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Extracted from Consolidated Report
This investigation was originally published as part of a larger consolidated report containing multiple investigations. View the consolidated PDF for the complete document.
Kings County Grand Jury
• 2013-2014
debit cards were issued, one to the Hgcsd President and one to the Vice President. According to the minutes this change
⚠️ Translation Notice: This content has been automatically translated. The original English text is the official version. Translation may contain errors.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 7 findings
F1
The Grand Jury found that Brown Act violations were prevalent throughout the HGCSD board meetings.
F2
While the California Fair Political Practice Commission (CFPPC) is mentioned in HGCSD bylaws, it appears that Board members lack knowledge of its content.
F3
HGCSD bylaws appear to be incomplete and not reviewed on a yearly basis per the stated policy: § 14 of their bylaws.
F4
The formation of the 501 ( c )(3) was put in place without a cost estimate, a bidding process or formal approval for the hiring of the firm.
F5
Two family members on the HGCSD board also serve as President and Vice President of the HGCC.
F6
The HGCD Board approved a credit card with a $500 limit. The card issued was a debit card and was not discussed or approved by the board. The use of the debit card was not questioned or approved at any board meeting, though the $500 limit was exceeded.
F7
A G .L. account of $10, 000 for grant writing was never set up by the accounting firm as requested by the District Manager and the board.
Recommendations 8
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R1Training on the Brown Act should be conducted on an annual basis for all board members per the HGCSD bylaws. 7
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R2Bylaws and associated documents should be reviewed on a continuing basis, and members should obtain training to familiarize themselves with the Political Reform Act and its compliance and reporting requirements.
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R3HGCSD Board members should read, update and follow their bylaws.
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R4Procedures regarding bidding regulations are not addressed in the HGCSD bylaws as per CGC §61063(a). The bylaws should be updated to include the current regulations and be reviewed by all board members.
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R5To avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest, because these family members are also members of the newly created 501(c)(3), they should have disqualified themselves from both discussing and voting on the approval for setting up the 501(c)(3). 8
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R6All expenditures should be reviewed by the HGCSD board when using any debit or credit cards and receipts should be submitted to the appropriate person for accounting purposes.
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R7This account should be set up as previously requested. COMMENTS The Grand Jury, in the course of its investigation, has found that many facets of Home Garden governance need to be addressed. The Board consists of citizens who sincerely desire to create a better district and devote time and energy toward that end. There seems to be a need of education and guidance in the performance of their duties. Possibly, mentors could be found who are willing to help with the organization and operation of the district. Maybe attending other district board meetings could offer new directions and guidelines.
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R34None COMMENTS The Veterans Services and Public Guardian Offices are providing valuable services to the citizens of Kings County.