Score: -7
(5/9/12)
Napa County Grand Jury
• 2021-2022
Final Investigative Report: Napa County Animal Shelter
Published: June 02, 2022
22 pages
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 5 findings
F1
The Napa County Animal Shelter cares for approximately 150-200 animals every month. The Shelter has the ability to quarantine animals, administer medications, isolate problem animals when necessary, and rehabilitate some animals demonstrating problematic behaviors.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
In order to resolve animal behavior problems more rapidly, this Grand Jury recommends that the Shelter secure a contract with a Certified Animal Behaviorist. This specialist would be asked to commit to a defined period of time each week/month to develop a program for each such animal that may ultimately lead to adoptability. In the contrary situation the Behaviorist, with concurrence from a Shelter supervisory person, may determine that no amount of behavior modification training will guarantee that an animal will be able to thrive in a home environment without the possibility of future aggression or unpredictable impulsive actions.
F2
Impounded or surrendered animals with significant behavioral problems create an immediate barrier to adoption or foster care. The Napa County Code requires that a pro-bono Animal Behaviorist attend to these problematic situations; this can be difficult and time-consuming to manage. During the Grand Jury’s visit to the Shelter, several dogs were observed to be agitated inside their enclosures and were generally unapproachable due to the potential for injury.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Ordinance currently states that two county personnel, neither of whom reports to the other, have the authority to euthanize animals after seven specific steps outlined in the Ordinance have been completed regardless of health, injury, feral nature, or age. An exception to these conditions should be made when the suffering cannot be relieved, i.e., irremediable suffering. In this instance, this Grand Jury recommends that the two county personnel (a Shelter Attendant and 9 the Shelter Manager) should have the authority to euthanize an animal without having completed these steps, if it has been determined that an animal is suffering needlessly. A ballot measure with voter approval would be required to expand this exception to include Animal Shelter staff. Shelter personnel are fully trained and competent to perform owner requested euthanasia; this Grand Jury recommends that they should have the authority to do so when necessary to relieve irremediable suffering.
F3
A dog with a feral nature must be offered to a non-profit organization for possible adoption.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
COMMENDATION: The Shelter personnel have a unique responsibility within Napa County governmental agencies. They must accommodate the needs of the public and provide shelter for animals sometimes under trying emotional circumstances. They are able to care for many species of animals besides dogs, cats, and rabbits, which are the focus of the Live Release Statistics. They have on occasion housed various birds, chickens, rodents, cattle, pigs, and horses particularly when a natural disaster occurs, such as recent wildfires.
F4
Socialization, including a mitigation plan to deal with the behavior problems of aggressive animals, may not be achievable given the obstacle of obtaining a pro bono behaviorist. This path is rarely viable since the time devoted to the animal is limited and may be insufficient to change the animal’s behavior and make it suitable for adoption.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
COMMENDATION: Shelter personnel seek to find alternatives for surrendered animals, such as non-profit animal welfare organizations able to adopt animals and locate foster homes, often a difficult task.
F5
Shelter managers explained that the requirement for approval to euthanize animals must be obtained by a licensed veterinarian via a telephone consultation. This requirement can result in unintended consequences when a veterinarian’s approval cannot be quickly obtained. There may be requests for vital signs, injury identification, or other specific information, which take time to provide and are likely to lead to the same conclusion held by the Shelter personnel in the first case, i.e., the animal cannot be saved.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
COMMENDATION: Based on site visits and interviews with Shelter personnel, two Animal Services officers, and two volunteers, the Shelter has performed a very credible job in improving the Live Release outcomes while meeting Measure A requirements.
Agency Responses 9
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
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Napa County
October 01, 2022
•
6 pages
• 7 responses
•
Score: -5
(+0, 2, -5)
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7 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Napa County Office of Emergency Services should hold a public forum with Angwin residents and explain the reasons for the closure of Old Howell Mountain Road. Other relevant agencies should be invited to attend.
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: fiscal year 2023
Score: 0
The recommendation has been implemented. The Board has articulated a clear vision which includes two FBOs, improved facilities, and maintaining the Airport as a valuable general aviation asset that ensures independent financial stability. Recommendation No. 2: In order to ensure the County is more transparent in the future, the Board and Acting County Executive Officer should complete a review by January 1, 2023, of the process to acquire a
second FBO to determine how it could have been more transparent and managed expectations better and present its findings and recommendation during a publi...
R2
During this forum, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services should explain feasibility and potential cost of repairing the road.
Response: Will Not Implement
Scheduled: fiscal year 2023
Score: -1
The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted and is not reasonable. Awarding an FBO contract occurs every 30 years and is unique. It is not a good investment in taxpayer money to spend time on this review. Acting County Executive Officer's Response: The Acting County Executive Officer agrees with the Board. Recommendation No. 3: By October 1, 2022, the Board should undertake a review of its use of, and the procedures associated with, closed sessions, to ensure that they are in accord with statutory requirements and further the interests of open government; its finding...
R3
The forum should provide residents an opportunity to have their questions answered and to express their opinions about the decision to close Old Howell Mountian Road. This forum should take place before September 1, 2022.
Response: Will Not Implement
Due: September 1, 2022
Scheduled: fiscal year 2023
Score: -1
The recommendation will not be implemented. The Board has and will continue to conduct closed sessions in accordance with statutory requirements. Recommendation No. 4: By October 1, 2022, the Board should undertake a review of its procedures to ensure that information that should remain confidential during closes session is not inappropriately communicated to non-authorized entities and individuals; its findings and recommendations should be presented in a public Board meeting. Board of Supervisor's Response: The recommendation will not be implemented. The Board has and will continue to keep c...
R4
The City of Napa should use the Public Works Department website to emphasize the Cost Sharing program and the benefits it provides to residents whose sidewalks are not scheduled for near-term repairs.
Response: Will Not Implement
Scheduled: fiscal year 2023
Score: -1
The recommendation will not be implemented. The Board has and will continue to keep confidential closed session discussions. Recommendation No. 5: For fiscal year 2023, the Napa County Auditor-Controller should consider internal reviews/audits of (a) the Airport FBO RFP process, (b) the controls and processes governing the use of closed Board sessions, and (c) the controls and processes used to safeguard the confidentiality of information associated with County RFP processes and contractual negotiations. See attached response from Auditor Controller's Office.
F5
Multiple agencies, including , Napa County Office of Emergency Services, Napa County Public Works, CalFire, Napa County Fire Department and local construction companies have deemed the road unrepairable, due to a nearly three-mile long section of unstable ground and other hazards; however, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services and the Napa 1 Only after careful research was the Grand Jury able to find a general reference to Howell Mountain Road on the December 8, 2020 Board of Supervisors ...
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
: It is unknown whether the Airport can sustain two FBOs. The Acting County Executive Officer disagrees in part with this finding. All indications are, due to fuel sales and other factors commonly used in the industry that contribute toward sustainability, two FBOs are possible at the Airport. The Board of Supervisors agree with the Acting County Executive Officer.
F10
The County has only allocated part-time staff resources (for whom broadband is only one of many important roles), to work on broadband issues, whereas other similarly situated counties appear better prepared, staffed, and are much further along in their planning processes.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
: After the County decided to use an RFP process to acquire a second FBO, it did not adequately think through the timeline and elements required (e.g., update PMCDs, complete an environmental assessment, etc.), leading to unrealistic timelines and expectations. The Acting County Executive Officer disagree with this finding. Timelines within the RFP were reasonable but were prolonged due to COVID-19, related economic uncertainty, and negotiation factors. The Board of Supervisors agree with the Acting County Executive Officer.
F14
There are no established ongoing forums for County residents, businesses, governmental units, schools, medical and emergency response, and others to identify and communicate with County leadership about their broadband needs, except about one-off access or service complaints.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
: Allegations from multiple interviewees with first-hand knowledge that closed Board sessions were misused/overused are credible. The Acting County Executive Officer's disagree with this finding. No evidence is provided to support this claim. The Board of Supervisors agree with the Acting County Executive Officer.
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Napa County
August 09, 2022
•
8 pages
• 6 responses
•
Score: -3
(+1, 1, -4)
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6 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Napa County Office of Emergency Services should hold a public forum with Angwin residents and explain the reasons for the closure of Old Howell Mountain Road. Other relevant agencies should be invited to attend.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented by the County, as it is not warranted or reasonable. The recommendation does not indicate what timeline should be used for implementation, nor does it define what steps should be taken to "increase the sense of urgency." The State has established specific milestones for local jurisdictions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions: a 90% reduction below 1990 levels by 2035, and net zero emissions by 2045. These goals are more immediate than the 2050 net zero goal established by Federal agencies, the United Nations, and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate...
R2
During this forum, the Napa County Office of Emergency Services should explain feasibility and potential cost of repairing the road.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented by the County, as it is not warranted or reasonable. Using individual climate action plans as the basis for monitoring progress towards greenhouse gas reduction goals would require a significant level of effort due to the different timelines and methodologies used by each jurisdiction. For example, both American Canyon's 2012 Climate Action Plan and Calistoga's 2014 Climate Action Plan have a greenhouse reduction goal of 2020, but no goals beyond that date. The City of Napa's 2012 Sustainability Plan has goals for 2030, 2040, and 2050, but it looks o...
F3
The residents of Angwin have been impacted multiple times by evacuations due to wildfires and want to have as many evacuation routes as possible, in order to avoid a tradgedy like the Paradise, California scenario.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
, grant subsidies for electric vehicle charging stations are expensive and member agencies do not always qualify. Moreover, the Committee relies on funding provided by the member agencies; it does not have a separate revenue source. Participation in grant programs require match funds and/or administrative costs, as well as long-term continuation of effort. This funding depends on budgetary decisions by city and town councils, as well as the Board of Supervisors, balanced against other competing social needs and interests. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director. Finding 5: Past studi...
R3
The forum should provide residents an opportunity to have their questions answered and to express their opinions about the decision to close Old Howell Mountian Road. This forum should take place before September 1, 2022.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation has been implemented, as it pertains to the County. Staff to the Committee have already secured one $50,000 grant and continue to search for other appropriate potential funding opportunities, where local agencies qualify and where funding to support and implement the grant has been allocated at the direction of the Committee member agencies. Board of Supervisor's Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Director.
R4
The City of Napa should use the Public Works Department website to emphasize the Cost Sharing program and the benefits it provides to residents whose sidewalks are not scheduled for near-term repairs.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented by the County, as it is not warranted or reasonable. The Climate Action Committee is established as a collaborative effort that allows each member agency to retain local control within its jurisdiction. The Grand Jury is proposing a restructuring of the Climate Action Committee to convert it into a regional climate agency, with the ability to enforce and regulate member jurisdictions. The Grand Jury describes "...the problem of each jurisdiction going its own way and operating on a noncollaborative course." They advocate for the creation of a new bur...
R5
The City of Napa should update the Public Works Department website to reflect its strong financial and operational commitment to sidewalk repair year over year and to describe any plans for the future.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
This recommendation will not be implemented by the County, as it is not warranted or reasonable. The Grand Jury does not point to any evidence in their report to demonstrate that a smaller Committee would be more effective. The two examples cited in their report do not support this conclusion. The Climate Action Advisory Committee for the Regional Climate Protection Authority in Sonoma is similar to Napa County and has two representatives from each jurisdiction for a total of 24 members (compared to Napa's 12 members). It should be noted that the Sonoma Regional Climate Protection Authority, w...
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Napa County
August 09, 2022
•
3 pages
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Napa County
June 21, 2022
•
12 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: -2
(+0, 1, -2)
View Details ▾
3 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Many Angwin residents interviewed stated they did not recall having received notice prior to the Napa County Board of Supervisors’ ‘yes vote’ in favor of keeping Old Howell Mountain Road closed. The Grand Jury is aware that under the Brown Act, no more than 72 hours’ notice of any agenda item is required. But depite repeated efforts, the Grand Jury was unable to confirm that even so minimal a notice occurred. Moreover, given the level of local concern about Old Howell Mountain Road, more promine...
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
disagrees partially with finding 1.
F3
The residents of Angwin have been impacted multiple times by evacuations due to wildfires and want to have as many evacuation routes as possible, in order to avoid a tradgedy like the Paradise, California scenario.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
: Un-coordinated approach to service. From a case management perspective, probationary youth are supported by three different related, but currently un-coordinated, service systems: probation, education, and housing/homeless services. As a result, no one knows if probationary youth receive the services they legally deserve. The Chief Probation Officer disagrees wholly with this finding. Probationary youth are served by a multitude of different agencies including probation, law enforcement, education, county mental health, private mental health providers, providers of substance abuse, medical p...
R7
The Jury recommends that the Public Works Department update its portion of the City of Napa’s website to better inform citizens. At a minimum, the update should include the most current schedule or map for sidewalk repairs as well as a link to facilitate citizen reporting of sidewalk issues, to be completed
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
: The NCOE should recognize the Crossroads classroom as a unique planning unit within Camille Creek School and allow the Crossroads teacher the discretion to identify appropriate instructional programs, especially those for language literacy. NCOE should also provide the Crossroads classroom with necessary budgetary resources for the chosen programs, especially for language literacy. Response, NCOE Superintendent: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. We appreciate the Grand Jury's advocacy to provide the Crossroad's teacher with the discretion to identify app...
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Napa County
June 15, 2022
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5 pages
• 3 responses
•
Score: +3
(+3, 0, 0)
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3 responses to findings and recommendations
F7
Given present resources and staffing, the Public Defender’s office provides consistently high-quality representation to defendants in the cases in which it is appointed.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Chief Probation Officer agrees with this finding. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Chief Probation Officer. Finding 8: The job satisfaction of Probation Officers is high yet there can be considerable stress given the constant exposure to handling complex and heart-rendering cases involving victims and their families.
F8
The absence of expertise in CDD regarding the renovation of historic sites means that some historic building project applications might not receive appropriate review.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Chief Probation Officer agrees with this finding. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Chief Probation Officer. Finding 9: Since the 2008-2009 Grand Jury investigation there has been minimal turnover of Probation Officers and consistent reports of job satisfaction and good morale. In addition, opportunities for career advancement are available.
F9
The County has not taken steps, as recommended by its consultants, to establish a lead County agency or department to review local policies affecting broadband across various County jurisdictions to ensure they are consistent, sensible, and broadband-friendly.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The Chief Probation Officer agrees with this finding. The Board of Supervisors agrees with the Chief Probation Officer. Recommendations Recommendation 1: The Adult Probation Department should hire additional staff to handle the 1,300 to 1,400 yearly supervision cases. Increased caseloads limit the ability to provide more individualized treatment services and case supervision.
Response, Chief Probation Officer: The recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted at this time. While it is imperative to appropriately resource the department to rehabilitate offenders and contri...
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Napa County
June 14, 2022
•
10 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
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1 response to findings and recommendations
R5
The City of Napa should update the Public Works Department website to reflect its strong financial and operational commitment to sidewalk repair year over year and to describe any plans for the future.
Response: Requires Analysis
Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2022-2023
Score: 0
and incorporate it by reference. The Directors also note that the CSSP does not fall within the purview of the Public Health Division of HHSA, but instead the Mental Health Division of HHSA. Additionally, it is worth noting the existence of the Napa Opioid Safety Coalition which includes a wide array of members, including HHSA's Public Health Division and Alcohol and Drug Services Division staff, as well as a wide range of healthcare and behavioral healthcare providers and organizations. Since this recommendation is broader than opioids, it requires further analysis and as a matter of purview ...
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Napa County
June 13, 2022
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16 pages
• 5 responses
•
Score: 0
(+1, 3, -1)
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5 responses to findings and recommendations
F6
City residents do not have easy access to sidewalk repair information due to the Public Works Department’s outdated sidewalks website. An updated website could help to inform the public about the City of Napa’s strong financial and operational commitment to sidewalk repair given budgetary constraints.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
. The County's Covid Pandemic response was made more difficult at times by the vast scope of what was needed. In addition, some State and Federal government decisions, actions, policies, and policy changes caused complications, as did inconsistent communication from the State to the counties. Response of Public Health Officer/Deputy Director, OES and Risk Manager, and Acting County Executive Officer: We agree with the findings. The "Background Section" of this Grand Jury response highlights eleven different complex functions that were required to effectively respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, o...
R7
The Jury recommends that the Public Works Department update its portion of the City of Napa’s website to better inform citizens. At a minimum, the update should include the most current schedule or map for sidewalk repairs as well as a link to facilitate citizen reporting of sidewalk issues, to be completed
Response: Requires Analysis
Score: 0
. The EOC and the County's Response Plans for public health emergencies should include more detailed PIO/communication details than presently exist. They should define and allocate the needed communication approaches and resources and identify the technical and public information skills required to fill those roles. Communication plans should spell out available communication mechanisms, stress the importance of proactive communication to residents about the risks of the public health concern, and explain the importance of the treatment or vaccination and how to readily obtain it. Response of ...
R9
The County should consider whether procuring a mobile clinic vehicle (or similar capability), along with sufficient staff to operate it, would assist PHD in their off-site vaccination efforts or other responsibilities.
Response: Implemented
Scheduled: FY 2022-2023
Score: 0
. The County should consider whether procuring a mobile clinic vehicle (or similar capability), along with sufficient staff to operate it, would assist PHD in their off-site vaccination efforts or other responsibilities. Response of Public Health Officer/Deputy Director, OES and Risk Manager, and Acting County Executive Officer: The recommendation has been implemented. Public Health has received COVID-19 funding, which will provide additional funding until 2024. These funds are being used to purchase a mobile vaccination van, which has been approved with FY 2022-2023 budget, and we are awaitin...
F10
The County has only allocated part-time staff resources (for whom broadband is only one of many important roles), to work on broadband issues, whereas other similarly situated counties appear better prepared, staffed, and are much further along in their planning processes.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. Many County residents, including "at-risk" groups, did not have sufficient access to computers, reliable internet access, or tech-savviness to get access to vaccination appointments. For these and other reasons, they were at a significant disadvantage. The County's call center and outreach efforts helped, but awareness about the scope of these 13 services was limited. The County seemed to provide insufficient assistance to these residents, especially when vaccine doses were in short supply. Response of Public Health Officer/Deputy Director, OES and Risk Manager, and Acting County Executive O...
F12
The NCBP does not have a clearly articulated purpose or agenda that is understood by its participants and does not yet appear to be an effective stakeholder group.
Response: Disagree
Score: -1
. The County either did not sufficiently consider transitioning earlier to a different personnel structure than the EOC or allocated insufficient resources to evaluate and implement other options for continuing its Covid response. A different personnel structure than the "all hands-on deck" EOC approach used for Covid (even though its sense of urgency was toned down to some extent over time) could have allowed some County resources to return more quickly to their normal functions, while providing additional needed technical and other support to the PHD to continue their response work. Response...
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Napa County
June 07, 2022
•
8 pages
• 1 response
•
Score: 0
(+0, 1, 0)
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1 response to findings and recommendations
F8
The absence of expertise in CDD regarding the renovation of historic sites means that some historic building project applications might not receive appropriate review.
Response: Disagree Partially
Score: 0
. Despite recommendations urging it to do so as early as 2018, the County has not developed a broadband strategic plan that sets forth its vision and includes priorities, defines the choices that will need to be made, and provides for personnel and a governance structure. The Acting CEO agrees partially with this finding. The County has been a member of North Bay North Coast Broadband Consortium (NBNCBC) since 2014, participating in both regional and local meetings with carriers, developers and other interested parties to expand broadband access to all areas. While a strategic plan can help gu...
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Napa County
November 17, 2020
•
3 pages
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No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Napa County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office