Development and Environmental Committee Final Report - Department of Transportation*

The Committee found personnel well trained, competent and sober, performing excellent work in the field with limited financial resources.

The newspaper advertisement, paid for by the DOT, in the February 26, 2003 issue of the "Trinity Journal" was the subject of Citizen Complaint #13. The advertisement informed the public of details concerning the proposed East Connector Road in Weaverville and urged attendance at a public meeting of the BOS in which a decision was to be made. NOTE: No formal recommendation is made based on pending litigation. All Trinity County Department Heads are advised that "in light of the considerable authority enjoyed by officials who control public funds, and the important public interest in protecting such moneys from improper use, such officials may be held to a higher standard than simply the avoidance of "fraud, corruption or actual malice" in their handling of public funds. Such public officials must use "due care" (i.e. reasonable diligence) in authorizing the expenditure of public funds, and may be subject to personal liability for improper expenditures made in the absence of such due care" (Sup.,130 Cal.Rptr.697,711,1227). All need be cautious that any issue addressed in the advertisement media using government funds be presented such that no bias is communicated. Misuse may result in personal liability to the authorizing party.

Investigation of Citizen Complaint 2003-2004 #24, concerning the use of a single divider stripe on portions of some county roads concluded that in and of itself is not illegal. Information from the CALTRANS District Officers in Redding indicate the County is not required to follow any established traffic control markings, regardless of funding source, unless it chooses to do so. However, the CALTRANS Local Assistance Officer and their Striping Expert highly recommend that, for liability and risk purposes, whenever not following an adopted striping specification, a risk assessment should be made. The CALTRANS officials also noted that for designs stamped by a professional engineer, that engineer is potentially personally liable should a lawsuit be brought.

There is a concern for the planned reduction of positions on the road crews through retirement or attrition. Long term employees bring a higher level of experience needed for multifaceted duties required for smaller road crews.

All the county road yards appeared to have sufficient equipment and good rolling stock that were well maintained. Maintenance records were adequate and up to date. The Ruth and Zenia yards are well secured. The buildings are in good conditions, no deficiencies were observed. The Hayfork and Hyampom yards are well secured. The Buildings are in adequate condition. The oil tank for the heater in the quansit shop in Hayfork is not adequately blocked. A small amount of fuel spillage is noted around the tank. During the winter months, in order to maintain heat, the roof turbines on the quansit are covered. When the turbines are covered, inadequate ventilation exists creating a carbon monoxide hazard potential. There is insufficient electrical power available on one side of the Hayfork quansit. The Hawkins Bar yard is well secured. The building is very old but usable. The Weaverville yard is well secured. The buildings are rundown and in need of repair or replacement. Debris is evident throughout the yard and highly visible from Highway 3. The Lewiston yard is unsecured. The wood portion of the building is in fair condition and the metal portion is in need of repair or replacement. The Junction City yard has no perimeter fence and stored timbers present a potential hazard to children who frequent the yard. The buildings, while old, are adequate for present staffing levels. The Trinity Center yard is poorly located. Being positioned immediately adjacent to Swift Creek introduces the potential for storm water discharge directly from the yard into the creek. Within the yard the fuel storage tanks discharge lines are inadequately braced, vulnerable to failure and thus vulnerable to uncontrolled discharge. A large fir tree is leaning significantly and is in contact with the east discharge lines. The buildings are old but adequate except for the office space which has a failed roof. Significant quantities of asphalt grindings are stored (piled) within the yard. Perimeter fencing is good and an on-site resident ensures security.

The deteriorating condition of the county roads in the Ruth-Zenia area was the subject of a Grand Jury Report in 1992-1993. An assessment of the condition of some of these roads was conducted last fall during yard inspections. Results show significant overall improvement since the 1992-1993 Report. Recent travels reveal that our heave winter weather has caused new damage in some areas and demonstrates the need for continuing maintenance.

The County Auditor is recommending deleting all funding for Miscellaneous Public Works. This covers work on levees, cattle guards, footbridges and miscellaneous public signs and non-road tasks assigned by the BOS. The County has agreements with the Corps of Engineers to provide maintenance on several (but not all) levees that provide flood protection. In the event of storm damage, repairs to these levies may be precluded from FEMA grants if maintenance has been suspended by the County.