Score: -4
(0/8/4)
Santa Clara County Grand Jury
• 2017-2018
• Agency Response
Response to:
2017 Update from the City of Mountain View
Received Jan 3 1 2017 Civil Grand Jury City of Mountain View Office of the City Manager*
Published: January 31, 2017
4 pages
⚠️ 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 have not been extracted yet.
The full report content may still be accessible via the PDF link above.
Agency Responses 4
Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.
▶
2017 Update from the City of Mountain View
January 31, 2017
•
4 pages
• 9 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 4, 0)
View Details ▾
9 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Cities should adopt pension plans to extend the retirement age beyond current retirement plan ages. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the implementation of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Prior to the adoption of PEPRA, the City of Mountain View was proactive in working with employee groups to increase employee contributions to their retirement benefit as a way of reducing the impact of pension costs on City...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The Cities should adopt pension plans to extend the retirement age beyond current retirement plan ages. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the implementation of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Prior to the adoption of PEPRA, the City of Mountain View was proactive in working with employee groups to increase employee contributions to their retirement benefit as a way of reducing the impact of pension costs on City finances. This strategy was pursued in place of adopting a second tier of benefits which could incl...
R2A
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for add...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for addressing pension liabilities. Recommendation 2B - Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Recomm...
R2B
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013. As noted in the response to Recommendations 1 and 2A, the City of Mountain View has LS/7/MGR 1 of 3
negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions in order to address pension liabilities. Furthermore, when funding has been available, the City has made additional contributions toward the pension liability, totaling $9.04 million since 2014-15. The City also believes additional reform is required at the Statewide level.
R2C
All Cities' new tier of plans should close the unfunded liability burden they have pushed to future generations. The new tier should include raising the retirement age, increasing employee contributions, and adopting pension plan caps to ensure pensions do not exceed salary at retirement.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013. As noted in the response to Recommendations 1 and 2A, the City of Mountain View has LS/7/MGR 1 of 3
negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions in order to address pension liabilities. Furthermore, when funding has been available, the City has made additional contributions toward the pension liability, totaling $9.04 million since 2014-15. The City also believes additional reform is required at the Statewide level.
R3
The Cities should adopt policies that do not permit Benefit enhancements unless sufficient monies are deposited, such as in an irrevocable trust, concurrent with enacting the enhancement, to prevent an increase in unfunded liability.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View supports this recommendation. The City does not anticipate any pension benefit enhancements for the foreseeable future.
R4A
The Cities should require all employees to pay the maximum employee contribution rate of a given plan. <u>City Response</u>: The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. City employees pay both the maximum employee contribution rate as well as a portion of the employer contribution rate for pension benefits.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. As noted previously, the City of Mountain View has adopted a different strategy for addressing costs associated with pension benefits, having negotiated with employee groups to pay part of the employer contribution for pension benefits. The employer contribution is based on both the normal cost of benefits and the Past Service Cost. LS/7/MGR 2 of 3
R4B
The Cities should require employees to pay some portion of the Past Service Cost associated with the unfunded liability, in proportion to the Benefits being offered.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. As noted previously, the City of Mountain View has adopted a different strategy for addressing costs associated with pension benefits, having negotiated with employee groups to pay part of the employer contribution for pension benefits. The employer contribution is based on both the normal cost of benefits and the Past Service Cost. LS/7/MGR 2 of 3
R6
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation for OPEB, instituting a defined contribution plan option for retirees' health benefits for nonsafety employees. As noted above, the City of Mountain View has focused on working with bargaining groups to increase employee contributions toward pension benefits in order to manage the City's costs associated with these benefits. Additionally, the City of Mountain View, as a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), can only offer benefits as allowed under CalPERS law. LS/7/MGR 3 of 3
R7
The Cities should transition from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans as the new tier plans are implemented.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation for OPEB, instituting a defined contribution plan option for retirees' health benefits for nonsafety employees. As noted above, the City of Mountain View has focused on working with bargaining groups to increase employee contributions toward pension benefits in order to manage the City's costs associated with these benefits. Additionally, the City of Mountain View, as a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), can only offer benefits as allowed under CalPERS law. LS/7/MGR 3 of 3
▶
2017 Update from the City of Mountain View
January 31, 2017
•
4 pages
• 9 responses
•
Score: 0
(+0, 4, 0)
View Details ▾
9 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Cities should adopt pension plans to extend the retirement age beyond current retirement plan ages. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the implementation of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Prior to the adoption of PEPRA, the City of Mountain View was proactive in working with employee groups to increase employee contributions to their retirement benefit as a way of reducing the impact of pension costs on City...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
The Cities should adopt pension plans to extend the retirement age beyond current retirement plan ages. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the implementation of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Prior to the adoption of PEPRA, the City of Mountain View was proactive in working with employee groups to increase employee contributions to their retirement benefit as a way of reducing the impact of pension costs on City finances. This strategy was pursued in place of adopting a second tier of benefits which could incl...
R2A
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for add...
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for addressing pension liabilities. Recommendation 2B - Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Recomm...
R2B
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013. As noted in the response to Recommendations 1 and 2A, the City of Mountain View has LS/7/MGR 1 of 3
negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions in order to address pension liabilities. Furthermore, when funding has been available, the City has made additional contributions toward the pension liability, totaling $9.04 million since 2014-15. The City also believes additional reform is required at the Statewide level.
R2C
All Cities' new tier of plans should close the unfunded liability burden they have pushed to future generations. The new tier should include raising the retirement age, increasing employee contributions, and adopting pension plan caps to ensure pensions do not exceed salary at retirement.
Response: Implemented
Score: 0
This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013. As noted in the response to Recommendations 1 and 2A, the City of Mountain View has LS/7/MGR 1 of 3
negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions in order to address pension liabilities. Furthermore, when funding has been available, the City has made additional contributions toward the pension liability, totaling $9.04 million since 2014-15. The City also believes additional reform is required at the Statewide level.
R3
The Cities should adopt policies that do not permit Benefit enhancements unless sufficient monies are deposited, such as in an irrevocable trust, concurrent with enacting the enhancement, to prevent an increase in unfunded liability.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View supports this recommendation. The City does not anticipate any pension benefit enhancements for the foreseeable future.
R4A
The Cities should require all employees to pay the maximum employee contribution rate of a given plan. <u>City Response</u>: The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. City employees pay both the maximum employee contribution rate as well as a portion of the employer contribution rate for pension benefits.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. As noted previously, the City of Mountain View has adopted a different strategy for addressing costs associated with pension benefits, having negotiated with employee groups to pay part of the employer contribution for pension benefits. The employer contribution is based on both the normal cost of benefits and the Past Service Cost. LS/7/MGR 2 of 3
R4B
The Cities should require employees to pay some portion of the Past Service Cost associated with the unfunded liability, in proportion to the Benefits being offered.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation. As noted previously, the City of Mountain View has adopted a different strategy for addressing costs associated with pension benefits, having negotiated with employee groups to pay part of the employer contribution for pension benefits. The employer contribution is based on both the normal cost of benefits and the Past Service Cost. LS/7/MGR 2 of 3
R6
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation for OPEB, instituting a defined contribution plan option for retirees' health benefits for nonsafety employees. As noted above, the City of Mountain View has focused on working with bargaining groups to increase employee contributions toward pension benefits in order to manage the City's costs associated with these benefits. Additionally, the City of Mountain View, as a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), can only offer benefits as allowed under CalPERS law. LS/7/MGR 3 of 3
R7
The Cities should transition from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans as the new tier plans are implemented.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View has implemented this recommendation for OPEB, instituting a defined contribution plan option for retirees' health benefits for nonsafety employees. As noted above, the City of Mountain View has focused on working with bargaining groups to increase employee contributions toward pension benefits in order to manage the City's costs associated with these benefits. Additionally, the City of Mountain View, as a member of the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS), can only offer benefits as allowed under CalPERS law. LS/7/MGR 3 of 3
▶
City of Mountain View
September 12, 2018
•
15 pages
• 4 responses
•
Score: -4
(+0, 0, -4)
View Details ▾
4 responses to findings and recommendations
R2A
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for add...
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Mountain View believes this recommendation is not warranted. The purpose of this task force may be too narrow, since so many jurisdictions already have housing impact fees that affect employers, directly or indirectly. The City of Mountain View would be a willing participant in a regional task force to consider additional ways to fund affordable housing, which would also include other stakeholders, such as employers from a range of industries.
R2B
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Mountain View believes this recommendation is not warranted. Many cities, including Mountain View, have already enacted housing impact fees, which, directly or indirectly, are paid by employers. While a housing impact fee is one tool, other opportunities for employers to participate in addressing the region's affordable housing needs may exist and could be explored.
R6
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Mountain View believes this recommendation is not warranted. The City of Mountain View is reevaluating its BMR in-lieu fees. Currently, it has some of the highest housing impact fees in the County. It is a balance to set the BMR in-lieu fees high enough to get a significant number of units, yet not so high that it affects housing production.
R7
The Cities should transition from defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans as the new tier plans are implemented.
Response: Will Not Implement
Score: -1
The City of Mountain View believes this recommendation is not warranted. Other county groups advocate for affordable housing production and counter NIMBY sentiment through direct outreach. Limited City resources may be better utilized to implement affordable housing programs and continue to provide the community with high-quality development. Also, NIMBY concern about development is often related to issues other than affordability, such as the size and scale of the development, traffic, parking, infrastructure, schools, and displacement. Therefore, any outreach must also address
those issues,...
▶
City of Mountain View
June 20, 2018
•
4 pages
• 4 responses
View Details ▾
4 responses to findings and recommendations
R1
The Cities should adopt pension plans to extend the retirement age beyond current retirement plan ages. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the implementation of the California Public Employees' Pension Reform Act (PEPRA). Prior to the adoption of PEPRA, the City of Mountain View was proactive in working with employee groups to increase employee contributions to their retirement benefit as a way of reducing the impact of pension costs on City...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
While no formal policy requires it, the Police Department, since 2016, has tracked use of force cases involving mental illness if the police report narrative mentions mental health factors during an incident. Training and policy updates will formalize this process, directing Officers to include mental health factors on all use-offorce cases.
R2A
Santa Clara County and the Cities of Cupertino, Los Altos, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Mountain View, San Jose, Santa Clara, Saratoga and Sunnyvale should work to implement second tier plans. <u>City Response</u>: This recommendation was implemented effective January 1, 2013, with the City of Mountain View's implementation of PEPRA. Additionally, as noted above, the City of Mountain View has negotiated significantly higher than typical employee pension contributions as an effective method for add...
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View agrees. Crisis intervention training (to include mental health awareness, tactical communication, and deescalation techniques) is on the Police Department's POST Perishable Skills Program (PSP) training cycle that starts on January 1, 2019 and ends December 31, 2020.
R2B
– Does Not Apply to the City of Mountain View
Response: Unknown
Scheduled: Fiscal Year 2019-20
Score: 0
examine the training budget and make recommendations for funding in the Fiscal Year 2019-20 budget which will allow Officers and Dispatchers to attend ongoing crisis intervention, deescalation, and tactical communication training as part of the department training plan.
R2C
All Cities' new tier of plans should close the unfunded liability burden they have pushed to future generations. The new tier should include raising the retirement age, increasing employee contributions, and adopting pension plan caps to ensure pensions do not exceed salary at retirement.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
The City of Mountain View agrees. Crisis intervention training (to include mental health awareness, tactical communication, and deescalation techniques) is on the Police Department's POST Perishable Skills Program (PSP) training cycle that starts on January 1, 2019 and ends December 31, 2020. As part of the 2018 POST PSP training cycle, all Officers have already completed a two-hour Tactical Communications training block, which includes elements of crisis intervention training and concepts.
* This report's PDF did not contain easily extractable text and required Optical Character Recognition (OCR) for analysis. There may be minor errors in the extracted findings and recommendations due to OCR limitations with scanned documents.