and consistently apply proper procedures.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4:
Provide additional directional signs at some polling places.
F5:
Communication with the FED was found to be problematic at some precinct locations due to unreliable cellular service. November 2014 General Election in Nevada County -2015
Related Recommendations (1)
R5:
Assign greeters to all polling places with multiple precincts to ensure that voters are directed to their correct precinct.
F6:
Adequate directional signage would make it easier for voters to locate the entrance to some polling places.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6:
Provide poll worker evaluation forms in the Election Day set-up kits and require that they be completed and turned in to the Elections Office on Election Day.
F7:
Pre-assigning greeters to all polling places with multiple precincts would ensure that the voters are directed to their correct precinct.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7:
Discontinue the purchase and display of voting materials from non-governmental organizations.
F8:
The delay in providing evaluation forms may result in incomplete responses from poll workers.
F9:
Providing voter materials by any non-governmental organization may give voters an impression of official government sanction to that organization.
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Findings & Recommendations
2 findings
F1:
The lack of reentry education programs at the WBCF may contribute to the recidivism rate.
F2:
WBCF appears to be adequate and well-maintained. - 3 -