Gjr1998-1999 Responses - California Grand Jury Reports

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KITCHEN SANITATION PARTIALLY AGREE 1. A dead mouse was located. Rodent infestation at the South Annex is an ongoing problem. Regular pest control service is supplemented by the placement of poison bait and other forms of traps. While mice are present in the kitchen, every possible effort to eradicate them has been undertaken. Extensive steps have been maintained to prevent rodent contact with the food products. I would hope that the Grand Jury would recognize that it is not the practice of the kitchen staff to allow dead rodents to lie about the area. When they are discovered, they are removed much as one would do in ones home. 2. It is common practice for kitchen personnel to prepare food products without wearing gloves. The kitchen supervisor does require that all personnel working in the kitchen as community service personnel wear gloves when they have direct contact with food products. All kitchen personnel are required to wash their hands prior to coming into contact with food products. There is no soap or hand towels at the food-prep sink, they are maintained at the hand sink directly adjacent to the entrance to the kitchen. 3. Concern was expressed relative to the dishwasher trays. It was asserted that they were “black with dirt”. These are the trays onto which pots and pans are placed to be run through the automatic dishwasher/sanitizer. These trays are sanitized each time the are used. While the trays are worn and do show signs of wear, they were not “black with dirt” as the report stated. The trays have been scrubbed and will be replaced as required. 4. At the time of the inspection, 1600 hours, the kitchen crew was approaching the end of their work day. The final task of the crew prior to leaving the facility is to sweep and mop the floor and to wipe down all vertical and horizontal surfaces. While I certainly acknowledge that the facility is in need of replacement, I feel it is only fair to point out that sanitation is a major concern of the staff at the kitchen. With additional procedures which have been initiated we are confident we will be able to maintain our record of cleanliness and sanitary practice. 5. Food is transported to the Juvenile Hall in a “hot cart”. Once prepared the food is placed in the “hot cart”and pushed to the juvenile hall dining room. The cart has a thermostatically controlled heater. Every effort is made to maintain the food product at desirable temperature prior to being served to the residents. Finally, We agree that the kitchen is in need of replacement, grant monies have been secured to construct a new kitchen facility, which will serve both the Juvenile Hall and the new camp facility.

Related Recommendations (1)

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KITCHEN SANITATION IMPLEMENTED Procedures for maintaining cleanliness at the kitchen facility have been reviewed in response to the finding and recommendation. Existing procedures have been modified as required to insure that the facility is maintained at an appropriate level of sanitation.

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BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS AGREE

Related Recommendations (1)

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IMPLEMENTED All grounds maintenance at the facility is performed by the inmate population. Every effort is made to insure that proper safety techniques and practices are taught to the residents performing the various tasks. In the period following the Grand Jury inspection, the residents have installed elaborate gardens and a greenhouse structure. They are currently working on landscape features at the entrance to Camp Singer. Following completion of this landscaping work, the camp residents will be replacing the lawn in the recreation area and installing a drinking fountain. I would invite the Grand Jurors to return to the facility and personally observe the substantial efforts that have been undertaken over the past several months. All work performed by the residents must conform to an educational format. While this method does require more time to complete a task, it has the benefit of imparting useful skills to our residents.

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FURNISHINGS DETERIORATED AGREE

Related Recommendations (1)

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NOT WARRANTED The Juvenile Hall has in the past solicited donations of furnishings from the community. The community was quite generous in donating used couches and chairs. The demands of a secure environment require that very specialized furnishings be utilized within the facility. Donated items designed for residential use are not appropriate for security environments. They represent a fire hazard and often times are constructed of materials which can be fashioned into weapons. In addition residential furnishings present a multitude of locations to hide contraband. We have found that the utilization of molded plastic patio chairs are an inexpensive, durable and secure form of furnishing. I agree that more aesthetically pleasing furnishings would be a benefit to the facility, however institutional furnishings are quite expensive. This will be an item addressed in future budget fixed asset requests.

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FACILITY OVERCROWDING AGREE

Related Recommendations (1)

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IMPLEMENTED Funding in the amount of $2,700,000.00 for the construction of a 46 bed camp facility has been secured as well as an additional $603,000.00 for the development of a 15 bed security housing unit. Construction of these facilities will address the population issues at the facility well into the future. Currently, efforts are underway to impose a locally mandated maximum capacity on the facility, establishing the capacity at 55 minors. At this level we are able to provide full service to the residents without significant compromise to security. As to the recommendation that parents be required to pay a greater share of the cost of maintaining their children in the facility. Philosophically I must agree however we are restrained by law from charging an amount greater than that which is currently assessed.

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FIRE INSPECTIONS AGREE

Related Recommendations (1)

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IMPLEMENTED Responsibility for fire inspection of the facility shifted in the past year from the State Fire Marshal to the local fire authority Marysville Fire Department. In order for MFD to conduct the inspection, an officer from that department required additional training and certification. MFD did have an officer complete the required training and a fire inspection was conducted shortly thereafter. There was a time delay in getting this process completed. In the interim, the fire suppression system and the alarm system have been maintained by a contracted provider and have been maintained at optimal condition. FILED AUG 2 0 1999 YUBA COUNTY SUPERIOR 6 H. STEPHEN KONISHI, CLERK 526 “C” Street # P.O. Box 150 © Marysville, CA 95901 ¢ (916) 741-6633 BY August 17, 1999 The Honorable James Curry Presiding Judge, Yuba County Superior Court 215 Fifth Street Marysville, CA 95901 Dear Judge Curry: I am writing on behalf of the Marysville City Council to respond to the 1998-99 Yuba County Grand Jury Report. I will address both the findings and recommendations on the following point: CITY ADMINISTRATOR/POLICE CHIEF The Grand Jury believes that there "may be a possible conflict of interest in the combination of the positions." The City believes that the Grand Jury is actually concerned about the two offices being "incompatible" under California Law. This concern results from an opinion of the California Attorney General regarding the combination of the two offices in the general law city of San Jacinto. Ops. Cal. Atty. Gen. 304 (1998). The opinions of the Attorney General are helpful and the courts rely on them to a certain extent. However, they are not definitive. Only the courts can determine whether an office is incompatible. Prior to combining the offices of City Administrator and Police Chief, and asking then incumbent Police Chief Mark Siemens to assume both positions, the Council received a legal opinion as to whether the offices were incompatible. The conclusion of that opinion was that the two offices were not incompatible. Marysville is a Charter City which may choose to organize its administrative function in the way it deems best serves the interests of its citizens. The Council believes that savings of more than $105,000 in salary and benefits warrants this combination. Unlike the situation in San Jacinto, the Marysville City Administrator and Marysville Police Chief answer directly to the Council. One is not subordinate to the other. Additionally, Marysville Municipal Code Section 2.10.040, provides that the City Administrator "may head one or more of the departments and shall be responsible to the Council for the proper administration of such departments." The Grand Jury believes "the City Administrator's authority increases his potential conflict over both budgets." There is no explanation as to which "budgets" are at issue. The City has one budget which is divided into various categories. It is adopted by the City Council after considering recommendations of its staff and the public. Other than making recommendations on budget items and seeking amendments to the budget from time to time, neither the City Administrator nor the Police Chief has independent control of the budget. City expenditures must conform to the budget. These expenditures are approved from time to time directly by the City Council. What "conflict" may occur is therefore, not evident to the Council. City Administrator/Police Chief, Mr. Siemens is a salaried, not an hourly employee. He is paid to get the job done, regardless of the hours required. The Council estimates that Mr. Siemens works on City business between 60 to 75 hours per week on a routine basis. The City does not keep track of the hours worked by any of its salaried employees, nor does it propose to do so. Consequently, a record of what portion of Mr. Siemens time is spent attending to various City duties does not exist. Mr. Siemens was hired after the departure of Richard Hare. It was hoped that Mr. Hare would have a long tenure with the City, but personal concerns resulted in his return to Southern California. Upon his departure, Mr. Hare recommended Mr. Siemens for the combined position. Mr. Siemens has worked for the City of over 17 years. He is well known and respected in the community. Upon Mr. Hare's departure, the Council felt it very desirable to have a familiar face as the City's primary management officer, since there had been a high turnover of city administrators in the previous decade. If you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please call me at 741- 6633. Sincerely, Mayor MARYSVILLE 526 “C” Street * P.O. Box 150 « Marysville, CA 95901 November 2, 1999 The Honorable James Curry Presiding Judge, Yuba County Superior Court 215 Fifth Street Marysville, CA 95901 Dear Judge Curry: I am writing on behalf of the Marysville City Council to respond to the 1998-99 Yuba County Grand Jury Report. This is a response to two findings, specifically Riverfront Park and Rideout Hospital Property. ISSUE: Riverfront Park The Grand Jury required the Council of the City of Marysville to respond to their three recommendations for Beckwourth Riverfront Park. Those recommendations were: The restrooms should be open on a regular basis and properly monitored. The City should investigate the feasibility of an entrance fee or park usage permit/sticker. The City should conduct a survey and maintain records on the types of usage of Riverfront Park. RESPONSE: The Council of the City of Marysville thanks the 1998/1999 Grand Jury for their interest in Beckwourth Riverfront Park and their suggestions. The City Council may consider the recommendations made, if not already accomplished. ISSUE: Rideout Hospital Property The Grand Jury recommended that the City Council respond to the following recommendation: Provide Tax revenue data to the Grand Jury of the taxes collected on the property currently owned by Rideout Hospital and the tax revenue received from those same properties prior to purchase and/or termination of leases by the hospital. RESPONSE: The City of Marysville is not the taxing agency, nor do we have records for the type of information you have requested. The County of Yuba assesses and collects property tax for the entire county. The County also holds the records you are inquiring about. The City of Marysville cannot comment on or provide records held by another government entity. If you have any questions, or if I can be of further assistance, please call me at 741-6633. Jérome B. Crippen Mayor VIRGINIA R. BLACK Sheriff - Coroner The County of Yuba __ OFFICE OF THE SHERIFF COROWER, : (530) 741-6331 FAX (530) 741-6445 Fontcwhirans x Qe ——- ©CEiven AYPERIOR poury LER BY 4 if SEP qn SUEERIO C rR TO: Dennis Buckley, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court FROM: Sheriff Virginia Black Ny DATE: August 30, 1999 RE: 1998-1999 Grand Jury Final Report Response - Animal Control Findings 1,3,4 and 5; Recommendation's 1 through 5 Pursuant to Penal Code Section 933.05 we are providing the following response to the 1998-1999 Grand Jury Final Report. The report called for a response from the Sheriff on Findings 1, 3, 4 and 5 and Recommendations 1 through 5 of the inquiry concerning the Yuba County Sheriff's Department Animal Control operation.

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The Sheriff's Department should not administer the Animal Control Department. Moving the administration of Animal Control to the Sheriff’s Department is a poor allocation of trained law enforcement personnel. The Board of Supervisors disagrees. There were a number of compelling factors involved in the decision to move Animal Control to the Sheriff’s Department, which should have been reviewed by the Grand Jury. Under the Sheriff's management, the department has acquired new equipment, become better trained and now provides an increased level of service. Currently, a Captain in the Sheriff's Department provides management direction to Animal Control. Given the fact that Animal Control has a mission critical to the public’s health and safety, it is not considered “a poor allocation of trained law enforcement personnel.”

No recommendations for this finding

Gjr1998-1999 Responses*

Findings and Recommendations 6 findings