Yuba County Grand Jury
• 1989-1990
The Honorable Dennis J. Buckley, Presiding Judge Yuba County Superior Court*
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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 1 findings
F1
Seventy-four percent (74%) of calls are for rescue with no charge to the calling party. Thirty-eight percent (38%) of fire calls are attributed to smoking. Marysville Fire Department inspects all public buildings and is involved in many aspects of fire protection and education.
Recommendations 1
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R2Medical needy only -- Cash grant for needy only *Currently the Department has 1155 cases. *Currently growth rate is 20.82%. *State-wide error rate is 8.49%. Yuba County error rate is 0.0%. Child Protective Services *Services provided to children as a result of child endangerment, abuse neglect, and exploitation. *280 cases per month *Staff of 30 Adult Protective Services *Provides out-of-home care/protective services for adults, allowing the adult to stay at home instead of in some other dependent living situation. General Relief *The State Welfare Institutions Code requires each county to operate a General Assistance Program that provides for the basic needs of food and shelter for those who are not eligible to participate in other categorical aid programs. Persons receiving benefits under this program are required to work off their benefits at a minimum wage rate. *The County of Yuba currently has 23 cases for General Relief, 15 of the 23 cases are pending the receipt of SSI/SSP. *Current growth rate for this program is 11%. *County has a staff of 6. Due to increased Federal funding the Department of Social Services has a very active fraud investigation division which is staffed by four (4) investigators, an increase of two (2) from last year. Cost effectiveness for this division is $1.87 collected for every $1.00 of department expenditure. The State average is $.42. Comments This Department should be commended for installing public awareness signs, which have been placed throughout the County, making the public aware of welfare fraud and providing a hotline to the investigation division. Area Reviewed/Investigated Item No. 1 - AFDC/GAIN
Commendations 28
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CM1The Grand Jury commends the City Clerk and the Department for their accomplishments, in spite of being understaffed. The personnel are cross-trained. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 CITY COMMITTEE MARYSVILLE FIRE DEPARTMENT Analysis The Marysville Fire Department is operated by one (1) fire chief, thirteen (13) firemen and ten (10) volunteers. The city administrator has direct control over this department. The fire department has a rating of four (4) in fire insurance which is an above average rating. The location of the fire department provides easy access in responding to calls throughout the city. Area Investigated Item No. #1 - Fire Protection Coverage
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CM2The Grand Jury feels the department is well prepared to meet the city's fire protection needs. Further, the chief and the department are commended for their cost effective practices that have resulted in the purchasing of first rate equipment. Area Investigated Item No #2 - Fire Protection Equipment
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CM3The department is commended by the Grand Jury for its efficient methods of keeping Marysville a well- maintained community. GRAND JURY REPORT 1980 - 90 CITY COMMITTEE RECREATION Analysis The City of Marysville's recreational program provides activities of recreational and educational value for the citizens of Marysville and the surrounding area. Progams are offered seasonally and are published through the local media as well as through brochures, which are delivered to the schools or the residents of Marysville twice a year. The majority of the activities are self supporting while a few programs with national sponsorship are free. Area Investigated Item No #1 - Understaffing
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CM4The Recreation Department is to be commended for providing and maintaining programs for people in Marysville and the surrounding areas. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 CITY COMMITTEE CITY OF WHEATLAND Analysis Wheatland is a general law city. The City of Wheatland operates with a five-member city council. The Mayor is elected from the Council members. This is a non-manager city, but the city council is supported by an elected city clerk and an appointed Deputy City Clerk (bookkeeper/typist) who manages the administrative work for the city. There is one (1) part-time city treasurer. The Public Works department is under the authority of the City Council, with a superintendent and two (2) laborers who manage streets, water and the waste water treatment plant. The fire department has a chief and a roster of seventeen (17) volunteer firemen and rescue personnel within the city. An automatic aid agreement with Plumas-Brophy Fire District adds an additional fifteen (15) volunteers. Area Investigated Item No #1 - Salary Level
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CM5The Grand Jury commends the aviation operation over the past fourteen (14) years for having an outstanding safety record. Area Investigated Item #2 - Economic Development
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CM6The Board of Supervisors should be commended for the re-organization and re-location of county offices to better serve the public. of the second second GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 1990 COUNTY COMMITTEE COUNTY ASSESSOR Analysis The County Assessor is an elected official and is responsible for assessing all real and personal properties except public utilities properties which are appraised by the State Board of Equalization. The Assessor is also responsible for preparing secured and unsecured tax rolls annually, and supplemental rolls, in conformity with State law. Area Investigated Item #1 - Staffing and Space Requirements
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CM7The Grand Jury commends the CAO for his expertise in general county management and his long range financial planning for county expansion. The CAO has provided strong leadership to protect the county's general fund by seeking "outside" grants for new facilities and department relocation costs. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COUNTY COMMITTEE COUNTY CLERK - RECORDER/REGISTRAR Analysis The County Clerk-Recorder is an elected county official. The County clerk is responsible for custody of a variety of official records and the conduct of ministerial functions of the court, including filing and maintenance of court records. The Recorder produces and maintains a permanent official record for the protection of the public, relating to ownership and encumbrances of real and personal property, marriage, and miscellaneous records, passport and fictitious business names, and maintains vital personal statistics for the county. The Election Division is responsible for administration of elections and registration. The division conducts all Federal, State, County and special district elections. In addition, the division is responsible for distribution and collection of campaign statement reports, and statements of economic interest reports. The responsibility of Clerk (Clerk of the Court) was transferred to Superior Court jurisdiction on September 1, 1989. This includes the filing and maintenance of all court related records. Area Investigated Item #1 - Staff and General Operation
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CM8The Board of Supervisors and the Building & Grounds personnel are to be congratulated for the installation of the master control system at the courthouse. This installation saved the county $20,000.00 in electric costs over the previous year. Area Investigated and the second of the second of the second Item #2 - Central Services
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CM9The director and Board of Supervisors should be commended for re-locating JDTD into Marysville to better serve participants. Area Investigated Item #2 - Activities
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CM10The librarian and staff are commended for their dedicated service and hard work in making the best of an antiquated system. The Librarian is further commended for developing and maintaining the "Early California History Room" which is recognized as the best in Northern California. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COUNTY COMMITTEE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY SERVICES Analysis The Office of Emergency Services is responsible for coordinating the County's Disaster Preparedness and Civil Defense programs by identifying threats, and assisting county departments and other agencies in organizing emergency service staffs, conducting public information programs, and developing plans for emergency operational procedures. In addition, the office is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining the State mandated Underground Storage Tank, and Hazardous and Toxics Inventory programs. Area Investigated Item #1 - Location of Emergency Power and Communications Equipment
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CM11The Treasurer-Tax Collector should be commended for his investment expertise and sound investment policy. Area Investigated Item #2 - Outside Audit
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CM12The Veterans Service Officer is commended for seeking cooperative assistance with Butte County Veterans Service Office for the implementation of van service from Chico for Yuba/Sutter area veterans and their families who are unable to provide their own transportation to Sacramento Veterans Outpatient Clinic. Area Investigated Item #2 - Handicap/Disability Ramp Findinas Since the bi-county Veterans Service Office was moved into the old Yuba County Hospital, there has not been a direct and easy access to the veterans office without going through the Planning and Building Department to reach the Veterans Service Office. This situation was mentioned to the County Administrative Officer in February 1990, suggesting a change in location to better accommodate veterans having difficulty.
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CM13The Grand Jury commends the County Administrative Officer for taking positive action to relocate the Veterans Service Office. Area Investigated Item #3 - Staff Effectiveness
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CM14This is a highly motivated office in the county government structure. The personnel are to be commended for their dedication and willingness to work in an overcrowded environment. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COURT & LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE YUBA COUNTY JAIL Analysis Yuba County Jail is operated by the Sheriff's Department Special Services Division. Special Services is one of three main divisions within the Sheriff's Department responsible for jail operations and department communications, dispatching and records. The jail division provides confinement of individuals arrested by law enforcement agencies and those committed by the court process. Area Investigated Item No #1 - Facility
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CM15The Grand Jury commends the Municipal Court staff for performing at an optimal level of proficiency. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COURT & LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE YUBA COUNTY PROBATION DEPARTMENT Analysis The Probation Department is a component of the Yuba County Justice System which provides enforcement and investigative support to the courts. The Department primarily includes the following divisions: *Support Services Division Provides administative support, prepares the budget, performs accounting functions, maintains training programs, and provides other supportive services required.
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CM16*Special Services Division Recommends appropriate penalties and sanctions for criminal conduct and juvenile delinquency, enforces and implements court orders, provides alternatives to incarcerations, implements special programs to prevent crime and reduce delinquency, and provides services to victims and witnesses of crimes. The Department has a total of fifty-eight (58) full-time probation officers and deputies. Thirty-five (35) are assigned to the Yuba/Sutter Juvenile Hall, and the remaining twenty-three (23) are assigned approximately one hundred forty (140) active cases. Sentencing pre-investigation accounts for fifty percent (50%) of caseload work. The present staff seems adequate.
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CM17The summary received from the Chief Probation Officer regarding the Department's activities was very impressive. The Grand Jury wishes to thank all persons contacted for their assistance. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COURT & LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE YUBA COUNTY SHERIFF Analysis The County Sheriff's Department provides law enforcement in all areas of Yuba County except within the city limits of Marysville, Wheatland and the military reservation of Beale A.F.B. The duties of the Sheriff do not include routine traffic law enforcement nor accident investigation. These duties are being performed by the California Highway Patrol. Current staffing levels provide for approximately twenty-four to twenty-six (24-26) sworn officers being assigned to patrol duties. The foothill areas of the county are vast. Currently there are two (2) sergeants and three (3) deputies assigned resident duties. Area investigated Item No #1 - Yuba County Jail
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CM18The Grand Jury continues to be impressed with the staff, programs, and general condition of the physical property available. The programs offered and provided are straightforward and should enhance the chances of survival upon release. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 COURT & LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE WHEATLAND POLICE Analysis Wheatland Police Department employs one (1) Chief of Police, four (4) full-time officers, and one (1) dispatcher. The jurisdiction of the department is within the city limits of Wheatland. Area Investigated Item No #1 - Facility
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CM19The Department is commended by the Grand Jury for its effort in maintaining a quality Health Care Program considering their limited facilities and funding. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 HEALTH & WELFARE COMMITTEE ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Analysis Environmental Health is a division of the Department of Health Services responsible for various health and land use programs including, but not limited to, the following: *Water Quality Control - Ensures County water users receive water that is safe to drink, and that the quantity of water supplied is adequate to meet user needs. Issues permits and provides inspections as required. *Sewage Disposal - Provides permits for inspection of sewage disposal installations, alterations and/or repairs in accordance with Yuba County Ordinance Code, Chapter 7.07. Soil studies may be conducted to verify septic system engineering requirements. *Land Use - Reviews all new land development projects to assure adequate water supply, sewage disposal, and environmental quality are maintained. Soil studies may be conducted to verify soil conditions for various installations. *Solid Waste - Provides permits for solid waste facilities and inspection of landfills for proper handling, processing and disposal of solid waste. *Hazardous Waste and Toxics - Enforces infectious waste laws and responds to hazardous waste/toxic spills. The department implements hazardous waste and contaminant clean-up investigations and refers the projects to the proper authorities outside the county for clean-up. *Food - Provides consumer protection from food-borne illnesses and filth in accordance with State laws through inspection of all food establishments. *Housing - Enforces State statutes and local ordinances governing sanitation for residential, hotel, motel, boarding and other residential facilities within incorporated areas of Yuba County. *Occupational Health - Performs only an advisory role regarding occupational health and safety. Refers complaints to CAL-OSHA and/or other related programs. Services are managed by a Director assisted by four (4) Environmental Health Specialists, one (1) Environmental Health Trainee, and two (2) clerical support positions. Although additional staffing would allow better consumer protection and a more responsive land use and development program, the Environmental Health Director indicates present staffing is adequate. Present staffing provides sufficient manpower and adequate expertise to properly administer all the departmental programs. Areas Investigated Item No. 1 - Public Service
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CM20The Grand Jury feels that the resignation of the current director will be a great loss to Yuba County. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 PUBLIC WORKS WATER, ROADS AND BRIDGES COMMITTEE YUBA COUNTY WATER AGENCY Analysis The Yuba County Water Agency (YCWA) was created by a special act of the State legislature in 1959. The act originally empowered the Board of Supervisors to act as the Board of Directors. State legislation amended the act in 1975 to create a Water Agency Council compromised of elected delegates from each of the twenty (20) Yuba County Water Agencies and Levee Districts. Legislation empowered the Advisory Council to elect two (2) of its members to serve two (2) years on the YCWA Board of Directors expanding the Board membership from five (5) to seven (7). YCWA is a self-supporting political subdivision of the state and not subordinate to the county. Operating revenues are derived from contracts with water districts and tax revenues. Pacific Gas and Electric power plant operations and maintenance funds are from water sales. The agency is bound to numerous contracts which include but are not limited to California Fish and Game, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Pacific Gas and Electric (through the year 2016), Davis Dundsky Recreation Facilities Act and water sales contracts with the Department of Water Resources and other utilities/municipalities. The agency is staffed by one (1) full time Engineer-Administrator, one (1) Project Secretary and eleven (11) other Bullard Bar power project employees. Pacific Gas and Electric pays 60% of the project secretary's salary and 100% of the power plant employee's salary. Area Investigated Item No. 1: Water Sales Priorities
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CM21The YCWA Engineer/Director is commended for his outstanding cooperation to the Grand Jury and commitment to the agency. Having toured all of the facilities we would applaud the work and dedication of all the employees of the YCWA. .
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CM22and the second Carried States of the Control of the Section and the second section is . SCHOOLS COMMITTEE .
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CM23Marian Carlos Santa GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 SCHOOLS COMMITTEE CAMPTONVILLE UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT Analysis Camptonville Union School District serves one hundred twenty students (120) grades K thru 8 , and has twenty-one (21) employees. Area Investigated Item #1 - Drinking Water
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CM24The staff and parents are to be commended for their resourcefulness and patience in dealing with this inconvenience. Area Investigated Item #2 - Developer Fees
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CM25The administrators of MJUSD acted immediately, in cooperation with the Grand Jury, to alert their principals to the importance of recognizing possible child abuse in our schools.
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CM26The staff is to be commended for their enthusiasm and work in obtaining a grant to purchase computers and programs. Student involvement is impressive. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 SCHOOLS COMMITTEE WHEATLAND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Analysis
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CM27Wheatland Elementary School District serves 1660 students in grades K- 8 with six (6) administrators, ninety (90) teachers and fifty (50) classified personnel. Area Investigated Item #1 - Child Abuse Reporting
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CM28The Staff is to be commended for the programs associated with combating substance abuse, and most especially the High School Student Support Groups. Area Investigated Item #2 - Child Abuse Reporting
Comments 5
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CO1This Department should be commended for installing public awareness signs, which have been placed throughout the County, making the public aware of welfare fraud and providing a hotline to the investigation division. Area Reviewed/Investigated Item No. 1 - AFDC/GAIN
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CO2The Board of Supervisors and Director of Social Services are to be commended for their insight as to the importance of this Shop. 400 PUBLIC WORKS/WATER/ROADS ANDS BRIDGES COMMITTEE .
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CO3. . . GRAND JURY REPORT 1989-90 PUBLIC WORKS WATER, ROADS AND BRIDGES COMMITTEE RECLAMATION DISTRICT #784 Analysis The Reclamation District is controlled by a five-man elected board of directors. The district is checked twice annually by two (2) inspectors from the State Reclamation Board, which is accountable to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Reclamation District is responsible for the maintenance of fifty-two (52) miles of levees, originally built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, as well as for the drainage system of the area south of the Yuba River. The district is staffed by a working-manager, one (1) employee, one (1) part-time secretary, and any help they can get from inmates. The total current budget is $180,000. Areas Investigated Item #1 - Levee System
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CO4The Department is faced with several major changes in the next fiscal year, including a new director, a move to new offices, and implementation of the CADD system. The new Director should immediately familiarize himself with, and be guided by, the South Yuba Drainage Master Plan, which was adopted in 1985 by the Board of Supervisors.
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CO5There is some evidence of waste and mismanagement in the food service department. We suggest that the 1990-1991 Grand Jury conduct an in-depth reveiw of this department. GRAND JURY REPORT 1989 - 90 SCHOOLS COMMITTEE PLUMAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Analysis The present enrollment is thirty (30) students K- 8. The school is staffed by two (2) teachers, two (2) instructional - aides and one part-time custodian. School lunches are presently purchased from the Wheatland School District, and transportation is contracted from Wheatland Union High School. Area Investigated Item #1 - Child Abuse Reporting
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.