1

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

BOARD OF SUPERVISORS AND BROWN ACT

I. PURPOSE:

To investigate the possibility the Board of Supervisors may have violated the

Brown Act in selecting a County Administrator.

II. BACKGROUND:

Local papers carried reports that the Board of Supervisors had appointed a part-time

County Administrator during closed session. Doing so would be a violation

of the Brown Act.

III. FINDINGS:

The behind closed doors meeting was the Human Resources Agency ( HRA)

Director’s annual evaluation.

The increased responsibilities are related to HRA areas – job creation being the

primary responsibility.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

There was no violation of the Brown Act.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

None

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

None

2

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To follow up on the West Nile Virus.

II. BACKGROUND:

There has been one ( 1) case last year of the West Nile Virus in Southern

California. It is expected in this area by the summer of 2003.

III. FINDINGS:

The Glenn County Mosquito and Vector Control District is a Special District for

the Willows area only.

The West Nile Virus kills animals, birds and people. The virus is transmitted in

many ways:

mosquitoes to birds

female mosquitoes to her larvae

birds to mosquitoes

birds to birds

mosquitoes to man

birds to man

The Willows area is sprayed twice a week for mosquitoes. Hamilton City is

sprayed periodically by Butte County.

The mosquito has a flight range of twenty ( 20) miles. It can be carried much

further on the wind.

The Glenn County Mosquito and Vector Control District has two ( 2) chicken

flocks which they keep and check for the virus.

To help keep the mosquito population down, mosquito fish are raised and given

free of charge to anyone who wants them.

3

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

Last year, nationwide, 3949 people were infected with the virus and 254 of them

died. Two hundred species of birds, reptiles and mammals, including rabbits,

bats, dogs and cats died. Fourteen thousand horses were infected and three

thousand of those died.

As of now, aside from Willows, there is no protection for the rest of Glenn

County. The West Nile Virus will arrive.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 01 A process for a countywide vector abatement program with a long- term

view in mind should be implemented.

03- 02 The County should be prepared to expand the Mosquito Vector District to

include the entire County.

03- 03 An emergency plan should be in place to be initiated at the first indication

of infection in the County.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Board of Supervisors

Health Department

4

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC GUARDIAN REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To become aware of the functions and funding of the Department of Public

Guardian.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Public Guardian is appointed by the Court as a Conservator of persons who

cannot care for themselves without help.

III. FINDINGS:

Fees collected from the clients are deposited to the General Fund Revenue

Account.

An audit was done per the request of the Public Guardian office due to the lack of

previous audits. There is no outside audit of this department.

The department receives an eleven thousand dollar ($ 11,000.00) annual budget.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The Public Guardian is to be complimented for the efficient manner in which the

department is run.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

Due to the restriction, all funds collected by the Public Guardian should remain in

that department rather than going to the General Fund.

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

Department of Finance

Board of Supervisors

5

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

BUTTE CITY CEMETERY

I. PURPOSE:

To follow up on the progress on the Butte City Cemetery since the last Grand Jury

Report.

II. BACKGROUND:

Three years ago, the Grand Jury received a complaint about the condition of the

Butte City Cemetery. After a great deal of research, it was learned that the

cemetery is the in the jurisdiction of the Marvin Chapel Cemetery. A team from

California State University at Chico came into the cemetery and located many of

the graves, and they were able to determine how the cemetery was originally

designed. Members of the Human Resources Agency ( HRA) Project YES

worked on the site for about three weeks. Valley View Conservation Corps and

private citizens trimmed and cleaned up the walnut trees. The Agriculture

Department has been given the responsibility by the Glenn County Board of

Supervisors to restore the cemetery before turning it back to Marvin Chapel. It

appears the cemetery has been sprayed for weeds this year.

III. FINDINGS:

The fence still needs to be put up.

The Glenn County Mosquito & Vector district donated the steel fence posts.

The Willows Lions Club donated $ 200.00 for the fence.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

Due to the County’s financial situation, it is difficult to progress as quickly as the

Grand Jury would desire.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 05 The Grand Jury’s continual surveillance of the Butte City Cemetery will

be necessary to assure the work is completed.

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

None

6

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ASSESSOR’S OFFICE REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To discover if the Board of Equalization 1998- 1999 Survey recommendations had

been implemented as agreed to by the Glenn County Assessor.

II. BACKGROUND:

During the Grand Jury’s research of prior years’ reports, it was decided to follow

up on these recommendations.

All recommendations have been implemented.

III. FINDINGS:

The Board of Equalization has no real authority over the Assessor’s Office. It is

up to the discretion of the Assessor whether these recommendations are followed.

The assessor is responsible for the management of six ( 6) departments:

Assessor

Recorder

Clerk

Clerk Of The Board Of Supervisors

Elections

Planning Director

The Assessor is in the process of upgrading the data processing and networking

functions of the various departments to make them more efficient and economical.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The Assessor’s workload is quite heavy. However, the Assessor is extremely

professional and puts the welfare of his department foremost.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 06 Now that the Assessor has initiated changes to the Planning Department so

that it is functioning smoothly and efficiently, the Assessor has suggested

a planning director be appointed.

7

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Assessor

Board of Supervisors

8

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To follow up on the 1999- 2000 Grand Jury responses concerning the Audit

Committee ( Item 99- 19), changes in purchasing policies ( Item 99- 20) and

selection of External Auditing Services ( Item 99- 21).

II. BACKGROUND:

The Grand Jury met with the Internal Auditor to discuss the lack of notification of

Audits and purchasing by the Finance Department in reference to Items 99- 19,

99- 20 and 99- 21.

III. FINDINGS:

The Internal Auditor informed the Jury that the above was implemented. The

Grand Jury had been notified by phone. The Internal Auditor left messages on

the answering machine. No Grand Jury member responded due to the lack of

knowledge of such a phone. The Internal Auditor informed the Jury that the

Audit Committee meets quarterly and calls were placed each quarter to the Grand

Jury phone.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The meeting with the Internal Auditor was very informative. However, there is

little rapport between the Department of Finance and the Grand Jury.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 07 The Grand Jury should be notified by mail in advance of changes in

meetings in a timely manner, changes in documents relating to purchasing

policies, and the selection of external auditing services.

03- 08 It is recommended that this information listed above be included in the

procedures manual to be updated annually.

03- 09 A folder listing the above information should be compiled and given to the

new Grand Jury Foreperson annually.

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

Department of Finance

Board of Supervisors

9

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

AUDIT COMMITTEE MEETING REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To attend the March 11, 2003, meeting of the Glenn County Audit Committee

pursuant to the 1999- 2000 Grand Jury Recommendations.

II. BACKGROUND:

It was discovered that a Grand Jury member should attend the quarterly Audit

Committee meetings. The internal auditor informed the Finance Committee of

this meeting. The Audit Committee consists of the Chairman and Vice- Chairman

from the Glenn County Board of Supervisors, the Director of Finance ( who is the

Chairperson of the committee), one appointed department head, one elected

department head and one private citizen.

III. FINDINGS:

The overall objective of the Audit Committee of the County of Glenn is to

function as a liaison between the Board of Supervisors, Finance Director, and the

Internal Auditor. In addition, it is the objective of the audit committee to promote

the function and benefits of the Internal Auditor to the County.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The Committee operated as mandated by the Brown Act.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 10 The Grand Jury should be notified by phone and by mail of each up

coming meeting.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

None

10

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ELECTION DEPARTMENT REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

To review the election process as it pertains to Glenn County.

II. BACKGROUND:

This department, which is part of the County Assessor’s Department, oversees

Glenn County elections.

III. FINDINGS:

The Election Department is efficiently run. It must meet the State and Federal

regulation standards. There are many places where an individual can register to

vote. There are 22 precincts in the County.

This agency does not check on the validity of citizenship, residency, age or

criminal background ( felony) of individuals registering to vote.

The County is looking to change its present voting machines. There is $ 160,000

of State funding available. The County would need $ 500,000 for the new

system.

The election laws are created by the Legislature. Although there are regulations

governing the voting procedures, there is little interest in enforcing them.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The Election Department is doing the best it can under the circumstances.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 11 There should be a system set up for validating registrations

03- 12 There should also be a well- publicized designated places for registering

voters.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Election Department

Assessor

Board of Supervisors.

11

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPORT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury met with the Investment Advisor to determine how the county

invests county funds.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Jury became interested in investment policies of the Finance Department due

to the expected budget shortfall.

III. FINDINGS:

There are Federal and State guidelines that specify the particular types of

investments which can be made.

Funds are not invested in stocks

There is one investment pool for the county called PIF. This is the “ Pool

Investment Fund” which consists of funds from schools, special districts and the

State. Part of the PIF fund is LAIF, the “ Local Agency Investment Fund,” which

is made up of funds from the State and other counties. The State administers the

fund but cannot access these funds. Only the investors can utilize these funds.

Funds may be withdrawn as needed.

An independent financial advisor is utilized for investment expertise.

The Board of Supervisors has established a Treasury Oversight Committee.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The Investment Advisor was very helpful and informative. The Jury feels that the

investments are being handled efficiently and the investment policies are being

followed.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

None

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

None

12

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

RABIES TESTING AND CONTROL

I. PURPOSE:

To investigate public concerns regarding the rabies testing, control program and

the handling of specimens in Glenn County.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Grand Jury received a letter of concern asking the Grand Jury to investigate

the above program.

III. FINDINGS:

There were problems with rabies specimens recently submitted for testing.

Non- standardized handling procedures of potentially rabid animals.

Courier services are untimely and unreliable.

Testing of specimens delayed in several cases due to time factors.

Inadequate freezing/ cooling space for the specimens.

Lack of communication among all entities responsible for testing and control of

potentially rabid animals.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

After meeting with the contracted veterinarian for the County, Environmental

Health and Animal Control the Grand Jury’s findings were confirmed.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 13 Update policies and procedures to meet State and Federal standards for the

handling of suspected rabid animals ( animal bites and/ or human

exposure). Set guidelines must be made with definite time lines for

handling. Develop handouts for the public with the procedures established

by County personnel.

03- 14 An updated record keeping/ tracking process needs to be added to the

policies and procedures with a copy going to each participating entity

when a specimen is sent out for testing. Records should include time,

13

date, and signature of anyone involved in the handling or processing of the

specimen.

03- 15 The County should consider circulating a bid for a Rabies Testing

Contract among the Glenn County veterinarians every two years.

03- 16 Development of in- service training and continuing education for all inter-agency

personnel ( Environmental Health, Animal Control, Public Health,

county veterinarians, etc.) concerning the handling of potentially rabid

animals. Training shall be conducted on an annual basis or more often as

new policies are introduced

03- 17 Purchase a freezer for use by the contracted veterinarian for storage of

suspected rabies cases only.

03- 18 The Grand Jury should continue to monitor the Rabies Testing and

Control Program for the above recommendations. Monitoring should

continue until the Grand Jury is satisfied that an effective program is in

place and functioning smoothly.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Animal Control ( 03- 13, 03- 14, 03- 16)

Board of Supervisors ( 03- 15, 03- 17)

Contracted County Veterinarian ( 03- 13, 03- 14, 03- 16, 03- 17)

Environmental Health ( 03- 13, 03- 14, 03- 15, 03- 16)

Public Health ( 03- 13, 03- 14, 03- 16)

Agriculture Commissioner ( 03- 16)

14

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

VIOLENCE PREVENTION IN COUNTY

MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS

I. PURPOSE:

To investigate and evaluate the safety plans for fire, flood, violence and outside

intrusion within the Glenn County intermediate and high school systems.

II. BACKGROUND:

Due to current world events the Grand Jury felt the need to review the policies

and procedures for the safety of the students in Glenn County schools.

III. FINDINGS:

The Glenn County school districts have a master safety plan that is distributed

throughout the county. All the schools are following the standard operating

procedure and adhering to that plan.

Police, sheriff and fire personnel from the local communities are aware of, and

involved in, the implementation of the master safety plan.

All staff, students and parents are informed of the master safety plan via student

handbooks and written communication at the beginning of each school year.

Drills are conducted during the year for each emergency situation.

Although all the schools are adhering to the master safety plan, some have been

able to enhance the plan by using video equipment, police on campus, drug-seeking

canine and more extensive drill programs.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

All the intermediate and high schools in Glenn County are adhering to the master

plan as defined by the Office of Education. In consideration of world events, the

Grand Jury is making some recommendations to ensure an even safer

environment for the children in Glenn County Schools.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 19 All schools must have detailed blueprints of the school available in the

school district office, each school office and the police, sheriff and fire

15

departments.

03- 20 All doors need to lock from the inside/ outside for intruder prevention.

03- 21 All lower windows need to be able to be covered by protective material to

prevent intruders from visualization of the students and school personnel.

03- 22 All schools should have at least the minimum number of drills as set by

the school board.

03- 23 Red Alert ( intruder) drills need to be increased.

03- 24 Continue distribution and use of student handbooks.

03- 25 Quiz students at least twice a year on the safety/ discipline policies and

procedures to verify their knowledge and ability to implement the plan.

03- 26 Develop a Volunteer Assistant Program for all the schools, focusing on the

high- risk students. Emphasis needs to be placed on the community day

schools and the community high schools to enhance their programs and

the safety of the faculty and the students. We recommend the use of

Regional Occupation Program students, Butte and Chico State students,

parents, Community Resource Agency and Public Health, etc.

03- 27 All faculty members, including substitute teachers, should receive a copy

of the master safety plan.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Office of Education

Glenn County School Board

Stony Creek Unified School District

Hamilton Union High School District

Orland Unified School District

Willows Unified School District

16

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

COUNTY JAIL

I. PURPOSE:

Under California Penal Code 919( b) the Glenn County Grand Jury is required to

perform the following task: “ The Grand Jury shall inquire into the condition and

management of the public prisons within the county.”

II. BACKGROUND:

The Grand Jury met at the Glenn County Adult Detention Facility, a. k. a. Glenn

County Jail, located at 141 South Lassen Street, Willows, on October 23, 2002.

Three members of the jail staff explained the various areas and functions of the

facility, personnel required for each shift and answered questions posed by jury

members during the tour.

III. FINDINGS:

The jail staff is composed of four first line supervisors, eighteen line staff, two

maintenance supervisors, two civilian kitchen staff and a medical contract for

eight hours, five days per week. Emergency medical cases are treated at Glenn

Medical Center.

The interior was found to be clean, painted and with sufficient interior lighting.

The facility can house 116 males and 24 females for a total of 140 beds, with

thirteen persons per pod ( area).

The kitchen staff serves three nutritionally balanced meals a day with special

menus for health purposes, i. e., a diabetic menu. The kitchen also prepares the

evening meals for the Jane Hahn Juvenile Hall. The cleanliness of the kitchen

was noted.

Jail occupants can be either weekend inmates or full time prisoners who can earn

time off their sentences for good behavior and work details. One day of good

behavior and one day of work equals two days off a six- day sentence.

The jury did not notice an isolation area for prisoners with communicable

diseases.

17

III. CONCLUSIONS:

Overall survey showed the Glenn County jail to be clean and addressing the needs

of the prisoners. However, safety issues for both staff and inmates were noticed

at various levels.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 28 Matting for cement floor in the tower area for employees who are standing

for extended periods of time.

03- 29 Training needed for all employees in the use of the defibrillator.

03- 30 Addition of more strategically placed surveillance cameras.

03- 31 An isolation area needed for inmates who are ill.

03- 32 Provide additional lighting in the sally port area for safe escort of

prisoners after dark.

03- 33 A priority for public safety needs to be addressed: a secure fenced

walkway to move prisoners to and from the jail to the Courthouse.

03- 34 A separate entrance for prisoners in the Courthouse to the courtroom.

VI RESPONSES REQUIRED:

Sheriff

Jail Supervisor

Board of Supervisors.

18

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

JANE HAHN JUVENILE HALL

I. PURPOSE:

Pursuant to California Penal Code 919( b) the Grand Jury investigated the

condition and management of the Jane Hahn Juvenile Hall.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Grand Jury met at the Glenn County Juvenile Detention Facility, located at

306 North Villa Avenue, Willows, on November 12, 2002.

The Glenn County Probation Department is responsible for the operation of the

juvenile hall, which has ten staff members.

The facility was built in 1994 to house eight juveniles on a temporary basis. It

was soon changed to a long- term facility to provide housing for up to one year.

III. FINDINGS:

The Juvenile Hall was built as an eight- bed facility, four rooms with one bed and

two rooms with two beds. At the time of the visit there were twelve juveniles

being housed. Four were sleeping on mats on the floor.

The current facility is in need of maintenance, in particular the problem with

leakage around the windows in the holding rooms.

The Juvenile Hall operates under the IEP, Individual Education Plan. State Title

15 mandates require 240 minutes of schooling per day. There are planned

programs in the evenings, which cover subjects such as alcohol, tobacco and drug

abuse, domestic violence and anger management.

When a juvenile arrives at the facility, street clothes are placed in a bag and

stored. The juveniles all wear identical clothes consisting of white T- shirts, blue

jeans and tennis shoes.

They are served three meals per day. Breakfast and lunch are prepared on- site in

a closet- sized kitchen. The evening meal is prepared at the jail and transported to

the Hall.

Currently eighty percent ( 80%) of the youths in Juvenile Hall are gang members

and are on probation.

19

The juveniles are treated to popcorn and a movie on Saturday evenings, providing

disciplinary action was not needed during the week.

There is a community service project in place. The juveniles perform a variety of

community services, such as, picking up trash at the landfill, skate board park and

airport, landscape cleanup at schools and graffiti cleanup.

To become a staff member, a five- week training course is required. The person

must pass a state exam, is checked for any criminal history, fingerprinted, credit

check, letters from families, psychological test, physical test, knowledge of first

aid and the ability to work with troubled youth.

There is no place for mentally ill children, an no space available in the State.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The staff of Jane Hahn Juvenile Hall is performing a very valuable service for the

County. They should be commended for their performance under trying and over

crowded conditions.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 35 Emphasize the need to expedite the building of the addition to the Hall.

03- 36 Make the necessary repairs to the current facility to bring it up to safety

standards.

VI. RESPONSES:

Probation Department

Board of Supervisors

20

2002- 2003 GRAND JURY

POTENTIAL LOSS OF FIRE PROTECTION

( SB 1207)

I. PURPOSE:

To determine the impact of SB 1207 on local fire districts and the county.

II. BACKGROUND:

During Grand Jury interviews with the local fire districts, there was one issue

brought up by every fire department the Grand Jury visited. SB 1207, a bill

sponsored by the California State Firefighters Association, changes the legal

definition of volunteer firefighters to government employees, thereby making

them subject to California Codes of Regulations, California Health and Safety

Code, and the California Welfare and Institutions Code. The State Legislative

analysts looked at the impact of this legislation on the State but never considered

the impact on the local fire districts.

III. FINDINGS:

This legislation will require the State to reimburse the districts for mandated

equipment from a State Mandates Claim Fund if the Commission on State

Mandates determines the claims are mandated by the State. However, it appears

that this fund has been eliminated as part of the effort to balance the State budget.

Mandatory training could range from 400- 800 hours per year. At 8 hours a day, 5

days a week, it will take approximately 2 ½ to 5 months of full time training. At

4 hours a day, 4 nights a week, it will take approximately 6 to 12 months to

complete the training. This training does not include initial training or the

Emergency Medical Technician training many fire fighters need.

The cost of this additional training to the districts is unknown at this time.

Currently, the departments pay for some of the training, but often the volunteers

will pay for it out of their own pockets.

This legislation also makes the fire chiefs and their training officers liable to

personal lawsuits if there are injuries and the training does not completely meet

OSHA standards.

The majority of the districts in this county are already financially stretched to the

maximum. Having to absorb the cost of this training is beyond their financial

ability to do so.

21

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

Without State support it will be almost impossible for local fire districts to

financially meet the California codes.

The dramatic increase in time required for training will make it nearly impossible

for most volunteer fire fighters to be able to continue as volunteers since they

have jobs, businesses and farms to run. The number of volunteers is already

dwindling, but the numbers leaving will rapidly increase.

The financial impact on the districts, along with the loss of volunteers, resulting

from this legislation, will leave rural communities with no fire protection. In

many areas it would also mean there would be no medical response in emergency

situations.

While the County would probably be able to pay for any legal fees, the fire

district chiefs and trainers are liable and can be sued for failing to meet the OSHA

criteria. It seems inappropriate to penalize a volunteer at this level.

This legislation has the potential of destroying all rural volunteer fire departments

in the State.

The ripple effect from this legislation will impact the State and Federal lands as

volunteers are frequently first responders.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 37 The Board of Supervisors should immediately start work with State

legislators and other rural counties to get an emergency bill through the

State Legislature delaying the implementation of SB 1207 for as long as

possible.

03- 38 The Board should also recommend having this legislation rescinded.

03- 39 If SB 1207 cannot be delayed or rescinded, the Board needs to look at the

possibility of working with the State to amend the regulations to establish

more flexible standards for volunteer fire departments.

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

Board of Supervisors

22

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

COUNTYWIDE FIRE ISSUES

I. PURPOSE:

To review the various types of issues facing the fire departments in Glenn County.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Grand Jury interviewed the various fire departments in the county and found

a pattern of issues that need to be dealt with.

III. FINDINGS:

The Willows Fire Department dispatches all the fire departments at no expense

with the exception of Orland Rural and City, which pay a private individual.

Hamilton City pays the California Department of Forestry Office out of Red Bluff

to dispatch them.

There are no uniform countywide fire safety standards for land developers. When

the developer submits a plan to the Planning Department, the department notifies

the local fire districts by mail. The Planning Department does not appear to take

into consideration that all but one of the departments are made up of volunteers.

More often than not the deadline has passed before the fire departments get the

notice of a planned development.

When looking at the proposed and actual budgets, the Grand Jury noticed

discrepancies showing where revenue was budgeted in one account and received

in another account.

Due to the lack of full- time personnel, many issues get to the departments after

the fact. Some departments may actually be losing grants because there is

inadequate support.

There are consistent problems with pagers not working.

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

Orland Rural/ City and Hamilton City are wasting taxpayers’ money paying to

have their departments dispatched.

Since there are no fire safety standards, it is difficult to protect homes in the

county. The communities are being left out of the planning for their own fire

safety when the departments do not have time to respond to the Planning

23

Department.

It appears some fire districts’ Boards of Directors may not be properly tracking

their departments’ income and expenses.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 40 The County should look at a district wide dispatch system, or at least a

consolidated one.

03- 41 The County should establish fire safety standards and regulations for land

developers.

03- 42 The Planning Department should send out notices giving a minimum of

one month for the fire departments to respond; failure to respond to the

Planning Department should not constitute approval by the fire chiefs. The

Planning Department must continue to contact them, by phone if

necessary, until they get a response.

03- 43 The Board of Supervisors needs to monitor the Finance Department more

aggressively in regards to the fire departments’ finances.

03- 44 All of the fire departments need to carefully monitor their own accounts to

be sure they are receiving all of their funds and that the funds are going

into the right accounts.

03- 45 The Grand Jury strongly recommends that future Grand Juries follow- up

on the Finance Department accounting for the different fire departments’

funds.

03- 46 The Grand Jury suggests the County consider a Fire Coordinator for the

County.

03- 47 The fire departments should avail themselves of the County pager system.

03- 48 The County should investigate the feasibility of a countywide fire district

to ensure equitable coverage throughout the County.

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

Board of Supervisors ( all but 03- 42)

Planning Department ( 03- 42)

24

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ARTOIS FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Artois Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain how

they were functioning. The department has not been visited for ten years.

II. BACKGROUND:

Artois is located on Highway 99W, 7 miles north of Willows. The department

covers approximately 162 square miles. They have a chief, two assistant chiefs,

three captains and 22 volunteers, of which half are active.

The department has a board of directors that takes care of all the bills and

manages the budget. Their budget for fiscal year 2002 was $ 67,225.00. The

department averages approximately 120 calls for service of which forty percent

( 40%) were for medical aid. The department responded to seven wild- land fires

in 2001.

The department has four vehicles, mostly new.

III. FINDINGS:

The firehouse recently underwent renovation and is appropriate for all uses. ( It is

also used as a community center.)

The department bills California Department of Transportation, trucking firms, and

other insurance companies for services they provide on the I- 5 freeway. They

have a rate scale for those billings and actively pursue reimbursement.

A women’s auxiliary was formed this year.

Vehicles and equipment are very well maintained.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The fire chief is to be commended for his resourcefulness and forward thinking.

He has many contacts that he often uses to obtain equipment and supplies.

25

The department is working very well with the community and has sufficient funds

to operate.

The department needs more volunteers.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 49 The department should start an ongoing recruiting program.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Artois Volunteer Fire Department.

26

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

BAYLISS FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Bayliss Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain how

they were functioning. The department has never been visited.

II. BACKGROUND:

Bayliss is located in the eastern portion of Glenn County along State Highway 45.

The district is approximately ten square miles. The fire department building is the

former Bayliss School located on County Road X.

The department is made up of an appointed board of directors, chief, two assistant

chiefs, secretary, and treasurer. There are approximately 25 active volunteers.

Revenue for Fiscal Year 2002 was $ 24,000.00. The department has a contingency

fund for vehicle repairs.

The department averages approximately 35 calls for service per year of which

seventy- five percent ( 75%) are for medical aid.

The department has four vehicles, the newest being a 1995 “ grass rig”.

III. FINDINGS:

The department is making repairs to their building which are being made slowly

due to budget constraints.

Vehicles are mostly old but well maintained. The vehicle storage building is

newer and also well maintained.

There are consistent problems with pagers not working.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The department is working well with the community.

The department needs funds for repairs to the building.

27

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

None

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

None

28

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

BUTTE CITY/ GLENN COLUSA FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Butte City Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain how

they were functioning. The department has never been visited.

II. BACKGROUND:

Butte City is located in southeast Glenn County on the east side of the Sacramento

River. The fire department district covers approximately 144 square miles.

The department operates as the Butte City Volunteer Fire Department and

Glenn/ Colusa Fire District. It is made up of an appointed board, chief, and two

captains. There are eighteen volunteers of which twelve are active.

The department’s revenue for Fiscal Year 2002 was $ 85,000.00 including a one-time

grant of $ 55,000.00. They average 27 calls for service per year of which one

third are for medical aid. Out of area duck hunters are responsible for most of the

fires.

The department has four vehicles. The oldest is a 1981 Kenworth water truck.

One of the vehicles is a rescue van.

III. FINDINGS:

The vehicle equipment is relatively new, with one exception, and well maintained

even though they operate on a small budget.

The department response is exceptional in spite of the distance volunteers have to

travel to pick up equipment and arrive at scene. Willows Ambulance and Enloe

Air Ambulance ( helicopter) are utilized.

The department will be getting a Jaws of Life later this year via a joint grant with

Glenn- Cordora Fire Department.

The department has on- going problems with their pagers.

The department wants to expand its building to add more room for vehicles. The

meeting area also needs to be expanded. The department already owns the

property.

There is no sign identifying the firehouse as such.

29

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The department is working well with the community but could use additional

funds to operate.

They have made good use of various resources to keep vehicles maintained.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 50 The building needs to have a sign so it can more readily be identified.

VI. RESPONSE

Butte City Fire Department

30

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ELK CREEK FIRE DEPARTMENT

PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Elk Creek Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain how

they were functioning. The department has never been visited.

II. BACKGROUND:

Elk Creek is located 21 miles west of Willows off Highway 162. The fire

department covers an area nine miles to the south; north to Burrow’s Gap ( before

Newville); West to the Mendocino Forest. The department is made up of a chief,

assistant chief, two captains and eight volunteers of whom five are very active.

The department’s revenue for Fiscal Year 2002 was $ 18,000.00. They average

approximately 47 calls for service, most of which are medical aid. They also

respond to wild land fires.

The fire department has three vehicles. The oldest is a 1971 truck.

III. FINDINGS:

The vehicles are old and maintained as well as can be expected due to age

of the equipment and budget constraints.

The department response is exceptional due to the distance they must travel.

The Women’s Auxiliary is very active. They have been trained and respond to

medical aids when no one is available during the day.

The fire department building is old and needs to be replaced. It is located in a

main traffic route and is also located on a flood plain. There is a special concern

if something should happen to the Stony Gorge Dam.

The department responds to medical aid calls on the Grindstone Reservation. The

reservation has 44 residences, and the department is not reimbursed for calls.

The department is dispatched by the Willows Fire Department.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

31

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The department is working very well with the community but lacks sufficient

funds to operate efficiently.

The County charges the department for all services including legal advice,

building permits, and vehicle maintenance.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 51 The Grindstone Reservation should be charged for responses.

03- 52 The department should also charge for services rendered to people ( bikers,

RVers, etc.) from outside the district.

03- 53 The County should help the fire department expedite the purchase of a

small plot of land located in the district for a new firehouse.

VI. RESPONSE:

Elk Creek Fire Department ( 03- 51, 03- 52)

Board of Supervisors ( 03- 53)

32

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

GLENN- CODORA FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Glenn- Codora Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain

how they were functioning. The department has not been visited for ten years.

II. BACKGROUND:

Glenn- Cordora is located in southeast Glenn County on County Road 45 and

covers an area of 40 square miles.

The department is made up of an appointed board of directors, chief, two assistant

chiefs, and three captains. There are approximately 15 volunteers few of whom

are active. Most all volunteers are Emergency Medical Technicians and First

Responders.

The department had revenues of $ 8600.00 for Fiscal Year 2002. They do not

have a special fire tax as other departments in the county do. They average

approximately 25 calls for service per year, most of which are for medical aid or

vehicle accidents.

The department has three vehicles, the newest being a 1989 water tender.

III. FINDINGS:

The Board of Directors is not very involved in the affairs of the department.

The department is having a decline in volunteers.

Some local volunteers respond to wild land fires. The moneys received for the

responses pays the volunteers for fighting the fires, and the balance goes into their

department fund.

The department has to pay Golden State Risk Management 10% of their gross for

insurance when they respond to wild land fires, but this may be adjusted in the

future.

The vehicle equipment is old, but fairly well maintained.

The department will be getting a Jaws of Life with Butte City Fire Department

later this year through a grant from the Emergency Medical Foundation ( EMF).

33

EMF provided air/ oxygen supplies via a grant this year.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The department was unsuccessful in getting approval for the Fire Tax assessment

and is now faced with serious money shortages.

The department works as well as it can in the community under the

circumstances, but lacks sufficient active volunteers.

The department lacks sufficient funds to operate and needs newer equipment.

VI. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 54 Establish an ongoing program to recruit active volunteers.

03- 55 The Board of Directors needs to be more actively involved in the district

elections and fund raising.

03- 56 The County and the department need to work together to find ways to

compensate for the lack of funds

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Glenn- Codora Fire Department ( All)

Board of Supervisors ( 03- 56)

34

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

HAMILTON CITY VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Hamilton City Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain

how they were functioning. They had not been visited for ten years.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Hamilton City Volunteer Fire Department covers approximately 36 square

miles. The department is made up of a chief, deputy chief, 2 commissioners and

10 additional volunteers of whom only six are active participants.

The department’s budget for 2002 was $ 92,000.00, but much of that revenue

came as reimbursements for responding as a “ the strike team” for state and federal

fires. They had approximately 150 calls for service in 2002, 60% of which were

medical aid.

The department has five vehicles that are old but well maintained. The

department has an equipment repair contingency fund.

III. FINDINGS:

The fire department pays the California Department of Forestry out of Red Bluff

$ 2,300.00 a year to dispatch their calls for service.

Even though they have an equipment contingency fund, major repairs on two

pieces of equipment this year depleted their budget, and they will end the fiscal

year with a deficit.

The department has one defibrillator but needs a second one.

The physical plant needs some remodeling upstairs to enlarge their meeting space.

They received airway equipment for children from Emergency Medical

Foundation this year.

The department has a critical manpower shortage.

The department feels a lack of support from the Board of Supervisors.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours

pending implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

35

IV. CONCLUSIONS

The fire department is working well with the community but is lacking sufficient

funds and volunteers.

The Willows Fire Department or a centralized county dispatch should dispatch the

department’s calls for service.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 57 The department needs to actively recruit volunteers.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department

Board of Supervisors

36

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ORD BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Ord Bend Volunteer Fire Department to ascertain how

they are functioning. The department has never been visited.

II. BACKGROUND:

Ord Bend is located in Eastern Glenn County and covers 25 square miles.

The department is made up of an appointed board of directors, chief, and assistant

chief/ trainer. There are a total of 24 volunteers on the roster including the Board.

Of these, 15 are active volunteers.

The department’s revenue Fiscal Year 2002 was $ 20, 500.00. They are working

on an agreement to charge Federal Fish and Wildlife for responses.

They average approximately 24 calls for service per year, of which seventy- five

percent ( 75%) are for medical aid.

The department has four vehicles, the newest being a 2002 truck which is the first

vehicle dispatched out for fire and rescue,

III. FINDINGS:

The department has seen a gradual decline in the number of volunteers.

The majority of responses are medical aid, and fire fighters must know how to

operate medical equipment.

Equipment and training are expensive, and it is difficult to stay within their

budget. Having newer vehicles has reduced the repair bills.

The department did not receive supplies or equipment from Emergency Medical

Foundation this past year.

There are consistent problems with pagers not working.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

37

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The department is working well with the community, but they could use

additional funds to operate.

V. RECOMMENDATION:

None

VI. RESPONSES REQUIRED:

None

38

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

ORLAND CITY AND RURAL VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENTS

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Orland City and Rural Fire Departments to ascertain

how they were functioning. They were last visited two years ago.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Orland City Volunteer and Rural Fire Departments cover 129 square miles.

The department is made up of a chief, two assistant chiefs, four captains, and 40-

45 volunteers, 30 of whom are very active. These are actually two districts

operating as one in many instances.

The department has two separate budgets. For fiscal year 2002 the County’s share

of the budget was $ 114,900, and the City’s share was $ 74,824.

They responded to approximately 400 calls for service between the two

departments of which nearly one half were for medical aid. They responded to

approximately 150 calls on the freeway. Since they do not all require fire

department response, the department does not respond to all medical aid calls

since they do not all require fire department response.

The departments have eight vehicles of varying ages. The equipment is very well

maintained. They are planning to purchase a new rescue wagon this year and

replace two pumper trucks in 2004. These funds have been set aside in a reserve

account.

The department has a number of antique fire vehicles that are stored and

maintained in a separate new building.

III. FINDINGS:

The department pays a local answering service $ 1,300.00 per month to dispatch

their calls for service.

The department feels they have adequate funds to operate.

The buildings and equipment are well maintained.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

39

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The departments are working well with the community and have sufficient funds

to operate.

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 58 The department’s response calls should be dispatched by the Willows Fire

Department or a centralized county dispatch.

03- 59 The department should start charging for I- 5 responses.

RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Orland Fire Department

Board of Supervisors

40

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

WILLOWS FIRE DEPARTMENT

I. PURPOSE:

The Grand Jury visited the Willows Fire Department to ascertain how they were

functioning. They were last visited two years ago.

II. BACKGROUND:

The Willows Fire Department serves the City of Willows, the Willows Rural

Area, and the California Department of Forestry, when required, and covers an

area of approximately 81 square miles.

The department is made up of two chiefs, two captains, a lieutenant and 35

volunteers. The volunteers are divided into three companies.

The department has seven vehicles that are shared by the Willows Rural Fire

Department. One of the vehicles belongs to the Office of Emergency Services.

For a fee maintenance is performed by the City/ County yard. The firemen

themselves perform other routine repairs.

The department’s budget for the Rural District in Fiscal Year 2002 was

$ 154,500.00 and $ 275,000.00 from the City. The department feels it has

sufficient funds to operate. They average approximately 465 calls for service per

year, of which seventy percent ( 70%) are for medical aid.

III. FINDINGS:

The office building needs to be remodeled and more room is needed for office and

meeting areas.

The Willows Fire Department dispatches calls for service to all fire departments

in the county, except Orland City and Rural, and Hamilton City.

The department expressed concern regarding excessive training hours pending

implementation of new legislation. ( See SB 1207)

IV. CONCLUSIONS:

The fire department is working well with the community and is run very

efficiently.

41

V. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 60 Suggest that a second floor be added to the building for meetings and

training space.

03- 61 The Building Inspector’s area needs to be partitioned off from the fire

. department.

03- 62 Calls for service in Hamilton City and Orland should be dispatched by

Willows since Willows is already dispatching for all other departments.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Willows Fire Department

Board of Supervisors

42

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

SPECIAL DISTRICT EXAMINATION

COLUSA BASIN DRAINAGE DISTRICT

I. PURPOSE:

The Colusa Basin Drainage District was visited on a routine basis, as no specific

complaints were raised.

II. BACKROUND:

The Colusa Basin Drainage District was formed in 1987 to reduce flooding,

improve water quality and enhance environmental resources. The District

encompasses 65,000 acres in Glenn, Colusa, and Yolo Counties.

III. FINDINGS:

The Colusa Basin Drainage District is governed by a Board of Directors and is

currently implementing a comprehensive Integrated Watershed Management

Program.

The Colusa Basin Drainage District does not currently have a policies and

procedures manual.

The Colusa Basin Drainage District has employed a manager for the first time,

just over six months ago. The manager is currently working with files in

temporary boxes.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 63 The Colusa Basin Drainage District should expedite the formulation of a

policies and procedures manual as detailed in their Annual Financial

Report.

03- 64 The Colusa Basin Drainage District should consider the employment of a

temporary clerical service to properly arrange files.

VI. RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Colusa Basin Drainage District

43

2002- 2003 GLENN COUNTY GRAND JURY

SPECIAL DISTRICT EXAMINATION

KANAWHA WATER DISTRICT

I. PURPOSE:

The Kanawha Water District was visited on a routine basis, as no specific

complaints were raised.

II. BACKROUND:

The Kanawha Water District was formed in 1955 to benefit 50 landowners on

16,000 acres west of Willows.

III. FINDINGS:

The Kanawha Water District is governed by a Board of Directors and a

procedures manual entitled “ Amended Rules and Regulations.” There are four

employees and one seasonal employee.

The Kanawha Water District office is not wheelchair accessible.

The Kanawha Water District has an annual income of $ 119,010.00 and retained

earnings of $ 4,732,852.00. Only $ 900,000.00 of the retained earnings is available

as cash, as the remainder is in real property. In this instance, the retained earnings

are not considered excessive.

IV. RECOMMENDATIONS:

03- 65 The Kanawha Water District should verify if they are required by law to

conform to accessibility guidelines.

03- 66 Future Grand Juries should consider monitoring other Special Districts to

ensure retained earnings are not excessive.

VI RESPONSE REQUIRED:

Kanawha Water District