Yolo County Grand Jury
2017-2018
Findings & Recommendations
8 findings
F1:
Patrons use libraries for many different purposes. For some, the library is one of the few open, air-conditioned, and safe places to sleep and use bathrooms. This fact attracts some people with intense needs for social services, causing library staff to deal with situations for which they could use outside social service support.
F2:
There is an established Code of Behavior for the Yolo County libraries, but it is not always posted in prominent locations, or in multiple languages, and it is not always used concretely to deal with patrons who violate it.
F3:
The Davis library’s parking lot is often full and congested, and there are few alternative parking spots in the neighborhood during most library hours. This makes it difficult for patrons to use the library conveniently and efficiently and for library employees to park nearby.
F4:
Given the dramatic growth of the Southport community, there is a need for a second library in West Sacramento, but its construction is not scheduled to occur until 2025-2030.
F5:
The Archives and Records Center is performing essential services for county administrators and providing important services to citizens of Yolo County who want to know about particular aspects of the county’s rich history. But the staff is small, and the hours that the Archives is open to members of the community are few.
F6:
As stated in the latest long-term plan for the Archives, its facilities have extensive environmental and space deficiencies and a high risk of damage and/or destruction to archived materials in the event of fire or flood.
F7:
The Archives does not have a large-scale modern scanner suitable for copying archival materials and digitizing the copies. Digitization of archival materials would allow patrons of the Archives to examine high-quality images of the materials without damaging them.
F8:
If the Archives had such a scanner, it would also need a digital asset management system to store, preserve, and catalog the copied materials, and make the digitized content available online. This material would then be available online to anyone who wanted to use it, and its formatting could be updated whenever new data and imaging formats became available and widely used. Improving the Yolo County Libraries and Archives
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
By December 31, 2018, the Yolo County Librarian, the Yolo County Department of Social Services, and the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should provide for a social worker, either full- or part-time, to assist library staff in dealing with homeless, substance-abusing, and mentally ill individuals and families who appear at libraries. This professional would speak appropriately with such people, establish connections for them with appropriate county services, and advise library staff about ways to deal with such people if and when they present problems for library patrons.
R2:
By October 1, 2018, all Yolo County libraries should post a code of appropriate behavior for library patrons. This code should appear in large print and in the most frequently used local languages. It should be visible in several places within the library. When a library staff person speaks with a patron about misbehaving in the library, the patron should be asked to read a copy (in the person’s primary language) and sign and date it to indicate that it was read.
R3:
By December 31, 2018, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should work with the Davis City Council to ease the parking shortage at the Davis library.
R4:
By December 31, 2018, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should evaluate the possibility of speeding up the process of creating a library in the Southport area of West Sacramento. (This could be in lieu of purchasing a mobile library.)
R5:
By December 1, 2018, the Archives Coordinator should work with the County Librarian and the members of the Board of Supervisors to establish a plan to increase the staffing and open hours of the Archives.
R6:
By December 31, 2018, the Archives Coordinator should work with the County Librarian and the members of the Board of Supervisors to ensure that the proposals in the Facilities Master Plan to mitigate the environmental damage at the existing Archives building by 2025, and to replace the facility by 2035, remain on track to be implemented.
R7:
By October 1, 2018, the Archives Coordinator and the Board of Supervisors should fund the acquisition of a scanner and a digital asset management system by July 1, 2019 (the new fiscal year).
Findings & Recommendations
3 findings
F1:
The Monroe Detention Center permits visits with inmates by family members and friends, but its scheduling procedure is unduly inconvenient and discourages rather than encourages such visits.
F2:
The Monroe Detention Center would benefit from an online system that would allow visitors to make appointments more conveniently.
F3:
The Monroe Detention Center would further enable and encourage visits by investing in video-visiting technology that allows remote visits with inmates by family members and friends.
Additional Recommendations
3
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
The Yolo County Sheriff should direct the Monroe Detention Center to implement a revised, more convenient and more family-friendly schedule for making visiting appointments (to be implemented by Oct. 31, 2018).
R2:
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should allocate funding for implementation of an online system for making visiting appointments (to be implemented by Dec. 31, 2020 with evidence of planning by Oct. 31, 2018).
R3:
The Yolo County Board of Supervisors should allocate funding for implementation of a video visiting system (to be implemented by Dec. 31, 2020, with evidence of planning by Oct. 31, 2018).
Findings & Recommendations
6 findings
F1:
Some administrators, supervisors, and staff do not have clear directions concerning what is required of them within the Probation Department, and specifically within the JDF. This is similar to the finding of the 2011-12 Grand Jury. The lack of an updated policy and procedure manual results in inconsistent direction from supervisors and reduced department effectiveness.
F2:
There is insufficient training for routine and safety-related requirements and procedures for new and extra-help JDF employees.
F3:
Assaults and other potential felonies are not consistently reported to the District Attorney in a timely manner.
F4:
Inadequate operational staffing increases the risk of injuries to JDF staff caused by detainees. Many of these injuries result in lost work time and productivity.
F5:
Oversight and accountability is lacking over any funds, including cash and property of detainees, due to lack of controls, policies and procedures, or failure to adhere to them.
F6:
The ORR program, which is administered in Yolo County by the JDF, presents benefits and risks to the county.
Additional Recommendations
7
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
By December 31, 2018, the Probation Department should update and complete the policies and procedure manual pertaining to the JDF. Provisions should be put in place to guarantee continuing updates as needed.
R2:
By December 31, 2018, a strict and formal training curriculum for JDF personnel should be put in place, together with proper record keeping and review to assure that training is comprehensive and effective. Records should include subject, actual hours of in-person training, date of completion and signatures of trainee and trainer.
R3:
By December 31, 2018, audits of training records should be made annually by the Yolo County Human Resources Department. It should be assured that no staff member can be assigned to duties for which he or she is not trained. Juvenile Detention Facility Investigation
R4:
By October 31, 2018, the JDF should convene an advisory committee of staff members, chosen by rank-and-file staff, who are experienced in interacting with juvenile detainees. This committee should work with management to resolve problems with training, staffing, injuries, and lost time.
R5:
Beginning in the first quarter of 2019, the Yolo County Department of Financial Services should audit, at least annually, the effectiveness of the updated procedures related to the control of assets, including money and other property of detainees.
R6:
Effective immediately, the JDF should report all potential felonies committed by juvenile detainees to the Yolo County District Attorney as required by California law and Probation Department policies and procedures.
R7:
By October 31, 2018, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors should review the ORR program, weighing the benefits and risks, and consider whether to continue the program in Yolo County or not.
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Findings & Recommendations
13 findings
F1:
For many Yolo County residents, poor transparency and difficulties in accessing information make it hard to understand the consequences of mushrooming retirement benefit expenses and liabilities. This jeopardizes the citizens’ ability to hold elected officials responsible for providing adequate funding to all high-priority services.
F2:
Several studies reveal that the retirement benefit system has been compromised by “golden handshakes” (e.g. special pension benefit deals or enhancements) and failure to consider the cost of lifetime benefits and likely investment earning levels. This happens every time a public agency negotiates a contract with its employees. Future fiscal solutions will depend, in part, on the public’s willingness to hold state and local politicians accountable for their fiduciary responsibility as required by law and ethics (see Bibliography, , item 10).
F3:
Many city councils seem to have found it politically unpalatable or fiscally difficult to find adequate funding resources to make high enough payments to reduce unfunded pension and other post-employment benefit liabilities beyond the required payments. Additionally, when revenue generation is increased (e.g., from bonds, parcel taxes, sales, or utility taxes or fees), the money collected that may be restricted for a specific purpose, makes available other unrestricted general funds to fund retirement cost increases. This is not always clearly communicated to the public.
F4:
Beyond CalPERS requirements, the four cities approach the transparency, analysis, management and containment of growing retiree costs in different ways. There is an opportunity for increased collaboration among the cities. For example, Davis has developed a financial forecasting tool that projects revenues and expenses many years into the future. Some cities show retirement costs’ share of the “General” or “All” Funds.
F5:
safety and takes seriously the rare tragedies of school 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board directly through some of the campuses. Gates at some violence, it must also balance such concerns with valid campuses are not secured during school hours. District's school site council considers that evaluation in drafting its comprehensive safety plan. Notwithstanding, the district is in the process of requesting quotes from local fencing contractors for fencing around the junior high school entrance as well as other fences within the District. The request will be finalized on 9-30-17. Giovanni Linaes, Executive WJUSD agrees with this finding. Some campuses within Director, Educational Services, 8/7/2017 WJUSD are not restricted by fencing. Woodland Joint Unified School District Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Agree - Access to some campuses is not restricted by fencing. Gates at some campuses are not secured during Linda C. Luna, District 8/14/2017 school hours because not all gates have panic bars to exit Superintendent and the Board from the inside without a key. Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors The District disagrees partially with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Davis Joint Unified School District. Although the District acknowledges its campuses' proximity to public bike trails and city parks, it has implemented adequate policies and continues to work closely with local law enforcement agencies to maintain security during school hours. The public bike trails and parks are distinctive of the city of Davis and the District's school site councils considers this characteristic in drafting their comprehensive safety plans. The lack of perimeter fencing around some District campuses is consistent with the purposes provided in the Civic Center Davis Unified School District, Act, which requires the District to make school facilities telephone call 10-20-17 from and grounds available to citizens and community groups District, sent response 9-7-17, after school hours. While the District prioritizes school 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A safety and takes seriously the rare tragedies of school Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent violence, it must also balance such concerns with valid and Tom Adams, Vice community interests. The safety policies put in place President, Board of Education reflect that assessment. Additionally, according to the District's 2015 comprehensive safety assessment conducted by expert consultants, the lack of perimeter fencing as found to be reasonable given the city's low crime rate and the District's initiative to implement property line demarcations and additional signage, discussed in more detail below. Lastly, rather than implement perimeter fencing around all campuses, the District has completed strategic fencing projects on several school sites by implementing higher fencing around playground areas occupied by kindergarten and other young children. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond The District disagrees wholly with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Esparto Unified School District. District Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 1250 delineates the check-in procedures for visitors at all school sites. A visitor shall, upon request, furnish the principal or designee with his/her name, address, and Visitors to campuses are not properly instructed to safety occupation, his/her age, if less than 21, his/her purpose
F6:
procedures to be followed. Check-in procedures for visitors 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board for entering school grounds, proof of identity, if are often not adequately clarified at some campuses. necessary, and other information consistent with the provisions of law. Additionally, safety procedures are posted visibly near the entrance of each campus and District office. Visitors are also typically accompanied by school personnel who are well-informed in the use of the emergency card and safety procedures. WJUSD agrees with this finding. Consistency in Giovanni Linaes, Executive instructing safety procedures to visitors in an area of Director, Educational Services, need. WJUSD will be providing training, reminders, and 8/7/2017 Woodland Joint Unified School clear procedures for instruction and clarifying safety District procedures to be followed Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Disagree - Visitors to campuses are properly instructed to Linda C. Luna, District safety procedures to be followed. Check-in procedures 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board for visitors are clarified at all WUSD campuses. Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond The District disagrees partially with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Davis Joint Unified School District. The District Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 1250 clearly delineates the check-in procedures for visitors at all school sites. A visitor shall, upon request, furnish the principal or designee with his/her name, his/her purpose for entering school grounds, proof of identity, if necessary, and other Davis Unified School District, information consistent with the provisions of law. telephone call 10-20-17 from Additionally, visitors are made aware of safety District, sent response 9-7-17, procedures. As discussed in F-10 below, the District 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A displays a one X17 card on the wall of every Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent classroom and workspace, which details proper safety and Tom Adams, Vice procedures. Visitors are also typically accompanied by President, Board of Education school personnel who are well-informed in the use of the emergency card and safety procedures. Although not all sites currently have visible signage directing visitors to check in at the main office before entering campus, the District is currently rectifying this and expect to have proper signage implemented on all school sites within 18- 24 months from September 1, 2017. The District disagrees wholly with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Esparto Unified School District. District students annually participate in lockdown/shelter and fire evacuations drills. Additionally, the District annually posts the school site Students are not made aware of the importance of safety plan emergency procedures on the District's website.
F7:
compliance and their role in assuring a safe school Parents/guardians are informed of the procedures in their 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board environment. "Enrollment Packet," and students are informed of the procedures in their Student Handbooks. The foregoing practices inform students of the importance of safety plan compliance and their role in assuring a safe school environment. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond WJUSD agrees with this finding. While some students are aware of safety plan compliance and their roles in assuring safe school environments, WJUSD believes that Giovanni Linaes, Executive more can be done in this area to support all students Director, Educational Services, 8/7/2017 knowing safety plans and their roles in assuring a safe Woodland Joint Unified School school environment. WJUSD will be supporting this District effort with assemblies, trainings, and drills throughout the school year. Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Disagree - Students are made aware of the importance of Linda C. Luna, District safety plan compliance and their role in assuring a safe 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board school environment. Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors The District disagrees wholly with this finding as it relates to the operation of the Davis Joint Unified School Davis Unified School District, District. At least twice a year, District students participate telephone call 10-20-17 from in lockdown/shelter and various evacuation drills. District, sent response 9-7-17, Additionally, the District distributes information about 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A school site emergency procedures to students and Bowes, Ed.D Superintendent parents/guardians annually. The foregoing practices and Tom Adams, Vice inform students of the importance of safety plan President, Board of Education compliance and their role in assuring a safe school environment. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond The District disagrees partially with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Esparto Unified School District. All campus offices are located at the main entrance to each school site. While the District Access allowed only to the office area of campuses with all acknowledges that there may be other potential access other areas secured within fencing is not provided at many
F8:
points, most campuses are secured by four- or six-feet 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board campuses within the Districts. Campus offices are not always high exterior fences. As noted above, the district is in the located at the main entrance to campuses. process of requesting quotes from local fencing contractors for fencing around the junior high school entrance as well as other fences within the District The request will be finalized on 9-30-17. Giovanni Linaes, Executive WJUSD agrees with this finding. Some campuses are not Director, Educational Services, fenced in and thus Administration offices are not always 8/7/2017 Woodland Joint Unified School located in main entrance to campus. District Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Disagree Partially - Access is allowed only to the office area of campuses with all other areas secured within fencing at most school sites. Fencing exists at all school Linda C. Luna, District 8/14/2017 sites; however, gates at some campuses are not secured Superintendent and the Board during school hours because not all gates have panic bars to exit from the inside without a key. Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond The District disagrees partially with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Davis Joint Unified School district. As previously stated in F-5, the lack of perimeter Davis Unified School District, fencing around some District campuses is not only telephone call 10-20-17 from consistent with the purposes provided in the Civic Center District, sent response 9-7-17, Act, but is also reasonable given the city's low crime rate 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A and the District's initiative to implement strategic Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent fencing, property line demarcations and additional and Tom Adams, Vice signage. Although not surrounded by perimeter fencing, President, Board of Education all campus offices are located at the main entrance to the District school sites. The District disagrees wholly with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Esparto Unified School District. Pursuant to District Board Policy/Administrative Regulation 1250, signage is posted at every entrance to Appropriate signage directing visitors to the office areas is
F9:
each District campus setting forth visitor registration 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board lacking at several district campuses. requirements, hours during which registration is required, the registration location, the route to take to that location, and the penalties for violation of registration requirements. Giovanni Linaes, Executive WJUSD agrees with this finding, WJUSD is investing in Director, Educational Services, 8/7/2017 signage to support directing visitors to office areas Woodland Joint Unified School District Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Agree - Appropriate signage directing visitors to the Linda C. Luna, District 8/14/2017 office areas are at every school site in WUSD. Superintendent and the Board Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors The District agrees with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Davis Joint Unified School District. Davis Unified School District, Most District school sites display proper signage to direct telephone call 10-20-17 from visitors to the main office prior to accessing the District, sent response 9-7-17, campuses. However, the District acknowledges that some 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A sites are missing the proper signage while other campuses Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent lack signs that are large enough for visitors to easily and Tom Adams, Vice identify. The District is currently rectifying this and President, Board of Education expects to have proper signage implemented on all school sites within 18-24 months from September 1, 2017. No response is called for. To highlight the practices of Esparto Unified School District, the District provides all Utilizing an organized emergency procedures flip chart with its teachers with safety directives in its emergency plan easy to follow directives and an easily modified format, as
F10:
on an annual basis. The District is, however, willing to 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board used in Washington School District, is highly recommended consider establishing a District committee to discuss for use as a countywide model. creating and using a similar flip chart system in the 2017- 18 school year. WJUSD agrees with this finding. WJUSD is investing Giovanni Linaes, Executive funds through the Local Control and Accountability Plan Director, Educational Services, 8/7/2017 to develop flip charts for school sites that have easy-to- Woodland Joint Unified School follow safety directives. District Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Agree - WUSD implemented emergency procedures Linda C. Luna, District through an organized flip chart through the collaboration 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board of the District's Safety Committee and training. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors No response is required. To highlight the practices of Davis Joint Unified School District, the District displays a one X17 card on the wall of every classroom and workspace on neon red paper, which is easier to Davis Unified School District, follow in an emergency situation than the flip chart telephone call 10-20-17 from (which the district previously used). An emergency folder District, sent response 9-7-17, is also placed in every classroom of every school site, 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A which consists of the same information as the card, as Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent well as the class roster, emergency numbers, school map, and Tom Adams, Vice and first aid procedures. Teachers are well versed in the President, Board of Education use of these folders and know to bring them with them (along with the emergency backpack) in an evacuation situation. The use of the Winters Public Library by students and the
F11:
public during school hours without established safety No Response is Required 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board procedures at that facility is of concern to the Grand Jury. Giovanni Linaes, Executive Director, Educational Services, No Response Needed 8/7/2017 Woodland Joint Unified School District It is outside of YCOE's jurisdiction to require Winters Joint Unified School district to implement safety Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo procedures. However, YCOE will support the school 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of district in addressing any findings, including F11, at the Schools district's request. Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Linda C. Luna, District No Response 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Davis Unified School District, telephone call 10-20-17 from District, sent response 9-7-17, No Response resending 10-20-17. John A Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education The District agrees with this finding as it relates to the operations of the Esparto Unified School District. All Current use of alternate communication devices, for example school principals, office staff, Physical Education walkie-talkies, for selected staff improves the safety of all
F12:
Teachers, and Yard Duty Staff are equipped with 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board campuses when other forms of communication such as alternate communication devices, such as walkie-talkies, phones, the internet, and intercoms are not functioning. in the event other forms of communication such as phones, the internet, and intercoms are not functioning. WJUSD agrees that the use of alternative communications devices is useful in communicating Giovanni Linaes, Executive when other forms of communication are not available Director, Educational Services, 8/7/2017 WJUSD has invested and will continue to invest in Woodland Joint Unified School having alternative devices available when needed across District all campuses. Jesse Ortiz, Ed.D, Yolo County No Response 8/2/2017 Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Agree - WUSD uses alternate communication devices, Linda C. Luna, District walkie-talkies for selected staff to improve the safety of 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board all campuses. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors The District agrees with this finding as it relates to the Davis Unified School District, operations of the Davis Joint Unified School District. The telephone call 10-20-17 from District deploys walkie-talkies to every campus. The District, sent response 9-7-17, devices allow staff to communicate within the campus as 9/7/2017 resending 10-20-17. John A well as within the entire District. All front office and Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent administrative staff are trained on the emergency features and Tom Adams, Vice of this system. President, Board of Education The Yolo County Board of Supervisors needs to address and
F13:
correct traffic safety issues along Yolo Avenue in Esparto for No Response is Required 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board Esparto District students accessing all campuses. Giovanni Linaes, Executive Director, Educational Services, No Response Needed 8/7/2017 Woodland Joint Unified School District Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Agree with the Findings 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Linda C. Luna, District No Response is Required 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board We disagree wholly with the findings, as Yolo Avenue in Esparto is a state highway (California State Route 16) not Pat Blacklock on behalf of under our jurisdiction. However, we will continue to 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of work collaboratively with the State to address road safety Supervisors issues on state highways in Yolo County. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Findings Responses Date Who's to Respond Davis Unified School District, telephone call 10-20-17 from District, sent response 9-7-17, No Response resending 10-20-17. John A Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education
Additional Recommendations
12
Not linked to specific findings.
R1:
By February 1, 2019, city councils and staff should conduct public education campaigns to increase transparency and awareness of the alarming burdensome impact on city service priorities that is being created by retirement pension and medical insurance costs. Examples of public education could be in the form of education forums, explanatory inserts in utility statements, multi-media articles and/or candid conversation at governmental meetings.
R2:
By February 1, 2019, city councils and staff should create a simple statistical template and/or graph that shows three-year past (actual) and projected (look back, The Looming Crisis of City Pension and Retirement Medical Costs look forward) pension costs and liabilities and their impact (% of total) on the city budget General and All Fund base. This is necessary to assure transparency to the public (for an example developed by the Grand Jury, see the
R3:
By July 1, 2019, Yolo County city councils should investigate and consider alternatives to the existing CalPERS managed pension systems in order to achieve a more sustainable and less burdensome financial impact on city budgets. An alternative hybrid-defined pension option is included in the proposed Public Employees’ Pension Reform Action of 2018 (Senate Bill B-32). Any alternative plans considered by city governments should be transparent to the public.
R4:
By September 1, 2018, collaboration among cities in Yolo County should be increased so that best practices in analysis and cost containment of pensions and other retiree benefits can be shared. The best practices and innovative ideas should be transparent to the public.
R5:
8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board monitors where fencing and gates are open and school sites during school hours. At the high school unsecured. site, the school administrator regularly monitors the hallways while teachers provide rotating campus supervision during the morning break. WJUSD will implement this recommendation after further analysis. WJUSD will investigate and review Giovanni Linaes, Executive current adult monitor practices at sites where Director, Educational fencing is unavailable or gates are open and 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint unsecured to identify how best to implement Unified School District recommendations. WJUSD will report back to the Grand Jury no later than December 31, 2017. Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond October 2017 - Winters High School and Winters Middle School to include in their plan how areas Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters 6/19/2017 that are not secured with fencing will be monitored Joint Unified School District (Recommendation #5). Require further analysis - By October 1, 2017, when school is in session and children are present all sites will use identifiable adult monitors where fencing Linda C. Luna, District and gates are open and unsecured. Further analysis 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the is needed to determine financial and staffing impact Board to each school site. Further analysis will also include assessment of current employees assigned for supervision and campus security. Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors This recommendation has already been implemented. An extensive number of adult monitors are already present at all District school Davis Unified School sites before, during and immediately after school District, telephone call 10- hours. Campus supervisors at the secondary sites are 20-17 from District, sent identifiable by wearing polo shirts of the school response 9-7-17, resending colors and jackets during the winter season that 10-20-17. John A Bowes, display the name of the school. Additionally, Ed.D., Superintendent and pursuant to Board Policy/Administrative Regulation Tom Adams, Vice President, 5142, supervision zones are clearly identified on Board of Education playgrounds with adult supervisors placed in locations from which they can observe their entire zone of supervision. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond This recommendation has already been implemented. All District personnel are provided training on safety and emergency procedures annually. The District intends to implement training By October 1, 2017, provide training and increase surveys to receive feedback on the effectiveness of
R6:
safety awareness among District personnel and 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board the training in order to continually improve its students. safety measures. The District will also continue to work with its administrators in providing comprehensive messages to its student to ensure safety awareness. WJUSD agrees with this recommendation and will Giovanni Linaes, Executive be implementing. A memo outlining the expectation Director, Educational and timeline for this recommendation will be 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint provided to schools upon return for the 2017-18 Unified School District school year. Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools September 2017 - All Departments/Sites will take employees through a review of District Safety Plan and plan for implementation of plan Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters 6/19/2017 (Recommendation #6). District will provide training Joint Unified School District to staff and students to increase safety awareness (Recommendation #6). Linda C. Luna, District Implemented - Provide training and increase safety 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the awareness among District personnel and students. Board Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond Davis Unified School This recommendation has already been District, telephone call 10- implemented. All District personnel are provided 20-17 from District, sent training on safety and emergency procedures response 9-7-17, resending annually. The District will continue to work with its 10-20-17. John A Bowes, administrators in providing clear messages to its Ed.D., Superintendent and students to ensure safety awareness. Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education This recommendation has already been By October 1, 2017, all Districts will comply with the implemented. The District updates its
R7:
8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board California Education code concerning school safety. comprehensive safety plan yearly and complies with all parts of the plan. WJUSD agrees with this recommendation and will Giovanni Linaes, Executive be implementing. A memo outlining the expectation Director, Educational and timeline for this recommendation will be 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint provided to schools upon return for the 2017-18 Unified School District school year. Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools September 2017 - Draft as information item to the Board. September 2017-Final District Emergency Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters Plan to the Board for Approval. Plan to comply with 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District the California Education Code concerning safety (Recommendation #7). Linda C. Luna, District Implemented - WUSD complies with the California 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Education Code concerning school safety. Board Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond Davis Unified School District, telephone call 10- 20-17 from District, sent This recommendation has already been response 9-7-17, resending implemented. The District updates its safety plan 10-20-17. John A Bowes, yearly and complies with all parts of the plan. Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education This recommendation has already been implemented. As described above, monthly meetings are held among all Yolo County District Superintendents. These meetings serve as the By October 1, 2017, Yolo County Districts should appropriate time and place to discuss various consider networking with each other on a regular basis
R8:
concerns, including safety-related issues, which 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board to discuss and share ideas on the most effective ways to affect all districts in the county. However, Esparto construct, initiate and utilize school safety plans. Unified School District is willing to participate in additional networking measures to discuss safety plans in conjunction with the Yolo County Office of Education. WJUSD agrees with this recommendation and will Giovanni Linaes, Executive be implementing. A memo outlining the expectation Director, Educational and timeline for this recommendation will be 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint provided to schools upon return for the 2017-18 Unified School District school year. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond YCOE's staff meets five times per year with Directors of Student Services or their designee from each district. The person filling the role of Director of Students Services is responsible for school safety planning in most districts. The first meeting with Directors of Student Services for the 2017-18 school year is scheduled on Wednesday, September 20, 2017. The Grand Jury report, "Are Yolo County Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo schools in Compliance with School Safety Plans?", 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of will be an agenda item at the meeting and will Schools include a request that each school district report on its progress implementing any recommendations identified in the Grand Jury report and sharing ideas on the most effective ways to construct initiate and utilize school safety plans. Going forward, school safety plans will be an annual agenda item at these meetings. August 2017 - The plan will be shared with the Yolo County Office of Education and all District Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters 6/19/2017 superintendents to share and receive ideas/feedback Joint Unified School District (Recommendation #8). Linda C. Luna, District N/A - Determined by our Yolo County 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Superintendents' Council Board Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond This recommendation has already been implemented. As described above, monthly meeting Davis Unified School is held among all Yolo County District District, telephone call 10- Superintendents. These meetings serve as the 20-17 from District, sent appropriate time and place to discuss various response 9-7-17, resending concerns, including safety-related issues, which 9/7/2017 10-20-17. John A Bowes, affect all districts in the county. However, Davis Ed.D., Superintendent and Joint Unified School District is willing to participate Tom Adams, Vice President, in additional networking measures to discuss safety Board of Education plans in conjunction with the Yolo County Office of Education. By October 1, 2017, modify, as necessary, the 2007 Memorandum of Understanding for Joint Use with
R9:
Winters Joint Unified School District and the Yolo No Response 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board County Public Library to address the safety of students using the Winters Public Library during school hours. Giovanni Linaes, Executive Director, Educational No Response Needed 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint Unified School District It is outside of YCOE's jurisdiction to require any school district in the county to comply with Education Code requirements for comprehensive Jesse Ortiz, ED.D., Yolo school safety plans or to execute Memorandums of 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Understand with other agencies. However, YCOE Schools will assist Winters Joint Unified School District in Implementing all recommendations, including R9, at the district's request. August 2017 - The plan is to include a memorandum of understanding with the Yolo Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters County Public Library to address the safety of 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District students using the Winters Public Library during school hours (Recommendation #9) Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond Linda C. Luna, District N/A 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board Pat Blacklock on behalf of No Response 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of Supervisors Davis Unified School District, telephone call 10- 20-17 from District, sent response 9-7-17, resending No Response 10-20-17. John A Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education By January 1, 2018, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors will establish procedures to address the
R10:
No Response 8/28/2017 Esparto Entire School Board Yolo Avenue safety issues confronting Esparto Joint Unified District students. Giovanni Linaes, Executive Director, Educational No Response Needed 8/7/2017 Services, Woodland Joint Unified School District Jesse Ortiz, Ed.D., Yolo No Response 8/2/2017 County Superintendent of Schools Todd Cutler, Ed.D., Winters See below 6/19/2017 Joint Unified School District Linda C. Luna, District N/A 8/14/2017 Superintendent and the Board Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? Recommendations Responses Date Who's to Respond This recommendation will not be implemented as Yolo Avenue in Esparto is a state highway Pat Blacklock on behalf of (California State Route 16) no under our 8/1/2017 Yolo County Board of jurisdiction. However, we will continue to work Supervisors collaboratively with the State to address road safety issues on state highways in Yolo County. Davis Unified School District, telephone call 10- 20-17 from District, sent response 9-7-17, resending No Response 10-20-17. John A Bowes, Ed.D., Superintendent and Tom Adams, Vice President, Board of Education Winters Joint Unified School District Calendar: Fall 2016 -Superintendent met with Director of Facilities to discuss updating of District Safety Plan. March 2017-Yolo County Grand Jury met with District Principals and Director of Facilities to go over the districts emergency plans: Although the most current District wide emergency plan was dated 2002 all sites had current site plans that included annual drills. April 2017-The 2002 district Emergency plan was updated to reflect current staff and current year. May 2017-All Assistant Principals, Director of Facilities, CBO, and a representative from Keenan and Associates met as the new WJUSD Safety Committee to review the updated Emergency Plan and IIPP. Keenan and Associates asked that the current version of the district Emergency Plan be sent to them for review. June 2017-The Districts Emergency Plan was sent to Keenan and Associates and is currently in review. We expect to receive recommended updates and/or modifications before the District Safety Committee convenes in August of 2017. July 2017-Met with Keenan and Associates representatives to discuss safety assessments and continued assistance with our District Safety Plan. Keenan will continue to participate on our Safety Committee and provide assessments of facilities. Met with representative of the Winters Police Department. Winters PD will have a representative serve on our District Safety Committee. August 2017-The District Safety Committee to meet to review recommendations from Keenan and Associates and determine changes/modifications/additions. The newly updated District Emergency Plan will be completed for final review by August 18th. Align Site Emergency Plans with the Districts Emergency Plan. October 2017-All Site Emergency Plans to the Board for information then approval. Appendix: Did the 2016-17 Grand Jury Improve Local Government? REPORT TITLE: CA CONNECTIONS TO SUCCESS ACT: A BETTER BRIDGE TO ADULTHOOD FOR YOLO COUNTY'S FOSTER YOUTH
R11:
the current 360-degree evaluation process to include all elected No Response. 8/1/2017 Officer, Human Resources officials and department heads. Director, County Administrative Officer, & General Services REPORT TITLE: YOLO HABITAT CONSERVANCY PERSEVERANCE, PRESERVATION AND POSSIBILITIES
R20-17:
from District, sent with his/her name, his/her purpose for entering response 9-7-17, resending school grounds, proof of identity, if necessary, and 10-20-17. John A Bowes, other information consistent with the provisions of Ed.D., Superintendent and law. Additionally, the District implemented the Tom Adams, Vice President, RAPTOR visitor management system, which Board of Education compares a visitor's license information against a database of known sex offenders.