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Extracted from Consolidated Report

This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 2004-2005

2. The Grand Jury recommends that the BOS step back from the management of individual departments as well as the

Published: July 07, 2005 215 pages Consolidated Report
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Findings and Recommendations 25 findings

F1
The office of the Clerk has a total permanent staff of nine. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
Related Recommendations (2)
R4
The Grand Jury recommends that relevant changes in State and County policy be immediately communicated to staff and volunteers as well as added to the Policy and Procedures manual. (Findings 1,2,3,4)
R25
The Grand Jury recommends that RVUSD develop and use web-based informational resources to communicate with all concerned parties, and to network with others who share a concern for special education. (Findings 1, 3, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 25, 26, 27, 29, 30, 32, 33). Comments The Grand Jury believes that all parties, especially parents, should know their rights, responsibilities and obligations so that they work together in the best interests of the students.
F2
Staff turnover is higher at the lower paid, entry level positions than among more senior personnel. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
The Grand Jury recommends that the Board of Supervisors require the Department of Human Resources to perform desk audits for workers in the Clerk/Assessor’s office to determine the appropriateness of current salaries for those jobs. (Finding 2) Response (County Clerk/Assessor): This recommendation requires further analysis. I have met with the Human Resources Director regarding the shortage of adequately skilled employees in the Assessor’s office as well as desk audits for workers in the Clerk/Assessor’s office to determine the appropriateness of current salaries of these jobs. I believe it is appropriate for Human Resources to perform desk audits and determine the appropriateness of current salaries of these jobs. Response (Human Resources): Response (Human Resources): The Human Resources Department is prepared to review the job classes which are voted as high turnover (Staff Assistant I) and shortage of skilled staff (Auditor Appraiser) to determine if the positions are properly classified and compensated. The Human Resources Department has a backlog of over 30 positions requiring classification review, but these positions will be given a higher priority. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this recommendation. The Human Resources Department will perform desk audits for the classifications unique to the County Clerk/Assessors Office and will research salary levels for those positions. This work will be completed by January 1, 2006 and the results will be presented to the County Clerk/ Assessor, as well as the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.
R6
The Grand Jury recommends that the pages of the Policy and Procedures manual be numbered sequentially and that they be dated to reflect updates. (Finding 2)
F3
To the fullest extent possible, functions of the Clerk’s Office are computerized in a very technology-intensive environment. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F4
A portion of the document processing fees goes to pay for up-to-date technology. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The remainder of revenues from the Office goes into the County General Fund. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
Requests for information and documents are met in a timely fashion. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Grand Jury recommends that all dogs be scanned upon arrival at the ACC facility, regardless of their condition, and that the scanning occur before a dog is placed in a cage, freezer or incinerator. (Findings 6,7,8,14) Comments Whatever the circumstances, the death of a pet is a difficult, often traumatic experience for the owner. The treatment of a bereaved owner by a government agency which must often deal with such incidents should be, at the very least, professional. Two owners living outside Ukiah Valley learned from other sources that their two dogs, one unharmed and one dead, had been taken by an ACC employee to the city facility. They left phone messages indicating their desire to retrieve both pets. Although both dogs carried microchips, there is no indication that either was scanned at the Ukiah facility. Upon arrival, they were told at the reception desk that the dead dog was in the freezer. Indeed, the Grand Jury was told that an identified dead animal would be kept in the freezer until the owner is reached, then released to the owner or burned. When one of the owners was directed to the rear of the facility, he was told by another staff member that his animal was in the incinerator. The door was opened, his dead pet was pointed out, and the owner himself entered the incinerator to retrieve the dog. He was not offered, as a courtesy, a container such as a large plastic bag in which to carry the remains to his car. The Grand Jury recognizes the important and necessary work of Animal Care and Control workers. Spaying and neutering programs, the rescue of strays, organization and promotion of the adoption process are all vital services to this community. The Grand Jury believes, however, that those services would be improved by clear and concise guidelines in a Policy and Procedures manual disseminated to all staff members and volunteers. Finally, when saddened owners arrive at the facility to recover a dead pet, Mendocino County citizens expect courtesy and professionalism from ACC employees and volunteers. The Grand Jury would hope, in addition, that such clients be shown sensitivity and understanding. Response Required Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Response Requested Mendocino County Chief Executive Officer Director, Department of Animal Care and Control WET KENNELS AND LOW MORALE ANIMAL CARE AND CONTROL REPORT (June 16, 2005) Summary Several problems found through previous oversights of the Mendocino County Animal Care and Control Department (ACC), particularly in the areas of management, staff training, and public service, continue to cause concern within the County. Care of animals and euthanasia protocols at the Ukiah facility also surfaced as issues in the course of this year’s investigation. Recommendations include new and previously stated ideas for improvements.
F7
Despite a considerable increase in recent years in the volume of work, the Clerk’s Office has functioned without an increase in staffing for the last 20 years. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F8
The conduct of County elections by the Clerk’s Office has gone smoothly despite the increasing complexity of the process. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
The conduct of elections depends heavily on a well-organized group of temporary hires. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
Election results, sent by modem from the polling places, are now available almost immediately after the closing of the polls at the Clerk’s Office and the Mendocino County website. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
Safeguards for a fair election process appear to be both adequate and appropriate. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F12
Between elections voting machines are warehoused in two separate facilities, one of which has a leaky roof. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (General Services): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the responses of both departments.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
The Grand Jury recommends that election machines be stored in one secure, structurally sound facility. (Finding 12) Response (County Clerk/Assessor): This recommendation requires further analysis. I have met with the General Services Director regarding the storage election machines in one secure, structurally sound facility. Currently, the Accu-vote optical scan ballot counters are stored in the County Clerk-Recorder-Elections designated section of the storage facility adjacent to the County Administration Center at 501 Low Gap Road while the voting booths and optical scan ballot boxes are maintained in a storage shed with a leaky roof in back of the General Services Department. The optimum solution would be to have all of our election equipment stored in the storage facility adjacent to the County Administration Center. However I recognize that this storage facility has already been partitioned out to other departments and there is now not room to expand our space. The General Services Director has therefore agreed to make space available in the General Services warehouse to store election voting booths and ballot boxes. The General Services warehouse is secure and structurally sound. Response (General Services): This recommendation requires further analysis. General Services has met with County Clerk-Recorder/Assessor Marsha Wharff to review the situation and discuss alternatives. We agree that the current storage location at General Services for the ballot boxes and portable voting booths is inadequate in that the ballot boxes are required to be stacked three high and that the metal roof over the storage area needs to be repaired. To resolve that situation, we have agreed to create an adequate and secure storage area for this equipment within the General Services warehouse. The electronic ballot tabulators are currently stored in the Clerk- Recorder/Elections’ designated portion of the new storage facility adjacent to the County Administration Center at 501 Low Gap Road. This area is adequate and secure and convenient to the Elections office, and therefore preferable to the General Services warehouse. There is not additional space available in the new storage facility for all of the elections equipment, and therefore General Services is not able to implement the Grand Jury’s recommendation that all “elections machines” be stored in one secure, structurally sound facility. Instead, as noted above, pursuant to our understanding with the Clerk-Recorder, the equipment will be housed in two separate but secure and structurally sound facilities. The Clerk-Recorder anticipates the delivery of some number of computerized, touch-screen voting “booths” in the near future. Prior to such delivery, General Services and the Clerk-Recorder will collaborate on a plan to ensure that this equipment is adequately and securely warehoused in a location convenient and acceptable to the Clerk-Recorder. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this recommendation in part. The County Clerk/Assessor and Department of General Services have developed a viable proposal for improved storage of election equipment. This proposal would address the issue of protection of equipment from the elements, but would utilize two locations rather than one. This solution is acceptable to the Board.
F13
The Assessor’s Office has an authorized staff of 24 permanent workers and supervisors. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F14
The Assessor’s Office is increasingly computerized, enabling it to handle the workload much more efficiently. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
No recommendations for this finding
F15
Shortage of staff in the Assessor’s Office, particularly those with specific skills, is a serious problem, leading to a grievous overburdening of existing personnel. Response (County Clerk/Assessor): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this finding and the County Clerk/Assessor response.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
The Grand Jury recommends that further efforts to address the shortage of adequately skilled employees in the Assessor’s office be undertaken. (Finding 15) Response (County Clerk/Assessor): This recommendation requires further analysis. I have met with the Human Resources Director regarding the shortage of adequately skilled employees in the Assessor’s office as well as desk audits for workers in the Clerk/Assessor’s office to determine the appropriateness of current salaries of these jobs. I believe it is appropriate for Human Resources to perform desk audits and determine the appropriateness of current salaries of these jobs. Response (Board of Supervisors): The Board of Supervisors agrees with this recommendation. The Board notes that the County Clerk/Assessor is currently working with the Human Resource Department on addressing the shortage of adequately skilled employees in the Assessor’s Office. COMMENTS The astute use of technology by the office of the Clerk/Assessor has mitigated the effect of budget cuts that have had such a negative impact on many County agencies. The Grand Jury commends the administration of the office for both the overall efficiency and helpfulness demonstrated in the workplace.
F16
A Life Skills class, offered through the Ford Street Project, includes instruction in anger management, health, and abusive behavior reduction. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding. This issue is not within the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
Related Recommendations (1)
R13
The Grand Jury recommends that RVUSD immediately make secure desks, computers, and fax machines where confidential student or personnel information is maintained or transferred. (Findings 16, 31).
F17
Inmates may attend on site meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding. This issue is not within the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F18
Religious services are available to the inmates. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding. This issue is not within the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F19
The money generated from MCJ pay phones, through a service provider contract, defrays the cost of Inmate Services. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Inmate phone and commissary commissions provide the funding for Inmate Services. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding. This issue is not within the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with this finding.
No recommendations for this finding
F20
There is a significant number of outstanding maintenance issues. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with this finding
Related Recommendations (1)
R14
The Grand Jury recommends that RVUSD immediately purchase a locking display case to post meeting agendas, job announcements, school calendars, and other public notices as appropriate. Such notices must be displayed in a place of public access, in accordance with the Brown Act. (Finding 20).
F21
The Courthouse Holding Cells now provide space for attorney/client consultation. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding; however, it has no reason to doubt neither the Grand Jury’s finding nor the Sheriff’s response in agreement. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F22
Graffiti exist on holding cell walls in Ukiah and Fort Bragg. Response (Sheriff): The Department agrees with this finding. It is an ongoing problem. We paint; they scratch the paint; we repaint. There are some paints and surface finishes that are resistant to vandalism, but most are toxic and require closure of the cell during curing. There is no such thing as a “graffiti proof” or “inmate proof” surface. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department agrees with this finding. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
No recommendations for this finding
F23
A significant number of the transients arriving in Mendocino County further stress the criminal justice system. Response (Sheriff): Without further information the Department can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. The Jail staff has observed an increase in the number of transients booked, together with a high incidence of mental health problems among this group. Whether or not the number of transient arrestees represents a significant portion of the overall transient population would require a count of that larger population. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. The information required to verify this finding is outside the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS can neither agree nor disagree with this finding without further information.
Related Recommendations (2)
R16
The Grand Jury recommends that RVUSD immediately update the Policy and Procedures Manual and take steps to insure that these changes are implemented by staff and School Board members. (Findings 23, 25, 29, 30).
R20
The Grand Jury recommends that RVUSD require all staff to adhere to an effective organizational system that is defined in the School Board’s Policy and Procedures Manual. (Findings 23, 29, 30).
F24
Since the closure of the Psychiatric Health Facility (PHF) in November, 2000, many of the individuals who would have been served at that location are now under the care of the MCJ, at a higher cost to Mendocino County. Response (Sheriff): Without further information the Department can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. It is extremely difficult to identify the impact of services that were not delivered. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. The information required to verify this finding is outside the purview of Buildings and Grounds. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS can neither agree nor disagree with this finding without further information.
No recommendations for this finding
F25
The kennel used for detainees’ dogs at the Fort Bragg Holding Facility is not clean. Response (Sheriff): Without further information the Department can neither agree nor disagree with this finding. The kennel is not owned by the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the Fort Bragg Sub-Station take arrestees’ animals to the Department of Animal Care & Control shelter in Fort Bragg. Response (Buildings and Grounds): The Department neither agrees nor disagrees with this finding. The Department of Animal Care and Control is responsible for cleaning the kennels at the Fort Bragg Animal Shelter. Response (Board of Supervisors): The BOS agrees with the response represented by the Sheriff’s Department.
No recommendations for this finding

Additional Recommendations 7

These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.

Comments 2

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Mendocino County County