Title
a. Receive an update from Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) on the independent assessment in response to Board Referral #2022.16 - feasibility of consolidating the Youth Center with the New Juvenile Hall;
b. Provide direction to staff on capital planning objectives for Probation youth facilities.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
a. Receive an update from Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) on the independent assessment in response to Board Referral #2022.16 - feasibility of consolidating the Youth Center with the New Juvenile Hall;
b. Provide direction to staff on capital planning objectives for Probation Youth facilities.
SUMMARY:
This report details the findings of a third-party independent analysis on the feasibility of consolidating the Probation Youth Center at 970 Circle Drive, Salinas into the 1420 Natividad Road, Salinas campus (New Juvenile Hall). In June 2022, the Board of Supervisors took action to combine REF 2021.17 with REF 2022.16 and continue direction to County Administrative Office (CAO) staff to conduct a feasibility assessment. The referral was assigned to Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) in September 2022. PWFP Staff contracted Nacht & Lewis (N&L) to perform the initial assessment based on over 30 years' experience analyzing juvenile facilities and relevant codes and regulations.
N&L analyzed juvenile population profiles, bed counts, and code requirements to develop conceptual space planning options (Attachment A). The analysis concluded that while consolidation is possible (Options 6A/6B), it is not ideal due to construction costs and operational challenges. Based on projected costs for new construction, the most effective option is to invest in the existing Youth Center facility. Separate analysis would be required to evaluate whether staffing positions could be consolidated if programs were transferred from Youth Center to New Juvenile Hall. The analysis does not as...
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