County of Napa

Recommendations 10

• R1

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  The Napa County Board of Supervisors examine the need to upgrade the Napa
• R2

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  The Napa County Elections Division review its website for modernization and
• R3

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  The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services. R5. By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES modify the existing internal matrix into a format understandable by applicants. Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services: The recommendation has not yet been implemented. As staff are in the process of developing guidance documents to better inform the public on the building permit process, the matrix has been removed from the County’s website to prevent confusion in the meantime staff will implement these guide changes by December 31, 2024. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services. R6. By September 30, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES develop a customer feedback option, in person and online, as part of the application process. PBES should retain these records for potential performance improvement and evaluation purposes. Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services: The recommendation has not yet been implemented. The Building Division has prepared a survey of the permitting process which will be sent out to applicants who have used the system in the past year and will send out by August 30, 2024. Additionally, the survey will be sent out via email link once an applicant has completed the plan review process, and a permit has been issued. Once construction has completed, another survey will be sent requesting feedback on the inspection process and the overall experience. We will implement this automated survey by December 31, 2024. We are looking forward to receiving feedback and improving our permitting process where feasible. Staff will also continue to conduct one-on-ones and group discussions with industry professionals and builders regarding the permitting process. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services. 94 | P a g e R7. The Jury recommends that, whenever possible PBES send the same inspector to conduct follow-up inspections. Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services: The recommendation has been implemented. Inspectors are currently assigned districts (as noted in the
• R4

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  The Napa County Elections Division examine its outreach program directed to those
• R5

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  NVUSD should arrange for independent training of Citizen Bond Oversight
• R6

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  NVUSD should implement fully its existing facilities planning policy by establishing a
• R7

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  There are occasions when the Building Code may not be entirely clear, and the inspector may need to interpret the intent of the code language. When this occurs, it typically results in a discussion with the other inspectors and the Field Inspection Supervisor. In the morning before the inspectors head out for the day, inspectors will discuss code corrections from the prior day as well as review any issues that might arise with the inspections assigned for that day. This is an opportunity to promote a balanced understanding of the code across the inspection team. Currently, these discussions are organic in nature and brought up as issues come up with the individual inspector. The Field Inspection Supervisor will establish a more formal protocol to promote uniformity and consistency in this process by December 31, 2024. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services. 95 | P a g e R.9 By December 31, 2024, the Jury recommends that PBES provide mobile compatible electronic devices for each field inspector capable of reviewing plans and prior inspection notes. Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services: The recommendation has not yet been implemented. In the fall of 2023, a single iPad was issued to the inspection team to allow preliminary testing of a mobile tablet device in the field. Based on the feedback received, the testing was expanded to include the purchase and issuance of two additional tablets to the inspection staff. Subsequently, two more tablets have been requested, bringing the total number up to five (5). This will enable each of our inspectors the ability to result inspections, view previous inspection results and comments, and access digital plans while conducting their inspections in the field. It is important to note that iPads and other remote electronic devices are limited by the wireless network coverage throughout the County. The hills and valleys in the County result in some areas lacking cell coverage, preventing the devices from communicating with the permitting software at the County offices. Despite these challenges, it has been proven that an iPad or similar device is useful in most parts of the County. We will have the 5 iPads implemented by September 30, 2024. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director of the Department of Planning, Building and Environmental Services. 96 | P a g e NAPA COUNTY'S COMMUNICATION WITH ITS CITIZENS Report Date: 3/27/2024 Response Date Board of Supervisors: 8/6/24 (142 days) Response Date County Executive Officer: 8/20/24 (156 days) Response Date Sheriff: 8/20/24 (156 days) Response Date County Office of Emergency Operations: 8/20/24 (156 days) F1. Since the 2016 Napa County Grand Jury report on county websites, the county has increased its senior communication staff, appointed a webmaster, and implemented improved methods of communicating with citizens for routine, non-emergency notifications. The County Executive Officer (CEO) and Board of Supervisors agree with the
• R8

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  The Jury recommends that PBES immediately establish a protocol for resolving
• R9

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  By December 31, 2024, the Sheriff’s Department OES prepare and execute updated
• R10

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  By September 30, 2024, the Sheriff’s Department OES collaborate with Napa County