Gran Jurado del Condado de Tuolumne
2022-2023
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
21 hallazgos
F1:
1 The airports have been poorly managed.
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R1:
1 Customer service and responsiveness need to be improved and monitored by County Management. (F1.1)
F2:
1 At a cost of almost $4 million, Project 1906 excavated, rebuilt, and repaved the Airport’s ramp, apron, and taxilane areas. Little or no transition work was done, resulting in major operational and safety issues with many hangars.
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R2:
1 The transition strip between the new and old pavement should be corrected. (F2.1)
F3:
1 The airport is presently in good condition; although, the taxiway needs crack repair.
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R3:
1 The taxiway should be repaired. (F3.1)
F4:
1 County oversight of airport budget and administration has been sub-optimal.
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R4:
1 To increase airport revenue generation, it may help if the County Administration takes a more active role in budget oversight and in airport operations management. (F4.1, F4.2, F4.3)
F5:
1 The Board of Supervisors is not receiving valuable and sufficient input, that the AAC can provide, to be able to make decisions about the airports.
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R5:
1 The AAC should be re-established.
F1.1:
The airports have been poorly managed.
F1.2:
The airports' facilities need upgrading and added maintenance.
F1.3:
Deer having access to the runways creates a serious safety issue.
F2.1:
At a cost of almost $4 million, Project 1906 excavated, rebuilt, and repaved the Airport’s ramp, apron, and taxilane areas. Little or no transition work was done, resulting in major operational and safety issues with many hangars.
F2.2:
Tenant interviewees unanimously agreed that there are cosmetic, structural, and maintenance issues that need to be addressed.
F2.3:
Availability of hangar space at Columbia Airport does not adequately meet present demand, which decreases the Airport’s ability to potentially increase revenue and serve the population.
F3.1:
The airport is presently in good condition; although, the taxiway needs crack repair.
F3.2:
The Pilot Controlled Lighting System is original to the Airport, over fifty years old, and has not been upgraded.
F4.1:
County oversight of airport budget and administration has been sub-optimal.
F4.2:
The log of airport employee work assignments is only used to capture some work orders.
F4.3:
Because not all work orders are logged, it is not possible to verify whether assigning 20% of Columbia Airport’s labor to PMLA is an accurate representation of PMLA’s true operating cost.
F4.4:
Public Works does not currently have a lease or pay rent for their Fleet Services property located on Columbia Airport property, whereas other departments do.
F4.5:
Property taxes collected on planes are not assigned to either airport; the funds go to the County General Fund.
F4.6:
PMLA would have been revenue neutral, or close to revenue neutral, from 2017 to 2022 had property tax revenue from planes been assigned to the Airports, or if the Airports had been combined into a singular enterprise fund. 34
F5.1:
The Board of Supervisors is not receiving valuable and sufficient input, that the AAC can provide, to be able to make decisions about the airports.
F5.2:
The rules governing the AAC were outdated, overly rigid and, thus, did not encourage participation.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
6 hallazgos
F1:
The TCED has a strong support staff of over 30 supporting the Tuolumne County elections. Their training is both efficient and effective as evidenced during interviews and tours. The Election Center clearly demonstrated their knowledge both on Election Night and ballot processing observations. The Vote Center staff knew the process thoroughly during our interviews and observations.
F2:
With the precinct 4007 printed ballot error, a printer proof process to verify the ballots prior to printing did not appear to be in effect. The error was not discovered until a precinct voter came to the Election Office. Understanding the time constraints, a review and approval still should be performed. The ballot corrections, once discovered, were handled swiftly and with great care to be sure all affected voters received updated ballots.
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R1:
All material, printed or available only online, should have a vetting process or material signoff. This includes the ballots printed and mailed offsite. Online proofs should be approved, even if the TCED creates and submits the files. (F2)
F3:
Physical access to the Election area is a concern, as witnessed primarily during Election Night. The open areas could not all be monitored by staff. Observers and visitors could walk into areas they should not have access to. While physical security did seem present or sufficient, access is a concern during the entire election period.
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R2:
For both physical site and Dominion system access, formal procedures should be established including a two-person integrity rule. A minimum of two County staff should be present during all ballot build uploads, software downloads and external drive scans. The TCGJ was not provided with any documentation regarding site and Dominion hardware access security plans. (F3, F5)
F4:
Safety of election staff and election centers and ballot boxes should be of paramount concern. The TCGJ did not see a formal safety review or debrief following the election.
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R3:
A comprehensive volunteer and Election and Vote Center debrief plan should be established and fully documented. This should include protocols for ballot box pick-ups, Vote Center ballot pick-ups and deliveries to the Election Center. The TCGJ did not see any formal debrief procedures to document what went well and what did not go well. (F4)
F5:
In conjunction with the physical access concerns, a formal procedure for access to the Dominion hardware for software updates and for election downloads was not readily available. The TCGJ did not see a formal procedure provided when all related documentation was requested.
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R2:
For both physical site and Dominion system access, formal procedures should be established including a two-person integrity rule. A minimum of two County staff should be present during all ballot build uploads, software downloads and external drive scans. The TCGJ was not provided with any documentation regarding site and Dominion hardware access security plans. (F3, F5)
F6:
The VCA is fully implemented in Tuolumne County. TCED has an extensive community outreach program.
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R4:
The community outreach, voter presentations, printed material, and voter education through media channels should be continuously improved. The TCGJ was impressed with the depth and breadth of the materials. (F6) 19
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
60 hallazgos
F1:
1: ALICE training is an annual process, with engagement between the local Sheriff’s office and the students and staff at Belleview. The school also runs monthly drills for various emergency situations, which are documented in the school office. Notably, at Belleview Elementary School, parents are also 10 invited to come into the classrooms for education and participation in active shooter drills.
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R1:
1: ALICE training should continue to be yearly, if not twice a year, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff should prioritize and promote engagement with students and education around lockdowns and potential threats to the school. (F1.1)
F2:
1: ALICE training is an annual process for staff, with engagement between local law enforcement. The school also runs monthly drills for various emergency situations, including but not limited to fire, earthquake and lockdown drills and active shooter drills, which are documented in the school office.
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R2:
1: ALICE training should be conducted yearly with staff and students, if not twice a year. (F2.1)
F3:
1: The school conducts various drills, including active shooter scenarios, in collaboration with local police and fire departments. However, no such drill was held last year.
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R3:
1: Ensure the continuation of active shooter and other emergency drills, ideally in collaboration with local law enforcement and emergency services. (F3.1)
F4:
1: The school has an accessible safety plan, which is deemed important by the administration. The plan is executed with the aid of radios used by all staff members, and it is reviewed and edited in collaboration with the Tuolumne County Sheriff's office.
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R4:
1: To enhance the effectiveness of the safety plan, it would be beneficial to ensure that all staff members, including substitutes, receive a copy of the plan and are properly trained. This will ensure continuity and efficiency in case of an emergency. (F4.1)
F5:
1: While ALICE training is part of the yearly plan for The Country School, it is not clear if this occurred during the COVID years amidst school closures and times of uncertainty. The most recent drill was in January 2022 and an interviewee stated that the school was actively trying to schedule another drill for this calendar school year but was waiting on Sheriff availability. The ALICE training is listed in the school’s safety plan.
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R5:
1: Administration should continue to support and update the safety plan. The posted evacuation maps are very helpful to substitutes who may be less familiar with the campus, but it would also be extremely helpful to give substitutes a copy of the safety plan for perusal as they are coming to work. (F5.1)
F6:
1: Jamestown Elementary employs the ALICE training methodology, which is undertaken annually with the involvement of the local law enforcement offices. The school conducts an active shooter drill once a year in cooperation with the sheriff. Besides ALICE, fire and earthquake drills are also conducted. 19
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R6:
1: Jamestown Elementary should continue to complete ALICE trainings and consider biannual all-school training sessions to ensure that students are reminded of the concepts. This will ensure that all individuals responsible for students are prepared to execute the safety plan in an emergency. (F6.1)
F7:
1: The school does not log its regular monthly drills, which might limit the ability to track progress and areas for improvement.
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R7:
1: The school should institute a system for logging and reviewing all safety drills. The documentation should include recording the date, time, type of drill, and debrief to identify any issues arising from the drill. Regular reviews of these 21 logs could help identify trends, areas for improvement, and ensure consistency in safety practices. (F7.1)
F8:
1: Sonora High conducts ALICE training (Appendix 1) as part of their safety plan, with staff training taking place on the days before the school session starts. The school has performed two fire drills, one lockdown drill, and one earthquake drill this academic year.
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R8:
1: Regular ALICE Training and Drills - Conduct ALICE training for staff and students more frequently to ensure they are well-prepared for potential active shooter situations. Maintain an updated log of all drills and trainings. Regularly practicing different scenarios can help build confidence and familiarity with emergency response procedures. (F8.1)
F9:
1: Like most of the schools in the county, Soulsbyville has both in-house ALICE training and assistance by local law enforcement. Full time teachers receive safety training, but substitutes must rely on safety plans in the classroom. They do have cameras and 65% fencing which includes athletic fields and play area.
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R9:
1: Staff should maintain and follow up in ALICE training for both students and staff, and involvement with local law enforcement is optimal. Staff should also continue to update and review safety plans if possible. (F9.1)
F10:
1: Staff training occurs before the start of the school year and includes two ALICE training courses annually.
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R10:
1 Continue to prioritize and invest in regular safety drills and staff training, including ALICE training. Given the comprehensive nature of this training, 28 consider extending this training to substitute teachers to ensure a uniform response to potential emergencies across all staff. (F10.1)
F1.1:
: ALICE training is an annual process, with engagement between the local Sheriff’s office and the students and staff at Belleview. The school also runs monthly drills for various emergency situations, which are documented in the school office. Notably, at Belleview Elementary School, parents are also 10 invited to come into the classrooms for education and participation in active shooter drills.
F11:
1: Summerville High School has implemented ALICE training and engages with law enforcement for planning and preparedness.
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R11:
1 Continue to engage with local law enforcement to practice and review the ALICE training. (F11.1)
F1.2:
: The school safety plan continues to be updated routinely, staff are provided with it and concurrent education during the training week before the school session starts.
F12:
1: While ALICE training is part of the yearly plan for Twain Harte School, it isn’t clear if this occurred during the COVID years amidst school closures and times of uncertainty. The most recent drill was in January 2022 and an interviewee stated that the school was actively trying to schedule another drill for this calendar school year but was waiting on Sheriff availability. The ALICE training is listed in the school’s safety plan. 32
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R12:
1: The district should ensure that the safety plan is updated routinely, and that all teachers, staff, students and parents are provided copies and pertinent training to develop current understanding. ALICE training should be yearly, and the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Office should prioritize and promote engagement with students and education around lockdowns and potential threats to the school. (F12.1)
F1.3:
: All doors have a quick-lock system, which is effective and smooth in allowing drills and actual lockdowns to occur as quickly as possible. These locks are universally installed across the school and the staff interviewed felt comfortable and experienced with using them. There are also many cameras in the gymnasium and outsides of the school that are utilizable by staff.
F1.4:
: A great deal of the perimeter of the school is not fenced in and leads to fields or wild lands.
F2.1:
: ALICE training is an annual process for staff, with engagement between local law enforcement. The school also runs monthly drills for various emergency situations, including but not limited to fire, earthquake and lockdown drills and active shooter drills, which are documented in the school office.
F2.2:
: The school safety plan continues to be updated routinely. Staff and substitutes are provided with updated plans and concurrent education during the training week before the school session starts.
F2.3:
: There are cameras covering about 70% of the access areas on the campuses. About 50% of the campuses are fenced. 12
F3.1:
: The school conducts various drills, including active shooter scenarios, in collaboration with local police and fire departments. However, no such drill was held last year.
F3.2:
: Columbia Elementary employs the use of supplies in all classrooms with extended lockdown resources, though it was noted that these may not have been recently updated.
F3.3:
: During recess periods, the student-to-teacher ratio stands at 50 to 1. For special events, security is managed by coaches and administrative staff.
F4.1:
: The school has an accessible safety plan, which is deemed important by the administration. The plan is executed with the aid of radios used by all staff members, and it is reviewed and edited in collaboration with the Tuolumne County Sheriff's office.
F4.2:
: Safety drills are conducted monthly and documented in the school's office. The school has also participated in ALICE training, provided by law enforcement, and holds "Get Away" drills specifically for active shooter scenarios.
F4.3:
: When asked about the plan to have children return to campus after they have practiced the drill, interviewees didn’t have a systematic plan.
F4.4:
: All visitors to the campus are challenged and encouraged to wear identification badges.
F4.5:
: The school's campus is only 50% fenced, leaving certain areas exposed to potential unwanted guests, while also providing students with potential escape routes in emergencies. 15
F5.1:
: While ALICE training is part of the yearly plan for The Country School, it is not clear if this occurred during the COVID years amidst school closures and times of uncertainty. The most recent drill was in January 2022 and an interviewee stated that the school was actively trying to schedule another drill for this calendar school year but was waiting on Sheriff availability. The ALICE training is listed in the school’s safety plan.
F5.2:
: There are no cameras on school premises. While the school does try to greet visitors to the campus and give sticker badges stating that the visitor has been approved by the office, this does not happen always. Of note, during the interview with the grand jury, a repair person from an outside hired agency, entered the interview room while in search of the main office. This 17 demonstrates that it is possible to walk on campus and not be directly greeted by staff.
F5.3:
: Communication between the main office and individual classrooms is supported through radios provided to all teachers and staff. At this time, the PA system is not working effectively in all areas of the school.
F6.1:
: Jamestown Elementary employs the ALICE training methodology, which is undertaken annually with the involvement of the local law enforcement offices. The school conducts an active shooter drill once a year in cooperation with the sheriff. Besides ALICE, fire and earthquake drills are also conducted. 19
F6.2:
: The school safety plan at Jamestown Elementary is readily accessible and is executed by the administration. It is updated routinely, and staff training occurs before the school year starts. The staff training logs are maintained by the school secretary.
F6.3:
: Jamestown Elementary's campus is mostly fenced in, except for a small portion in the front. The school has security cameras installed. The school follows a safety protocol for releasing students to parents in case of an evacuation, and it has practices in place for firearm/weapon prevention, such as searching backpacks as necessary.
F7.1:
: The school does not log its regular monthly drills, which might limit the ability to track progress and areas for improvement.
F7.2:
: Sonora Elementary has an active shooter protocol in place, with ALICE training that involves parent participation.
F7.3:
: The school's camera system is not consistently monitored throughout the day, and there are no cameras in the parking lot. This could potentially leave areas of the school vulnerable.
F8.1:
: Sonora High conducts ALICE training (Appendix 1) as part of their safety plan, with staff training taking place on the days before the school session starts. The school has performed two fire drills, one lockdown drill, and one earthquake drill this academic year.
F8.2:
: The school safety plan is accessible and considered important by the administration. Substitutes receive binders with safety information, ensuring they are informed and prepared in case of emergencies.
F8.3:
: Sonora High has implemented several security measures, including numerous cameras, four non-uniformed campus security supervisors, and a facial recognition app for visitors, which sends instant notifications to staff.
F8.4:
The campus is not fully fenced, with only 50% of the perimeter secured. 23
F8.5:
Firearm and weapon prevention practices at Sonora High include searching backpacks as deemed necessary, using wands if required, and employing a monthly dog search service.
F8.6:
Despite having a considerable number of students leaving for classes at Columbia College, the school does not have a system in place for regulating those coming on and off campus.
F9.1:
: Like most of the schools in the county, Soulsbyville has both in-house ALICE training and assistance by local law enforcement. Full time teachers receive safety training, but substitutes must rely on safety plans in the classroom. They do have cameras and 65% fencing which includes athletic fields and play area.
F9.2:
: There is not much foot traffic from the surrounding neighborhoods, but all people entering the campus are challenged by any staff members if they do not check into the office. The only crosswalk is situated in a bad place and has bushes blocking the view of both pedestrian and oncoming traffic. The Head Start program is closest to the cross walk. The lack of a crossing guard presents a problem for both pedestrians & traffic. 26
F9.3:
: The ratio of teachers to students at recess is 1:35; on field trips it is 1:10. During hosted school events staff and parents are used as security. After a lock down the students must have their parents come to get them released. Students can contact an adult or use the drop box to report safety concerns.
F10.1:
: Staff training occurs before the start of the school year and includes two ALICE training courses annually.
F10.2:
: Summerville Elementary School places emphasis on preparedness for a potential lockdown. Classrooms are equipped with flip charts for substitutes, and each room has emergency and water supplies.
F10.3:
: The school has ceased locking its gates and fences based on county advice to facilitate emergency response and to allow children access in the event of a shooter. However, this practice appears to be a point of concern for school administration.
F10.4:
The student to adult ratio during recess at Summerville Elementary School is 12:1, which is a reasonable ratio that allows for adequate supervision during these periods.
F10.5:
The school has mechanisms in place for students to report safety concerns, including options to send an email or talk to a teacher.
F11.1:
: Summerville High School has implemented ALICE training and engages with law enforcement for planning and preparedness.
F11.2:
: The safety plan at Summerville High School is not only accessible but also continually updated.
F11.3:
: The campus is partially fenced, and access control is not absolute, as individuals can walk in unchallenged.
F11.4:
Most classrooms are equipped for lockdowns with emergency supplies, though not all have food and water.
F11.5:
The school employs practices to prevent weapons on campus, such as monitoring break times and behaviors as well as utilizing surprise drug dog visits. They also distribute a classroom discipline policy that outlines the consequences of bringing weapons to school.
F11.6:
The ratio of students to adults during recess and breaks is between 30 and 35 to 1. 30
F11.7:
Students are encouraged to report safety concerns to any adult staff member, reinforcing the message "if you see something, say something".
F12.1:
: While ALICE training is part of the yearly plan for Twain Harte School, it isn’t clear if this occurred during the COVID years amidst school closures and times of uncertainty. The most recent drill was in January 2022 and an interviewee stated that the school was actively trying to schedule another drill for this calendar school year but was waiting on Sheriff availability. The ALICE training is listed in the school’s safety plan. 32
F12.2:
: The school is directly in town, making it appealing for members of the public to enter the grounds during school hours. In the field nearest the Twain Harte Market shopping center, a locked gate was recently installed, in an attempt to discourage foot traffic through the school grounds. When non-staff or non- students enter the premises there are staff who attempt to greet them and provide education on the availability of campus access.
F12.3:
: While some of the buildings are older in nature, staff are working to update security measures to ensure that students are safe in the present day. Notably, there was a new locked gate installed along a back pathway into the primary school at the request and suggestion of teachers. Doors have devices to allow teachers to lock from the inside swiftly, and there has been fencing installed, where possible, but much of the school is open.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
7 hallazgos
F1:
The Jail is currently short staffed. Not all programs are functioning at their full capacity.
Recomendaciones relacionadas (1)
R1:
Continue the dialogue with the Board of Supervisors to ensure competitive wages and benefits for the staff. [F1-F2]
F2:
Due to the staffing shortage, there are no longer inmate work crews. The work program contributed to a significant reduction in recidivism and tracking shows 72% of those enrolled in work programs don’t come back.
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R1:
Continue the dialogue with the Board of Supervisors to ensure competitive wages and benefits for the staff. [F1-F2]
F4:
It is the shared opinion of the Grand Jury that the Tuolumne County Juvenile Detention Facility is a valuable and effective institution that is staffed by qualified and competent personnel. It was evident that staff are dedicated to helping the Youth exit the system successfully and build skills needed for successful lives outside the system.
F5:
The detention center also benefits on a grand scale from its indispensable volunteer work force.
F6:
The staff was friendly, professional, articulate, and knowledgeable.
F7:
We learned that the prison is fully staffed with correctional personnel but there are shortages in staffing for many of the other departments, such as, medical, education, and all other rehabilitation services offered to the prisoners.
F8:
There are a tremendous number of services and opportunities available that benefit staff, the incarcerated, and the public at large.
Recomendaciones adicionales
2
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R2:
Share updates proactively with the local press and social media to help increase awareness of the benefits the institution provides to the community. [F3]
R3:
Share successes and positive programs with the local press so that they may help the public stay aware of the benefits and effectiveness of the programs.
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Hallazgos y recomendaciones aún no extraídos.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones
9 hallazgos
F1:
“APS does not have enough resources or staff to properly assess, investigate, and address cases putting our vulnerable residents at risk for elder abuse.”
F2:
“The salaries of the key roles or positions in APS are not competitive with counties surrounding Tuolumne County impacting staff recruitment and morale.”
F3:
“There are limited training opportunities for both new and existing staff in the APS Department stunting staff advancement and impacting workflow.”
F4:
“There is a lack of community awareness and knowledge regarding the role of APS. There is also a misunderstanding by the public and other county agencies about that role. It is often thought that APS is trying to remove seniors from their homes when in truth APS tries to connect seniors to the proper resources that will allow them to stay in their homes.”
F5:
“The organizations and agencies that interact with older residents, and/or where one might expect to find information about APS, are almost completely lacking the knowledge of the County’s APS department. Opportunities for informing and/or connecting residents with vital services are lost.” 8
F6:
“Mandated Reporters are not consistently aware of their responsibilities as such potentially causing an under-reporting of elder abuse cases.”
F7:
“APS provides an admirable service to the senior and dependent residents of Tuolumne County. The HHSA staff is dedicated and committed to serving APS. Often when associates do leave APS, they stay within the department to continue to serve the community.”
F8:
“The staffing shortage at Dambacher Detention Center causes mandated overtime which can lead to staff burnout, lower staff retention and adversely affects the County budget.”
F9:
“The discrepancy in pay compared to other counties leads to higher staff turnover and recruitment challenges.”
Recomendaciones adicionales
1
No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.
R6:
● Tuolumne County Administrative Officer to recommendations R1 through R6 The County Human Resources Director, Social Services Director and Agency Manager issued a joint response to recommendations R1 through R6. The Board of Supervisors approved the response in their meeting minutes July 5 but did not formally reply to the Grand Jury. The Grand Jury was notified via an email from the County Administrative Officer regarding the approval from Board Meeting minutes dated July 5. No signature page for the APS response was provided. Further, the submitted response was incomplete as text was missing and several responses were not in the proper format. The 2022-23 Grand Jury did not see a response from the Tuolumne County Administrative Officer; however, a response was not required.