Kern County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

North Kern Cemetery District a Revisit to a Previous Report

11 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

F1
The District has corrected the areas of concern noted in the 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury Report.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
The vacant Board seat is in the process of being filled.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Board should begin now to produce a Policy and Procedures Manual for Board Members for approval by the Board before December 31, 2022. (Findings 2 and 3)
F3
The District has an employee Policy and Procedure Manual, however, there is a need for a written policy and procedure instructions for Board Members.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
A Master Plan has not been completed as of the writing of this report. Board discussions have taken place, and more information is being sought. An estimate has been received but no further action has occurred.
Related Recommendations (2)
R2
The Board and staff should develop a Master Plan no later than March 30, 2023. This should establish a timeline and cost estimate for the development of the vacant land. (Finding 4)
R3
The District should use the timeline and cost estimate to assist planning for future growth. Major funding sources need to be investigated and brought before the constituents. (Finding 4)
F5
A concern of the District is police assistance, if needed, seems slow and dismissed as petty.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
By December 1, 2022, the District staff, Delano Police Department officials, and private security should schedule a meeting to resolve the issues concerning response times and expected results. (Finding 5)
F6
The District utilizes a private security company to open and secure the drive-in gates during the weekends and holidays. They also are to patrol through the cemetery an additional four times a day between 8AM to 7PM during the same time period. If anyone is participating in activity not allowed by District policy, the patrol should, at least, ask for identification and be informed of the posted rules. The rules are posted at each gate and at every turn of the internal road. If visitors will not comply with the posted regulations, security is directed to contact the local law enforcement agency. (Photo provided by the Grand Jury)
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
Security of the facilities and personnel should be a major concern of the Board. Additional security measures should be implemented by November 1, 2022. Such measures should include:  Locking some of the walk-through gates after hours could possibly reduce some vandalism.  Additional private security  Electronic control of gates  Local police presence within the grounds  Scheduling events surrounding holidays when families typically honor their deceased members, i.e., Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Day of the Dead. o Although the District is not normally a place of family outings, these planned events could provide sensible, reflective gatherings to honor those interred. (Findings 6, 7, 8, and 9) NOTES: • The North Kern Cemetery District 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: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED PURSUANT TO CAL. PENAL CODE § 933, SUBD. (C) AND 933.05 WITHIN 90 DAYS TO:  PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 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 cemetery has experienced some vandalism, including grave markers.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The thirteen walk-through gates are open 24 hours.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
There have been issues with groups of individuals visiting gravesites, consuming alcoholic beverages, and/or playing music loudly in, as construed by others, a “party atmosphere.” This is often viewed as disrespectful to the memories of others who are interred there. COMMENTS: The North Kern Cemetery District appears to have turned the corner regarding the previous report. Management of the District seems to be dedicated to the idea of “doing it right.” The Grand Jury wishes to thank the District staff for the information used to complete this report. Also, the Grand Jury wishes to thank other entities who rendered information as requested.
No recommendations for this finding

Comments 3

No Responses Found 1

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

Kern County County