City of Fresno Financial Management

Recommendations 100

• R1
  Develop a long-term plan for the reduction of its level of debt.
• R2
  Establish procedures to insure that appropriate financial analysis always accompany requests for major capital expenditures.
• R3
  Establish a process to insure the selection of an external auditor who is independent from the City’s financial management and the departments being audited. 5
• R4
  Simplify the accounting system, to the extent possible, in order that the City Council, department heads, and the public, better understand the City’s financial statements.
• R5
  Establish effective administration and accounting for the grants received by the City.
• R6
  Require effective and direct communications between the Redevelopment Agency and the City Finance Department.
• R7
  Improve communication between departments and agencies of City government. CITY OF FRESNO URBAN GROWTH MANAGEMENT (UGM) FEES Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury (FCGJ) was alerted to problems regarding the administration of the Urban Growth Management (UGM), under Section 4.5015 et seq., of the City of Fresno Municipal Code. The FCGJ determined “Urban Growth Process” originated on December 5, 1975, and since that time, the Fresno City Council has modified the original ordinance several times by Council resolution. The City of Fresno Municipal Code states, “… the process is intended to identify the demands on municipal facilities, improvements, or services created by any proposed residential, commercial, industrial, or any other type of development and to provide the means for satisfying such demands; to identify any deleterious effects on any such development, and protect the city and its residents against such effects by minimizing the cost of municipal facilities, improvements and services, and to maintain a high quality of such.” The Code also states, “The Urban Growth Management Area is designated on the Zone Map. These areas are generally located in and around the city’s fringe and are either relatively underdeveloped or are predominantly agricultural in use and lack most, if not all municipal facilities, improvements or services necessary to serve residential, commercial, industrial or other type of development.” It was recognized that growth must pay its own way. As a result, it was established that the City would encourage reasonable and justifiable growth, as long as it does not place a severe burden on the City’s infrastructure, and that growth would be supported in advance by fees, known as UGM fees, determined by the City’s Public Works Department. These fees are reviewed by the building industry representatives and approved by the City Council. UGM fees are intended to cover all infrastructure costs necessary to support the intended growth plan. Fees are expected to cover costs of improvements of streets, curbs, gutters, water, sewer lines, lights, firehouses, and parks. In the course of the FCGJ’s examination, interviews were conducted with the Mayor, the City Manager, past and present city finance directors, the CEO of the Building Industry Association, several of the city’s prominent developers, as well as the department heads of Public Works and Planning and Development Department, and the City Attorney. Interviews were also conducted with former and present employees of city departments as well as members of the City Council. The FCGJ did not ask the City Attorney to interpret city ordinances or to offer an opinion on UGM matters, due to pending litigation. 7
• R8
  Final resolution of the past accounting differences be completed between the City and the building industry.
• R9
  The City Manager transfer the management of accounting matters regarding Urban Growth Management to the Finance Director/Controller.
• R10
  The responsible city department respond to the building industry’s inquiries in a timely manner.
• R11
  Annual audits of Urban Growth Management accounts be completed in a timely manner.
• R12
  The Public Works Department evaluate and update the Urban Growth Management fee structure annually.
• R13
  The City Manager appoint a mediation board to resolve Urban Growth Management differences between developers and the city. 9
• R14
  Urban Growth Management reimbursements to builders be made twice annually in accordance with the City of Fresno Municipal Code.
• R15
  The City investigate new growth support plans and funding, such as Mello- Roos Bonds or more flexible development impact fees. WATER USAGE AND CONSERVATION PRACTICES IN THE CITY OF FRESNO Introduction The possibility that the City of Fresno may lose its annual allocation of water supply from the Central Valley Project (CVP) prompted the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury to examine water usage and conservation practices in the City.
• R16
  Maintain efforts to negotiate the renewal of its water contract with United States Bureau of Reclamation.
• R17
  Coordinate with private companies and independent districts serving water customers in the Fresno metropolitan area to promote water conservation practices.
• R18
  Aggressively enforce the City of Fresno Municipal Code on water wastage.
• R19
  Develop plans to charge residential water users on a more equitable basis. CITY OF FRESNO BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS Introduction Elected officials and members of the community brought to the attention of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury concerns regarding the records of appointments made to the various Boards and Commissions (Boards). The concerns prompted the Grand Jury to investigate specific issues including, but not limited to, the application process and forms.
• R20
  The Fresno City Manager authorize the City Clerk to develop procedures to maintain accurate and current information on records of appointments to Boards by the City Council and Mayor. 14
• R21
  The City Clerk’s office develop an appointment document to be placed on the City of Fresno website to include the following: a. A proper name to identify each Board. b. A concise and clear description of the purpose of each Board. c. Designated meeting dates, times, and locations for the Board. d. Annual budget and the remuneration for each Board member, if any. e. The name, telephone number and e-mail address of the city staff representative who is assigned to each Board. f. The length of term and expiration date for each Board member. g. Application form.
• R22
  The City Clerk notify the appointing authority of an appointee’s expiration date no less than 90 days prior to the end of the term.
• R23
  The City Clerk publicize Board member vacancies by posting them at City Hall and listing them on the City of Fresno website.
• R24
  The Fresno City Manager verify all information on applications.
• R25
  The Fresno City Manager advise appointing authorities to route all applications to the office of the City Clerk.
• R26
  The Fresno City Manager direct appointing authorities to inform the City Clerk’s office of new appointments. CITY OF FRESNO CONTRACT ADMINISTRATION Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the matter of contract administration. The City of Fresno (City) has a variety of contracts with other parties for the purpose of purchasing goods and services. City departments are responsible for maintenance and supervision of the contracts in which they are involved. Elected officials and members of the City staff have expressed an interest in placing all contracts under the supervision of a designated contract administrator who will be responsible for the enforcement, compliance, and renewal of all contracts.
• R27
  The City Manager assign the ultimate responsibility for contract administration to a properly staffed, single department that will be responsible for contract enforcement, compliance, and renewal.
• R28
  The department that is ultimately responsible for supervision of contract administration, set up a “reminder” file to advise appropriate departments of contract term date, renewal date, and other significant implementation dates.
• R29
  The City Manager instruct appropriate departments that enter into contracts to utilize the standard city contract form whenever possible. CITY OF FRESNO ZONING ORDINANCES Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury received complaints regarding the timeliness and the applicability of the Zoning Ordinance, Sections 12-102 through 12-302 of the Fresno Municipal Code. The Code provides that the intent and purpose of the Zoning Ordinance is to encourage, classify, designate, regulate, restrict, and segregate the highest and best location for, and use of buildings, structures, and land for agriculture, residence, commerce, trade, industry, water conservation and other purposes in appropriate places.
• R30
  Budget adequate funds to complete the full revision of the Zoning Ordinance.
• R31
  Assign a member of the City Attorney’s staff to specifically assist in the revision of the Zoning Ordinance.
• R32
  Direct the City Clerk’s office to use an 81/2 x 11 inch format in the revision of the ordinance.
• R33
  Place the newly formatted Zoning Ordinance on the City’s website and update it every six months.
• R34
  Make available hard copies of the Zoning Ordinance for distribution at a nominal cost. FRESNO COUNTY COMMITTEE James Perkins, Chair Robin Baldwin David Barber Susan Biglione Allene Kahl Donald Slade 20 COUNTY COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The County Committee of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury was charged with the responsibility to review and report on certain departments and activities of county government and special districts operating within the county. For this purpose, the Committee interviewed a number of officials and other witnesses, and visited relevant facilities. The reviews were initiated from several sources, including citizen and official complaints, news releases, and recommendations from the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury. In this connection, the Committee examined several matters and county departments not specifically reported upon. The following subjects are covered in this report: A. The office and facilities of the Fresno County Coroner-Public Administrator/ Public Guardian. B. Fresno Irrigation District billing, collection, and foreclosure practices. C. Fresno County Fire Protection District. D. Security of County Buildings. THE FRESNO COUNTY CORONER-PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR/PUBLIC GUARDIAN Introduction Pursuant to the recommendations of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury, the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated the offices of the County Coroner- Public Administrator/Public Guardian (Coroner-PA/PG). The offices of the County Coroner and PA/PG are combined under resolutions of the County Board of Supervisors. The offices of Coroner and PA/PG are separate elective offices under the Fresno County Charter. In the course of the investigation, the Grand Jury visited the facilities and interviewed several persons.
• R35
  Construction of a new Coroner’s office, morgue, and autopsy suite be given top priority by the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.
• R36
  Violations cited by CAL/OSHA be promptly corrected.
• R37
  The Offices of Coroner and Public Administrator/Public Guardian be separated.
• R38
  The Fresno County Charter be amended to eliminate the office of Coroner, and an office of Medical Examiner be created and filled.
• R39
  The Coroner-Public Administrator/Public Guardian provide a technically advanced system for control of all inventoried properties. 24
• R40
  The Coroner-Public Administrator/Public Guardian provide a technically advanced system for control of all files and autopsy specimens.
• R41
  The Coroner-Public Administrator/Public Guardian dispose of all files and autopsy specimens not required by law to be maintained.
• R42
  The Coroner-Public Administrator/Public Guardian dispose of all unclaimed bodies in the morgue without delay. FRESNO IRRIGATION DISTRICT Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury examined the assessment billing, collection, and foreclosure procedures of the Fresno Irrigation District (FID). In the course of its investigation, the Grand Jury reviewed reports and interviewed and took testimony from District officers and others.
• R43
  No assignments of certificates of sale of delinquent properties be made by the Fresno Irrigation District.
• R44
  The Fresno County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer-Tax Collector assume billing and collection of all assessments by Fresno Irrigation District and management of any delinquency sales of property. FRESNO COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT Introduction Responding to the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury Report and to the closure of the Riverdale Fire Station, the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury continued to investigate the Fresno County Fire Protection District and its ability to provide fire protection to residents of Fresno County.
• R45
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors support the special fire districts in the county.
• R46
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors implement a plan to qualify Fresno County Fire Protection District and other fire districts within the County to receive Proposition 172 funds, as approved by California voters in 1993.
• R47
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors authorize and allocate developer impact fees for fire districts in the County.
• R48
  The boards of the fire districts in the county develop a plan to consolidate all districts into one district with one administration.
• R49
  The Fresno County Fire Protection District re-establish full time staffing of the Riverdale Fire Station. SECURITY OF FRESNO COUNTY BUILDINGS Introduction As a result of the on-going continued threat of terrorist attacks, the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury evaluated security measures in three major buildings that fall under county supervision. These are the Hall of Records, the Fresno County Court House, and the Plaza Building.
• R50
  A complete and thorough security survey be conducted by either the Fresno County Sheriff or the United States Marshals Service.
• R51
  Based upon the findings of the security review, a new management directive on work site security be written and issued by the County of Fresno.
• R52
  The County of Fresno place and monitor security cameras in appropriate locations in county garages and buildings. 31
• R53
  Access gates be placed at all entrances to the Plaza garage where none currently exist.
• R54
  Pedestrian access into the Plaza Building and the Hall of Records be restricted to only one entrance into and one exit door from each building and both buildings be closely monitored by security personnel.
• R55
  A management directive be issued making it mandatory that all County employees wear identification badges in the work place.
• R56
  Fresno County Board of Supervisors increase security for the safety of all employees and the public, and for the protection of the facilities of Fresno County.
• R57
  The 2003/2004 Fresno County Grand Jury continue to monitor the progress of the implementation of security improvements throughout the County of Fresno. EDUCATION, LIBRARY & YOUTH COMMITTEE David Barber, Chair Robin Baldwin Robert Buchanan Joan Quintana Jack Thorburn, M.D. O. James Woodward III 33 EDUCATION, LIBRARY, AND YOUTH COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The Education, Library, and Youth Committee of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury addressed four areas of concern. The subjects of the committee investigations were: A. Student Transportation B. Driver Education in Fresno County High Schools C. Parlier Unified School District D. West Fresno School District During the process of gathering information for these reports, the Education, Library, and Youth Committee interviewed citizens, officials, department heads, and employees of the City and County of Fresno. Visits were made to various facilities. Because of the lack of a response from Parlier Unified School District, to the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury report, the committee decided to continue the investigation to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The committee found that the District had been working on the required Master Plan and was given an extension by the Office of Civil Rights. The committee subsequently found that the Master Plan had been completed and was approved by the Parlier Unified School District Board of Education, and accepted by the Office of Civil Rights. The committee continued to investigate the West Fresno School District. The committee found that morale was improved among the staff and students, and that the Fresno County Office of Education had taken over the financial operations of the District. In February, the State of California Department of Education took over the total operation of the District, making any further investigation unnecessary. SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION IN FRESNO COUNTY Introduction Members of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury studied the possible consolidation of school transportation services. Visits to various school sites were conducted and school administrators and transportation officials were interviewed.
• R58
  School districts in Fresno County take immediate steps toward consolidation of their transportation services wherever practicable.
• R59
  Fresno County Office of Education be responsible for monitoring the progress of such consolidation.
• R60
  The 2003/2004 Fresno County Grand Jury continue to monitor the progress of the consolidation of school transportation. DRIVER EDUCATION IN FRESNO COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed all 19 Fresno County School Districts, with high schools, regarding their compliance with state law requiring the offering of a course in driver education. Each district in the County with a high school received a questionnaire. A reply was received from all such districts.
• R61
  The Fresno County Office of Education insure that all high schools are in compliance with the existing law requiring that driver education be included in the curriculum during the school day. HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE Mort Rosenstein, M.D., Chair Robert Buchanan Jesse McDonald, Jr. Joan Quintana Jack Thorburn, M.D. Claude Torrez 38 HEALTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury Health and Social Services Committee was introduced to the vast and inclusive scope of the Human Services System. During the process of gathering information, the Health and Social Services Committee visited selected facilities and interviewed concerned citizens, elected officials, department heads, and employees of the County of Fresno. From a multitude of areas of vital importance the committee selected the following subjects to address: A. Establishing additional “one stop” Regional Centers. B. Status and problems associated with the Foster Care System in Fresno County. C. Availability of inpatient facilities and providers for child and adolescent mental health care in Fresno County. 39 “ONE STOP” REGIONAL CENTERS Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury followed up on the recommendation of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury to monitor the progress of planned “one stop” Regional Centers. On December 4, 2002, the Grand Jury toured the Selma Regional Center. The site manager and support staff conducted a briefing on the history and goals of the Selma Center.
• R62
  The Fresno County Human Services System expand the concept of “one stop” Regional Centers to other areas of the County of Fresno. FOSTER CARE IN FRESNO COUNTY Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury Health and Social Services Committee (HSS) investigated the status of the foster care system, under the Department of Children and Family Services, in Fresno County. Visits were made to the Children’s Dependency Court, facilities used by the foster care workers, Craycroft Youth Center, and meetings of the Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee. The director of the Department of Children and Family Services, the chair of the Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee, and the director of Children’s Mental Health Services were interviewed.
• R63
  A documented placement policy for foster children be completed and implemented by the Department of Children and Family Services.
• R64
  A plan for increased supervisory visits to foster homes be established and implemented by the Department of Children and Family Services.
• R65
  The Fresno County Board of Supervisors continue to provide strong backing and active support to the Foster Care Standards and Oversight Committee.
• R66
  Future Grand Juries continue to investigate the Department of Children and Family Services Foster Care System. CHILD AND ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH CARE IN FRESNO COUNTY Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury investigated the Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care and its services by touring the appropriate facilities and conducting interviews with site personnel.
• R67
  Fresno County provide inpatient child and adolescent mental health facilities in the County of Fresno.
• R68
  Fresno County Department of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Care continue to increase the number of child psychiatrists in this area. LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE Allene Kahl, Chair Stanley Kooyumjian Jesse McDonald, Jr. Karen Miller Mort Rosenstein, M.D. Donald Slade 46 LAW ENFORCEMENT COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury Law Enforcement Committee has investigated and is reporting on the following: A. Fresno Police Department Property Rooms. B. City of Fresno Police Chief’s Advisory Board C. Fresno Police Department Canine Unit, D. Elkhorn Correctional Facility During the process of gathering information for these reports, the Law Enforcement Committee interviewed citizens, officials, department heads, and employees of the City and the County of Fresno, and visits were made to various facilities. The Committee reviewed other areas and determined not to proceed with a report in those areas. FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT PROPERTY ROOM Introduction The 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury recommended the continued review of the Fresno Police Department Property Room. Members of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury toured the main property room located at 2323 Mariposa Street in Fresno.
• R69
  The Fresno Police Department continue to train personnel in the use of the bar code system.
• R70
  The Fresno Police Department place computer stations at locations where needed.
• R71
  The Fresno Police Department conduct random drug testing of all property room personnel.
• R72
  Future Grand Juries revisit and review the property room.
• R73
  Not used. CITY OF FRESNO POLICE CHIEF’S ADVISORY BOARD Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury reviewed the City of Fresno Police Chief’s Advisory Board (Board) following the recommendation of the 2001/2002 Fresno County Grand Jury.
• R74
  The Fresno Police Chief’s Advisory Board establish a website to include: • Mission statement • Board member names and term expiration dates • Agenda • Meeting minutes, excluding confidential information • Process for bringing concerns or complaints to the Board • Application for membership to the Board
• R75
  The Fresno Police Chief’s Advisory Board establish and publicize a procedure for citizens to file concerns or complaints.
• R76
  The Fresno Police Chief and City Council promptly replace members upon expiration of their terms or when vacancies arise. FRESNO POLICE DEPARTMENT CANINE UNIT Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury (FCGJ) investigated the Canine Operations of the Fresno City Police Department (FPD) as a result of concerns of members of the Jury. Members of the FCGJ interviewed Police Department personnel, and observed canine training.
• R77
  Amend Divisional Order No. 4.1.23,entitled Canine Operations, issued on December 20, 2001, to include clearly defined procedures as to the use of canine with ballistic vests.
• R78
  Amend Standing Order 2.3.1, Canine Operations Manual, to include clearly defined procedures as to the deployment of canines with ballistic vests.
• R79
  Provide funds to purchase the most technologically advanced canine ballistic vests.
• R80
  Improve training for canines and their handlers, on the use and deployment of ballistic vests. ELKHORN CORRECTIONAL FACILITY Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury followed up on the recommendations of the 2000/2001 and the 2001/2002 Grand Juries to monitor the operations of the Elkhorn Correctional Facility (Juvenile Boot Camp). The Grand Jury toured the facility and observed the indoctrination of new juvenile offenders into the cadet program. The director and support staff briefed the Grand Jury on the history of Elkhorn and the goals of their programs.
• R81
  Fresno County Personnel Department modify the hiring process to give extra- help Juvenile Correctional Officers credit for a specific number of hours for on the job training, and be able to waive the county interview for a permanent position without taking the same entry written test a second time.
• R82
  Fresno County Probation Department allocate additional positions for Juvenile Correctional Officers to meet staffing needs for 200 cadets.
• R83
  Fresno County Probation Department allocate additional positions for staff to assist at special events, transportation of cadets, and farming.
• R84
  Fresno County Probation Department modify the current philosophy of the program at Elkhorn to assure the criteria for commitments be tightened to reduce the flow of cadets into Elkhorn so a consistent program can be taught and cadets are provided with an improved chance to become a productive citizen.
• R85
  Fresno County Probation Department modify the current philosophy of the program at Elkhorn to assure that Delta Cadets be kept separated from the regular Boot Camp Cadets.
• R86
  The City of Fresno continue to fund one million dollars each year for Elkhorn. TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE Henry Chin, Chair Susan Biglione Fred Goldring James Perkins Haig Shekerjian Claude Torrez 59 TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE INTRODUCTION Transportation plays a major role in the quality of life of a community. Many of these communities are currently confronted with challenging transportation issues. Fresno is no exception. In the Fresno Metropolitan area, population is projected to surpass one million by the year 2020. Solutions with the least adverse impact on the environment must be sought to move people safely and transport goods and deliver services expeditiously. With this in mind the Transportation Committee of the 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury examined the County’s transportation planning and implementation programs. In the course of the investigation, several issues that surfaced in the study such as Measure “C”, Federal funding requirements, State standards, and on-going- labor negotiations were determined to be beyond the investigative purview of the Grand Jury. However, the Committee continued its study focusing on the recommendations made by the previous Grand Jury and concerns expressed by citizens and governmental officials and is reporting on the following issues: A. Traffic Enforcement and Related Issues. B. Fresno Yosemite International Airport Concourse Expansion Project. C. Transit Consolidation. D. Joint Jurisdictional Streets between City and County of Fresno. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND RELATED ISSUES Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury studied available information on traffic accidents, enforcement, and statistics regarding injuries and deaths.
• R87
  The Fresno City Police Department allocate more police officers to traffic safety enforcement and related education activities.
• R88
  The Fresno City Police Department continue to compile statistics which will provide additional information to determine the effectiveness of “Red Light” cameras.
• R89
  The Fresno City Police Department, in compliance with the 2002 revenue sharing agreement on traffic fines and forfeitures between the City and County of Fresno, use a portion of its revenues for traffic education activities.
• R90
  The County and City of Fresno assist the traffic court in an effort to expedite the processing of traffic citations.
• R91
  All Fresno County school districts comply with the California Education Code by requiring that high schools in the districts offer a driver education course as part of their curriculum. FRESNO YOSEMITE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT CONCOURSE EXPANSION PROJECT Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury studied the problems associated with contracting for and construction of the Fresno Yosemite International Airport Concourse Expansion Project. By resolution dated in 1992, the City Council (the Council) of the City of Fresno, (the City) authorized the execution of a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Grant Offer for preparation of a master plan for Fresno Airport terminal. In 1995, the Grant Offer was accepted and funds were appropriated for preliminary design to include second level boarding gates with jetways and design and construction of façade of the existing building. Among the grounds for the undertaking were the need for additional space, attraction of major air carriers, and upgrade of facilities and concession area. Advertisement for design services for the terminal was authorized, and Daniel, Mann, Johnson, Mendenhall, Holmes and Narver, Architects (DMJM) was selected. In November 1996, the City entered an agreement with DMJM to design the project for $2.2 million. The plans and specifications were thereafter prepared, and on April 14, 1998, the City entered an agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff Construction Services, (Parsons) to provide value engineering and constructability reviews of the project for $74,947. The contracts with both DMJM and Parsons were subsequently amended to provide architectural design and bidding phase service and preliminary construction management. Notice inviting bids was published in December 1999. On February 23, 2000, the bids were opened. Soltec of San Diego was determined to be the low bidder by the Purchasing Department of the City. Mauldin-Dorfmeier Construction Company (Mauldin), the second lowest bidder, appealed the bid selection on the basis that Soltec was late. On May 11, 2000, the hearing officer on the appeal of the bid decided that the bid should go to Soltec on the basis that its bid was within the meaning of the bid guidelines. On May 23, 2000, the Council rejected the hearing officer’s decision and on June 6, 2000, the contract was awarded to Mauldin for expansion of the Airport concourse for $26,689,000. Soltec filed a lawsuit against the City. The contract for Preliminary Construction Management of the project with Parsons was amended to provide for full management of construction for $1,482,138. The contract was to expire on February 11, 2002. Construction was scheduled for completion for February 15,
• R92
  The City adopt a new bidding procedure for selection of low bidders on projects requiring competitive bidding.
• R93
  The City involve the Public Works Department much more intimately in connection with major construction projects within the City, including hiring specialists for such projects, instead of contracting with consultants for overall management.
• R94
  The City carefully monitor possible conflicts of interest of parties involved in City projects.
• R95
  The City aggressively pursue its claims for liquidated and other damages. TRANSIT CONSOLIDATION Introduction The 2002/2003 Fresno County Grand Jury considered the proposals made by several sources to examine ways to consolidate the various transit systems in Fresno County, including school busses. In this connection, the Grand Jury met with the Director of the Council of Fresno County Governments (COG), the Transit General Manager of Fresno Area Express (FAX), and the Manager of Fresno County Rural Transit Agency (FCRTA), who expressed their views and concerns regarding consolidation.
• R96
  The Council of Fresno County Governments and affiliated agencies continue their discussions directed toward consolidation of the transit services in the county, and that those discussions specifically include school busses.
• R97
  A transit district, rather than a Joint Powers Authority, be formed in the interests of efficiency in management, cost effectiveness, and to better serve the environmental needs of the valley in the future.
• R98
  The transit district include areas outside the County, such as portions of Madera County. 68
• R99
  The Board of Directors of the Council of Fresno County Governments appoint a transportation expert to organize and promote a new countywide transit district. JOINT JURISDICTIONAL STREETS BETWEEN COUNTY AND CITY OF FRESNO Introduction Lack of maintenance and timely responses to complaints regarding joint jurisdictional streets (half and half streets) within the City and County of Fresno have evoked concerns by residents.
• R100
  The City and County of Fresno enter an agreement that addresses the maintenance of joint jurisdictional streets to replace the terminated Agreement.