By GEOFF JOHNSON -DN Staff Writer
Posted: 07/08/2009 07:33:10 AM PDT
Updated: 07/08/2009 09:07:35 AM PDT
An investigation by the Tehama County 2008-2009 Grand Jury into the Tehama County Animal Shelter not only gave the shelter a glowing review, but may result in a policy targeting the source of the complaint that prompted the investigation.
The Grand Jury, a group of Tehama County citizens picked by Tehama County Superior Court Presiding Judge Dennis Murray from a random pool of residents, is convened each year to investigate local government agencies.
When a county employee voiced concern over Animal Shelter Manager Scott Alsteen's education and the lack of an on-site premise permit from the Veterinary Medical Board, the jury added the shelter to its list of agencies to investigate.
The jury concluded that Alsteen has education sufficient for the job and said he has addressed the second complaint by obtaining an on-site premise permit from the state.
The report maintains Alsteen has done an excellent job in refining the Animal Services department, having lowered the canine kill rate from 22.7 percent in 2004 to 15.5 percent in 2007 and the feline kill ratio from 63.8 percent in 2004 to 52.6 percent in 2007.
The source, identified only as a female Tehama County employee, allegedly has a history of using a county computer and county e-mail address to complain about Alsteen.
The jury recommends a new policy prohibiting the use of county computers, e-mail addresses and working time to manage personal business, a policy the county is now required to evaluate.
If the policy is rejected, the county will have to present its rationale for doing so to the 2009-2010 Grand Jury.
The report also commends Alsteen for:
* Switching from cat litter to allergen-free wood pellets
* Using a biodegradable enzyme sanitizer to break down the odor of cat waste
* No longer using cheap, damaged or donated dog food, resulting in healthier animals
* Increasing the number of volunteers from 3 to 80
* Recruiting 11 Tehama County veterinarians to assist the shelter, seven of whom will perform free post-adoption exams
* Being quick to assist the staff in all aspects of the shelter and putting the staff's mental and physical well-being first at all times .
The only problems found at the Animal Shelter were an aging concrete drainage system, an exercise yard and lack of video surveillance at the north and west sides of the facility, all which the county will also be required to evaluate or explain to the 2009-2010 Grand Jury.
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Staff Writer Geoff Johnson can be reached at 527-2153, extension 114, or at gjohnson@redbluffdailynews.com
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_12775927?nclick_check=1
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