Gran Jurado del Condado de Kings

2013-2014

10 informes

Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Kettleman City Fire station #9
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R2: Hanford Fire station #4 and Training Center
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R3: South Lemoore Fire station #7
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R4: The Grand Jury interviewed the Fire Chief and the Assistant Fire Chief
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R5: Kettleman City Fire station #9
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R6: Hanford Fire station #4 and Training Center
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R7: South Lemoore Fire station #7
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R8: The Grand Jury interviewed the Fire Chief and the Assistant Fire Chief
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4: The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recomendaciones adicionales 8

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
R4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
R34: None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.
Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 7 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGC.SD board meetings.
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F2: While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
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F3: HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
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F4: The formation of the 501 (c)(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm. Recommenqation 4: Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC § 61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members. Response 4: The District agrees with this finding. However, a cost estimate, bidding process and formal hiring of a firm to provide professional services were not required by any statute. Furthermore, Government Code § 61063 (a) does not mandate that bidding procedures be enacted as bylaws. For that reason, this recommendation will not be implemented through enactment of bylaws. However, because Government Code § 6106,3 (a) requires adoption of .policies and procedures, incll;!ding oiddihg regulations; governing the purchasing of supplies and equipment not governed by Article 43 (commencing with Section 20680) of Chapter 1 of Part 3 of the Public Contract Code, the District intends to review its procurement policies and, if none exist or if they require updating, to enact by Board resolution or ordinance appropriate procurement policies and procedures for acquisition of: (1) supplies and equipment; and (2) materials and supplies for the construction or completion of any District building, structure or improvements costing less than the statutory threshold codified in Public Contracts Code § 20682 (presently $25,000 or greater). Such implementation will commence within six ( 6) months from the date of publication of the grand jury report.
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F5: Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
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F6: The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
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F7: A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
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Recomendaciones adicionales 6

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. Response 1: The District partially disagrees with this finding to the extent that no specific violations were identified. However, the District agrees that it can benefit from annual Brown Act training for all Board members. Since the issuance of the Grand Jury report, the District's Board and General Manager have obtained mandated AB-1234 (2005) training including training regarding the Brown Act, conflicts of interests and other required topics. Accordingly, the recommendation has been implemented as to the existing calendar year and the District's Board will continue to comply with AB-1234.
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R2: Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements. Response 2: The District agrees with this finding. Since the issuance of the Grand 10 Hon. Thomas Desantos, Presiding Judge RE: 2014 Grand Jury Report on Home Garden Community Services District May 14, 2014 Page2 Jury report, the District's Board and General Manager have obtained mandated AB- 1234 (2005) training including training regarding the Political Reform Act of 1974, conflicts of interests and other required topics. Accordingly, the recommendation has been implemented as to the existing calendar year and the District's Board will continue to comply with AB-1234.
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R3: HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws. · Response 3: The District agrees with this finding insofar as all bylaws were not reviewed annually. The Board intends to review its bylaws periodically and update them as needed, including any portions which might be incomplete. Accordingly, this recommendation has not yet been implemented but will be within six ( 6) months from the. date of publication of the grand jury report.
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R5: To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these 11 Hon. Thomas DeSantos, Presiding Judge RE: 2014 Grand Jury Report on Home Garden Community Services District May 14, 2014 Page3 family members are also members of the newly created 501 (c)(3 ), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). Response 5: The District agrees with this finding. However, the recommendation will not be implemented because the District cannot do so retroactively. Moreover, individual officeholders are responsible for disqualifying themselves. Finally, we do not anticipate this issue arising again since both of the family members resigned from the District's board of directors in 2013.
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R6: All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
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R7: This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 2 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found that the number of calls intended for Covered California was lower than anticipated. The Grand Jury did not analyze the other methods of application for Covered California.
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F2: The Grand Jury found that the department appears to be organized and able to handle the frequent policy changes with adequate training for employees.
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Recomendaciones adicionales 1

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R2: None COMMENTS 28 The implementation of Covered California is a work in progress, and changes take place frequently. This requires the Human Services Agency to make appropriate adjustments on an ongoing basis.
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Hallazgos & Recomendaciones 3 hallazgos
F1: The Grand Jury found no merit to the complaint of alleged Brown Act violations regarding the elimination of the Planning Department. The City Manager has the authority to remove depai1ments and most employees of the city government, and is not required to give notice as it is at his or her discretion according to Lemoore City Ordinance Code 1-6A-4-C.
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F2: The Grand Jury found no merit to the complaint of alleged incorrect CEQA application procedures. Every part of a CEQA form is not required, by law, to be filled out completely. Different requirements call for different information. RECEIVED ; D I 1 ' 1 .'\f 0 \ 3 . )()1,!
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F3: The Grand Jury found the conflict of interest complaint to be valid.
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Recomendaciones adicionales 3

No vinculadas a hallazgos específicos.

R1: 77 The City Council should continue its current process of analyzing the Golf Course finances and follow through on plans to retire the debts.
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R2: The City of Lemoore should make the citizens of Lemoore aware that the Golf Course has been able to sustain itself at the current debt level and, barring a large expense that would deplete emergency funds or a significant drop in income, should be able to continue to do so according to financial documents.
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R3: Public officials are required to comply with the Political Reform Act and avoid conflicts of interest. Each official should receive training and familiarize him/herself with these requirements to avoid future conflicts.
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