Public Services Committee

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The Board of Supervisors consider increasing funding for these Districts. (F4) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  East Lake Conservation District via District Board of Directors (90 days)  West Lake Conservation District via District Board of Directors (90 days)  Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Lake County Animal Care and Control Oversight We’re not asking for perfection, just a step in the right direction. Summary: Can a rural county provide humane animal care and services in the current economy? Of the 58 counties in California, Lake County has the highest euthanasia rates, which are four times higher than the California State average.1 After an extensive investigation involving all animal agencies, both public and private, throughout Lake County, the Public Services Committee has found that a shelter medicine and sterilization program here in Lake County is the solution to lowering our disproportionately high animal euthanasia numbers. Background: The Public Services Committee conducted an oversight of Lake County Animal Care and Control (LCACC), whose facility is located at 4949 Helbush Drive in Lakeport, California. This report covers the scope of responsibilities of LCACC, as well as other animal shelter and placement facilities throughout the County. This report also explains the reasons for the county’s large euthanasia numbers and addresses the County’s feral cat problem. The new LCACC facility was completed in April of 2008. The new building is modern and comfortably air-conditioned. The committee toured the facility starting with the grooming and treatment room. Here the animals are brought in for assessment, bathing and treatment of various maladies. Then the committee visited the laundry room that also serves as a feed and storage room. The last stop in the main building was the cat room. Next, the committee toured the second building where dogs are housed. The committee then proceeded to the area behind the main building where there is a large fenced dog run, three double horse corrals and two spacious chicken coups. There is also a large freezer where dead animals are stored before cremation and the incinerator where dead animals are cremated. Procedure: On two separate occasions in August 2010, the Lake County Grand Jury’s Public Services Committee conducted an oversight of LCACC. Committee members were given a thorough tour of the facility and interviewed several staff members. The committee also reviewed requested documents. On the second visit, the committee interviewed the Deputy Director who is presently the acting Director. The committee 1 www.Saveourdogs.net. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee also attended two meetings of the Lake County Animal Advisory Board, which is appointed by and directly advises the Board of Supervisors (the BOS) about county animal issues and concerns. Discussion and facts: 1. The national average for animal shelter euthanasia is 12.5 animals per 1000 citizen population per annum. The average in Contra Costa County is 6.36. In Sonoma County, the average is 2.76. In all of California, Lake County comes in dead last at 44.5 animals euthanized per 1000 population.2 2. The average cost of a spay/neuter procedure in Napa County is $62.50. In Sonoma County, the average cost for the same procedure is $92.00. In Lake County, the average cost for a spay/neuter procedure is $116.00. Lake County has the highest spay/neuter cost of these counties with the lowest per capita income of its citizens. 3. 2032 unadoptable cats were euthanized by LCACC in 2009/2010 (See Animal Intake Disposition attached). Euthanasia and disposal of animals is conducted in the early morning hours before LCACC is open to the public. 4. LCACC can refuse to euthanize an animal brought in by an owner, especially if the animal is healthy. However, LCACC cannot refuse to take in strays. 5. LCACC will trap colonies of feral cats at citizen request in all areas of the county outside the City of Clearlake. This is the only time that LCACC will actively pursue feral cats. 6. It is unlawful for any person to intentionally provide food and water or other forms of sustenance to a feral cat colony without obtaining a Feral Cat Colony Permit from Lake County. One female feral cat and its offspring can produce 422,000 feral cats in a seven-year period.3 (There was an incident in which 62 feral cats were recovered from one Lake County household in 2008.) 7. LCACC is not responsible for removing dead animals from roadways. Lake County Public Works Department is responsible for picking up any dead animals at no charge on county roads only. Lake Disposal, Lake County Waste Solutions or South Lake Refuge is responsible for removal of the carcass on the right-of-way of a county road. County agencies do not provide pick-ups on private property. 8. LCACC’s business hours are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday and 1:00 PM to 3:00PM on Saturday. The telephone hours coincide with Monday through Friday’s business hours. LCACC can be accessed through the county website www.co.lake.ca.us. Testimony in front of Animal Advisory Board given December 7, 2010 by an expert on shelter medicine. Testimony by LCACC director. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 9. LCACC’s annual budget for fiscal year 2010/2011 is $658,000 and reflects $28,000 in cuts. These cuts resulted in the loss of two Animal Control Officers and two Office Assistant positions. One of the vacant staff office positions has recently been filled. However, according to the Acting Director, the loss of staff has negatively impacted LCACC’s ability to keep its website of adoptable animals current. 10. There are six full time employees including the Director. However, the Director has been on extended leave for approximately nine months. 11. All Office Assistants are part time employees. In addition to office personnel, there are seven 900-hour part time employees. Twenty volunteers are responsible for the walking and training of the dogs. Minimum-security inmates from the county jail are utilized in the cage cleaning process and the feeding of the animals. 12. Employees receive three months mandatory training during a probation period. The position of Animal Control Officer I must have some experience in the handling of large and small animals. Animal Control Officer II must have at least one year of experience in the handling of large and small animals. Animal Officer III is required to have at least three years of experience. 13. There are 42 pens available to house dogs; 34 pens are used to house healthy dogs and eight pens are used for dogs that need to be kept in isolation for a variety of reasons. 14. There are 36 cages for adoptable cats with half the cages in use at any one time. The staff transfers cats to clean cages while the remaining cages are cleaned and disinfected. 15. There is a separate feral cat room that contains 34 cages to house cats needing isolation. 16. Prior to June of 2009, domestic pets turned into LCACC were immediately available for adoption without a quarantine period. This resulted in a high disease rate in animals at the shelter. Since June of 2009, all domestic animals brought to the facility are isolated for at least three days. Each and every animal is cleared by staff before being put up for adoption. 17. According to Lake County Ordinance Section 4-7, all dogs and cats must be spay/neutered before adoption. The only exceptions to this ordinance include dogs designated for breeding, animals not old enough to withstand the procedure, and animals that are adopted by out of county residents. Out of county residents adopting an animal are charged an additional deposit, which is returned upon proof of spay/neutering. Pet owners who do not follow this ordinance are subject to a $425 fine for each animal. 18. The Board of Supervisors allocated $8,000 this year in the form of vouchers for LCACC to give to low income citizens of Lake County to help defray the costs of spay/neutering of their pets. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 19. LCACC’s Phase I Plan was the completion of the new state-of-the-art facility. LCACC’s Phase II Plan A is to have the shelter’s own on-site shelter medicine and sterilization program. LCACC already has a fund of $54,000 that was donated by generous Lake County residents for this very purpose. 20. There are several non-profit organizations located throughout Lake County which through various fund raisers and garage sales, provide services such as low cost/ no cost spay/neuter, help pay vet bills, provide supplies for animals owners that find themselves in a temporary financial bind or on a low – fixed income. They also supply cages for trapping feral cats. Most of these organizations are staffed by volunteers and receive no funding from the county. 21. There are two other animal shelters located in Lake County. There is a private SPCA located in Kelseyville and a city-run shelter located in the City of Clearlake. 22. LCACC provides full services throughout Lake County except for the City of Clearlake, which opted to take over the animal control responsibilities in the City of Clearlake in November of 2009. Now limited contracted shelter services up to the amount of $20,000/year are provided to the city of Clearlake by LCACC. Prior to canceling their contract with LCACC, the City of Clearlake led the county in animal intake and requests for services. The bulk of these services rendered had to do with the disposition of feral cats (see the attached Animal Intake by Area Chart and Request for Services Chart). 23. Personal pet cremation services are available at the LCACC facility. These services range from $30.00 for a ten-pound pet up to $85.00 for an over 120 pound pet. Senior citizens 60 and over pay a reduced fee to have their pets cremated 24. County Ordinance Section 4-6 requires that all dogs must be licensed annually. Pet owners who do not license their dogs are subject to a $120 fine. The county licensing fee for each dog is $10 per year. The committee was told that funds are lost to LCACC because many Lake County residents are unaware that the licensing of dogs is an annual fee, not a one-time charge. 25. Citations are issued by Animal Control Officers for a variety of county ordinance violations concerning animal care. Citations are based upon citizen complaints and/or observations made by Animal Control Officers. Unless the complaint involves an at-risk animal, citations are usually issued after a courteous warning is given to the pet owner.

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LCACC update its website with current pictures of animals available for adoption and adjust on-line statistics to accurately reflect their euthanasia rates. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Animal Care and Control via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Lake County Public Service Department Oversight Question: How many hats can a department head wear? Hint: The hat rack is overflowing. Summary: The Public Services Director has dedicated 30 years to improving County facilities and services, while working with other agencies and other outside funding sources to enhance the overall appearance of Lake County. The efficiency of the Public Services Department is no accident. It is the result of the Director’s oversight, planning, foresight, and years of dedication. Background: In 1981, Lake County had fourteen parks. At the time of the writing of this report, the number of parks has grown to twenty-two, and the count is still rising. The Public Services Department is currently responsible for four separate divisions: Building and Grounds Division, Museum Division, Parks and Recreation Division, and Integrated Waste Management Division. Although each division has its own budget unit, the Public Services Department located at 333 Second Street, Lakeport, California, administers the four divisions. The phrase “wears many hats” is descriptive of how a single department touches multiple aspects of Lake County life. The Building and Grounds Division maintains, remodels, and repairs County buildings and grounds with an agenda for the future. The Parks and Recreation Division maintains existing parks and builds new parks and recreation facilities around the lake. The Museum Division preserves the history of Lake County. The integrated public and private sectors of Waste Management maintain, collect, recycle, and process disposables with planning well into the future. Procedure: The Public Services Committee met at the County of Lake Public Services Department in Lakeport in March of 2011 to conduct an interview with the Public Services Director who has served continuously since 1981. Discussion and Facts: 1. The Public Services Department has a myriad of responsibilities. It renovates, cares for, and cleans county buildings; it develops cultural locales such as libraries and museums; and it constructs, landscapes, and maintains hiking trails and roads in County parks and other County properties. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2. The four divisions of the Public Services Department are Building and Grounds, Parks and Recreation, Museum, and Integrated Waste Management. 3. The primary source of funding for the Public Services Department budget unit is County General Fund discretionary revenues. 4. The Public Services Department also generates revenue from leasing courthouse roof space to cellular service providers. 5. A significant increase in grant funding by the California Energy Commission for fiscal year 2010-2011 has funded projects for energy conservation in County facilities. 6. The Public Services Department will also be responsible for the $300,000 renovation of the two elevators located in the courthouse which will be largely funded by a United States Department of Agriculture grant and the California State Court system. 7. The communication site on Mt. Konocti will generate $100,000/year for antennae rentals. The Mt. Konocti Park improvements will be funded by a total of $112,000 realized from existing and prior communication tower lease revenues. 8. The Public Services Department is in the process of constructing a new park in the Clearlake Riviera which will be built around the 1888 historical Ely Stage Stop building. The five-acre park will include a visitors’ center and a farm equipment museum, and is scheduled to open this summer (2011). 9. Recent and future projects include: Nylander Park, Lucerne Creek Park, Hinman Park improvements, Clark’s Island covered bridge, Ely Stage Stop remodel, Saderlund Park landscaping remodel, Lucerne Castle remodel, Upper Lake shop remodel, Clearlake Riviera Park construction, Middletown park construction, Lucerne Alpine Park expansion, Grand Jury building improvements, and Mt. Konocti Park day-use facilities. 10. The Parks and Recreation Division is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of all parks in unincorporated areas. 11. The Integrated Waste Management program is fully self-supporting, funded by user fees and state grants. Due to the downturn in the economy, revenues are down. In order to generate more revenue, the Public Services Department is considering allowing Mendocino County to use Lake County’s landfill facility for a fee. The other option under consideration is a 4% increase in user fees. 12. The Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Handbook, which educates County residents on recycling questions from A to Z, is available at the Lake County Public Services Department. 13. The current County land fill will last until 2022, and has the potential for expansion until the year 2060. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 14. Illegal dumping is occurring throughout Lake County in spite of the fact that there is free drop off at South Lake Refuse & Recycling and Lake County Waste Solutions for most items. 15. Curbside pickup can be arranged for most bulky items by calling 994-8613 or 234-6400. A $10 fee is charged for appliances. Findings: F1. The Public Services Department has constructed and maintains miles of rock walls designed to mimic the WPA rock walls constructed in the 1930’s. F2. The Public Services Director is often denied public grants because Proposition 84, which was passed by the voters in 2008, allocates funds on a per capita basis. Therefore, Lake County and other rural counties often do not qualify for added funding. F3. The Public Services Director has had 27 meetings to receive public input for the future Mt. Konocti Park. An advisory board including local Native Americans has been formed in order to be sensitive to Native spiritual concerns. There will be a fifty-car parking lot and a locked gate which will be opened for day-hiker use only. The present plan is not to allow dogs in the park and to allow equestrian use by permit only. F4. Recent projects in the County include the purchase of and repairs to the recently acquired Lucerne Castle. The Public Services Department has collaborated on the planning of the new mental health building, which has been designed to look like a castle, extending the castle motif. F5. Vandalism has been on the rise in Lake County parks and facilities. Although the County often tries to get restitution or establish alternative work programs for captured offenders, committee members were informed that work programs often end up being ineffective. F6. The Public Services Director stated that the Sheriff’s Department is increasing patrol activities around parks in order to combat this vandalism. F7. Based on recommendations of the 2009/2010 Grand Jury, the Public Services Department is installing soap dispensers and hand blow dryers in County park restrooms. Unless County residents treat these new facility improvements with respect, the Public Services Director is not optimistic about their longevity. According to the Director, the park rest rooms are cleaned at least twice every day. In spite of this, the Director still receives complaints about unsanitary conditions in public restrooms. F8. The Public Services Director stated that previously illegal dumping was not aggressively prosecuted. The Public Services Director expressed optimism that Lake County Code Section 9-5.2, which states that illegal dumping is punishable by a fine or thirty days in jail, will be aggressively enforced by the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of the Lake County District Attorney. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Recommendations: R1. Establish a telephone hotline number to be posted in County parks for citizens to report witnessed acts of vandalism and other illegal activities. (F5) R2. The office of the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement work together to enforce Lake County Code Section 9-5.2. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Sheriff (60 days)  District Attorney (60 days)  Public Services Department via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division via Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Blank -2011 Lake County Civil Grand Second Street Kelseyville, CA 95451 Contact information: Telephone 707-279-8619 Fax 707-279-1983 To obtain complaint forms online: http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Residents/Law/complaints.htm 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury

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LCACC update its website with current pictures of animals available for adoption and adjust on-line statistics to accurately reflect their euthanasia rates. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Animal Care and Control via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Lake County Public Service Department Oversight Question: How many hats can a department head wear? Hint: The hat rack is overflowing. Summary: The Public Services Director has dedicated 30 years to improving County facilities and services, while working with other agencies and other outside funding sources to enhance the overall appearance of Lake County. The efficiency of the Public Services Department is no accident. It is the result of the Director’s oversight, planning, foresight, and years of dedication. Background: In 1981, Lake County had fourteen parks. At the time of the writing of this report, the number of parks has grown to twenty-two, and the count is still rising. The Public Services Department is currently responsible for four separate divisions: Building and Grounds Division, Museum Division, Parks and Recreation Division, and Integrated Waste Management Division. Although each division has its own budget unit, the Public Services Department located at 333 Second Street, Lakeport, California, administers the four divisions. The phrase “wears many hats” is descriptive of how a single department touches multiple aspects of Lake County life. The Building and Grounds Division maintains, remodels, and repairs County buildings and grounds with an agenda for the future. The Parks and Recreation Division maintains existing parks and builds new parks and recreation facilities around the lake. The Museum Division preserves the history of Lake County. The integrated public and private sectors of Waste Management maintain, collect, recycle, and process disposables with planning well into the future. Procedure: The Public Services Committee met at the County of Lake Public Services Department in Lakeport in March of 2011 to conduct an interview with the Public Services Director who has served continuously since 1981. Discussion and Facts: 1. The Public Services Department has a myriad of responsibilities. It renovates, cares for, and cleans county buildings; it develops cultural locales such as libraries and museums; and it constructs, landscapes, and maintains hiking trails and roads in County parks and other County properties. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2. The four divisions of the Public Services Department are Building and Grounds, Parks and Recreation, Museum, and Integrated Waste Management. 3. The primary source of funding for the Public Services Department budget unit is County General Fund discretionary revenues. 4. The Public Services Department also generates revenue from leasing courthouse roof space to cellular service providers. 5. A significant increase in grant funding by the California Energy Commission for fiscal year 2010-2011 has funded projects for energy conservation in County facilities. 6. The Public Services Department will also be responsible for the $300,000 renovation of the two elevators located in the courthouse which will be largely funded by a United States Department of Agriculture grant and the California State Court system. 7. The communication site on Mt. Konocti will generate $100,000/year for antennae rentals. The Mt. Konocti Park improvements will be funded by a total of $112,000 realized from existing and prior communication tower lease revenues. 8. The Public Services Department is in the process of constructing a new park in the Clearlake Riviera which will be built around the 1888 historical Ely Stage Stop building. The five-acre park will include a visitors’ center and a farm equipment museum, and is scheduled to open this summer (2011). 9. Recent and future projects include: Nylander Park, Lucerne Creek Park, Hinman Park improvements, Clark’s Island covered bridge, Ely Stage Stop remodel, Saderlund Park landscaping remodel, Lucerne Castle remodel, Upper Lake shop remodel, Clearlake Riviera Park construction, Middletown park construction, Lucerne Alpine Park expansion, Grand Jury building improvements, and Mt. Konocti Park day-use facilities. 10. The Parks and Recreation Division is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of all parks in unincorporated areas. 11. The Integrated Waste Management program is fully self-supporting, funded by user fees and state grants. Due to the downturn in the economy, revenues are down. In order to generate more revenue, the Public Services Department is considering allowing Mendocino County to use Lake County’s landfill facility for a fee. The other option under consideration is a 4% increase in user fees. 12. The Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Handbook, which educates County residents on recycling questions from A to Z, is available at the Lake County Public Services Department. 13. The current County land fill will last until 2022, and has the potential for expansion until the year 2060. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 14. Illegal dumping is occurring throughout Lake County in spite of the fact that there is free drop off at South Lake Refuse & Recycling and Lake County Waste Solutions for most items. 15. Curbside pickup can be arranged for most bulky items by calling 994-8613 or 234-6400. A $10 fee is charged for appliances. Findings: F1. The Public Services Department has constructed and maintains miles of rock walls designed to mimic the WPA rock walls constructed in the 1930’s. F2. The Public Services Director is often denied public grants because Proposition 84, which was passed by the voters in 2008, allocates funds on a per capita basis. Therefore, Lake County and other rural counties often do not qualify for added funding. F3. The Public Services Director has had 27 meetings to receive public input for the future Mt. Konocti Park. An advisory board including local Native Americans has been formed in order to be sensitive to Native spiritual concerns. There will be a fifty-car parking lot and a locked gate which will be opened for day-hiker use only. The present plan is not to allow dogs in the park and to allow equestrian use by permit only. F4. Recent projects in the County include the purchase of and repairs to the recently acquired Lucerne Castle. The Public Services Department has collaborated on the planning of the new mental health building, which has been designed to look like a castle, extending the castle motif. F5. Vandalism has been on the rise in Lake County parks and facilities. Although the County often tries to get restitution or establish alternative work programs for captured offenders, committee members were informed that work programs often end up being ineffective. F6. The Public Services Director stated that the Sheriff’s Department is increasing patrol activities around parks in order to combat this vandalism. F7. Based on recommendations of the 2009/2010 Grand Jury, the Public Services Department is installing soap dispensers and hand blow dryers in County park restrooms. Unless County residents treat these new facility improvements with respect, the Public Services Director is not optimistic about their longevity. According to the Director, the park rest rooms are cleaned at least twice every day. In spite of this, the Director still receives complaints about unsanitary conditions in public restrooms. F8. The Public Services Director stated that previously illegal dumping was not aggressively prosecuted. The Public Services Director expressed optimism that Lake County Code Section 9-5.2, which states that illegal dumping is punishable by a fine or thirty days in jail, will be aggressively enforced by the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of the Lake County District Attorney. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Recommendations: R1. Establish a telephone hotline number to be posted in County parks for citizens to report witnessed acts of vandalism and other illegal activities. (F5) R2. The office of the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement work together to enforce Lake County Code Section 9-5.2. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Sheriff (60 days)  District Attorney (60 days)  Public Services Department via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division via Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Blank -2011 Lake County Civil Grand Second Street Kelseyville, CA 95451 Contact information: Telephone 707-279-8619 Fax 707-279-1983 To obtain complaint forms online: http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Residents/Law/complaints.htm 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury

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The office of the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement work together to enforce Lake County Code Section 9-5.2. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Sheriff (60 days)  District Attorney (60 days)  Public Services Department via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division via Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Blank -2011 Lake County Civil Grand Second Street Kelseyville, CA 95451 Contact information: Telephone 707-279-8619 Fax 707-279-1983 To obtain complaint forms online: http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Residents/Law/complaints.htm 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury

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LCACC update its website with current pictures of animals available for adoption and adjust on-line statistics to accurately reflect their euthanasia rates. (F7) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Animal Care and Control via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Lake County Public Service Department Oversight Question: How many hats can a department head wear? Hint: The hat rack is overflowing. Summary: The Public Services Director has dedicated 30 years to improving County facilities and services, while working with other agencies and other outside funding sources to enhance the overall appearance of Lake County. The efficiency of the Public Services Department is no accident. It is the result of the Director’s oversight, planning, foresight, and years of dedication. Background: In 1981, Lake County had fourteen parks. At the time of the writing of this report, the number of parks has grown to twenty-two, and the count is still rising. The Public Services Department is currently responsible for four separate divisions: Building and Grounds Division, Museum Division, Parks and Recreation Division, and Integrated Waste Management Division. Although each division has its own budget unit, the Public Services Department located at 333 Second Street, Lakeport, California, administers the four divisions. The phrase “wears many hats” is descriptive of how a single department touches multiple aspects of Lake County life. The Building and Grounds Division maintains, remodels, and repairs County buildings and grounds with an agenda for the future. The Parks and Recreation Division maintains existing parks and builds new parks and recreation facilities around the lake. The Museum Division preserves the history of Lake County. The integrated public and private sectors of Waste Management maintain, collect, recycle, and process disposables with planning well into the future. Procedure: The Public Services Committee met at the County of Lake Public Services Department in Lakeport in March of 2011 to conduct an interview with the Public Services Director who has served continuously since 1981. Discussion and Facts: 1. The Public Services Department has a myriad of responsibilities. It renovates, cares for, and cleans county buildings; it develops cultural locales such as libraries and museums; and it constructs, landscapes, and maintains hiking trails and roads in County parks and other County properties. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 2. The four divisions of the Public Services Department are Building and Grounds, Parks and Recreation, Museum, and Integrated Waste Management. 3. The primary source of funding for the Public Services Department budget unit is County General Fund discretionary revenues. 4. The Public Services Department also generates revenue from leasing courthouse roof space to cellular service providers. 5. A significant increase in grant funding by the California Energy Commission for fiscal year 2010-2011 has funded projects for energy conservation in County facilities. 6. The Public Services Department will also be responsible for the $300,000 renovation of the two elevators located in the courthouse which will be largely funded by a United States Department of Agriculture grant and the California State Court system. 7. The communication site on Mt. Konocti will generate $100,000/year for antennae rentals. The Mt. Konocti Park improvements will be funded by a total of $112,000 realized from existing and prior communication tower lease revenues. 8. The Public Services Department is in the process of constructing a new park in the Clearlake Riviera which will be built around the 1888 historical Ely Stage Stop building. The five-acre park will include a visitors’ center and a farm equipment museum, and is scheduled to open this summer (2011). 9. Recent and future projects include: Nylander Park, Lucerne Creek Park, Hinman Park improvements, Clark’s Island covered bridge, Ely Stage Stop remodel, Saderlund Park landscaping remodel, Lucerne Castle remodel, Upper Lake shop remodel, Clearlake Riviera Park construction, Middletown park construction, Lucerne Alpine Park expansion, Grand Jury building improvements, and Mt. Konocti Park day-use facilities. 10. The Parks and Recreation Division is responsible for the daily operation and maintenance of all parks in unincorporated areas. 11. The Integrated Waste Management program is fully self-supporting, funded by user fees and state grants. Due to the downturn in the economy, revenues are down. In order to generate more revenue, the Public Services Department is considering allowing Mendocino County to use Lake County’s landfill facility for a fee. The other option under consideration is a 4% increase in user fees. 12. The Reduce, Reuse & Recycle Handbook, which educates County residents on recycling questions from A to Z, is available at the Lake County Public Services Department. 13. The current County land fill will last until 2022, and has the potential for expansion until the year 2060. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee 14. Illegal dumping is occurring throughout Lake County in spite of the fact that there is free drop off at South Lake Refuse & Recycling and Lake County Waste Solutions for most items. 15. Curbside pickup can be arranged for most bulky items by calling 994-8613 or 234-6400. A $10 fee is charged for appliances. Findings: F1. The Public Services Department has constructed and maintains miles of rock walls designed to mimic the WPA rock walls constructed in the 1930’s. F2. The Public Services Director is often denied public grants because Proposition 84, which was passed by the voters in 2008, allocates funds on a per capita basis. Therefore, Lake County and other rural counties often do not qualify for added funding. F3. The Public Services Director has had 27 meetings to receive public input for the future Mt. Konocti Park. An advisory board including local Native Americans has been formed in order to be sensitive to Native spiritual concerns. There will be a fifty-car parking lot and a locked gate which will be opened for day-hiker use only. The present plan is not to allow dogs in the park and to allow equestrian use by permit only. F4. Recent projects in the County include the purchase of and repairs to the recently acquired Lucerne Castle. The Public Services Department has collaborated on the planning of the new mental health building, which has been designed to look like a castle, extending the castle motif. F5. Vandalism has been on the rise in Lake County parks and facilities. Although the County often tries to get restitution or establish alternative work programs for captured offenders, committee members were informed that work programs often end up being ineffective. F6. The Public Services Director stated that the Sheriff’s Department is increasing patrol activities around parks in order to combat this vandalism. F7. Based on recommendations of the 2009/2010 Grand Jury, the Public Services Department is installing soap dispensers and hand blow dryers in County park restrooms. Unless County residents treat these new facility improvements with respect, the Public Services Director is not optimistic about their longevity. According to the Director, the park rest rooms are cleaned at least twice every day. In spite of this, the Director still receives complaints about unsanitary conditions in public restrooms. F8. The Public Services Director stated that previously illegal dumping was not aggressively prosecuted. The Public Services Director expressed optimism that Lake County Code Section 9-5.2, which states that illegal dumping is punishable by a fine or thirty days in jail, will be aggressively enforced by the Sheriff’s Department and the Office of the Lake County District Attorney. 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee Recommendations: R1. Establish a telephone hotline number to be posted in County parks for citizens to report witnessed acts of vandalism and other illegal activities. (F5) R2. The office of the District Attorney, the Sheriff’s Office and Code Enforcement work together to enforce Lake County Code Section 9-5.2. (F8) Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  County Sheriff (60 days)  District Attorney (60 days)  Public Services Department via Board of Supervisors (90 days)  Community Development Department, Code Enforcement Division via Board of Supervisors (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Blank -2011 Lake County Civil Grand Second Street Kelseyville, CA 95451 Contact information: Telephone 707-279-8619 Fax 707-279-1983 To obtain complaint forms online: http://www.co.lake.ca.us/Residents/Law/complaints.htm 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury

R3

The City of Clearlake has such a high rate of euthanasia, a low cost spay/neuter and Trap/Neuter/Release program be incorporated into the future of animal control (F9, F10). Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  Clearlake City Council (90 days)  City of Clearlake Animal Control Officer via Clearlake City Council (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee

R3

The City of Clearlake has such a high rate of euthanasia, a low cost spay/neuter and Trap/Neuter/Release program be incorporated into the future of animal control (F9, F10). Request for Responses: Pursuant to Penal Code 933.05 the Grand Jury requests responses as follows:  Clearlake City Council (90 days)  City of Clearlake Animal Control Officer via Clearlake City Council (90 days) 2010-2011 Lake County Civil Grand Jury Public Services Committee