Plumas County Grand Jury
2018-2019
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Additional Recommendations
1
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
Plumas County Board of Supervisors Plumas County Animal Services Report responses due on August 5, 2018, o received on September 18, 2018. (Five Recommendations)
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R2:
Plumas County Animal Services
R3:
It requires further analysis, with an explanation and the scope of the analysis and a timeframe for response being provided of not more than six months from the release of the report; or
R4:
It will not be implemented because it is not warranted or is not reasonable, with an explanation being provided. The 2017-2018 Civil Grand Jury issued the following reports in its consolidated report dated Ju1n. eC 6h, i2ld0 1P8ro: tective Services 2. Plumas County Animal Services 3. Jail Report 20
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Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The Elections Division is well-organized in its approach to ensuring an accurate vote count.
F2:
The County Clerk-Recorder’s Office, tasked with three different and unique functions of county government, operates with a below-mandated staff augmented with part-time, as- needed employees. Currently one of the County Clerk’s employees is performing duties for two positions, as a result of a non-Elections Division position in the County Clerk’s Office being unfilled. This position has been unfilled since June 2018. See, e.g., procedures to ensure ballot secrecy (Elections Code 3017(b)); procedures to track a n d c o n f i r m r e c e i p t o f m a i l b a llots (Elections Code 3017(c)); procedures designed to permit voters to learn if their ballot was accepted (Elections Code 301§9.5(a)); delivery of election day duties (Elections Code 14210). § § § 10
F3:
The Elections Division is doing a good job in being transparent and trying to educate and encourage voting in Plumas County.
F4:
The Elections Division has not conferred with County Counsel to confirm compliance with Elections Code Section 3005’s precinct registered voter count requirement.
F5:
The Elections Division does not have a comprehensive written departmental policy and procedures manual, nor does there exist a detailed table of contents or index that unifies the various separate procedure documents and renders them readily searchable.
F6:
Current voting systems being used by the County will be decertified as of the end of 2019. There is funding available through the Help America Vote Act to match Plumas County’s costs dollar to dollar up to $206,500.00 toward replacing Plumas County’s aging voting system equipment.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Plumas County Elections establish a written departmental policy and procedures manual, or at a minimum develop a fully integrated table of contents or index to facilitate efficient usage of the various procedures. Such manual should include procedures confirming that the quantitative limit set out in Elections Code §3005 is satisfied in connection with each election. It is also recommended that the Elections Division confirm with County Counsel or other appropriate counsel compliance with Elections Code Section 3005.
R2:
The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Elections Division seek, the County Administrator consider recommending, and the Board of Supervisors deliberate and consider approving, funding for the purchase and installation of new voting system equipment and software in order to comply with AP 19:020.
R3:
The Civil Grand Jury recommends that the County Administrator inquire into why the vacant position in the County Clerk’s Office remains unfilled and that findings be reported to the County Board of Supervisors for consideration of further action.
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Additional Recommendations
8
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends that Board of Supervisors direct the Child Protective Services to create a workable, written policy and/or procedure when a Foster Care Juvenile needs to be immediately removed from a Foster Care Home. Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Plumas County Civil Grand Jury requires responses from the following governing bodies: Director of Social Services (R1) Board of Supervisors (R1) Response Date; Content Responding Recomme Summary of Reply and 2018-19 Response Timely or responsive to Agency ndation Civil Grand Jury Analysis Tardy? PC §933.05(b)? Social R1 August 7, 2018 / Yes Will not be implemented. Reply Services Timely focused on Finding and not Recommendation. However, response did address development of policy and procedures related to placement of juveniles. Respondent disagreed with the Finding and explained the reason for disagreement. Upon further review, the Department did adopt a policy for when removal of a child was necessary. Board of R1 September 18, 2018 Yes Will be implemented. BOS Supervisors / Tardy indicated they will direct a (BOS) policy or procedure to be developed and implemented within six months. 2. Plumas County Animal Services The 2017-2018 Civil Grand Jury initiated an investigation of the Plumas County Animal Services to review the security, administration, maintenance and staffing of the shelter facility. The report was issued on June 6, 2018, with responses to five of the eight Recommendations required from the Board of Supervisors and responses to the other three Recommendations required from the Plumas County Sheriff, who oversees the Animal Services. Responses were received on August 20, 2018 and September 28, 2018. The complete responses submitted for this report appear on the Plumas County Grand Jury website at http://www.countyofplumANasIM.coAmL /SAErRcVhiIvCeE.aSs px?AMID=38
R2:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors to direct the County Facility Services Department to connect the Animal Shelter generator to the building. Test the emergency operation and develop operating instructions to train Shelter personnel in the use of the generator.
R3:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Department of Facility Services to resolve the password issue.
R4:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors direct the Department of Facility Services to relocate the security camera system monitor to the front desk and relocate cameras for optimum surveillance.
R5:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Board of Supervisors authorize funds to purchase an Animal Shelter management computer program.
R6:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Sheriff’s Office reevaluate the benefits of the use of inmates and hire additional employees and/or enlist volunteers to assist in the operation of the Animal Shelter.
R7:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Sheriff’s Office include the Animal Control Supervisor in their annual budgeting proceedings.
R8:
The 2017-2018 Plumas County Civil Grand Jury recommends the Sheriff to direct his staff the develop an office policy and procedure manual for the operation of the Animal Shelter. Pursuant to Penal Code section 933.05, the Plumas County Civil Grand Jury requires responses from the following governing bodies: Board of Supervisors (R1, R2, R3, R4, R5) Plumas County Sheriff (R6, R7, R8) Response Date; Content Responding Recomme Summary of Reply and 2018-19 Response Timely responsive to PC Agency ndation Civil Grand Jury Analysis or Tardy? §933.05 (b)? Board of R1 September 18, Yes Further analysis needed. On Supervisors 2018; Tardy May 1, 2018 BOS approved a contract for repair and service of crematorium. Will then need to see if a cost analysis will be necessary. Board of R2 September 18, Yes Will be implemented. BOS will Supervisors 2018; Tardy direct Facility Services to reconnect the generator. 2018- 2019 Civil Grand Jury follow up found that the generator has been reconnected and is now functional. Board of R3 September 18, Yes Will be implemented. BOS will Supervisors 2018; Tardy direct Facility Services to address the camera password issue. Grand Jury follow up found that the software is functional. Board of R4 September 18, Yes Will be implemented. BOS will Supervisors 2018; Tardy direct Facility Services to address moving the camera monitor. 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury follow up found that the camera monitor is functional and visible to front desk personnel. Board of R5 September 18, Yes Further analysis is needed. Supervisors 2018; Tardy Since the budget process was completed for fiscal year 2018- 2019, the funds were not appropriated but the current software is sufficient for operational needs. Sheriff’s R6 August 30, 2018; Yes Will not be implemented. Until Office Timely funding is secured / approved, Sheriff’s Office will consider GJ Recommendation regarding use of inmates. 2018-2019 Civil Grand Jury follow up found that currently the facility is staffed by two employees and five volunteers. Inmates are not currently being used at the facility. Sheriff’s R7 August 20, 2018; Yes Implemented. Animal Control Office Timely Supervisor has always been involved in the budgetary process; information that the GJ was given that ACS was not involved was erroneous. Sheriff’s R8 August 20, 2018; Yes Further analysis needed. Office Timely Sheriff’s Office will look into any deficiencies related to policy manuals. No timeframe or further actions are indicated. 24
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
The Civil Grand Jury finds that recruiting 12 to 15 qualified volunteers to re-establish the City of Portola’s Volunteer Fire Department would be a very difficult task.
F2:
The Civil Grand Jury finds that the financial cost to the City of Portola to re-establish and operate the Portola Volunteer Fire Department with a paid Fire Chief is not cost effective for the City.
F3:
The Civil Grand Jury finds that the City of Portola officials interviewed are satisfied with the fire and EMS coverage the City of Portola is currently receiving from the Eastern Plumas Rural Fire.
F4:
The Civil Grand Jury finds the Eastern Plumas Rural Fire is well equipped with personnel and equipment to provide fire and EMS coverage for the City of Portola.
F5:
The Civil Grand Jury finds that the Eastern Plumas Rural Fire is strategically located geographically to provide a timely response to fire and EMS calls in the City of Portola.
F6:
The Civil Grand Jury finds that the Eastern Plumas Rural Fire is willing to continue providing the City of Portola with contractual fire and EMS coverage once their current contract with the City of Portola expires on June 30, 2020.