Kern County Grand Jury • 2022-2023

Serving the Medical Needs of a Rural Area File photos by Kern Valley Hospital District

Published: June 14, 2022 11 pages
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Findings and Recommendations 9 findings

F1
The growing and aging population, converging with tourism, old facilities and seismic retrofit requirements, has created a need for major renovations and remodeling of the current infrastructure.
No recommendations for this finding
F2
There are few qualified contractors that are willing and/or able to undertake a major construction project in the Kern River Valley, limiting the breadth of the contractor bid process.
No recommendations for this finding
F3
The architect of record, coordinates with the KVHD Management Team and is responsible for submissions to HCAI on behalf of KVHD.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
The coordination between KVHD, the Architect, the Project Manager, and Construction Manager is imperative in keeping the complex task of having the hospital fully functional during construction.
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
No later than November 1, 2022, KVHD should contract with a dedicated Project Manager to work closely with an assigned liaison and the Board of Directors to oversee all phases of the entire project, establish project needs and coordinate all areas of the retrofit/remodel/build. The Project Manager should:  In conjunction with the Architect and Construction Manager, determine and define the project scope and objectives.  Forecast resources needed to reach objectives and manage resources in an effective and efficient manner.  In conjunction with the Financial Officer, prepare a budget based on the scope of work, resource requirements, and fiscal health of KVHD.  Track project costs in order to meet budget and prepare for cost overruns or unanticipated cost increases.  Develop and manage a detailed project schedule and work plan.  Provide timely project updates to various stakeholders about strategy, adjustments, and progress.  Manage contracts with vendors and suppliers by assigning tasks and communicating expected deliverables.  Utilize industry best practices, techniques, and standards throughout entire project execution.  Monitor progress and adjust as needed.  Measure project performance to identify areas for improvement. (Finding 4)
R2
of hiring/contracting, the Project Manager should develop a comprehensive Master Projects Schedule that will include all aspects of the construction plan. (Findings 4, 5 and 6)
R3
Plans have been submitted to HCAI and are under review. The Request for Proposal (RFP - bidding process) and contract for a Construction Manager should be completed no later than February 1, 2023, or 90 days prior to the anticipated final approval of the plans from HCAI, whichever comes first. (Findings 4 and 6)
F5
A comprehensive Master Projects Schedule has not been written to be disseminated.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
Cease “accepting” Committee Meeting Minutes prior to their approval by the authoring committee. Minutes can be “accepted, subject to approval” by the Board of Directors if they have not been accepted by the issuing committee. (Finding 5) NOTES:  Kern Valley Healthcare 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 Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSE DEADLINE: 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.
F6
The completion of a construction project is dependent on having the correct personnel contracted to perform all the unique functions required for the successful completion of the build. An additional layer of management is needed to assure proper sequencing and timely performance. Specifically, this includes both a Project Manager and a Construction Manager, typically contracted professionals. Without these professionals, time frames can be extended, and materials are at risk of not being ordered and delivered on a timely basis.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
In addition to the primary duty of overseeing a construction project, of hiring/contracting, the Construction Manager should:  Work closely with the Project Manager to establish the requirements for the construction.  Assist in the bidding process.  Liaise with local authorities to obtain licenses and permits for the project.  Ensure the construction project complies with all safety and building regulations.  Conduct an in-depth analysis of the project to formulate the budget and develop the deliverables.  Prepare necessary reports on the project.  Maintain daily employee logs and monitor the cost codes of each one of them. (Finding 6)
F7
Inflation is a risk factor in any long-term project. A shortage of certain goods or products can create an increase in price. Likewise, when the cost of producing actual goods increases, or there is an increase in the price of products, the cost of the entire project will go up. These factors are currently being considered in the budgeting process of the project.
Related Recommendations (2)
R5
To minimize the negative impact of inflation or other construction difficulties, the Building and Planning Committee should complete a monthly cost analysis. (Finding 7)
R6
KVHD should require a Performance Bond and Labor Bond to ensure the successful completion of the retrofit/rebuild. (Finding 7)
F8
Committee Meeting Minutes are considered a legal document and open to public view once they are approved by the issuing committee. KVHD’s Board of Directors routinely approves committee minutes prior to them being approved by the issuing committee. A potential conflict exists if the draft of the Committee Minutes are approved by the Board of Directors and then corrected by the issuing committee.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
After a two-year hiatus, due to COVID, KVHD is resuming outreach activities addressing drug addiction and senior nutrition in the Kern River Valley. COMMENTS: The Grand Jury thanks the management and staff of Kern Valley Healthcare District and other entities for their help and cooperation in compiling this report.
No recommendations for this finding

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