17 responses to findings and recommendations
F1
Rodeo-Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD members appear not to be familiar with certain requirements of the Brown Act.
Response: Agree
Score: +1
The respondent agrees with the finding.
R1
Rodeo-Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD should have annual training in the Brown Act for its board members and support staff.
Response: Will Implement
Scheduled: Training scheduled for August 20, 2015; estimated completion September 30, 2015.
Score: +1
The recommendation has not yet been implemented, but will be implemented in the future, with an estimated completion date of September 30, 2015.
F2
Certain items were not identified correctly on the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District agendas, particularly those items discussed in closed sessions.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R2
Rodeo-Hercules Fire District should have annual training concerning how to draft agendas that comply with the Brown Act.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F3
Many members of the public do not know how to correct a Brown Act violation and do not know the time frame to object to a perceived violation.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R3
Rodeo Hercules Fire District should consider maintaining a website of the District's minutes and agendas, and identify funds to do so.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F4
Certain shortcomings in following the letter and spirit of the Brown Act may have eroded the public trust in the Rodeo-Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R4
Rodeo Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD should have a link for citizens to post concerns about possible Brown Act infractions, and identify funds to do so.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F5
At an October 2014 Rodeo-Hercules Fire District meeting, not enough copies of an employment agreement that was to be discussed that night in closed session were made available to the public.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R5
Rodeo Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD should have a link to an organization such as The First Amendment Coalition (thefirstamendmentcoalition.org) for both Cure and Correct and Cease and Desist letters, with instructions, and identify funds to do so.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F6
The public may need more than 72 hours prior notice of an agenda item relating to labor contracts to evaluate the financial impact or to review the boards assumptions in regard to sources of funding because these matters are often complex.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R6
Rodeo Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District and WCCUSD Boards should consider voting to extend the review period for contracts involving large financial commitments.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F7
Rodeo Hercules Fire District closed sessions are held at the end of evening board meetings, resulting in limited opportunity for public comment on the outcome of matters decided in closed session.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R7
Rodeo Hercules Fire District, Reclamation District 799 and WCCUSD should have sufficient hard copies of supporting documents of items to be discussed in closed sessions before the closed sessions begin, and the ability to make and distribute sufficient copies if necessary.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F8
Decisions reached on matters discussed in closed session and the identity of the board members who voted for matters decided in closed session have not always been disclosed at meetings of Rodeo-Hercules Fire District as required by the Brown Act.
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
R8
Rodeo Hercules Fire District should consider conducting its closed sessions prior to the beginning of an evening meeting rather than the end because members of the public are less likely to be present to comment at a late hour on matters reported out of a closed session. Contra Costa County 2014-2015 Grand Jury Report 1513
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
F9
Rodeo-Hercules Fire Department does not have the staff to keep a website updated. Contra Costa County 2014-2015 Grand Jury Report 1513
Response: Unknown
Score: 0
