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APPROVE RESPONSES TO THE 2019-20 SAN JOAQUIN GRAND JURY REPORTS ON HOMELESSNESS IN SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY, CASE NO. 0119, AND ILLEGAL DUMPING, CASE NO. 0519
recommended action
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council adopt by motion the City’s responses to the 2019-20 Civil Grand Jury Reports on Homelessness in San Joaquin County, “Building on a Foundation: Collaboration and Communication,” Case No. 0119, and the report on Illegal Dumping, “Talking Trash,” Case No. 0519, and direct the City Manager to sign the response on behalf of the City Council and transmit the response to the Presiding Judge of the San Joaquin County Superior Court.
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Summary
Each year it is the duty of the San Joaquin Civil Grand Jury to examine and investigate the activities of local governments within San Joaquin County. This year the 2019-20 Civil Grand Jury of San Joaquin County conducted three new investigations on topics concerning local governments, provided a report on conditions and operations of four locally operated jails or prisons, conducted ride-alongs with several local public safety offices--including Stockton Police Department, Fire Department, and Animal Control--and issued a series of eight follow-up investigations of responses to previously issued reports.
Two of the three investigations require response from the City, and two of the eight follow-up investigations examined prior City responses. California Penal Code sections 933 and 933.05 requires a response to the Presiding Judge of San Joaquin County Superior Court by November 18, 2020 to comply with the 90-days allotted to the City as a response time. Letters have been prepared for Council consideration that are responsive to both investigations.
DISCUSSION
Background
The 2019-20 Civil Grand Jury Report Investigation Case No. 0119 on Homelessness in San Joaquin County included a number of countywide findings and recommendations. Three findings and three recommendations were assigned to the City of Stockton. This report was received by the City of Stockton on August 20, 2020 (Attachment A). The Grand Jury Report discusses efforts taken by the County to address homelessness, efforts each City is making to support county wide solutions, and what information is readily available to the public.
The 2019-20 Civil Grand Jury Report Investigation Case No. 0519 on Illegal Dumping also included several county-wide findings and recommendations and asked that the City respond to all findings and recommendations, where applicable. This report was also received by the City of Stockton on August 20, 2020 (Attachment B). The Grand Jury opened this investigation to follow up on complaints received by the public and gain insight into why illegal dumping is so rampant throughout the county.
The 2019-20 Civil Grand Jury also conducted a series of follow-up investigations on previous reports, two of which included examination of prior City responses. In the 2016-17 investigation of County Wide Dispatch for Fire, Case No. 0616 (Attachment C), and the 2018-19 investigation of Cold Cases in San Joaquin County, Case No. 0318 (Attachment D), the Grand Jury determined that the City’s previous responses were sufficient and no further action is required.
Jurors who participated in ride-along opportunities with Stockton Police, Fire, and Animal Control noted that their experiences were insightful, our officers and firefighters always conducted their interactions with the public in a professional manner, and they were impressed with the level of dedication to their jobs.
Present Situation
Pursuant to California Penal Code 933 and 933.05, written responses have been prepared for submittal to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court San Joaquin County (Attachments A1 and B1).
The Economic Development Department and the City’s Community Relations Officer have reviewed the Grand Jury findings and recommendations related to the report on Homelessness, Case No. 0119. The Grand Jury acknowledges that great efforts are being made by the City and County to address homelessness, however, these efforts are not readily apparent, and information is not available to the public in plain language. Staff agree with the findings and recommendations as published. The response letter (Attachment A1) confirms our commitment to posting, in plain language, information on our website that outlines actions taken by the City to address homelessness, as recommended. The City will also continue to participate in countywide efforts to develop solutions to homelessness.
The Police Department and Public Works Department have reviewed the Grand Jury findings and recommendations related to the report on Illegal Dumping, Case No. 0519. In general, staff agree with the findings and recommendations, and where appropriate, have provided clarification to communicate City efforts already underway. This response letter (Attachment B1) agrees with the findings that departments within the county are not working collaboratively to address illegal dumping problems, however, the City would like to clarify that the it does in fact assume costs related to the removal of garbage, junk, and debris within the City limits. The response also confirms that the City does provide some outreach regarding available free disposal programs and/or events such as Clean Sweep. The City is neutral with regards to effective cleanup incentive programs as we currently do not have data to support or refute success with these types of programs.
As recommended, this response letter also provides the City’s commitment to appropriately participate in the task force on illegal dumping, once convened by San Joaquin County, which may include the assessment of possible cost-sharing opportunities, educational programs, shared referral/tracking systems, and equitable funding opportunities for voucher, fee waivers, and recycling coupons.
As previously mentioned, the 2019-20 Grand Jury also conducted a series of follow-up investigations which included City responses to two previously issued reports-the 2016-17 investigation of County Wide Dispatch for Fire, Case No. 0616, and the 2018-19 investigation of Cold Cases in San Joaquin County, Case No. 0318-and determined that no further action is required.
FINANCIAL SUMMARY
There is no financial impact in submitting this response letter to the Presiding Judge of the San Joaquin Superior Court. In addition, it is anticipated that the City’s actions in response to this Grand Jury report with be carried out within existing City resources.
Attachment A - Grand Jury Report on Homelessness, Case No. 0119
Attachment A1 - City of Stockton Response Letter, Case No. 0119
Attachment B - Grandy Jury Report on Illegal Dumping, Case No. 0519
Attachment B1 - City of Stockton Response Letter, Case 0519
Attachment C - Grand Jury Follow-Up Report, Case No. 0616
Attachment D - Grand Jury Follow-Up Report, Case No. 0318