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⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
Fresno County owns marginal real estate that has little apparent purpose to the County, is not regularly maintained, and is poorly tracked. Response: The Board of Supervisors supports the County Administrative Officer's (CAO) responses to all Findings within this report. As indicated within the CAO's consolidated response to this report, leadership had already become aware of the shortcomings inherited from previous leadership and is actively working on corrections. This report confirms what current leadership is aware; however, it did give us additional details that is very helpful in addressing the issues, for which a dedicated temporary position has been developed and filled.
Related Recommendations (5)
R6
Develop a Property/ Real Estate Management Report and create processes and controls that will regularly (at least annually) put property history, current status, condition and progress toward goals before the Board of Supervisors and senior managers. The Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and the Chief Operating Officer, should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will develop an annual report to be submitted to the Board, which will be implemented
R7
Create a property disposal policy that clearly establishes responsibility for property inventory and discourages the accumulation of un-needed real estate. The Board of Supervisors and Chief Administrative Officer should accomplish this by October 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will create a policy that establishes responsibility for property inventory, discourages the accumulation of unused or underutilized real estate and ensures compliance with state law
R8
Develop and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to post all property owned and leased by Fresno County to the Fresno County website. The Chief Administrative officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F1, F2, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a GIS mapping system that has a layer of all County owned and leased property. This will be accomplished
R10
Implement a Fresno County Building Assessment/ Needs Matrix to be reviewed yearly to help set building and property priorities. The County Administrative Officer in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to implement a property needs assessment policy. The County will complete
R11
Establish standardized guidelines for space acquisitions beyond individual department preference that offers consistent quality of space and parking to all county employees based on their needs. The Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the County Administrative Officer and department heads should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create guidelines for space acquisition. The County will complete by December 31, 2024. This concludes the Board of Supervisors' comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Fresno County Grand Jury Report No. 2. County of Fresno COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PAUL NERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER July 9, 2024 The Honorable Houry A. Sanderson, Presiding Judge Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724-0002 RE: Grand Jury Report No. 2 "Toward Lasting Improvement: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices" Dear Judge Sanderson: The Grand Jury's report reflects findings and recommendations regarding County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices. I thank the Grand Jury for their diligence and am responding to Finding F1 – F7 and Recommendations R1 – R11 as requested by the Grand Jury. Given this report requests responses from several County departments (Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Assessor-Recorder, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Internal Services, and Director of Public Works and Planning), I have prepared a consolidated response for all the aforementioned departments as detailed below:
F2
Fresno County's current ability to track, manage and plan for its current and future real estate needs is problematic given the county's size and complexity and has likely led to ownership of unnecessary property, less than timely processes, and financial loss. Response: The Board of Supervisors partially agrees with the finding. See No. 1.
Related Recommendations (8)
R2
Review and reconcile all County owned real estate, so that an accurate, complete database is established that will aid in management and decision-making which would include the following: 1. Systematically enter all tax-exempt property transfers by the Assessor's Office. 2. Acquire deed reading software. The Chief Administrative Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning, and the Assessor-Recorder should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F2, F4, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to maintain a complete real estate/property database for all county owned property. By November 30, 2024, the County will develop policies that will allow for the sharing of information between departments and to ensure the database is updated on a timely manner following any real estate transaction. The County will also evaluate software improvements to assist county departments in expediting land use decisions and locating deeds.
R3
Select or develop a robust data tool that will provide a foundation for planning and management to include at least the following data items: 1. Assessor's Parcel Number 2. Building address 3. Description of property 4. Date of acquisition 5. Property size: - Acres 6. Current use of property 7. Fresno County need (Mandatory, Not Needed) 8. Used or vacant? 9. If Vacant -> Year Vacated 10. Condition of land or building (e.g., not suitable for building not suitable for building occupancy, refurbishing, open land, reserved open space) 11. Leasable for County income-generating property (Yes or No) 12. If Leasable -> Lease Number Reference 13. Maintenance information, including responsibility 14. Is the property not available for use? If so, why? 15. Information on upgrades, remodeling 16. Insurance coverage 17. Environmental risks such as asbestos, underground storage tanks or soil contamination 18. Demolition costs 19. Funding source and restrictions 20. Fresno County Department The Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer and other departments as necessary should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F2, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will review and update the real estate/property database to consolidate all necessary information to allow for improved planning and management of county owned property
R6
Develop a Property/ Real Estate Management Report and create processes and controls that will regularly (at least annually) put property history, current status, condition and progress toward goals before the Board of Supervisors and senior managers. The Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and the Chief Operating Officer, should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will develop an annual report to be submitted to the Board, which will be implemented
R7
Create a property disposal policy that clearly establishes responsibility for property inventory and discourages the accumulation of un-needed real estate. The Board of Supervisors and Chief Administrative Officer should accomplish this by October 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will create a policy that establishes responsibility for property inventory, discourages the accumulation of unused or underutilized real estate and ensures compliance with state law
R8
Develop and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to post all property owned and leased by Fresno County to the Fresno County website. The Chief Administrative officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F1, F2, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a GIS mapping system that has a layer of all County owned and leased property. This will be accomplished
R10
Implement a Fresno County Building Assessment/ Needs Matrix to be reviewed yearly to help set building and property priorities. The County Administrative Officer in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to implement a property needs assessment policy. The County will complete
R11
Establish standardized guidelines for space acquisitions beyond individual department preference that offers consistent quality of space and parking to all county employees based on their needs. The Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the County Administrative Officer and department heads should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create guidelines for space acquisition. The County will complete by December 31, 2024. This concludes the Board of Supervisors' comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Fresno County Grand Jury Report No. 2. County of Fresno COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PAUL NERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER July 9, 2024 The Honorable Houry A. Sanderson, Presiding Judge Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724-0002 RE: Grand Jury Report No. 2 "Toward Lasting Improvement: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices" Dear Judge Sanderson: The Grand Jury's report reflects findings and recommendations regarding County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices. I thank the Grand Jury for their diligence and am responding to Finding F1 – F7 and Recommendations R1 – R11 as requested by the Grand Jury. Given this report requests responses from several County departments (Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Assessor-Recorder, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Internal Services, and Director of Public Works and Planning), I have prepared a consolidated response for all the aforementioned departments as detailed below:
R20
Fresno County Department The Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer and other departments as necessary should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F2, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will review and update the real estate/property database to consolidate all necessary information to allow for improved planning and management of county owned property by December 31, 2024. R4. Standardize management and tracking of County owned properties leased to others which would:
F3
The challenges the County faces in reforming its real estate practices appear to be systemic and long-held and will require cultural change and ongoing commitment to accomplish. Response: The Board of Supervisors partially agrees with the finding. See No. 1.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1
Develop a deliberate strategy for institutional change in how real estate is viewed, robust enough to effect lasting change which would start with the creation of a real estate/property strategic plan. The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F3, F4, F5) Response: The Board of Supervisors supports the CAO's responses to all Recommendations within this report. There is a need to create a real estate/property strategic plan, and the County will develop a plan
R6
Develop a Property/ Real Estate Management Report and create processes and controls that will regularly (at least annually) put property history, current status, condition and progress toward goals before the Board of Supervisors and senior managers. The Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and the Chief Operating Officer, should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will develop an annual report to be submitted to the Board, which will be implemented
R9
Develop a 3-year Capital Plan (at a minimum) for all major Fresno County projects with the input of all departments. The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer should accomplish this by September 30, 2024. (F3, F5) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a capital plan. The County will engage outside planning experts for the creation of a comprehensive facilities master plan. The County does not anticipate completing the capital play by September 30, 2024; however, the County will issue a Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation for this item
R10
Implement a Fresno County Building Assessment/ Needs Matrix to be reviewed yearly to help set building and property priorities. The County Administrative Officer in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to implement a property needs assessment policy. The County will complete
R11
Establish standardized guidelines for space acquisitions beyond individual department preference that offers consistent quality of space and parking to all county employees based on their needs. The Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the County Administrative Officer and department heads should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create guidelines for space acquisition. The County will complete by December 31, 2024. This concludes the Board of Supervisors' comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Fresno County Grand Jury Report No. 2. County of Fresno COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PAUL NERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER July 9, 2024 The Honorable Houry A. Sanderson, Presiding Judge Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724-0002 RE: Grand Jury Report No. 2 "Toward Lasting Improvement: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices" Dear Judge Sanderson: The Grand Jury's report reflects findings and recommendations regarding County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices. I thank the Grand Jury for their diligence and am responding to Finding F1 – F7 and Recommendations R1 – R11 as requested by the Grand Jury. Given this report requests responses from several County departments (Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Assessor-Recorder, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Internal Services, and Director of Public Works and Planning), I have prepared a consolidated response for all the aforementioned departments as detailed below:
F4
The current staffing level and organizational structure are likely less robust than that required to plan for, fully monitor, or oversee, the County's real estate holdings. Response: The County is currently assessing the needs and staffing levels and is dedicated to ensuring they are appropriate.
Related Recommendations (5)
R1
Develop a deliberate strategy for institutional change in how real estate is viewed, robust enough to effect lasting change which would start with the creation of a real estate/property strategic plan. The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F3, F4, F5) Response: The Board of Supervisors supports the CAO's responses to all Recommendations within this report. There is a need to create a real estate/property strategic plan, and the County will develop a plan
R2
Review and reconcile all County owned real estate, so that an accurate, complete database is established that will aid in management and decision-making which would include the following: 1. Systematically enter all tax-exempt property transfers by the Assessor's Office. 2. Acquire deed reading software. The Chief Administrative Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning, and the Assessor-Recorder should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F2, F4, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to maintain a complete real estate/property database for all county owned property. By November 30, 2024, the County will develop policies that will allow for the sharing of information between departments and to ensure the database is updated on a timely manner following any real estate transaction. The County will also evaluate software improvements to assist county departments in expediting land use decisions and locating deeds.
R7
Create a property disposal policy that clearly establishes responsibility for property inventory and discourages the accumulation of un-needed real estate. The Board of Supervisors and Chief Administrative Officer should accomplish this by October 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will create a policy that establishes responsibility for property inventory, discourages the accumulation of unused or underutilized real estate and ensures compliance with state law
R10
Implement a Fresno County Building Assessment/ Needs Matrix to be reviewed yearly to help set building and property priorities. The County Administrative Officer in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to implement a property needs assessment policy. The County will complete
R11
Establish standardized guidelines for space acquisitions beyond individual department preference that offers consistent quality of space and parking to all county employees based on their needs. The Board of Supervisors, in conjunction with the County Administrative Officer and department heads should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F4) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create guidelines for space acquisition. The County will complete by December 31, 2024. This concludes the Board of Supervisors' comments on the Findings and Recommendations of the Fresno County Grand Jury Report No. 2. County of Fresno COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE PAUL NERLAND COUNTY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER July 9, 2024 The Honorable Houry A. Sanderson, Presiding Judge Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724-0002 RE: Grand Jury Report No. 2 "Toward Lasting Improvement: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices" Dear Judge Sanderson: The Grand Jury's report reflects findings and recommendations regarding County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices. I thank the Grand Jury for their diligence and am responding to Finding F1 – F7 and Recommendations R1 – R11 as requested by the Grand Jury. Given this report requests responses from several County departments (Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector, Assessor-Recorder, Chief Operating Officer, Director of Internal Services, and Director of Public Works and Planning), I have prepared a consolidated response for all the aforementioned departments as detailed below:
F5
Fresno County apparently lacks a comprehensive strategic plan to guide the management of its real estate assets, nor does it appear to have very comprehensive deferred capital maintenance plan adequately funded to fully maintain the County's buildings over time. Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding. See No. 1.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
Develop a deliberate strategy for institutional change in how real estate is viewed, robust enough to effect lasting change which would start with the creation of a real estate/property strategic plan. The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F3, F4, F5) Response: The Board of Supervisors supports the CAO's responses to all Recommendations within this report. There is a need to create a real estate/property strategic plan, and the County will develop a plan
R9
Develop a 3-year Capital Plan (at a minimum) for all major Fresno County projects with the input of all departments. The Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer should accomplish this by September 30, 2024. (F3, F5) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a capital plan. The County will engage outside planning experts for the creation of a comprehensive facilities master plan. The County does not anticipate completing the capital play by September 30, 2024; however, the County will issue a Request for Proposal or Request for Quotation for this item
F6
The system currently used by the County to collect and maintain property data is inadequate given the number of identified errors and incompleteness of property history and other information. Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding. See No. 1.
Related Recommendations (5)
R2
Review and reconcile all County owned real estate, so that an accurate, complete database is established that will aid in management and decision-making which would include the following: 1. Systematically enter all tax-exempt property transfers by the Assessor's Office. 2. Acquire deed reading software. The Chief Administrative Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer and the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning, and the Assessor-Recorder should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F2, F4, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to maintain a complete real estate/property database for all county owned property. By November 30, 2024, the County will develop policies that will allow for the sharing of information between departments and to ensure the database is updated on a timely manner following any real estate transaction. The County will also evaluate software improvements to assist county departments in expediting land use decisions and locating deeds.
R3
Select or develop a robust data tool that will provide a foundation for planning and management to include at least the following data items: 1. Assessor's Parcel Number 2. Building address 3. Description of property 4. Date of acquisition 5. Property size: - Acres 6. Current use of property 7. Fresno County need (Mandatory, Not Needed) 8. Used or vacant? 9. If Vacant -> Year Vacated 10. Condition of land or building (e.g., not suitable for building not suitable for building occupancy, refurbishing, open land, reserved open space) 11. Leasable for County income-generating property (Yes or No) 12. If Leasable -> Lease Number Reference 13. Maintenance information, including responsibility 14. Is the property not available for use? If so, why? 15. Information on upgrades, remodeling 16. Insurance coverage 17. Environmental risks such as asbestos, underground storage tanks or soil contamination 18. Demolition costs 19. Funding source and restrictions 20. Fresno County Department The Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer and other departments as necessary should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F2, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will review and update the real estate/property database to consolidate all necessary information to allow for improved planning and management of county owned property
R6
Develop a Property/ Real Estate Management Report and create processes and controls that will regularly (at least annually) put property history, current status, condition and progress toward goals before the Board of Supervisors and senior managers. The Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and the Chief Operating Officer, should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will develop an annual report to be submitted to the Board, which will be implemented
R8
Develop and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to post all property owned and leased by Fresno County to the Fresno County website. The Chief Administrative officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F1, F2, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a GIS mapping system that has a layer of all County owned and leased property. This will be accomplished
R20
Fresno County Department The Chief Administrative Officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer and other departments as necessary should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F2, F6) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will review and update the real estate/property database to consolidate all necessary information to allow for improved planning and management of county owned property by December 31, 2024. R4. Standardize management and tracking of County owned properties leased to others which would:
F7
The processes for leasing property for County use as well as the process of leasing property to others are poorly tracked, fragmented, and likely create the opportunity for error and mistake. Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the finding. See No. 1.
Related Recommendations (4)
R4
Standardize management and tracking of County owned properties leased to others which would: 1. Provide an overview of leases in the annual property management report in R6 below. 2. Standardize a procedure for cash receipts related to lease payments that all departments can use. 3. Implement policies to insure lease payments are made on a timely basis and what steps to follow when payments are not being made. The Chief Administrative Officer in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning, and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector should accomplish this by October 31, 2024. (F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will improve the management and tracking of leased properties and ensure financial compliance with the agreements. The County will implement these changes
R5
Standardize management and tracking of properties owned by others and leased to the County which would: 1. Develop an updated Fresno County property lease list which would include a unique identifier that would tie to the Controller's lease listing report, so an easy comparison can be made between the Controller's required report and the ISD lease report. 2. Review and reconcile all E-contracts for property leases to the ISD list to determine conflicts and resolve issues. 3. Use E-contracts to its advantage by including full, official documentation of leases, and implement a procedure by which the system is regularly updated. 4. Maintain a timeline matrix of all leases to be used in visioning the County's future footprint, strategic planning, and asset management. The Chief Administrative Officer, in conjunction with the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector should accomplish this by October 31, 2024. (F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation to improve the management and tracking of property leased to the County. The County will do so
R6
Develop a Property/ Real Estate Management Report and create processes and controls that will regularly (at least annually) put property history, current status, condition and progress toward goals before the Board of Supervisors and senior managers. The Board of Supervisors, the County Administrative Officer, and the Chief Operating Officer, should accomplish this by December 31, 2024. (F1, F2, F3, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the recommendation. The County will develop an annual report to be submitted to the Board, which will be implemented
R8
Develop and use Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to post all property owned and leased by Fresno County to the Fresno County website. The Chief Administrative officer, the Chief Operating Officer, the Director of Internal Services-Chief Information Officer, and the Director of the Department of Public Works and Planning should accomplish this by November 30, 2024. (F1, F2, F6, F7) Response: The Board of Supervisors agrees with the need to create a GIS mapping system that has a layer of all County owned and leased property. This will be accomplished
F8
EHD's website is difficult to navigate, not always current, and is a barrier to consumers.
No recommendations for this finding
F9
EHD appears to be without a policy for its Food Inspectors on the standard use of County automobiles for travel to inspect food facilities.
No recommendations for this finding
Additional Recommendations 20
These recommendations are not explicitly linked to specific findings.
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R12If Leasable -> Lease Number Reference
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R13Maintenance information, including responsibility
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R14Is the property not available for use? If so, why?
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R15Information on upgrades, remodeling
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R16Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District35. Sierra Cedars Community Services District
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R17Environmental risks such as asbestos, underground storage tanks or soil contamination
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R18Hills Valley Irrigation District37. Sierra Resource Conservation District
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R19Funding source and restrictions
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R37Sierra Resource Conservation District
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R38Tranquility Irrigation District
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R39Tri Valley Water District
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R40Washington Colony Cemetery District
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R41Westlands Water District Pursuant to California Penal Code, section 933.05, the Fresno County Grand Jury requests responses to each specific findings and recommendations. It is required under California Penal Code, section 933(c), that responses from elected County officials or agency heads are due of receiving this report and 90 days for the governing bodies of public agencies. This letter, with enclosure, is the only notice that you will receive of the Grand Jury's Report No. 5 and your legal obligations. Responses are to be drafted in accordance with Penal Code, section 933.05 and addressed to: The Honorable Houry A. Sanderson, Presiding Judge July 12, 2024 Fresno County Superior Court 1100 Van Ness Avenue Fresno, CA 93724-0002 Please send a copy of your response to the Fresno County Administrative Office, Attention: Ron Alexander at [email protected]. If you have any questions, you may contact me by calling (559) 600-1234. Respectfully, Ronald W. Alexander, Jr. Senior Administrative Analyst County Administrative Office Enclosure Fresno County Special District Website Transparency: Seeing Your Dollars At gneme 4 Wominns come 4 enmgnins 4 cugee seein Hea reenie y onmun vawmems se 3 RCH TOG sas « ners = vaneieics samen s remus caries « remeoes guceey yeqeers a mes «comin s vais utente a omens comsies omrmeian sl 4 Method ology............ccccccecceceseeeeeeeeeeeceeeeeceseeceececceesasausueeassseeecceeceeeeeeeseeeeeeeeteeeeeeee 7 CONCIUSION..........:ccccrcccscesscesersecsssnneetsessessenaaseseeseeenenaeaeseeseesaenseeseenseasassecesen senses 12
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R14-15Complaint Procedure ..... FINAL REPORTS AND RESPONSES ..... REPORT #1 ..... Is Something Missing in the Clovis Cemetery District? .....
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R19-33RESPONSE TO REPORT #1 ..... Response from The Clovis Cemetery District .....
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R35-38REPORT #2 ..... Toward Lasting Improvement: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices .....
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R40-69RESPONSES TO REPORT #2 ..... Response from The Fresno County Board of Supervisors .....
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R71-77Response from The Fresno County Administrative Office (CAO) .....
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R78-83REPORT #3 ..... Gone Phishing: How The City Of Fresno Fell Victim to a $613,737.00 Scam .....
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R85-96RESPONSES TO REPORT # 3 ..... Response from The City of Fresno, Mayor Dyer and City Manager White ..... 98-102 REPORT #4 ..... TABLE OF CONTENTS REPORT #5 ..... Fresno County Special District Website Transpareny: Seeing your Dollars Hard at Work ..... 142-161 RESPONSES TO REPORT #5 ..... Response from The Calwa Recreation & Park District ..... 163-167 Response from The Coalinga - Huron Recreation & Park District ..... Response from The Coalinga Healthcare District ..... 169-171 Response from The Coalinga-Huron Cemetery District ..... 172-173 Response from The Consolidated Irrigation District..... 174-177 Response from The Consolidated Mosquito Abatement District ..... Response from The Farmers Water District ..... Response from The Fresno County Fire Protection District ..... Response from The Fresno Irrigation District ..... 181-189 Response from The Fresno Mosquito and Vector Control District ..... Response from The Hills Valley Irrigation District..... 191-192 Response from The James Irrigation District ..... 193-194 Response from The Kings River Conservation District..... 195-219 Response from The Kings River Water District ..... 220-222 Response from The Kingsburg Cemetery District ..... Response from The Laguna Irrigation District ..... Response from The Mercy Springs Water District ..... 225-226 Response from The North Central Fire Protection District ..... 227-228 Response from The Orange Cove Fire Protection District ..... Response from The Orange Cove Irrigation District ..... Response from The Panoche Drainage District ..... 231-232 Response from The Pinedale Public Utility District..... 233-234 Response from The Reedley Cemetery District ..... 235-236 Response from The Sierra Cedars Community Services District ..... Response from The Sierra Kings Health Care District ..... 238-240 Response from The Tranquility Irrigation District ..... 241-244 Response from The Washington Colony Cemetery District ..... Response from The Westlands Water District ..... 246-248 Response from The Tri-Valley Water District ..... 249-252 THE GRAND JURY PROCESS. APPLICATION INFORMATION FUNCTIONS COMPLAINT PROCEDURE APPLICATION INFORMATION The Fresno County Grand Jury serves as the civil watchdog for the County of Fresno. Their responsibilities include investigating complaints regarding county and city governmental agencies and issuing reports when necessary. In the early months of each calendar year, the Fresno County Superior Court begins the process for selecting a new grand jury. Those with an interest in serving on the grand jury may contact the Juror Services Manager and ask to be considered as a prospective grand juror. In addition to self referrals, names of prospective grand jurors are suggested by the active and retired judicial officers of the Fresno County Superior Court and the current grand jury members. The basic qualifications include being a citizen of the United States, being at least 18 years of age and a resident of Fresno County for at least one year prior to selection. Applicants should also be in possession of their natural faculties and have ordinary intelligence, sound judgment and good character. They should be able to speak and write English and have some computer literacy. Questionnaires are mailed to all prospective grand jurors after the nominations are received. All prospective grand jurors are required to have a background check. All prospective grand jurors must be officially nominated by a sitting Superior Court Judge and may be asked to come in for an interview. The Judges then consider all prospective grand juror nominees. They nominate 30 prospective jurors, who are invited to an impanelment ceremony in mid-June. Names are drawn at random to serve on the nineteen member grand jury. Generally, there are two to four members from the outgoing grand jury who holdover to insure a smooth transition. Prospective grand jurors should be aware of the responsibilities and time commitment involved. Jurors typically spend a minimum of 40 hours per month on meetings, interviewing, conducting investigations and writing reports. The service period from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. For additional information or to nominate yourself or someone else, contact: The Juror Services Manager at the Fresno County Courthouse 1100 Van Ness Avenue, Room 102 Fresno, CA 93724-0002 Or call: 559-457-1605 ————— FUNCTIONS ————— HISTORY: In 1635, the Massachusetts Bay Colony impaneled the first grand jury to consider cases of murder, robbery and wife beating. By the end of the colonial period the grand jury had become an indispensable adjunct to the government. The U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment and the California Constitution call for the establishment of grand juries. The California Constitution provided for prosecution by indictment or preliminary hearing. In 1880, statutes were passed which added duties of the grand jury to investigate county government beyond misconduct of public officials. Only California and Nevada mandate that civil grand juries be impaneled annually to function specifically as a "watchdog" over county government. California mandates formation of grand juries in every county able to examine all aspects of local government adding another level of protection for citizens. Functions: The civil grand jury is a part of the judicial branch of government, an arm of the court. As an arm of the Superior Court, the Fresno County Grand Jury is impaneled every year to conduct civil investigations of county and city government and to hear evidence to decide whether to return an indictment. THE CIVIL GRAND JURY IN ITS' ROLE AS CIVIL "WATCHDOG" FOR THE COUNTY OF FRESNO HAS TWO DISTINCT FUNCTIONS: • Investigations of allegations of misconduct against public officials and determine whether to present formal accusations requesting their removal from office under three feasances: nonfeasance, misfeasance and malfeasance. • Civil Investigations and Reporting, the watchdog function, is the PRIMARY duty of a regular Civil Grand Jury. In addition to mandated state functions, the jury may select additional areas to study publishing its' findings and recommendations in a report at the end of the year. Both the criminal and civil grand juries have the powers to subpoena. The criminal grand jury conducts hearings to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring indicment charging a person with a public offense. However, the district attorney usually calls for empanelment of a separate jury drawn from the petit (regular trial) jury pool to bring criminal charges. However, in Fresno County a Superior Court Judge is the determiner OF FACTS RELATIVE TO HOLDING AN INDIVIDUAL TO ANSWER CRIMINAL CHARGES. CIVIL WATCHDOG FUNCTIONS: Considerable time and energy is put into this primary function of the civil grand jury acting as a the public's "watchdog" by investigating and reporting upon the operation, management, and fiscal affairs of local government (eg Penal Code § 919, 925 et seq.) The civil grand jury may examine all aspects of county and city government and agencies/districts to ensure that the best interests of the citizens of Fresno County are being served. The civil grand jury may review and evaluate procedures, methods and systems used by county and city government to determine whether more efficient and economical ————— FUNCTIONS ————— programs may be used. The civil grand jury is also mandated to inspect any state prisons located within the county including the conditions of jails and detention facilities. CITIZEN COMPLAINTS: The civil grand jury receives many letters from citizens and prisoners alleging mistreatment by officials, suspicions of misconduct or government inefficiencies. Complaints are acknowledged and investigated for their validity. These complaints are kept confidential. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS: A criminal jury is separate from a civil grand jury and is called for empanelment by the district attorney. A hearing is held to determine whether the evidence presented by the district attorney is sufficient to warrant an individual having to stand trial. NOTE: This is not the procedure in Fresno County, a Superior Court Judge calls for a criminal jury if a matter continues on in the courts to trial. The grand jury system as part of our judicial system is an excellent example of our democracy. The grand jury is independent body. Judges of the Superior Court, the district attorney, the county counsel, and the state attorney general may act as advisors but cannot attend jury deliberations nor control the actions of the civil grand jury (Penal Code § Code 934, 939). — FRESNO COUNTY CIVIL GRAND JURY — COMPLAINT FORM All Complaints Received by the Grand Jury are Confidential Complaints will not be processed without a brief summary, contact information and a signature Your Name: _____ Mailing Address: _____ City, State & Zip: _____ Preferred Phone Contact Number: _____ Email Address: _____ BRIEF SUMMARY OF COMPLAINT: Please include dates of events, names of officials involved, names of people who know about this, public agencies involved and any other pertinent information to help the Grand Jury assess the complaint. You may attach additional information as necessary. The information contained in this complaint is true, accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Anonymous complaints will not be investigated. Signature: _____ Date: _____ The Grand Jury is grateful for your participation. You will receive acknowledgment of your complaint after it has been reviewed by the Grand Jury. Because of statutory and confidentiality restrictions, the Grand Jury retains all complaints and attachments hereto in accordance with its policies and procedures. The Grand Jury does not discuss the status of complaints no offer advice on how to pursue a complaint by an other investigatory body. EMAIL FORM TO: [email protected] OR MAIL FORM TO: Fresno County Civil Grand Jury • P.O. Box 2072 • Fresno, CA 93718 FRESNO COUNTY GRAND JURY FINAL REPORTS AND RESPONSES REPORT #1 IS SOMETHING MISSING IN THE CLOVIS CEMETERY DISTRICT? REPORT #2 TOWAD LASTING IMPROVEMENT: A Review of Fresno County Vacant Property and Real Estate Practices REPORT #3 GONE PHISHING: How the City of Fresno Fell Victim to a $613,737.00 Scam REPORT #4 EAT AT YOUR OWN RISK: The Quiet Reality of Health Inspections in Fresno County REPORT #5 FRESNO COUNTY SPECIAL DISTRICT WEBSITE TRANSPARENCY: Seeing Your Dollars at Work FRESNO COUNTY GRAND JURY — FINAL REPORTS AND RESPONSES — REPORT # 1 IS SOMETHING MISSING IN THE CLOVIS CEMETERY DISTRICT? Where are they on the web? Where are their financial statements? Why did their green grass disappear? Is Something Missing in the Clovis Cemetery District? Where are they on the web? Where are their financial statements? Why did their green grass disappear?
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Widren Water District
Special District
* 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.