April 15, 1997

Honorable Judge William L. Gordon

Presiding Judge, Santa Barbara County Superior Court

1100 Anacapa Street

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

Judge Gordon:

Grand Jury Report - Abandoned Building - New Cuyama per Detention Report Issued March 10, 1997

Attached is required comment to the above-referenced Grand Jury Report.

Sincerely,

Brian P. O'Connell

BOC:SAH:jb

Attachment

c: Michael F. Brown, County Administrator

Pat Fillippini, Grand Jury Foreperson

Jim Thomas, Sheriff

Phil Demery, Public Works Director

FINDING 2: The abandoned building adjacent to the New Cuyama Sheriff's Substation is an unnecessary structure. Any abandoned structure has potential to be a danger or an invitation to mischief. Additionally, it is an eyesore and an indication of neglect on a piece of public property.

RECOMMENDATION 2: The Grand Jury concurs with the Director of Public Works in response to the Grand Jury report of 1992-1993 that this building "should be demolished" (Grand Jury Response, Detention Facilities, May 5, 1993). The Public Works Department should follow up on its decision.

RESPONSE-GENERAL SERVICES: The various Facilities Services divisions were transferred from the Public Works Department to the General Services Department in February, 1994; therefore, the Public Works Department has not been involved in the issue of this building's demolition since that time.

No funding has been allocated in the Facilities Maintenance budget for demolition of this abandoned/condemned building since the Grand Jury's finding of 1992-93. When General Services became aware of the present Grand Jury's concern in this regard, bids were sought and received (a lengthy process due to the isolated location). A transfer of funds in the amount of $13,500 from the Accumulated Capital Outlay Fund contingency has been filed with the Board of Supervisors for action on April 29, 1997. Assuming Board approval of the transfer, demolition will be undertaken as expeditiously as possible. General Services will advise the Grand Jury when the project has been completed.