Report - North of the River Sanitation District - California Grand Jury Reports

F1

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: Sewage flows approximately 13 miles to the Wastewater Treatment Plant on 7th Standard Road by gravity flow and supplemented by several lift stations (pumps). An unintended consequence of conservation and the use of more water efficient appliances is the slowing of the transfer of raw sewage. Sewer pipeline flushing truck (right) Photos courtesy of the Grand Jury Camera and vehicle used to photograph sewer lines for potential issues (left)

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F2

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The current wastewater treatment process of using a trickling filter will be converted to an “activated sludge system with denitrifications” (microbial process of converting nitrogen compounds into gaseous forms). Using this biological process will more effectively process sewage and wastewater.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F3

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The June 30, 2020 and June 30, 2023 Financial Reports are on file substantiating financial solvency.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F4

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: Updating rate schedules of District Ordinance No. 2000-01, which would confirm the cost and fee revisions, is still pending. The rate payers would be better informed and served if this Ordinance was current.

Related Recommendations (2)

R2

NORSD update Ordinance #2000-01 as specified in Resolution 23-07, by April 30, 2025. (Finding #4)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F5

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The Grand Jury attended a Board of Director’s meeting. Each Board member had a supplemental binder with technical subject matter to review. The Board meeting was efficient and well organized.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F6

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: NORSD’s Board meetings are held in a small conference room that is not conducive to public participation, especially during discussions involving rate increases or infrastructure changes affecting district operations.

Related Recommendations (2)

R5

NORSD secure a larger conference room to facilitate public attendance at the monthly Board Meetings by the April 30, 2025 Board Meeting. (Finding #6)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F7

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: Access to the NORSD agendas, minutes, and various documents posted on the website, or if available only in hard copy, were provided promptly. This illustrates a high level of transparency that the public can have confidence in.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F8

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: On February 6, 1990, a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) was executed. The Grand Jury found that the JPA correctly follows the requirements of California Government Code §6502. To date, this document has not been reviewed to align with the growth and changing needs of its members.

Related Recommendations (2)

R1

NORSD update the February 6, 1990 Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) with North of the River Sanitary District #1, County of Kern, and City of Shafter by April 30, 2025. (Finding #8)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F9

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The JPA TAC Team meets quarterly by a hybrid means of in-person or remote (ZOOM or TEAMS). An agenda is usually provided prior to the meeting and minutes are not distributed regularly. This creates a potential void in dissemination of information.

Related Recommendations (2)

R4

The TAC distribute Meeting Minutes, to all parties of the JPA within one month following the meeting, starting with the next TAC meeting. (Finding #9)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F10

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: There is concern about the increasing costs of the plant expansion and the mandated changes in wastewater management, which has now exceeded $190 million, primarily due to inflation. The increased hook-up fees can potentially create a hardship for new customers; however, these fees are justified based on residential and commercial growth and demands on the wastewater system.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F11

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The lack of staff with grant writing capabilities hinders NORSD in obtaining potential grant funding to help offset the cost of its expansion and long-term Capital Improvement Plan.

Related Recommendations (3)

R3

NORSD research the feasibility of contracting with a grant writer that has expertise in supplemental development grants to help offset the cost of the planned expansion. This review is to be completed by April 30, 2025. (Finding #11)

R7

NORSD develop a Policies and Procedures Manual to guide staff with understanding agency standards, operations, and governmental mandates by April 30, 2025. (Findings #11 and #12)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F12

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: Because there is a shortage of available engineers, NORSD is struggling to recruit an engineer to assist and train in the implementation process.

Related Recommendations (2)

R7

NORSD develop a Policies and Procedures Manual to guide staff with understanding agency standards, operations, and governmental mandates by April 30, 2025. (Findings #11 and #12)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F13

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: NORSD has a transparent due process fee review. This includes an agendized notice, an opportunity to be heard, and to present a request or protest. The Board retains the discretion to deny rate adjustments, but at the very least, the rate payer is afforded an opportunity to be heard as a valued sewer customer.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F14

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The NORSD website is welcoming and user friendly. The Grand Jury had no difficulty navigating the various links. This greatly simplifies communication between the district and users and provides important information on the NORSD governance, future plans and contact information.

Related Recommendations (1)

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

F15

The Kern County Grand Jury finds that: The budget does not support a dedicated Public Relations staff. Therefore, NORSD public relations is limited to their webpage and signage on their service vehicles. Public Service Announcement On the Side of a Service Truck Photos courtesy of the Grand Jury COMMENTS: The Grand Jury extends its appreciation to the NORSD staff and Board of Directors for their enthusiasm, cooperation, and professionalism throughout this investigation. Additionally, the Grand Jury acknowledges the assistance of the Kern County Public Works Department, Bakersfield Waste Management and the Shafter City Manager’s Office for providing valuable information and insight regarding the JPA and wastewater management. The Grand Jury particularly appreciates NORSD’s guided site visit to lift stations, and the current wastewater treatment plant located on 7th Standard Road. The Grand Jury completed this investigation with a newfound knowledge and appreciation of the sewer treatment process. A process that ends, for most of us, with the flushing of a toilet.

Related Recommendations (2)

R6

NORSD expand its informational services to the public about sanitary districts and the important role these services play in our health care. By April 30, 2025 a plan to implement the following should be in place: (Finding #15) a. Contact Park and Recreation Districts to display informational banners b. Sponsor youth programs c. Distribute press releases explaining planned updates and expansion of the wastewater treatment plant d. Post expansion updates on the NORSD website e. Develop an outreach program for students, to emphasize the importance of wastewater management.

R8

NORSD develop a payment plan for connection fees exceeding a defined amount as determined by the Board, no later than April 30, 2025. (Finding #10) NOTES: • The North of The River Sanitary District #1 should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other-agencies/grand-jury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website https://www.kerncounty.com/government/other- agencies/grand-jury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 60 DAYS FROM: Kern County Public Works Department o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: North of The River Sanitary District o  Findings #1-15  Recommendations #1-8 City of Shafter o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 Kern County Board of Supervisors o  Findings #8 and #9  Recommendations #1 and #4 RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO PENAL CODE §§933(c) AND 933.05 TO: • PRESIDING JUDGE SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA COUNTY OF KERN 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 • TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 Reports issued by the Grand Jury do not identify individuals interviewed. Cal. Penal Code §929 requires that reports of the Grand Jury not contain the name of any person or facts leading to the identity of any person who provides information to the Grand Jury.

Report - North of the River Sanitation District

Findings and Recommendations 15 findings

Comments 7

No Responses Found 3