Donna Tam/The Times-Standard
Posted: 07/26/2010 01:15:17 AM PDT
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meets Tuesday to vote on the county's draft response to the Humboldt County grand jury reports regarding law enforcement holding facilities and aging equipment.
While the county acknowledges the need for new facilities, it is saying there is not enough funding to carry out the grand jury's recommendations.
The grand jury released a series of reports in late June, some of which commented on the conditions of holding facilities throughout the county, the inadequacies of the Humboldt County Coroner's Office facility and the need for a residential drug treatment program for juveniles.
According to a staff report, the grand jury requested a response to the jails report from the board of supervisors. The county's draft response indicated that it is exploring options for facilities.
”In summary, the board does recognize and acknowledge the need for equipment and structural and facility upgrades in county departments and buildings,” the staff report said. “Recent economic conditions have left the board with minimal options to fund equipment replacement and structural and facility upgrades. A report to the board will be forthcoming from the county administrative office and the public works department for the board to further explore county facility options. The board continues to appreciate the work of its departments and all that they accomplish even with equipment and facility deficiencies.”
In regard to the Hoopa and Garberville stations -- the two facilities mentioned in the jails report to be inadequate -- the county said there is not enough funding to move operations into new facilities. The county's response said it may explore moving services into a planned Redway Fire public safety building.
The response also cited sufficient funds for moving the coroner's office operations, but added that a ventilation upgrade approved of in 2009 is set to be completed this month, and the county is working on replacing the coroner's van.
The jury report also discussed a need for more beds in Humboldt County Juvenile Hall and for a residential drug treatment program for juveniles.
The county's response said, “The probation department has already implemented the recommendation for the department to submit a detailed analysis that defines present and future housing needs and the supervisors resolve to make a priority of this expansion or new construction.”
According to the response, the department contracted in 2008 with the Criminal Justice Research Foundation to conduct an assessment in preparation for submitting a senate bill construction grant, but the county was not selected for the grant.
Regarding a drug treatment center, the staff report said, “The board is willing to work with interested parties in a feasibility study for a juvenile residential drug treatment center, and is currently doing so through departmental participation with the School Law Enforcement Network.”
Also on the board's agenda is the appointment of a county representative and alternate to the Klamath River settlement proceedings. Fifth District Supervisor Jill Duffy has been the Humboldt County Board representative to the Klamath River Settlement Negotiation Group since 2005. The board voted unanimously on Jan. 26 to approve, execute and be party to the Klamath Basin Restoration Agreement and the Klamath Basin Hydropower Agreement, and on Feb. 18 authorized Duffy to sign agreements on behalf of the board.
According to a memo from Duffy's office, the supervisors will discuss and appoint an interim supervisor as the county representative until January and designate Duffy as the alternate.
”Supervisor Duffy is not running for re-election and believes it appropriate at this time to transition board representation as it relates to the implementation of the KBRA and KBHA, and the initial phase(s) of establishing the Klamath Basin Coordinating Council (KBRA), Klamath Basin Advisory Committee (KBHA) and the Technical Coordination Committee,” the memo said.
In other matters, the supervisors will vote on supporting a California Public Utilities Commission resolution that would provide about $2.2 million to Redwood Telephone LLC to help fund its Northern California Open Community Fiber Network Project, and vote on approving a RLF Redwoods Properties joint timberland management application. The board also will receive a presentation from St. Joseph hospital CEO Joe Mark at 10 a.m. on the hospital's tower construction project and financial situation.
The board will also hold an administrative abatement hearing on a Shelter Cove property on Springs Road. The abatement springs from 2001 violations of development in the coastal zone without permits. The Code Enforcement Unit is presenting a timeline of compliance for the board's approval.
For the complete meeting agenda and supporting documents, visit www.co.humboldt.ca.us.
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IF YOU GO:
What: Humboldt County Board of Supervisors meeting
Where: Supervisors Chamber, first floor, Humboldt County Courthouse,
825 Fifth St.
When: 9 a.m. Tuesday
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_15603647
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