River Pines Public Utility District

Recommendations 15

• R1

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  • The District should obtain grants, loans or consider further rate increases to finance the needed capital improvements. Record Keeping: Fact: • The District maintains records necessary to comply with all requirements of the regulatory agencies.
• R2

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  • None Water System: Facts: • At the time of our tour the District was preparing to put the Consumnes River water treatment facilities into operation. • When the river flow drops below 15 cubic feet per second (cfs) the District is required to cease drawing water from the river. • The District has recently removed sediments in the riverbed that had been blocking the water intake. Findings: • The river as a source of water is limited to the flow (15 cfs) of the river. • The water is available from the river usually between the months of December to May. This period of time may be longer or shorter depending on the length of the rainy season. 90 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report
• R3

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  • The District needs to develop a reliable alternate source of potable water that meets the requirements for safe drinking water. Fact: • The treatment plant utilizes the “Slow Sand Filtering System” to filter out the microscopic particles from the raw water. This system also treats and removes undesirable algae from the raw water. The processed water is then chlorinated and is ready for domestic use.
• R4

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  • Modify river water treatment plant “Slow Sand Filter System” to minimize the out of service time. Fact: • The treatment plant does not have standby power in the event of a power failure.
• R5

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  • The District should obtain a portable standby generator that could be used at the river treatment plant and at the well sites. Facts: • When the District is required to cease drawing water from the river, the district then draws water from the two District wells, No. 2 and No. 6R. Well No. 2 produces 25 gallons per minute, and it is only used to augment district water needs. Well No. 6R is the primary source of water when the river source is discontinued. Well No. 6R water is not treated, and it regularly does not meet the minimum water quality requirement. The District personnel state that a pond and a septic system located near well 6R is a possible reason this well fails to meet the minimum water quality requirements. The failure of well 6R to meet the minimum water quality requires the State Regional Quality Control Board to issue the “Boil Water” requirement to District customers. • The District is in the process of procuring a grant to install a treatment system for well 6R. • Plans for treatment facilities for Well No. 6R are being prepared by a local Civil Engineering firm. • The improvements to well 6R are to be financed by a grant of $350,000.
• R6

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  • The District needs to increase the storage facilities for treated water. Facts: • Water is distributed from the storage reservoirs to customers through transmission lines. The largest of these water transmission lines is 6 inches in diameter. The 6-inch water transmission lines were installed in 1985. • Many customer services lines are old, under sized and are in poor condition.
• R7

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  • The District should replace old and inadequate lines. Sewer Collection and Treatment Facilities: Background: The sewer collection and treatment facilities were constructed in 1985. The collection system consists of sewer lines, manholes, service lines and three sewage lift stations. The collection system uses a combination of gravity and lift stations to convey the sewer influent to the treatment facility. Fact: • There are no violations or complaints from the agencies that regulate the operation of the sewer system at the time of this report.
• R8

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  • Retrofit the sewer lift stations with a phone dialup or radio alert system to warn operators of a station failure. Fact: • The treatment plant was constructed at the same time as the collection system (1985). It consists of two aeration ponds, one holding or finishing pond and a spray disposal field. Findings: • The treatment plant is operating within guidelines and regulations of the State Regional Quality Control Board. • Weed control within the treatment plant is accomplished with two goats. Recommendations: • None Response Required: The District must respond to this report per California Penal Code 933.05. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 93 Citizen Complaints 94 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report Introduction Throughout its term, the Grand Jury receives complaints filed by citizens. Serious consideration is given to each complaint. Responding to a citizen complaint may prompt the Grand Jury to conduct a full investigation of the subject matter of the complaint. A copy of the complaint form is located in the
• R9

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  • Proceed with the plans for consolidation and outsourcing. Agency Response: The AWA agrees and supports the recommendation for consolidation of Improvement Districts within the Agency’s jurisdiction. This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, scheduled for initial studies in fiscal year 2002/03. The AWA agrees and supports the recommendations to outsource billing statements. The recommendation has been implemented as part of the Long Term Strategic Plan as of July, 2002. County Service Areas (CSA) Findings: • The County Service Areas 1, 2, 3 and 4, owned by Amador County, are now being serviced by AWA under contract with the county. • It is anticipated that the assets of the CSA’s will be transferred to AWA by July 2002, at which time they will be owned and operated by the Agency. • The 2000/2001 Grand Jury preformed a complete comprehensive review of CSA 3. • The Water Agency has reviewed the 2000/2001 Grand Jury report and is addressing each recommendation in conjunction with the California Water Quality Control Board. Agency Response: The AWA agrees with the findings. 102 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report Recommendations: • None Water Rates and Public Notification Findings: • For each proposed rate change, AWA must incur multiple administrative costs for each district including budget, accounting, legal review, Proposition 218 compliance, and special board meetings, mailings and special reports to the State regulatory agencies. • There is sufficient notice to customers of rate changes. • The present structure of multiple rates is a cumbersome and costly method of accounting. Agency Response: The AWA agrees with the findings.
• R10

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  • It is recommended that AWA adopt a single rate for potable water and a single rate for waste water. Agency Response: The AWA generally agrees with the concept to adopt a single rate for potable water and a single rate for wastewater by consolidating improvement districts when economically viable. Efficiencies can be gained and the cost of service is similar between the various improvement districts and areas. This recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented as part of our Long Term Strategic Plan, scheduled for review and initial study in 2003-2004 for water rates in Improvement Districts 1,2,3, and 4 and CSA’s 1,2, and 3 and for 2002-2003 for Wastewater Improvement Districts 2,3,4,5,6,7,8 and 9 and CSA’s 3 and 4. Water Safety Findings: • AWA has taken all the necessary corrective steps to ensure compliance testing of backflow devices. • AWA now has an adequate system in place for notifying customers of backflow testing requirements and time frames. Agency Response: The AWA agrees with the findings. Recommendations: • None 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 103 Future Water Needs Findings: • The AWA recognizes that the county’s present water supply may have to be augmented in the future and is planning for such a contingency. Agency Response: The AWA agrees with the findings. Recommendations: • None 2002-2003 Grand Jury Comments: The Agency response was received by the 2002-2003 Grand Jury on August 28, 2002 from the General Manager. The Response was timely and complies with the requirements of California Penal code 933.05. The Agency was contacted concerning outsource billing. Implementation of outsource billing has freed up staff for other tasks. However, several of the recommendations will not be studied and/or implemented until 2003. Therefore, the Grand Jury will refer this matter for additional follow up in the next two years. 104 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report Child Protective Services Follow Up Report Introduction: The 2001-2002 Grand Jury has elected to review and evaluate Child Protective Services (CPS) pursuant to Penal Code 925. The function of Child Protective Services (CPS) in Amador County is to investigate all allegations of child abuse, offer services to families in turmoil, to remove children from dangerous or potentially dangerous living situations, to aid in the reunification of families when possible, and to provide permanent solutions for children who cannot return to their homes. Findings: • Amador County CPS personnel are well trained, dedicated, and efficient. This is evidenced by the low turnover rate and high quality of their work, as noted in the recent Federal Review. Response Department Head: We agree that the Amador County ÇPS personnel are well trained, dedicated and efficient. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding. Findings: • Amador County CPS managers have taken adequate precautions to ensure the safety of social workers. Response Department Head: We agree that the Amador County CPS managers have taken adequate precautions to ensure the safety of social workers. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding. Findings: • There is no possibility of hiring temporary replacements for social workers. When a social worker is out on an extended leave, the caseload increases significantly on the remaining social workers, causing excessive stress. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 105 Response Department Head: We do not agree that there is no possibility of hiring temporary replacements for social workers on a leave of absence. There simply has not been anyone to date who is qualified and willing to accept his assignment. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with the Department Head that the possibility does exist to find temporary replacement workers. Different recruitment strategies may need to be reviewed to address this situation.
• R11

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  • Expand the staffing at CPS to allow for reasonable coverage of cases when social workers are forced to fill in for the absent co-workers. Response Department Head: We partially disagree with the recommendations to expand CPS staffing to allow for reasonable coverage of cases when social workers are forced to fill in for absent co- workers. Budget constraints do not allow us to hire additional staff. We will look at this area again during budget hearings. Response Board of Supervisors: The County will not implement this recommendation. While additional staff would most likely enhance coverage, new positions cannot be added due to current State budget constraints. Child Protective Services (CPS) is a program that, while administered by the County, is funded by the State. Unfortunately, the status of the State budget makes it very unlikely that the resource will be available to support additional staff positions. Findings: • There is cohesiveness between social workers, peace officers, and school personnel that results in the child’s needs being met in a timely and sensitive manner Response Department Head: We agree there is cohesiveness between social workers, peace officers, and school personnel that results in the child’s needs being met in a timely and sensitive manner. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with the finding.
• R12

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  None. 106 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report Findings: • Social workers do not have peace officer status, and as such, cannot enter a home to remove a child. Response Department Head: We agree that social workers do not have peace officer status, and as such, cannot enter a home to remove a child. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding. Recommendations: None Findings: • Family visitation is financially difficult for some parents whose child/children are living in foster care. Response Department Head: We agree that family visitation is financially difficult for some parents whose child/children are living foster care. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding. Findings: • More licensed foster family homes in Amador County would be advantageous to children in foster care and their families, and would be less costly for the County. Response Department Head: We agree that more licensed foster family homes in Amador County would be advantages to children in foster care and their families, and would be less costly for the County. Response Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding. Findings: • Foster parents certified through foster family agency homes prefer to be certified through an agency rather than to be licensed through the state. They feel protected by their agency in liability matters and appreciate additional support given by the agency. Response Department Head: We agree that foster parents certified through foster family agency homes prefer to be certified through an agency rather than be licensed through the State. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 107 Response Board of Supervisors: This is not an issue for which the Board has received supporting information, thus the Board cannot agree or disagree with this finding.
• R13

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  • Establish a system to monitor vehicular traffic entering and leaving the camp property. Agency Response: Pine Grove YCC is exploring systems available to monitor vehicular traffic entering and leaving the Camp. After we identify the type of system we need, a Budget Change Proposal (BCP) will be written to justify an expenditure of funds. At this time, budget constraints have had a major impact on the purchases at Pine Grove YCC.
• R14

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  • Fill the vacant nurse position as soon as possible. Agency Response: The nurse vacancy at Pine Grove YCC was filled in March 2002. Debra Lehman is the Registered Nurse filling the position and she is a great addition to the team. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Comments: Members of the Jury visited the Camp, met with the Superintendent and two other members of the staff in an informal interview. The Camp is located at the end of a ‘dead-end’ street, and although the camp is fenced on the perimeter, it is not ‘gated’ or enclosed. The Superintendent informed the Jury of people arriving, thinking that the “Pine Grove Conservation Camp” sign meant a park for recreational vehicles. Although Staff quickly acknowledges visitors/vehicles arriving, the Superintendent and his staff desire an electronic surveillance system for the entrance. The Superintendent informed the Jury that the Governor has requested a 20% budget reduction for all agencies, which will affect the Camp. In light of budget restrictions, the probability of the Camp being able to purchase an electronic surveillance system at this time is remote. The jury was informed of the positive aspects of having the nurse on site two days a week, and available for emergencies at other times. There is a doctor on call and available for emergencies. The Agency filed their Response in a timely manner and in accordance with the requirements of Penal Code section 933.05. 110 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report Amador County Detention Facility Follow Up Report Introduction: The Grand Jury is required annually, to review all prisons and jails within the county as per the California Penal code section 919(b). The Amador County Detention Facility (Jail), under direction of the sheriff, serves as the sole incarceration facility for both pre-trial and sentenced male and female inmates. With the exception of the Jail Commander, the custodial staff is comprised of professional Correctional Officers with the responsibility for overseeing both maximum and minimum-security inmates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are required to transport inmates to and from court and medical facilities and supervise work details outside the jail. Food Services Findings: • Inmate meals are adequate and nutritionally sound. • Acquiring meals from Stanislaus County is a financially sound method of providing food to the inmates, at the Amador County Detention Facility. • The meal storage and reheating facilities at the jail are presently in an extremely crowded area, the current remodeling plans will alleviate this problem. Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings of the Grand Jury. The Sheriff’s office continues to face the challenge of providing meals to the inmate population in a facility that was built without a kitchen. The county hospital originally provided meals for the jail, however the county sold the hospital to private industry and meals were no longer available from that source. Several changes in meal vendors have occurred since then. Two years ago, the Sheriff’s office obtained the cooperation of the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s office to provide “retherm” meals to Amador County. An interim retherm kitchen was added to the jail facility. There are currently efforts to build a new retherm kitchen as part of a remodel project for the jail. The California Board of Corrections and the California State Fire Marshal recently approved the plans for the remodel. The next step in the construction process is the Board of Supervisors requesting construction bids for the actual construction of the project. It is the Sheriffs understanding that the request for construction bids should occur within the next two months. The majority of funding for this project is being taken from the Sheriff’s award from the State of California under the Rural Crime Prevention Act of 2001. Response by the Board of Supervisors: The Board agrees with this finding Recommendations: • None 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 111 Inmate Housing Findings: • With increased population in the county and surrounding areas, along with increased visitors, the overcrowding situation will continue and may even increase. 24 2001-2002 Recommendations: To the Board of Supervisors • The Board of Supervisors should reactivate the plans to build a minimum-security facility. Response by the Board of Supervisors: The Board partially agrees with this finding. As noted by the sheriff, alternative solutions are currently being pursued which may help alleviate future overcrowding. The ten-year Capital Improvement Plan for the county does include construction of a minimum-security facility. Unfortunately, however, there are currently insufficient funds within the Capital Improvement Reserve Fund account to initiate this project. Funded projects include the Sheriff’s Office Administrative Office Expansion, renovations to the existing jail, the new courthouse, and Animal Shelter. The majority of the funding for the jail renovations will come from the Sheriff’s award from the State’s Rural Crime Prevention Act of 2001. In addition to construction costs, a new minimum-security facility would have significantly increased operational costs, which cannot currently be supported by the General Fund. The Board supports current planning efforts being conducted to identify alternative solutions including home electronic monitoring and work programs. Recommendations: To the Amador County Detention Facility: • Investigate other options for housing minimum-security inmates, such as space that may be available at Preston. Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings and recommendations of the Grand Jury. The Sheriff agrees with the long-term solution to jail crowding is the construction of a minimum- security facility. How ever, the Board of Supervisors, out of necessity, has committed all of the currently available county capital improvement funds to the construction of a new courthouse and animal shelter. The county lacks construction funds or more importantly funding for the ongoing operational costs of a minimum-security facility. The county needs to address the funding of both the construction and on going operational costs before a minimum-security facility could move forward. The Sheriff agrees with the Grand Jury that an interim solution to over crowding is to pursue other options for the housing of minimum-security inmates. The Sheriff has in the past and continues to investigate other options for the housing of inmates. The recent early release of inmates due to over crowding is the least acceptable of options. However, out of necessity it is the option that the jail has resorted to in an effort to stay within the Board of Correction rate of capacity. 112 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report The Sheriff’s staff has specifically met with the administrative staff of the Preston School of Industry, CYA Facility in Ione. Preston does not have available space that could be used by the Sheriff to house prisoners. If there were available space at Preston, it would be nearly impossible to construct a sufficient site and sound barrier between the CYA wards and the jail inmates to satisfy state standards. Currently the Sheriff’s office s working with the Superior Court, Probation Department, District Attorney, County Administration Officer and Public Defenders office to explore the implementation of a “home electronic monitoring” program. The effort is to provide an alternative to incarceration for up to approximately twenty inmates at a time. Thereby, removing up to twenty inmates from the jail population. However, such a program has costs, a request for funding has been submitted by the Sheriff and the Chief Probation Officer during the county final budget hearing process in August and September of 2002. Staffing Findings: • The, most recent reports from the California Board of Corrections give positive marks to operations and line staff attention to standards. • Low staffing levels due to vacancies lead to poor staff morale. Low morale can have a detrimental effect on inmate conduct. • The, lack of a Correctional Manager position not only limits the effectiveness of supervision, but also limits the promotional opportunity, recruitment and retention within the jail. Recommendations: To the Board of Supervisors: • Add one Correctional Officer to the staffing plan as described in the staffing plan of March 2000. • Authorize a new Correctional Manager position as described in the staffing plan of March 2000. Response by the Board of Supervisors: The Board refers to the Sheriff’s response for this non-fiscal finding. The Board partially agrees with this response. Low staffing levels can lead to low morale, however, managerial options exist which can assist in maintaining or enhancing morale. The Board continues to work closely with the Sheriff in not only monitoring vacancies, but also budget conditions. The Board partially agrees with this finding. Additional positions can increase promotional opportunities, however, due to the State Budget situation, alternative options need to be assessed to maintain and enhance the effectiveness of supervision as well as recruitment and retention within the jail. Recommendations: To the Amador County Detention Facility: • Continue an aggressive Correctional Officer Recruitment program for filling vacant positions. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 113 Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings and the recommendation of the Grand Jury relative to staffing. The Sheriff has been engaging in an aggressive recruitment effort to fill the vacant positions in the jail. The Sheriff’s office has advertised on radio, in newspapers, free local advertising handouts, at job fairs, on the Internet, and at law enforcement academies. The Sheriff is committed to continuing these efforts. The recruitment efforts are currently a dead end project. The County has imposed an interim-hiring freeze countywide. While the Sheriff has obtained authorization to fill one vacant position, there are still five vacant positions that may not be filled due to the hiring freeze. The Sheriff is hopeful that when the state finally passes their budget, the county will be able to pass the county budget, with authorization to fill the vacant positions. Operations: Findings: • The procedural guidelines for recording information in the Jail Incident Log are inadequate and vague leaving interpretation up to the individual Correctional Officers. Recommendations: • Establish clearly worded procedures for reporting incidents that eliminate inconsistent interpretations by staff members. • Implement a "fail safe" method that insures consistent entries in the Incident Log. Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings and recommendations of the Grand Jury. In response, the Sheriff’s staff is doing two things. The first is to advise the guidelines to staff, within the jail policy manual on incident reporting. This has been accomplished and implemented. Line and supervisory staff have been briefed on revised guidelines for incident reporting. The Sheriff’s staff recently installed new software for the jail management system. The staff is working with the software vendor to create a ”fail safe” system that requires supervisory oversights and approval of all entries in the incident reporting system. This should be completed in August 2002. Supervision Findings: • The lack of continuity of management and supervision has an adverse effect on staff morale and also affects the attitude, demeanor and actions of inmates. • The effectiveness of supervision would improve with the addition of a Jail Manager. 114 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report • Vague guidelines lead to inconsistent supervision as noted in the Operations section above. Recommendations: • Establish the position of Correctional Manager as recommended in the Staffing section above. Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings and recommendations of the Grand Jury. A staffing plan reflecting the addition of a Correctional Manager was submitted to the board of supervisors in March of 2000. The Board of Supervisors has not authorized nor funded this position in any subsequent budget. The initial guidelines from the Board of Supervisors for the submission of budget request for fiscal year 2002-2003 indicated that the various departments should submit no request for new positions. This was due to the uncertain financial future of the county. While it is up to the Board of Supervisors to fund and authorize a new position of Correctional Manager, the Sheriff understands the uncertain financial future of the county. When funding is available, the Sheriff is confident that the Board of Supervisors will agree additional supervision and management of the jail system is essential. Inmate Medical Services Findings: • The registered nurse saw inmates who requested sick call in a timely manner. • Medical records including Doctors Orders, Problem List, Progress Notes and photographs were found to be legible and in order. • Inmates were advised as to their assessment plans and follow up care. Inmate patient contacts by the registered nurse are reviewed by the detention physician. Response Department Head: The Sheriff agrees with the findings of the Grand Jury. In 1999, the Sheriff and the Board of Supervisors formed a public/private partnership with California Forensic Medical Group to provide contract medical care to the inmates of the Amador County Jail. The relationship has resulted in a substantial improvement in the medical program for the jail. The program has also resulted in cost containment for what had been rapidly increasing medical costs for the jail. Recommendations: • None 2002-2003 Grand Jury Comments: The Agencies Response was timely and complied with the requirements of Penal Code 933.05. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 115 Senior Services Follow up report Introduction: The 2002-2003 Grand Jury elected to review and evaluate Senior Services pursuant to Penal Code 933.6. The Area 12 Agency on Aging is charged with addressing issues affecting older individuals, adults with disabilities, their families and caregivers. In Amador County, two distinct organizations provide senior services. Amador County Senior Citizens manages and maintains the Amador Senior Center building. Common Ground Senior Services, Inc (CGSS). provides nutrition, legal assistance, transportation and a portion of the information and assistance programs. Home Delivered Meals
• R15

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  • Immediately develop and implement a plan of action to quickly move handicapped children in case of fire or emergency. Response by ACUSD: Done Buses Findings: • Current bus maintenance staffing numbers are less than recommended according to the letter dated April 12, 2002. Response by ACUSD: 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 121 Agree. Current bus maintenance staffing levels may be less than recommended in an April 12 letter; however, the CHP did not recommend staffing numbers. Prior to the CHP March 2002 inspections, the District had contacted the State’s Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team (FCMAT) for a transportation study. At that same time, it took the first steps to replace older vehicles. In April and May the District implemented many of FCMAT’s recommendations, including additional support in bus maintenance staffing and the purchase of eight new buses. In September 2002 the District and its insurance provider began evaluating transportation facilities, procedures and record-keeping. • Extra man hours and overtime expense would be reduced with routine scheduled bus maintenance. Response by ACUSD: Agree • Insufficient funds have been budgeted to provide necessary maintenance or to replace buses. Response by ACUSD: Agree/Disagree. Current bus maintenance staffing numbers may be less than recommended in an April 12 letter; however, the CHP did not recommend staffing numbers. Prior to the CHP March 2002 inspections, the District had contacted the State’s Fiscal Crisis Management and Assistance Team(FCMAT) for a transportation study. At the same time, it took the first steps to replace older vehicles. In April and May the District implemented many of FCMAT’s recommendations, including additional support in bus maintenance staffing and the purchase of eight new buses. In September 2002 the District and its insurance provider began evaluating transportation facilities, procedures and record- keeping. • Replacing older school buses with newer school buses will result in improved passenger safety, fuel cost savings and reduced air pollution. Response by ACUSD: Agree • Students riding in these older buses are far more likely to sustain serious injury in the event of an accident. Response by ACUSD: Agree. Regarding older buses and injuries/federal safety standards, serious injuries are more closely related to the road conditions and speeds allowable on roads than the age of the vehicle. Recommendations: 122 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report • Prepare and implement a staffing plan to determine the number of personnel needed to maintain the bus fleet. Response by ACUSD: Done. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The District has brought in an assistant manager and added another mechanics position, which was advertised in December 2002. • Improve maintenance record keeping. Response by ACUSD: Done 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: A new work order system is in place according to the Director of Transportation. However, upon checking the Transportation office no permanent system was found to be in place, only a demo version the “Maintenance Pro” software program as of 1-13-03. • Retire the buses in the fleet that do not conform to the Federal Safety Standards. Response by ACUSD: Doing. • Budget sufficient money to purchase new or late model used buses in a more timely fashion. Response by ACUSD: Done 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: Bus purchases were made with State lottery money, which has historically been a stable source of funds. Maintenance - Loss Prevention Survey Findings: • The Maintenance Department has corrected nearly half of all the items in the Survey within the past year, including 158 items, which were noted from the 1999 JPA report. Response by ACUSD: Agree • There are 170 items previously noted in 1999 that have not been cleared. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 123 Response by ACUSD: 80% completed; ongoing. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: This figure reportedly came from the head of the Maintenance Department but there was no way to know if the items had been taken care of until the next Loss Prevention Survey was released . A visit to the Maintenance office revealed that no copy of the Loss Prevention Survey was maintained there and there were no records to substantiate that any work was done to clear the items noted in the 1999 Survey. • In spite of last years Grand Jury recommendation to immediately remedy all Life Safety Issues, emergency lights are not working and fire extinguishers require mounting at several locations. Response by ACUSD: Agree • Televisions in several classrooms are not anchored. They are listed as a "Serious Property/Liability Risk". Response by ACUSD: Agree • Trophies in several locations were found to be unsecured. They are listed as a "Serious Property/Liability Risk". Response by ACUSD: Agree • Classrooms at several schools were found to have roof leaks and many stained ceiling tiles with signs of mildew and mold growth. They are listed as "Serious Property/Liability Risk". Response by ACUSD: Agree • The playground and play equipment in several locations does not conform to safety codes and lacks proper cushioning material. They are listed as a "Serious Property/Liability Risk". Response by ACUSD: Partially Agree; Two sites(IES,JES) are being updated; others in conformance. Recommendations: • Mount the fire extinguishers immediately. Response by ACUSD: Done 124 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. • Anchor all TV's immediately. Response by ACUSD: Done. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. • Anchor all trophies immediately. Response by ACUSD: Done. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. • Replace ceiling tiles that have mold and mildew immediately. Response by ACUSD: Done. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. • Repair all roof leaks and re-paint the stained area so new leaks can be identified. Response by ACUSD: Done 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. 2002-2003 Grand Jury Final Report 125 • Develop and implement a plan to update playground equipment and replace cushioning material immediately. Response by ACUSD: Not Done- District not able to update playground equipment financially. This is typically a school site decision, involving staff and parent organizations. However, District maintenance meets with principals monthly to go over a safety checklist. ALL cushioning materials are kept up, with exception of Jackson Elem. And Ione Elem. Playgrounds. Those two sites playgrounds are currently being updated; cushioning will then be added. All Level one playground issues have been addressed. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: The Head of the Maintenance Department reported that this was taken care of by the maintenance staff during the summer of 2002. However, a visit to the Maintenance Department office revealed no records to show that these items were done. • Take all actions required to ensure that all Category 1-Life Safety issues do not reappear on the next Survey. Response by ACUSD: Ongoing. 2002-2003 Grand Jury comments: These items were scheduled to be completed by December 2002 according to the Superintendent.