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Findings and Recommendations 14 findings
F1
The naming of private roads is a top priority in order to get the mapping/addressing system complete and working. Many of the roads in Trinity County are not officially named. Roads within the county serving two or more properties must have an official road name. The county has a process and criteria for the naming of roads. Citizens needing to name a private road should contact the Planning Department for more information. If a road has an official name and intersects with a county road, the county will provide a street name sign, post and bracket to be installed by the local Fire Department. The county is currently in the process of assigning addresses to all parcels within the county. Upon completion of this process, the county will send a notice to all property owners and request verification of the address information provided.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
a) The county must continue to place a high priority on the naming and mapping of all roads within the county. b) The Planning Department must communicate with the property owners of unnamed private roads and provide the process and criteria for naming them. c) The Grand Jury also encourages the Planning Department to continue providing the road signs, posts, and post brackets. d) Residents with private roads that intersect with private roads should contact the Planning Department for information for signing their roads. e) The county needs to complete the current addressing and notify the owners of record of the new addresses. They must also request verification as to the correctness of the address information.
R1B
There should be an information center within the county for all medical information from various departments that are concerned with health and safety. CONCLUSION: The Grand Jury wishes to thank Dr. Krouse for his time, courtesy, and friendly cooperation. His willingness to serve the county in this capacity is a great service to the community. 2002-2003 TRINITY COUNTY GRAND JURY PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING INVESTIGATION #2: METHOD OF INVESTIGATION: The Health and Human Services Committee went to the Public Health Nursing office and interviewed the Public Health Nursing Supervisor, Elise Osvold-Doppelhauer. Operation of the office was observed. Several clients of Public Health Nursing known to members of this committee were informally asked about their experiences with the department.
F2
When an emergency call comes into the Sheriff's Office, there is a place on the E-911 computer screen to automatically display the caller’s listed name, area code, telephone number and street address. This is helpful when a caller is unable to give their address. The Sheriff's Office Dispatcher can see the address and send appropriate help. Currently most of this vital information is not displayed on the E-911 screen. Several tests were done using the phone numbers of three Development & Environmental Committee members representing Lewiston (SBC/Pac Bell Telephone Company), Rush Creek and Burnt Ranch (Verizon Telephone Company) areas. Although the correct phone numbers were displayed, none of the addresses were correct. The displayed addresses included 1) no data found, 2) an incorrect street name with zero as the street number and 3) a correct street name with an incorrect street number.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
a) The E-911 Coordinator must establish primary contacts with each of the telephone companies (Verizon, SBC/Pac Bell and TDS) and work collaboratively in order to provide the correct phone number, address and listed name to the Dispatcher. b) The E-911 Coordinator must set a target date by which county customers with existing phone number, address and listed name are correctly displayed when E-911 calls come into the Sheriff’s Office.
F2A
This finding describes the process, time lines, and procedures of the County’s participation in the employee retirement funds, the financial obligations of the Taxable Pension Obligation Bond (see part A ) and the Over/(Under) Funded liabilities of CalPERS (see part B ). The BOS authorized in August 1993 that all County employees switch from the John Hancock retirement fund to CalPERS. When this occurred, the County guaranteed by the issuance of a Certificate of Participation with CalPERS that, first, all employees would be enrolled in CalPERS, secondly, the County would guarantee the retirement of all employees and, thirdly, the County would obligate itself to keep its contribution(s) to CalPERS within guidelines. The addition of all County employees to CalPERS, by the BOS, resulted in successive years of differences between the ‘Projected Net Assets Available For BenefitsColumn “A” below’ and the ‘Projected Pension Benefit Obligationscolumn “B” below’ which might result in an ‘Over/(Under) Funded Projected Benefit Obligationse column “D” below’. The County contributes funds to CalPERS who immediately deposits those funds into its overall investment accounts. Notwithstanding the monthly County contributions to CalPERS, its changing investment value also varies day-to-day, and therefore the value of the County’s portion also changes value. Each year CalPERS estimates the County’s participation value (see column “A” below) as well as the actuarial value of the County’s benefit obligations (see column “B” below), which results in the amount of projected Over/(Under) Funded liability (see column “D” below. Column “A” represents the projected value of the funds the County contributes each pay period and any additional funds as invested in CalPERS and as projected to be available for employee benefits. Column “B” represents the projected value of the County’s Benefit Obligations as projected to be available for employee benefits. Column “C” represents Percentage Funded Column “D” represents the Over/(Under) Funded amounts The addition of ALL County employees to CalPERS, the declining value of the County’s participation value relative to its benefit obligations and the ever-increasing Under Funded Liability brought about certain subsequent activities. The Committee was informed that if there were any Under Funded Liability obligations then a ‘smoothing formula’ would be put into effect so that the County’s monthly contribution would be increased in order to keep the Under Funded liability to as close to zero as practicable. The County continued its yearly funding contribution obligations until 1998 when the BOS authorized a bond to be issued (see chart ) in the principal amount of $9.14 million to equalize the difference between Assets Available for Benefits (see column “A” above) and Projected Pension Benefit Obligations (see column “B” above). The resultant net bond amount of $8,773,390, after subtracting issuance costs, was deposited with CalPERS who immediately added the funds to its investment portfolio in the County’s behalf. The total payback of principal and interest over the 20-year period of the bond will be $17,710,767. The Grand Jury noted that in fiscal year 2017 a bond payment of approximately $1.4 million is due and payable by the County. This bond amount is more than twice the amount due in fiscal year 2003. CONCLUSION #2A: The BOS authorized the bonds in the amount of $9.14 million to be added to the funding of CalPERS in one step in lieu of many small steps instead of relying on the ‘smoothing formula’. The funds, which the County pays to CalPERS, are immediately added to the CalPERS investment portfolio, which fluctuates with the commercial investment market. The County should be proactive in evaluating CalPERS’ future. The 1998 BOS authorized the long-term bond, which cannot be changed over time with a 20-year fixed payout feature, whose funds are then entered into a variable investment. The Committee has received information indicating the CalPERS investments themselves could diminish. The County would then be required to add more funds to prevent under funding. The County, due to the fluctuating investment market, should evaluate its financial responsibilities monthly. The County should not simply rely on additional bond funding to alleviate any potential problem. FINDING # 2B: The Committee evaluated the years (1993-2001) wherein all County employees were enrolled in CalPERS and then compared the results of the ‘smoothing’ formula (see CalPERS Actuarial Information table above). The Committee noted that an immediate under funded liability occurred (1993) which built up to a high of $8.6 million in 1996 and decreased to $5.865 million (1997) or a $2.7 million reduction in one-year. The BOS authorized a $9.14 million bond, which over funded the CalPERS account by $3.849 million and it still remains over funded as of 2001. The Committee noted that the County is obligated to pay off the bond (see chart ) while at the same time the County has over funded its CalPERS requirements. CONCLUSION #2B: The Committee recognized that the $9.14 million bond over a payoff period of 20 years would cost the County $17.71 million including principal, interest, and cost of issuance. The County was not required to over fund its contribution account and therefore did not need to pass such a large bond, or possibly other means of funding could have been implemented which would have eliminated the need for a bond altogether. The Grand Jury recognizes the complexity and ever changing potential political and budgetary forces competing for County tax funds. The Committee also recognizes that IF ALL procedures were met on a ‘year-to-year’ basis regarding the amount of funds given to CalPERS to meet County requirements, there still is the uncertain investment market forces which can change its funding obligations dramatically. Considering the ever changing forces which affect the CalPERS investments and hence the County’s share thereof (some of which are in the millions of dollars per yeartables listed above) the BOS should monitor the accounts closely.
No recommendations for this finding
F2B
I do not have enough information to agree or disagree. It was not the intent of the county to "overfund" PERS when issuing the bonds. They were issued for the amount that PERS calculated as an un-funded liability, at the time of issuance. As mentioned in the report, the over-funding shown in subsequent years demonstrates how, changing market conditions, long delays in PERS actuarial calculations, as well as other factors can change over or under funding in a given year.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
When an E-911 call comes into the Sheriff's Office from TDS phone customers or from Trinity Village, the switching center's telephone number appears on the E-911 screen instead of the caller’s telephone number. The screen thus displays a useless phone number, no street name, no street number and no listed name. This requires the caller to provide the emergency information.
Related Recommendations (2)
R3
a) The Grand Jury recommends that the BOS encourage TDS and the Trinity Village provider to update their switching service to provide the E-911 caller’s phone number, address and name. b) The E-911 Coordinator needs to be persistent in his efforts to have TDS and the Trinity Village provider update their switching service to provide the E-911 caller’s phone number, address and listed name. c) TDS phone subscribers and Trinity Village residents need to request an updated system that will provide E-911 caller information.
R3a
The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and will encourage TDS and the Trinity Village provider to upgrade their switching service to provide the E-91 1 caller's phone number, address and name.
F4
The county has changed addressing systems several times over the years. This has caused a major delay in completion of the addressing system. Currently there is an ordinance in place, which defines the uniform addressing system for Trinity County.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
a) The Grand Jury recommends that the GIS Committee implement the existing county ordinance for the uniform addressing system. b) The BOS must establish a meaningful date for completion of the county wide addressing project.
R4b
The Board of Supervisors has every expectation to have an address for every parcel by the end of the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
F5
When an emergency call comes into the Sheriff's Office, the Dispatcher receives the call on the E-911 system and then contacts the appropriate emergency service agencies via a radio system/console. The equipment currently in use needs to be replaced as it is no longer reliable and as of June 30, 2003 is no longer under warranty.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
This recommendation has been implemented. Return to Report Report[ E-911 Emergency System Committee[ Development & Environment Committee Type[ Response From[ John Jelicich, Planning Director TO: The Honorable Anthony C. Edwards, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court FROM: John Jelicich, Planning Director SUBJECT: Response to Recommendations of 2002-2003 Grand Jury, Development & Environmental Committee Report E-911 Emergency System DATE: July 21, 2003 The Grand Jury Development & Environmental Committee has requested a written response to their final report on the E-911 Emergency System. In my capacity as Planning Director, my response to Finding 1 and Recommendations la,lb and lc, as requested by the Committee is as follows:
F6
There is currently no system of support to provide continuing maintenance or financial support for the yearly operational expenses of this essential communications system. (FIRE/EMS Repeater System).
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors must allocate revenues to this VITAL system as has been allocated to the other county communications systems funded in the past.
F7
Almost all of the vehicles used by the volunteers are at least second-hand. Spare parts are sometimes difficult or impossible to find, thus making necessary repairs expensive.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors needs to establish a stable source of funding such as a County Fire/EMS Fund to help the volunteer departments replace these old vehicles on a regular basis.
F8
There is a possibility of a local Redding Hospital cutting back on services (Helicopter etc.) or closing. Losing one helicopter would reduce air response from Redding by one half to Trinity County. This would require Trinity County Life Support to make more Redding transports which could cut down on possible ambulance coverage in Trinity County.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Grand Jury refers this to the Board of Supervisors for study by a special ad hoc committee to focus on solving this problem. 3
F9
Trinity County Life Support and many Volunteer Fire Departments may not survive due to the rising costs of Workers’ Compensation Insurance and Liability Insurance.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors find a method to provide Workers Compensation and Liability Insurance to Trinity County Life Support and the Volunteer Fire Departments
F10
Rural/Urban Interface will continue to present challenges on how to provide fire and rescue services to Trinity County. People will continue to build and live in remote areas. They will demand and expect more services and will want regulations that will control volunteers activity. This will result in more to do with less to do it. This can only be done by an increase in the Tax Base for some of the departments; Ad Valorem Tax is only available to a few departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R10
The Grand Jury refers this to the Board of Supervisors for study by a special ad hoc committee to focus on solving this problem.
F11
Trinity County Life Support might not be able to function as it currently does if Trinity Hospital were to close. The majority of the volunteer fire departments are dependent on Trinity County Life Support to transport patients. They provide very good required medical training.
Related Recommendations (1)
R11
The Board of Supervisors needs to continue to support Trinity County Life Support with their needs.
F12
There are only 4 departments having transport ability to Trinity Hospital now. Coverage of the county would be difficult if the Hospital were to close? (Southern Trinity Area Rescue would continue to transport to the coast as they currently are doing). 4
Related Recommendations (1)
R12
The Grand Jury strongly recommends that the Board of Supervisors do everything in their power to retain the hospital. CONCLUSIONS: HOMELAND SECURITY IS DEPENDENT ON THE VOLUNTEER FIRE AND RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS FOR FIRST RESPONSE. 1. The Grand Jury wishes to thank all of the Pre-Hospital Care Personnel who were interviewed and especially their honesty and openness. 2. The entire system is dependent on the volunteers to provide leadership to both their own organization and their communities. 3. One of the keys to the success of these efforts rests upon having a stable source of funding for Fire and Rescue Services. The average tends to be 90% Medical Calls and 10% fires. A general rule of thumb is that the Fire and Rescue Services will be about equal to the Law Enforcement Services. The Board of Supervisors needs to establish a County Fire/EMS Fund as allowed by California’s Health and Safety Code Section 1797.98. This fund would receive income from fines or assessments on vehicle moving violations and other certain criminal offenses. All Trinity County Fire and EMS agencies could benefit from this as the County does not have to draw the money from their General Fund. 4. Many issues will arise during the process of obtaining funding for these services. There is a VERY STRONG NEED for the Volunteers to be represented continually at the County Level by a person with vast experience in volunteer work, who also possesses the skills to obtain various sources of funding for these services. In addition to the person’s own department duties they would also meet with County, Regional, and perhaps State Government Representatives as an Equal Partner in achieving a solution to the issues that will come up dealing with funding of these services. Grant Funding would possibly be able to fund this position. Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed
Conclusions 12
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CL1 Page 2437 dwellings and additions to existing dwellings
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CL2 Page 2463 garages, carports, covered porches, cabanas, armadas and additions to the same The total value of this random selection of open permits amounted to $2,641,130 while the reinstatement fees amounted to $19,020. As of March 30, 2002, the Trinity County Assessors office had 721 open permits of potentially revenue-producing improvements to properties. The following results provide a high estimate of revenue that is not being recovered because the improvements are not placed on the tax rolls. $2,641,130 value of the open permits x .01 taxable amount $26,411 amount of tax $26,411 amount of tax x 7.21 number of outstanding permits (x100) $190,423 amount of lost tax from the improvements The State of California gets 2/3 of the tax and the county gets the other 1/3. Therefore: $190,423 divided by 3 equals $63,474 lost taxes to Trinity County. $19,020 reinstatement fees x 7.21 number of outstanding permits (x100) $137,134 total amount of reinstatement fees paid to the County $63,474 lost taxes to Trinity County +$137,134 total amount of reinstatement fees $202,608 Total amount of money lost to the County because of open permits. Even if this amount were halved, it is a substantial amount of revenue to the County. Code Compliance Officer Salary: Code Compliance Officer salary (same as Building Inspector II) with benefits for 2003 would be $4,564.18 a month or $54770.16 per year. $54,770.16 divided ½ (½ salary is now budgeted for a ½ time building inspector) is $27,385.08. Therefore, the additional position would be an increase of only $27,385.08. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed findings and recommendations within the time period indicated. ENTITY
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CL3 Page 79The Grand Jury wishes to thank all of the Pre-Hospital Care Personnel who were interviewed and especially their honesty and openness.
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CL4 Page 79The entire system is dependent on the volunteers to provide leadership to both their own organization and their communities.
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CL5 Page 79One of the keys to the success of these efforts rests upon having a stable source of funding for Fire and Rescue Services. The average tends to be 90% Medical Calls and 10% fires. A general rule of thumb is that the Fire and Rescue Services will be about equal to the Law Enforcement Services. The Board of Supervisors needs to establish a County Fire/EMS Fund as allowed by California’s Health and Safety Code Section 1797.98. This fund would receive income from fines or assessments on vehicle moving violations and other certain criminal offenses. All Trinity County Fire and EMS agencies could benefit from this as the County does not have to draw the money from their General Fund.
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CL6 Page 79Many issues will arise during the process of obtaining funding for these services. There is a VERY STRONG NEED for the Volunteers to be represented continually at the County Level by a person with vast experience in volunteer work, who also possesses the skills to obtain various sources of funding for these services. In addition to the person’s own department duties they would also meet with County, Regional, and perhaps State Government Representatives as an Equal Partner in achieving a solution to the issues that will come up dealing with funding of these services. Grant Funding would possibly be able to fund this position. Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed Findings and Recommendations within the time period indicated. ENTITY: FINDING:
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CL7 Page 5Trinity County residents who do not have a current address may not receive prompt emergency services. Ideally, the caller’s area code and telephone number, the street address and the listed name would automatically be displayed when an E-911 call comes into the Sheriff's Office. Currently this does not always occur. Until the E-911 system is operating properly, Trinity County residents, in many cases, must provide their phone number, street name and street number to the E-911 Dispatcher. The Grand Jury understands that it is very complicated to set up the information for the E-911 system, since many different entities are involved in the process. However, it is necessary for the safety and well being of all citizens of the county to have and maintain an effective E-911 system. The system must contain the correct information as well as be supported by up-to-date hardware and software. The BOS is encouraged to continue their support and to provide the necessary guidance to complete the system in a timely manner. The Grand Jury wishes to thank the county employees who gave of their time and assistance in the investigation for the report. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed findings and recommendations within the required time period: ENTITY
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CL8 Page 15Of the five airports in Trinity County, Trinity Center Airport is the most highly used airport and brings in the most revenue. Therefore, it is very important to provide a secure and safe method to hold the funds and to collect them on a monthly basis. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Penal Code 933 requires the following entities to respond to the Superior Court Judge of the Grand Jury within the required time period: ENTITY
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CL9 Page 54The Grants and Housing Rehabilitation Loan Administration needs to communicate the available programs in a much more clear and concise manner by rewriting its materials and offering a better public presentation. The Loan Committee needs a better process and written policy for its decision making, as well as, a better understanding of all aspects of the program in which it is involved. The program guidelines need to be rewritten to outline clearer parameters for receiving a grant. The Auditor/Acting County Administrator is too intricately involved in the grant/loan process. This elected official is: (a) voting on who receives funds; (b) the person who must be appealed to for redress; (3 ) the person who decides where repaid funds are budgeted to be re-spent. Trinity County needs a full time County Administrative Officer. The Auditor/Acting County Administrator is wearing too many hats to effectively manage all of the duties and responsibilities required. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed findings and recommendations within the required time period: ENTITY
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CL10 Page 87Chief Probation Officer Terry Lee and his staff have a very well run organization and are doing a remarkable job. The infrastructure of the Systems of Care working with detainees’ families also serves to make the operation of this program professional and an excellent use of public funds. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Under Penal Code 933, the following entities are required to respond to the listed findings and recommendations within the required time period: ENTITY
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CL11 Page 95The committee was very impressed with the cleanliness and organized operation of the Trinity County Jail. The officers provided every item requested and explained any questions we had. The officers should be commended for their professional manner in how they perform their duties. ENTITY
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CL12 Page 102Special Districts offer valuable services such as fire protection, road maintenance, parks and recreation facilities, water and sewer that some communities take for granted. Special Districts operate in relative obscurity and many communities do not even know that they exist. Districts are usually governed by a board of residents (directors) who live within the boundaries of their district. Most directors are volunteers, whether elected or appointed, and do not receive payment for the hours they dedicate to their communities. The Grand Jury appreciates and lauds those who serve their communities. It also holds them to the high standards that public officials must bear. The Directors should be visible and accountable to the people they serve. They should be aware and knowledgeable of the laws that govern their District. Often only local public scrutiny can assure that districts are accountable to their community. The County Auditor must continue his role in assuring that Special Districts comply with auditing standards. The Trinity County Board of Supervisors must be aware of the financial difficulties some Special Districts face. Without additional financial support, some Special Districts could cease providing necessary services. RESPONSES REQUIRED: Penal Code 933 requires the following entities to respond to the Superior Court Judge of the Grand Jury within the required time period: ENTITY
Comments 1
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CO1 Page 89The Grand Jury Judicial Committee has requested a written response to their final report on the Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility. In my capacity as Chief Probation Officer I have issued the following response. Finding #l(a). I agree in part with the Grand Jury's comments concerning the shower. I disagree that the mold issue can be addressed totally by additional supervision. It appears there are other issues with the shower construction that affect how it can be cleaned. Recommendation #1. Will require additional analysis and should be implemented within the year. General Services has been asked to look at the surface of the shower floors. They have indicated that the surface of two showers was inadequately sealed during the construction process. We will follow closely any recommendations they have to insure the safety of minors in custody. My staff have reviewed the procedures for cleaning the showers and have altered the schedule to allow for more time and additional supervision in cleaning the shower floors. This will be implemented immediately. Finding #1(b). I agree with the finding. Recommendation #1(b). Has been implemented although not through the friends of the library. Trinity County has an established volunteer program set up by the county. Persons who wish to volunteer their time can do so by submitting the proper paperwork to the personnel department. In addition state law requires that any one working within the Court School or juvenile hall must have a complete background investigation completed by the Department of Justice before they can volunteer their services. It would be very much appreciated if a volunteer could aid us in replacing some of our books and I note that many people have donated books to our facility. We continue to be concerned about the reading ability of some of our juveniles upon their arrival. Newer books and volunteer services would go along way in helping them read better. Return to Report Report[ Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility Committee[ Judicial Committee Type[ Response From[ Board of Supervisors TO: The Honorable Anthony Edwards Presiding Judge of the Superior Court FROM: Trinity County Board of Supervisors Billie A. Miller, Chairman DATE: September 16, 2003 SUBJECT: 2002-2003 Trinity County Grand Jury Report Judicial Committee Final Report: Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility The Grand Jury Judicial Committee has requested a written response to their Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility Report: The response of the Board of Supervisors is as follows: Finding #l: The Trinity County Board of Supervisors agrees with Finding #l. Recommendation #1: The recommendation will be implemented within the year. Finding #2: The Trinity County Board of Supervisors agrees with Finding #2. Recommendation #2: The recommendation has been implemented. A volunteer program has been set up by the County. Return to Report Report[ Trinity County Juvenile Detention Facility Committee[ Judicial Committee Type[ Response From[ Anthony C. Edwards, Presiding Judge of the Superior Court August 11, 2003 Billie Miller, Chairman Trinity County Board of Supervisors P.O. Box 1258 Weaverville, CA 96093 Robert Gravette, Foreperson 2002-2003 Trinity County Grand Jury P.O. Box 1117 Weaverville, CA 96093 RE: Response to 2002-2003 Trinity County Grand Jury Final Report on the Probation Department County Juvenile Detention Facility Finding #1: I agree. Recommendation #1: I agree. Very Truly Yours ANTHONY C. EDWARDS Presiding Judge of the Superior Court Return to Report Committee[ Judicial and Special Investigations Committee Title[ Trinity County Detention Facility (Jail) Filed_Date[ 8/2/2003 2002-2003 TRINITY COUNTY GRAND JURY JUDICIAL AND SPECIAL INVESTIGATIONS COMMITTEES FINAL REPORT TRINITY COUNTY DETENTION FACILITY (JAIL) PURPOSE: Penal Code Section 919(b) mandates that the Grand Jury will annually inquire into the conditions and management of all public prisons within the county. BACKGROUND: The California State Board of Corrections classifies the Trinity County Detention Facility (Jail) as a Type II facility. This facility is used to detain persons who are awaiting or undergoing trial proceedings, convicted persons sentenced to serve time up to one year, and minimum-security state parolees back in custody due to parole violations. The maximum capacity of the jail is 53. In an emergency the inmate population can be 63, but the California State Board of Corrections will not stand behind the Jail Staff if a grievance is filed for overcrowding, if the population exceeds 53. The inmate population was 46 on the day the Grand Jury Committee did their second visit. METHOD OF INVESTIGATION: An Ad Hoc Committee consisting of members of the Judicial and Special Investigations Committees toured the Detention Facility (Jail) on January 10, 2003. In addition, a three person Committee visited the facility a second time on February 19, 2003 and conducted interviews with the Sheriff and several Correctional Officers. The Committee interviewed several inmates, three males and one female. Using Titles 15 and 24 (Minimum Standards for Adult Local Detention Facilities) as guidelines, the Committee reviewed the following current supporting material: State of California Board of Corrections Report Deputy State Fire Marshal’s Reports California Medical Association/Institute for Medical Qualities Committee on Corrections and Detention Health Care Report FINDING #1: The staffing level at the jail currently meets the staffing level required by the State of California, but this is done by using assigned patrol officers and thus decreasing patrol coverage. 1 RECOMMENDATION #1: The ideal solution would be to hire enough Correctional Officers to replace the ones taken from patrol duties. With the current financial conditions of Trinity County, this may not be possible at this time. FINDING #2: Following up on 2000-2001 and 2001-2002 Grand Jury concerns on the E-911 dispatch communications center being overcrowded and outdated, the committee found the following conditions: the staff all stated that they feel safer in the area where it is currently located, the dispatch communications center console is old and out-dated. It was stated that they currently have approximately $132,000 for the upgrade; but they need $250,000. RECOMMENDATION #2: The committee recommends that the dispatch center be kept where it is currently located. The committee further recommends that the Board of Supervisors find the money to update the E-911 dispatch console. FINDING #3: A water heater used for the jail trips the breaker on a regular basis. It was stated that County Building and Grounds personnel had worked on the heater and spent quite a bit of money replacing parts. RECOMMENDATION #3: The Board of Supervisors should notify the Buildings and Grounds Department to upgrade the wiring and/or replace the water heater as the situation dictates. FINDING #4: The kitchen appears to be very well organized and the menus well planned. The Committee observed lunch being served and dinner preparation. The 4 inmates interviewed said the food was good and adequate. RECOMMENDATION #4: The Committee recommends that the kitchen operation continue as it is currently being managed. 2 FINDING #5: Two members of the committee observed the operation of the Megan’s Law Computer System for tracking convicted sex offenders. The Officer in charge of the Megan’s Law System appeared to possess the proper knowledge for the operation of the system. RECOMMENDATION #5: The correctional officer in charge of the Megan’s Law Computer System should be commended for the organization and knowledge displayed. CONCLUSION: The committee was very impressed with the cleanliness and organized operation of the Trinity County Jail. The officers provided every item requested and explained any questions we had. The officers should be commended for their professional manner in how they perform their duties. ENTITY
No Responses Found 3
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County of Trinity
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