Placer County Grand Jury In Memoriam

/lech BRYCE E. KELLER Division Chief, Fire and Life Safety Cc: Kent Hawthorne Virginia Ferral ATTACHMENT 1, PAGE 2 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports Bryce Keller Bryce Keller [keller@ntfire.net] From: Monday, January 21, 2002 1:30 PM Sent: Jim Martinson (jmartins@placer.ca.gov) To: Kent Hawthorne; Hook, Steve; Virginia Ferral (vferral@placer.ca.gov), 'Kelly Hernandez (E-mail)' Cc: Subject: Burton Creek Facility Jim, As discussed today on the phone, Steve Hook will bring by some information relative to knox boxes Please take the time to discuss alternatives. As I recall below are a few other items that need follow up: Can you check with Facility Services to find out the status? 1/ Emergency exit for the dispatchers. Extinguishing system for the kitchen, radio room, e 1/4 2 @ 120 2 Self closing door at top of stairs. In front of dispatch Tom Miller - Burton Creek Improvements Page Rob Unholz From: Tom Miller To: 1/7/02 10:59AM Date: Burton Creek Improvements Subject: Tom- Although the existing Burton Creek Facility complies with applicable fire/life/safety codes, the following estimated costs are provided as requested by the Grand Jury: Fire Suppression Radio Equipment Room: $21,280 Installation of an FM200 system including connections to the existing Notifier AFP2000 Panel, project management and contingency. Evidence Room (Hazardous Materials Storage): $22,820 Installation of an FM200 system including connections to the existing Notifier AFP2000 Panel, project management and contingency. Kitchen Range Hood: $6,000 Installation of an Ansul system connected to the existing Notifier panel, including an electrical gas valve, new electrical circuit, project management and contingency. Exiting Dispatch Fire Escape $25,900 Reconfiguration of the dispatch console including relocation of electrical circuits and communications cabling, removal of existing window, installation of replacement door and landing platform to access new retractable fire escape, project management and contingency. CC: Kurt Barton; Mary Dietrich ATTACHMENT 3 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports Memorandum Mike Paddock, CEO- Administration To: CC: Mike Boyle, Deputy CEO, Robert Bendorf, Assistant CEO John Sweikar, Risk Management Administrator From: 05/21/02 Date: Re: Grand Jury Report Mike, This is response to your request for a response to the Grand Jury Report regarding the Burton Creek Facility. FINDING 1 Agree This recommendation is a good safety fix for moving immates from the jail to the courtroom. It will enhance the security in the area. There was an effort to do video arraignment in attempt to avoid this expense but that fell apart due to complications with the court system. Facility Services advises this recommendation will be completed in this construction year. FINDING 2 Agree Although there are no legal requirements for an external fire escape, one is to be erected this construction year. There is some safety concern over load bearing capacity of the fire escape. This may in is self may cause some concern for liability should a number of employees attempt to use it at the same time. Employees will need to train regularly to be proficient in its proper use. FINDING 3 Partially Disagree Although there are no legal requirements to install an enhanced fire suppression system in the Kitchen, Electrical Equipment Room and the Evidence Room this will certainly create another level of protection at the facility. We are informed that Facility Services intends to implement the changes in the 2002-2003 construction year. FINDING 4 ATTACHMENTS TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE May 21, 2002 Disagree The installation of automatic fire doors at the top of stairwells may cause a safety concern in its own right. Doors at the top of stairwells with out landing often become bottlenecks for people attempting to flee a fire situation or those attempting to enter a structure. With the present Fire Alarm System that was recently installed there should be adequate notice for those in the structure to evacuate. FINDING 5 Agree The Sheriff Department has agreed to install a lock box that will allow access for the fire department to the facility. ATTACHMENTS TO THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS RESPONSE MEMORANDUM OFFICE OF THE COUNTY EXECUTIVE COUNTY OF PLACER From: Michael E. Paddock, Senior Management Analyst WKS wild v Date: March 27, 2002 Subject: Burton Creek Facilities - Improvements On January 16, 2002 Pete Sarellana, Deputy County Executive Officer submitted a memorandum to this Office regarding the condition of the Burton Creek Facility in Tahoe and various

The 2001-2002 Grand Jury was particularly impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the head librarian and her staff. They make good use of current resources. Respondents Placer County Board of Supervisors Placer County Director of Library Services RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: The Honorable James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, CA 95603 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports MASTER Auburn-Placer County Library AUG 2 0 2002 MEMORANDUM DATE: August 9, 2002 TO: Honorable James D. Garbolino, Presiding Judge Elaine Reed, Director of Library Services Wann Rud FROM: SUBJECT: Response to 2001-02 Placer County Grand Jury Final Report Background. The Auburn Public Library and the Placer County Free Library merged to create the Auburn-Placer County Library in 1967. The system maintains libraries in Applegate, Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Granite Bay, Kings Beach, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Penryn, Rocklin, and Tahoe City, and serves rural county areas with a Bookmobile. The Cities of Roseville and Lincoln maintain city libraries that are independent of the County system. The County Library also administers the Placer County Law Library. Finding 1. Evening security at branch libraries, particularly those libraries with two or fewer employees, is seriously lacking. The Director of Library Services disagrees with the finding. While there is no way to provide assurance of complete safety, the Library has effective policies and procedures established to address library security issues. Recommendation 1. The library staff should provide a more institutionalized method for a security system. The staffs at the libraries we visited have implemented their own, albeit informal, systems for their own security. The recommendation has been implemented. Library employees are trained in dealing with emergencies and handling threatening situations. In addition, a minimum of two employees is scheduled for all evening shifts. To further enhance their security, staff will be provided with pepper spray within 30 days. Panic buttons connected to the Sheriff's station will be installed in the smaller libraries within 90 days. Public libraries are open to everyone. Serving the public, in 2002, is not without some danger. The Library's eight smaller branches are staffed by one person much of the time. Staff must respond to all kinds of people Auburn-Placer County Library Response Page 2 and situations, some of which are threatening and dangerous. If the circumstances of working alone in a small library make a staff member uncomfortable, they would be advised to transfer to a larger library. Finding 2. The current procedure of relying on the staff to monitor Internet use is inadequate and time consuming for staff. The Director of Library Services disagrees with the finding. Given the size of the Auburn-Placer County Library branches and the current state of technology, relying on staff to monitor computer use is the most efficient and effective method available. Recommendation 2. A more positive, pro-active system for the monitoring of minors' use of computers with Internet access should be implemented. Automated systems of monitoring computer time use are feasible to free the staff from these duties. Whenever possible adult computer use should be separate from the areas used by minors. Public access computers are a very popular library service. They are in constant use in the system's libraries. Staff take reservations, maintain appointment schedules, provide assistance to users, and troubleshoot problems. In very large libraries, new positions have been created whose sole function is to supervise computer use. However, in smaller libraries such as the Auburn-Placer County Library, these tasks have unavoidably become part of the staff's job duties. Blocking software designed to block inappropriate sites doesn't block all the inappropriate sites and does block some legitimate sites. In small libraries such as the Auburn-Placer County Library, monitoring patron use of the computers takes minimal time and provides the most effective method to deter inappropriate use. To give parents control of their children's library Internet use, parents have the option of restricting their library card. New automated equipment is being developed for some functions, such as scheduling. However, it has not been perfected and it is very expensive. The benefit does not justify the cost for small libraries at the present time. The Library's technology analyst will continue to watch the technology's development and cost. When it becomes cost effective, it will be purchased for the system. Auburn-Placer County Library Response Page 3 The libraries in Auburn, Rocklin, Granite Bay, and Tahoe City are large enough to accommodate separate computer locations for adult and children's use. The remaining seven libraries are so small that all the computers are grouped together. They are located near the service desk so that staff can provide assistance and monitor their use. Finding 3. County librarian salaries are the lowest of any professional classification in its system. The Director of Library Services agrees with the finding. Professional staff salaries in the Auburn-Placer County Library are the lowest of any professional classification in Placer County. They are approximately 25- 35% lower than other County positions with similar educational background, experience, responsibilities, and working conditions. Recommendation 3. Placer County should look at the current pay scale of its library personnel to bring the employees in conformance with other professional classifications. Implementation of this recommendation is dependent on the County Board of Supervisors. County salaries are established by the Board of Supervisors based on recommendations of the County Executive Office and Personnel Department. The matter is under review at this time. cc: Board of Supervisors CERTIFICATES OF PARTICIPATION METHOD OF FINANCING PUBLIC PROJECTS WITHOUT VOTER APPROVAL WITHIN PLACER COUNTY

The Grand Jury commends the community of Placer County and the staff and management of the shelter, for the compassion and understanding in handling domestic abuse situations. Respondents Placer County Facility Services Director Placer County Health and Human Services Director RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: The Honorable James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, California 95603 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports MASTER AUS 2 2 2007 PLACER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FACILITY SERVICES OPERATING DIVISIONS THOMAS MILLER, Director Administration • Building Maintenance Jim Durfee, Assistant Director Capital Improvements • Parks & Grounds Albert Richie, Deputy Director Property Management • Solid Waste Management Mary Dietrich, Deputy Director Special Districts/Utilities August 14, 2002 The Honorable James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, CA 95603 Subject: Peace for Families Finding 1: The Grand Jury noted the main bath and shower room was used for cleaning supply storage. Recommendation 1: Cleaning Supplies should be stored in a separate secured area. Response: Facility Services does not provide custodial services to theis facility nor does this department provide cleaning supplies. None-the-less we will work with Peace for Families should they need any alternative location to store said supplies. Sincerely, Thomas Miller, Director TM:db T:\fac\Deirdre\department\Peace for Families 0722 11476 C Avenue, Auburn, California 95603 (530) 889-7750 / Fax (530) 889-6809 / www.placer.ca.gov MASTER AUG 2 2 2002 MEMORANDUM COUNTY OF PLACER DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO: Michael Paddock, Senior Management Analyst, CEO FROM: Raymond J. Merz, Director July 24, 2002 DATE: SUBJECT: Response to Grand Jury 2001-2002 Report PEACE for Families The following is the Department of Health and Human Services response to the Grand Jury Report on PEACE for Families, 2001-2002. PEACE for Families is a private non-profit organization with its own board of directors and is not a Placer County department. However, we will be glad to comment on your recommendations. Finding 1 The Grand Jury noted the main bath and shower room was used for cleaning supply storage. Recommendation 1 The Grand Jury recommends cleaning supplies should be stored in a separate and secured area. Response 1 Good storage practices are always advisable for storage of cleaning supplies and other chemicals. Perhaps Facility Services would be a more appropriate respondent than Health and Human Services.

We agree with the Grand Jury that the community of Placer County, the staff and the management of the shelter should be commended for their compassion and understanding in the handling of domestic abuse situations. Placer County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is very supportive of the services provided by PEACE for Families. Respectfully submitted, Raymond J. Merz, Director Placer County Department of Health and Human Services SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT Follow up to 1996-97 Grand Jury Final Report

Recommendation 2 Future Placer County Grand Juries should monitor solid waste management contracts as their expiration dates approach. ➣ As this recommendation is directed to the Grand Jury, a response from the Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer is not required. 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports Finding 3 To date, a conflict of interest has not arisen from the same individual serving on both the staff of the JPA and as a county employee. The Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer agree ➣ with this finding. Recommendation 3 This situation should continue to be monitored by future Grand Juries. The Board of Supervisors and the County Executive Officer ➣ appreciate the concern of the Grand Jury and welcome the oversight of future Grand Juries. Respondents Director, Facilities Services Board of Supervisors County Executive Officer RESPONSES REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: The Honorable Judge James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, California 95603 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports PLACER COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER Background/Summary The 2000-01 Grand Jury toured the Placer County Animal Shelter at DeWitt Center in response to a complaint and found the shelter, which was built in the early 1970s, is outdated and does not meet the needs of rapidly growing Placer County, particularly with regard to the area reserved for cats. The County, aware of the problems, is pursuing plans to build a new shelter. A new program manager was hired in March 2001. In addition, the Placer County Supervisors recently directed $300,000 to Animal Control for immediately correction of some of the worst conditions noted by the 2000-01 Grand Jury.

The Tahoe Vista facility has implemented a successful "Adopt a Pet" program and is to be commended for the large community based volunteer group it has recruited as well as its responsible euthanasia policy. The DeWitt facility is to be commended for its extended public access hours for adoptions and its ongoing work with private agency and animal advocacy groups. 2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports Respondents Placer County Board of Supervisors Placer County Executive Officer Placer County Health and Human Services Director Placer County Facilities Department RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS TO: The Honorable James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, CA 95603

2001-2002 Placer County Grand Jury Final Reports - 40 - MASTER County of Placer AUG 2 2 200 Department of Health and Human Services Environmental Health Services Raymond J. Merz Director of Health and Human Services Richard Burton, M.D. Public Health Officer Brad Banner, R.E.H.S. Environmental Health Director July 17, 2002 Date: Colebrating Placer County's Terrice Through the Centuries To: Michael Paddock From: Ray Merz, Health and Human Services Director Brad Banner, Environmental Health Director Rich Ward, Animal Services Program Manager Re: Response to Grand Jury Report FY 2001-2002 Animal Services The Grand Jury report made a number of recommendations concerning Animal Services. The following briefly summarizes the status of our compliance with each of the recommendations that were made: Recommendation 1 The Board of Supervisors allocated $300,000 to make improvements to the present center, ena- bling us to provide the necessary care and space for animals during the interim period of shelter development and construction. Plans and a detailed timeline were developed by Facility Ser- vices and renovation of the animal care facilities are currently underway. The renovation in- cludes the relocation and improvement of cat holding facilities. Recommendation 2 The animal care center renovation project prioritized improvements based on consideration of animal health and well being. Therefore, the highest priority for the project was the relocation and improvement of the cat holding facilities. The animal care center renovation includes some expansion of the kitchen area with additional storage to be provided after completion of the reno- vations. Recommendation 3 Water runoff issues are being addressed in the animal care center renovation project. Agree- ments have been reached between neighboring parties to assure outside runoff is appropriately diverted through county property. Wastewater from the cleaning of vehicles will be channeled to the public sewer system. The fields behind the animal care center are being graded and leveled with drains being installed to prevent accumulation of surface water on the paddocks. C:\bbanner\Animal Contro\Grand Jury Resonse AC 2001-2002.doc 11454 B Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 889-7335 FAX: (530) 886-3344 Memorandum to Michael Paddock July 17, 2002 Page 2 of 2 Recommendation 4 A new animal care center is needed. A feasibility study by a consulting architect is expected shortly. During the interim period, efforts continuously will be made to maintain and improve conditions at the present facility so as to provide a safe and healthy environment for animals, staff, and the public. The Animal Services Program Manager has developed a detailed needs as- sessment for the facility that is being reviewed by county policy makers as a possible basis for future improvement efforts. C:\bbanner\Animal Contro\Grand Jury Resonse AC 2001-2002.doc 11454 B Avenue Auburn, CA 95603 (530) 889-7335 FAX: (530) 886-3344 AUG 2 2 2002 PLACER COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF FACILITY SERVICES THOMAS MILLER, Director OPERATING DIVISIONS Jim Durfee, Assistant Director Administration • Building Maintenance Capital Improvements • Parks & Grounds Albert Richie, Deputy Director Property Management • Solid Waste Management Mary Dietrich, Deputy Director Special Districts/Utilities August 14, 2002 The Honorable James D. Garbolino Presiding Judge of the Superior Court County of Placer Historic Court House 101 Maple Street Auburn, CA 95603 Subject: Placer County Animal Shelter Finding 1: The Grand Jury noted that plans are underway, with no definite timeline, to improve the existing shelter at DeWitt Center by relocating the cat area to another part of the shelter. Recommendation 1: Move ahead as quickly as possible to relocate the housing for cats to a less stressful area and provide a quarantine area. Response: Facility Services is currently in the second of a three phase Animal Shelter Improvement project of which the third phase will accomplish the relocation of the cat housing area. These improvements will provide for the isolation of cat populations and decrease the transmission of feline diseases. This phase is scheduled to begin construction in early August 2002, with completion scheduled for December 2002. Finding 2: The Grand Jury noted that the animal food preparation area not large enough and the storage space for food and supplies is also limited. Recommendation 2: Continue with plans to enlarge the kitchen workspace/storage area for more efficient use. Response: Facility Services is currently in the second of a three phase Animal Shelter Improvement project of which the third phase will accomplish the relocation of the cat housing area. These improvements will reduce impacts on the existing food preparation area, but will not expand it. Food storage is provided in a 10'X12' freestanding storage building. Enlarging these areas were not identified as high priority improvements by staff and were not included in the scope of the $300,000 improvement project. 11476 C Avenue, Auburn, California 95603 (530) 889-7750 / Fax (530) 889-6809 / www.placer.ca.gov The Honorable James D. Garbolino Subject: Placer County Animal Shelter Page 2 Finding 3: The Grand Jury noted the drainage problems at the rear of DeWitt Center creating unsafe conditions in the large animal corral. Recommendation 3: Continue with plans to divert the indoor water runoff away from the large animal corral and other outdoor areas. In addition, the County should work with the neighboring parties on a solution to the outdoor water runoff problem as quickly as possible in order to avoid disease and injury to animals confined in the corral area. Response: Facility Services is currently in the second of a three phase Animal Shelter Improvement project. This second phase is designed to specifically address the drainage issues in the large animal corral. Proper drainage and additional fill material will be provided in the corral area. These improvements are scheduled to be complete in August 2002. Finding 4: The Grand Jury noted that the facility at DeWitt is outdated, overcrowded and does not provide adequate workspace for staff or proper housing for the animals. Recommendation 4: Continue to improve the existing facility while moving ahead with plans for a new shelter as quickly as possible in order to provide improved working conditions and a humane environment for animals. All of the ongoing improvements will correct some of the more immediate problems, but they should be viewed as only temporary measures until a totally new facility is constructed. Response: Phase 1 of the Shelter Improvement project is the placement of a modular office building at the Shelter. This will allow for staff relocation space required to provide the necessary interior improvements in Phase 3 of the project. Facility Services will be developing and releasing a Request For Proposals (RFP) in Fall 2002, with Pre-Design and Schematic Design, for a New Animal Shelter, beginning in early 2003. This design work will provide the basis for a community fund raising campaign to provide 50% of the required project funding. The total project cost is currently estimated to be $6,000,000. Sincerely, Thomas\Miller, Director TM:RU:db T:\fac\rob\grand jury\animal shelter 0722 PLACER COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Complaint 2001B-14