Score: -13 (5/8/18)

Butte County Grand Jury • 2023-2024 • Agency Response

Response to: City of Oroville

Office of the Mayor Mayor

Published: September 05, 2023 9 pages

Ver PDF original

⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.

Findings and Recommendations 14 findings

Sacramento with a physical availability of less than one week per month. Disagree. Legal costs will vary from year to year based upon many Response: variables. City attorney services accounted for approximately 35% of the total legal services in the prior fiscal year. The balance of fees were consumed by personnel matters, independent investigations conducted by outside law firms, litigation and other legal matters. While the City Attorney is only physically on site one day per week, the attorneys from the City Attorney firm are always 4889-6668-2494.1 7 Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report 3 By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 accessible and available, without limitation, by telephone, email, video conference and in person meetings whenever necessary.

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends OCC should seek to engage an attorney who is readily accessible for city business more often than less than half time March 31, 2024 [sic]. Will not be implemented. The Grand Jury conflates physical presence Response: with availability. The City Attorney represents the City as an entity and does not represent or provide legal advice to individual citizens, groups or other entities. The City Attorney is available and accessible at all times to Council Members and City Staff for any and all city matters via phone, email, video conferencing, in addition to one day per week of in-person office hours. In fact, video teleconferencing has been added to many offices within City Hall to enable cost effective and efficient representation.

The electronic communication system within the City of Oroville administration is not maintained or coordinated well enough to provide effective communication with the public, specifically telephone numbers, voicemail boxes, and emails. Response: Disagree in part; Agree in part. The City of Oroville has two full time IT staff members who regularly service and maintain the City's computer servers and systems. Pertaining to internal City matters, the IT system is well maintained and functioning. As is true of many organizations, the City of Oroville agrees that it can improve employee training and implementation of technology resources available to its staff to enable better communication with the public.

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends that ORO provide the council members with a physical place to work by December 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. City Council members are currently able to reserve workspace at City Hall when needed.

The OCC has repeatedly allowed one individual to hold multiple key positions, claiming it is allowed in the City Charter. Response: Disagree. This issue was raised in the Grand Jury's previous report. The City disagreed with the findings then, and the City continues to disagree with the findings now. The City does not believe this is occurring.

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends council members work only on OCC business when at City Hall, lest problems occur from private enterprise transactions by September 30, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. This recommendation assumes a finding not offered by the Grand Jury. The City is unaware of private enterprise transactions occurring at City Hall, and the Grand Jury has not offered any evidence to establish such a finding.

In several key positions, only one employee has the information or authority required to keep city business flowing. Response: Disagree in part; Agree in part. The City of Oroville has many layers of authority over every department and it empowers those employees to delegate authority as they see fit. The City agrees that in at least one instance, some information, particularly that related to public release of records, the delegation of authority did result in some difficulty by members of the public and the Grand Jury Members in obtaining records to review. The City believes that these matters have been addressed with additions of personnel. FS. Oroville has become a financially solvent city government, with excess funds in reserve. Response: Agree in part; Disagree in part. The City agrees that it has become financially solvent, which has allowed the City to add various personnel positions back into the City's ranks which positions were either previously cut or remained in place, but unfilled. The City disagrees that it has an excess of funds in reserve. Many of the funds are designated as restricted for a specific purpose. 4889-6668-2494. I l Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends all OCC and ORO employees, staff, appointed or hired, [sic] be given necessary technical training by Information Systems so that others can reach them by September 30, 2023. Response: Will be implemented in part; Will not be implemented in part. Pertaining to internal City matters, the IT system is well maintained and functioning. Therefore, to the extent that the Grand Jury's recommendation focuses on internal 48 89-6668-24 94. I Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 City matters, it will not be implemented. However, as is true of many organizations, the City of Oroville agrees that it can, and will, improve employee training and implementation of technology resources available to its staff to enable better communication with the public.

Oroville has become a financially solvent city government, with excess funds in reserve. Agree in part; Disagree in part. The City agrees that it has become Response: financially solvent, which has allowed the City to add various personnel positions back into the City's ranks which positions were either previously cut or remained in place, but unfilled. The City disagrees that it has an excess of funds in reserve. Many of the funds are designated as restricted for a specific purpose. 4889-4668-2494.1 Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends the ORO website be managed, updated, and checked for errors on a quarterly basis, with required reporting to the OCC by the managing department by November 30, 2023. Response: Will be implemented, in part. The City intends to update and revise its online presence, and process for updates, beginning with the website. However, the reporting by department heads will be to the City Administrator, who will update the Council on a regular basis.

The majority of City of Oroville employees interviewed report feeling disrespected, harassed, or fearful. Response: Disagree in part. The City was not present for any of the confidential interviews conducted by members of the Grand Jury. The City, therefore, cannot speculate as to what was said to the Grand Jury. However, recent discussions between employees and the City Administrator do not indicate that employees currently feel "disrespected, harassed, or fearful."

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends OCC contract with an independent, non-Butte County consultant for the review of positions with long-term vacancies and determine how the staffing structure can be altered to allow business to flow with one person in one position by March 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. The City has recently hired a new City Administrator and several new department heads. Existing City leadership is capable of assessing and addressing staffing needs appropriately. The City does not believe that an independent consultant is needed at this time. However, City staff will continue to formalize policies and procedures related to the functioning of the City.

There is not adequate private workspace available for Council members to be at City Hall without disrupting ongoing city business. Response: Disagree. The amount of work in which each City Council Member engages varies from one Council Member to another. Further, the Grand Jury's statement that Council Members have approximately four hours of potential work per week is not accurate. City Council members may reserve workspace in the Fireside Conference Room at City Hall as needed.

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends the independent consultant (see R6) offer a redefined position and position duties/responsibilities listing, along with revised adequate financial compensation for the consideration of the OCC by June 30, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 6 is incorporated herein by reference.

The need for significant changes to the Oroville City Charter have [sic] been reported by 4 previous Grand Juries over the past 10 years. Response: Agree. The Grand Jury has addressed the issue of modifications to the City Charter several times in the past. The City properly addressed that issue each time it was raised. At its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends the position and financial realignment recommendations from the study provided (see R7) be reviewed by the OCC and accepted recommendations be implemented by November 30, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 6 is incorporated herein by reference.

The Oroville City Charter document is not well assembled or easily navigated. Response: Agree. The response to Finding 8 are included herein by reference. FlO. The Oroville City Charter document is vague, allows multiple interpretations, and leads to opportunities for manipulation. 4889-6668-2494. l Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 Page4 Response: Disagree in part; Agree in part. The response to Finding 8 are included herein by reference. The City agrees that some language of the City Charter could be clarified. However, the City disagrees that the language allows for multiple interpretations or manipulation. Fl 1. Currently, the City of Oroville Charter allows the mayor to appoint administrative staff/department heads under certain conditions, creating an incentive for the mayor to help create those conditions, in order to appoint specific persons without Council super-majority approval. Response: Agree in part; Disagree in part. As to positions directly appointed by the Council, Article VI of the Oroville City Charter states that the appointment and removal of any officer requires a five-sevenths Council vote. When a vacancy does exist in any appointed position, and the Council fails to agree or does not fill such vacancy within 60 days, then such vacancy can be filled by the mayor. The purpose of this clause in the City Charter is to ensure that individuals appointed by the Council have more than mere majority support in their position. It should be noted that the mayor is only one of seven votes. This issue is one that will be proposed for clarification by the Charter Review Committee.

Related Recommendations (1)

The BCGJ recommends the City Administrator research and select a training entity, to work with the OCC, training how to be effective leaders with positive and supportive methods by December 31, 2023. 4889-6668-2494. I Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 Response: Will not be implemented. In general, regular training reflects good governance. State law currently requires trainings on ethics, harassment, and discrimination on an annual and semi-annual basis. The City will look into additional training on effective leadership for Council Members and customer service training for employees. However, the actions of elected officials are ultimately in the hands of, and controlled by, the constituents who elect them. RIO. The BCGJ recommends this interpersonal leadership training be implemented by the City Administrator with an initial training by March 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 9 is incorporated herein by reference. Rl 1. The BCGJ recommends the OCC include this interpersonal leadership training to be repeated annually, as the Council body can change, to be calendarized within the first quarter of each and announced at a City Council meeting by December 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 9 is incorporated herein by reference. R 12. The BCGJ recommends the OCC seek and hire a database consultant to begin the process of bringing the City Charter current in both platform and technological abilities by March 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented in part, Will be implemented in part. At its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter. The City Charter can be found online, in conjunction with the City's Municipal Code ("OMC"). All portions of the Charter and OMC are searchable by key word and by drop down directories. The City agrees that navigation of the Charter and OMC can be improved in some measure. Rl3. The BCGJ recommends the OCC hire a consultant to begin the process of providing the City Charter in a format that is easily understood and searchable by member [sic] of the public June 30, 2024 [sic]. Response: Will not be implemented in part, Will be implemented in part. The City's

F10

The Oroville City Charter document is vague, allows multiple interpretations, and leads to opportunities for manipulation. 4889-6668-2494.1 Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 Disagree in part; Agree in part. The response to Finding 8 are included Response: herein by reference. The City agrees that some language of the City Charter could be clarified. However, the City disagrees that the language allows for multiple interpretations or manipulation.

Related Recommendations (1)

R10

the City Administrator with an initial training by March 31, 2024. Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 9 is Response: incorporated herein by reference. The BCGJ recommends the OCC include this interpersonal leadership training to

F11

Currently, the City of Oroville Charter allows the mayor to appoint administrative staff/department heads under certain conditions, creating an incentive for the mayor to help create those conditions, in order to appoint specific persons without Council super-majority approval. Agree in part; Disagree in part. As to positions directly appointed by the Response: Council, Article VI of the Oroville City Charter states that the appointment and removal of any officer requires a five-sevenths Council vote. When a vacancy does exist in any appointed position, and the Council fails to agree or does not fill such vacancy within 60 days, then such vacancy can be filled by the mayor. The purpose of this clause in the City Charter is to ensure that individuals appointed by the Council have more than mere majority support in their position. It should be noted that the mayor is only one of seven votes. This issue is one that will be proposed for clarification by the Charter Review Committee.

Related Recommendations (1)

R11

be repeated annually, as the Council body can change, to be calendarized within the first quarter of each and announced at a City Council meeting by December 31, 2023. Will not be implemented. The City's response to Recommendation 9 is Response: incorporated herein by reference.

F12

The 1906 City Charter document requires an elected City Treasurer. The city treasurer position is no longer necessary to administer city financial business. Response: Agree in part; Disagree in part. The City agrees that the City Charter requires an elected City Treasurer. However, the City does not take a position as to whether an elected City Treasurer is no longer necessary. The determination as to whether an elected City Treasurer is necessary is one for the voters to make. This issue is one that will be proposed for clarification by the Charter Review Committee.

Related Recommendations (1)

R12

The BCGJ recommends the OCC seek and hire a database consultant to begin the process of bringing the City Charter current in both platform and technological abilities by March 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented in part, Will be implemented in part. At its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter. The City Charter can be found online, in conjunction with the City's Municipal Code ("OMC"). All portions of the Charter and OMC are searchable by key word and by drop down directories. The City agrees that navigation of the Charter and OMC can be improved in some measure. Rl3. The BCGJ recommends the OCC hire a consultant to begin the process of providing the City Charter in a format that is easily understood and searchable by member [sic] of the public June 30, 2024 [sic]. Response: Will not be implemented in part, Will be implemented in part. The City's

F13

Oroville City Charter currently requires only a vote of 3 council members in favor to terminate a department head, requires a vote of 5 council members in favor to hire a new department head, or appointment solely by the Mayor. Response: Disagree in part; Agree in p'art. The City disagrees that three Council members may terminate a department head. All department head positions require a 5/7ths vote of the Council to enter into and to terminate employment agreements for department head positions. The City agrees that if no agreement can be reached to fill a vacant position, the City Charter currently authorizes the Mayor to fill the vacancy after 60 days. 4889-6668-2494. l Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023

Related Recommendations (1)

R13

providing the City Charter in a format that is easily understood and searchable by member [sic] of the public June 30, 2024 [sic]. Will not be implemented in part, Will be implemented in part. The City's Response:

F14

The BCGJ remains uncertain why the public safety emergency access exit door was removed from the Police & Fire Dep<;lftment lobby. Response: Agree. The City has sufficient experts to make a determination on this matter and it will revisit the issue of a fire exit.

Related Recommendations (1)

R14

The BCGJ recommends OCC to amend the City Charter to include each position in City administration and city government be filled by one individual; and that 4889-6668-2494. I Response to 2022-2023 Grand Jury Report By City of Oroville August 11, 2023 only a 6-month temporary appointment may occur, including all necessary steps for voter approval of this amendment by July 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. As stated previously, the City Council does not approve or amend the City Charter. However, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter, which would necessarily be placed on a general election ballot for the public to determine. R15. The BCGJ recommends the hired consultant(s) assist the City Administrator to ensure these changes include the culmination of all past amendments and the initial code, into a current complete statement, are given to the people to vote on November 2025 ballot. Response: Will not be implemented. The OMC is adopted and approved by the City Council. It is not voted on by the people.

Agency Responses 2

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

City of Oroville

September 05, 2023 • 9 pages • 23 responses • Score: -9 (+3, 8, -12) View Details ▾

PDF

23 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagree in part; Agree in part. The City of Oroville has two full time IT staff members who regularly service and maintain the City's computer servers and systems. Pertaining to internal City matters, the IT system is well maintained and functioning. As is true of many organizations, the City of Oroville agrees that it can improve employee training and implementation of technology resources available to its staff to enable better communication with the public. F3. The OCC has repeatedly allowed one individual to hold multiple key positions, claiming it is allowed in the City Charter. Response...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. City Council members are currently able to reserve workspace at City Hall when needed. R3. The BCGJ recommends council members work only on OCC business when at City Hall, lest problems occur from private enterprise transactions by September 30, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. This recommendation assumes a finding not offered by the Grand Jury. The City is unaware of private enterprise transactions occurring at City Hall, and the Grand Jury has not offered any evidence to establish such a finding. R4. The BCGJ recommends all OCC and ORO employees, staff, appoi...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagree. This issue was raised in the Grand Jury's previous report. The City disagreed with the findings then, and the City continues to disagree with the findings now. The City does not believe this is occurring. F4. In several key positions, only one employee has the information or authority required to keep city business flowing. Response: Disagree in part; Agree in part. The City of Oroville has many layers of authority over every department and it empowers those employees to delegate authority as they see fit. The City agrees that in at least one instance, some information, particularly ...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. This recommendation assumes a finding not offered by the Grand Jury. The City is unaware of private enterprise transactions occurring at City Hall, and the Grand Jury has not offered any evidence to establish such a finding. R4. The BCGJ recommends all OCC and ORO employees, staff, appointed or hired, [sic] be given necessary technical training by Information Systems so that others can reach them by September 30, 2023. Response: Will be implemented in part; Will not be implemented in part. Pertaining to internal City matters, the IT system is well maintained and functi...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagree in part; Agree in part. The City of Oroville has many layers of authority over every department and it empowers those employees to delegate authority as they see fit. The City agrees that in at least one instance, some information, particularly that related to public release of records, the delegation of authority did result in some difficulty by members of the public and the Grand Jury Members in obtaining records to review. The City believes that these matters have been addressed with additions of personnel. FS. Oroville has become a financially solvent city government, with excess ...

Response: Will Implement

Score: +1

Will be implemented in part; Will not be implemented in part. Pertaining to internal City matters, the IT system is well maintained and functioning. Therefore, to the extent that the Grand Jury's recommendation focuses on internal 48 89-6668-24 94. I August 11, 2023 Page 6 City matters, it will not be implemented. However, as is true of many organizations, the City of Oroville agrees that it can, and will, improve employee training and implementation of technology resources available to its staff to enable better communication with the public. R5. The BCGJ recommends the ORO website be manage...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagree in part; Agree in p'art. The City disagrees that three Council members may terminate a department head. All department head positions require a 5/7ths vote of the Council to enter into and to terminate employment agreements for department head positions. The City agrees that if no agreement can be reached to fill a vacant position, the City Charter currently authorizes the Mayor to fill the vacancy after 60 days. 4889-6668-2494. l August 11, 2023 Page 5 F14. The BCGJ remains uncertain why the public safety emergency access exit door was removed from the Police & Fire Dep<;lftment lob...

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Disagree in part. The City was not present for any of the confidential interviews conducted by members of the Grand Jury. The City, therefore, cannot speculate as to what was said to the Grand Jury. However, recent discussions between employees and the City Administrator do not indicate that employees currently feel "disrespected, harassed, or fearful." F7. There is not adequate private workspace available for Council members to be at City Hall without disrupting ongoing city business. Response: Disagree. The amount of work in which each City Council Member engages varies from one Council Memb...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

is incorporated herein by reference. R8. The BCGJ recommends the position and financial realignment recommendations from the study provided (see R7) be reviewed by the OCC and accepted recommendations be implemented by November 30, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Disagree. The amount of work in which each City Council Member engages varies from one Council Member to another. Further, the Grand Jury's statement that Council Members have approximately four hours of potential work per week is not accurate. City Council members may reserve workspace in the Fireside Conference Room at City Hall as needed. F8. The need for significant changes to the Oroville City Charter have [sic] been reported by 4 previous Grand Juries over the past 10 years. Response: Agree. The Grand Jury has addressed the issue of modifications to the City Charter several times in the ...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The City's response to

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

are included herein by reference. FlO. The Oroville City Charter document is vague, allows multiple interpretations, and leads to opportunities for manipulation. 4889-6668-2494. l August 11, 2023 Page4 Response: Disagree in part; Agree in part. The

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The City's response to

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. The response to

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

is incorporated herein by reference. Rl 1. The BCGJ recommends the OCC include this interpersonal leadership training to be repeated annually, as the Council body can change, to be calendarized within the first quarter of each and announced at a City Council meeting by December 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. The City's

F12

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

Agree in part; Disagree in part. The City agrees that the City Charter requires an elected City Treasurer. However, the City does not take a position as to whether an elected City Treasurer is no longer necessary. The determination as to whether an elected City Treasurer is necessary is one for the voters to make. This issue is one that will be proposed for clarification by the Charter Review Committee. F13. Oroville City Charter currently requires only a vote of 3 council members in favor to terminate a department head, requires a vote of 5 council members in favor to hire a new department he...

R12

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

is incorporated herein by reference. R 14. The BCGJ recommends OCC to amend the City Charter to include each position in City administration and city government be filled by one individual; and that August 11, 2023 Page 8 only a 6-month temporary appointment may occur, including all necessary steps for voter approval of this amendment by July 31, 2024. Response: Will not be implemented. As stated previously, the City Council does not approve or amend the City Charter. However, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to mak...

F13

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

F14

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. The City has sufficient experts to make a determination on this matter and it will revisit the issue of a fire exit. RECOMMENDATIONS: Rl. The BCGJ recommends OCC should seek to engage an attorney who is readily accessible for city business more often than less than half time March 31, 2024 [sic]. Response: Will not be implemented. The Grand Jury conflates physical presence with availability. The City Attorney represents the City as an entity and does not represent or provide legal advice to individual citizens, groups or other entities. The City Attorney is available and accessible at a...

R14

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. As stated previously, the City Council does not approve or amend the City Charter. However, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter, which would necessarily be placed on a general election ballot for the public to determine. R15. The BCGJ recommends the hired consultant(s) assist the City Administrator to ensure these changes include the culmination of all past amendments and the initial code, into a...

R15

The BCGJ recommends the hired consultant(s) assist the City Administrator to ensure these changes include the culmination of all past amendments and the initial code, into a current complete statement, are given to the people to vote on November 2025 ballot. Response: Will not be implemented. The OMC is adopted and approved by the City Council. It is not voted on by the people. R 16. The BCGJ recommends OCC have the Charter and Municipal Codes reviewed by an independent consultant to eliminate a...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The OMC is adopted and approved by the City Council. It is not voted on by the people. R 16. The BCGJ recommends OCC have the Charter and Municipal Codes reviewed by an independent consultant to eliminate areas allowing the perception of unfair hiring, firing, and appointing practices by December 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. As previously mentioned, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Cha...

R16

The BCGJ recommends OCC have the Charter and Municipal Codes reviewed by an independent consultant to eliminate areas allowing the perception of unfair hiring, firing, and appointing practices by December 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. As previously mentioned, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter, which would ...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. As previously mentioned, at its regularly scheduled June 20, 2023 meeting, the City Council appointed a subcommittee to work with staff to make recommendations to the City Council for potential proposed modifications to the City Charter, which would necessarily be placed on a general election ballot for the public to determine. An independent consultant is not necessary for this process. R 17. The BCGJ recommends the OCC amend the Charter to remove the unnecessary position of City Treasurer, to include all necessary steps to having [sic] on the November 2024 ballot. Re...

R18

The BCGJ recommends OCC hire an independent inspector to review the Fire & Police Department lobby replacement of emergency fire exit with fire wall, to ensure the safety of employees and the general public by October 31, 2023. Response: Will not be implemented. The City has sufficient experts to make a determination on this matter and it will revisit the issue of a fire exit. JRespecItfully: subimit;ted, d~filifomia David W. Pittman, Mayor cc: Oroville City Council 4889-6668-2494. I

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The City has sufficient experts to make a determination on this matter and it will revisit the issue of a fire exit. JRespecItfully: subimit;ted, d~filifomia David W. Pittman, Mayor cc: Oroville City Council

City of Oroville

August 16, 2022 • 4 pages • 8 responses • Score: -4 (+2, 0, -6) View Details ▾

PDF

8 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The procedure to fill positions by the Council is mandated by the City Charter. Any deviation from that process would require an amendment to the Charter, which must occur by a vote of the people.

Response: Agree Score: +1

Agree. As was discussed with the Grand Jury, the City's Policies and Procedures Manual has fallen out of date resulting from senior staff turnover during the past decade. Staff and Council are committed to having a current manual with modem policies completed by the end of 2022. F3. Emergency declarations have been used to override existing policies. Response: Agreed. However, the City takes great umbrage at the insinuation of the Grand Jury with this factual finding that some nefarious intent existed within the Council by making emergency declarations. The very purpose of an emergency declara...

Response: Will Implement

Due: December 31, 2023 Scheduled: within 6 months Score: +1

Will be implemented. R3. The Oroville City Government to define an "emergency situation" in the PPM [Policies and Procedures Manual] by December 31, 2022. Response: Will not be implemented. The Council determines what constitutes an "emergency situation" based on the facts and circumstances before it during August 16, 2022 Page 4 Council Meetings. Should the citizens have any concerns related thereto, they can share those concerns with the Council at one of those regularly scheduled meetings. R4. City Council members to fill positions in accordance with the PPM and within 6 months, except in ...

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Agreed. However, the City takes great umbrage at the insinuation of the Grand Jury with this factual finding that some nefarious intent existed within the Council by making emergency declarations. The very purpose of an emergency declaration is to override standing policy because of an urgent or emergency situation. In fact, the Grand Jury has found only two examples of this practice occurring in the last five years. As an example, in one instance, the Council declared an emergency to issue a contract to clear clogged City storm drains from ash and debris resulting from local fires. With the r...

Response: Will Not Implement

Due: September 30, 2023 Scheduled: within 6 months Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The Council determines what constitutes an "emergency situation" based on the facts and circumstances before it during August 16, 2022 Page 4 Council Meetings. Should the citizens have any concerns related thereto, they can share those concerns with the Council at one of those regularly scheduled meetings. R4. City Council members to fill positions in accordance with the PPM and within 6 months, except in emergency situations. This to be implemented by December 31, 2022. Response: Will not be implemented. The City Council is mandated to follow the procedure as outline...

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Disagree. The Grand Jury found only two examples of emergency declarations being used to override standing policy in the last five years. See City's response to Finding F3. F5. The City Council does not fill vacant positions in a timely manner, enabling the mayor to fill those positions by appointment instead of election. Response: Disagree. The procedure to fill positions by the Council is mandated by the City Charter, which does include the potential for an appointment to be made by the Mayor following a detailed process. The appointment to a position by the Mayor has occurred in one instanc...

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Will not be implemented. The City Council is mandated to follow the procedure as outlined in the City Charter for filling of positions. See City's response to Recommendation Rl. Respectfully submitted, City Council of the City of Oroville, California I cc: Oroville City Council

Response: Disagree Score: -1

Disagree. The procedure to fill positions by the Council is mandated by the City Charter, which does include the potential for an appointment to be made by the Mayor following a detailed process. The appointment to a position by the Mayor has occurred in one instance. On July 16, 2019, the Mayor appointed Bill Lagrone to serve as the City Administrator. RECOMMENDATIONS: Rl. Each position in city administration and city government is to be filled by one individual and no individual to hold multiple positions, except on a temporary basis to fill a vacancy and for no longer than 6 months. This to...

No Responses Found 1

Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.

Coast Community College District School District