Mono County Grand Jury • 2020-2021

Grand Jury Final Report 2020

Published: July 20, 2020 22 pages Consolidated Report
Ver PDF original

Findings 5 findings

F1 Page 7
The Grand Jury finds that Mono County continues to maintain a well-run jail facility and has responded to the Coronavirus pandemic in an appropriate manner.
F2 Page 9
The 18-19 Grand Jury recommended that TOML and Mono County partner to make necessary improvements to the Pumice Valley site so it could be a viable location for a biomass reactor, associated waste programs, and recycling operations. Timeline: Completed no later than January 1, 2023. TOML responded to the 18-19 Report that a biomass facility will not be a condition of the Agreement, but the Agreement will allow for diversion of certain types of waste to such a facility should it be developed in the future. Impacts to the residents of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County will be better known once the Agreement is in place. Mono County had some questions about the economic, political, and environmental ramifications of a biomass reactor. Mono County’s response to the 18-19 Grand Jury also cited the need for further analysis and a better understanding of what the upcoming solid waste program will look like in Mammoth Lakes and Mono County overall. TOML and Mono County agreed that while Pumice Valley was under consideration for such a site, it was not the only site under consideration.
F3 Page 9
The 18-19 Grand Jury recommended that TOML and Mono County develop a plan for complying with the amounts of recycling and organic waste going to landfills in the likely event that State of California rural exemptions are changed by July l , 2020. Mono County informed the 19-20 Grand Jury that they have applied for an extension of the low population waiver of mandates concerning organic waste and methane emissions in SB1383. No changes to rural exemptions were being considered during the comment period. The waiver would expire in 2025, or later if the State were to meet organic waste reduction targets. Mono County will also be applying for an Elevation Waiver under section 18984.13(d) which is applicable indefinitely. In addition, Mono County has taken significant steps in improving capacity and efficiency of processing green material, more specifically, wood material. Wood material can be processed into several beneficial products including biomass feedstock, alternative cover, mulch and erosion control media. Specialized equipment has been acquired and implemented. Additionally, Benton Crossing Landfill has implemented a composting pilot program. Testing is under way to identify an appropriate recipe of ingredients based on incoming waste streams. Mono County further stated that they are actively involved in regional efforts to address green waste diversion. Collaboration and planning on upcoming forest health improvement and water quality projects include entities such as the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Sierra Institute, Inyo-Mono Integrated Regional Water Management Program, Eastern California Water Association, Plumas Corporation, Inyo National Forest and CalTrout. Mono County has agreed to allow siting of TOML’s proposed biomass infrastructure at Pumice Valley Landfill and assisted with production of the Town’s RFP (request for proposal) for equipment and technology which would remove organic material from the waste stream and out of landfills which may be used in the production of valuable products such as biochar, energy, compost, or similar type products.
F4 Page 12
The 18-19 Grand Jury recommended that Mono County continue discussions of a possible Joint Powers Authority to manage a new 911 system shared by Mono and Inyo Counties and their appropriate emergency agencies (Police, Fire, Etc.) to provide improved and consistent services to the community. The Sheriff’s Office agreed with the recommendation and is actively engaging with partner agencies in Mono and Inyo Counties on the potential for a regional dispatch center. On August 13, 2019, the Mono County Board of Supervisors approved an expenditure of up to $25,000 toward a Feasibility Study and Implementation Plan for a regional dispatch center. The Town of Mammoth Lakes also approved a $25,000 expenditure, and requests are pending with the Bishop City Council and Inyo County Board of Supervisors. Mono County Jail staff indicated to the 19-20 Grand Jury that Mono County’s efforts to create a regional emergency dispatch center in partnership with Inyo County are ongoing.
F5 Page 12
The Mono County Board of Supervisors is recommended to make an annual visit/tour of the Mono County Jail. Timeline: Annual. The Sheriff’s Office agreed with the recommendation and said they would welcome a visit by the Mono County Board of Supervisors. The 19-20 Grand Jury finds that no Mono County Supervisors have paid a visit to the Jail Facility 12

Recommendations 4

Agency Responses 1

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

No Responses Found 2

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Mammoth Lakes City
Mammoth Lakes Fire Protection District Fire District