📋
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.
Stanislaus County Grand Jury
• 2017-2018
Case 18-25c: Is Modesto City Water in Riverdale's Future?
⚠️ 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 12 findings
F1
Page 46
The RPTCSD BOD has no bylaws on how to conduct meetings or resolve the simplest issues regularly causing dissension and division within the board.
F2
Page 46
The governance and operating expenses are outpacing revenues and significantly reducing operating reserves.
F3
Page 46
RPTCSD BOD has failed to properly post its monthly meetings to the public in violation of §54954.2 of the Government Code (part of the Brown Act).
F4
Page 46
Nepotism exists on the RPTCSD BOD.
F5
Page 46
The RPTCSD BOD has one vacancy that often results in a tie vote on motions, thus preventing completion of unfinished business.
F6
Page 46
Stanislaus Chief Executive’s Office provided support to the RPTCSD BOD but had little impact on improving Brown Act compliance, meeting effectiveness, and internal discord within the board.
F7
Page 46
The chairman of the board has no control of the meetings. Attempts to control outbursts and interruptions are unsuccessful.
F8
Page 46
Financials are not discussed during board meetings. Checks are passed down the table to each board member to review and sign, but no voting or discussion is done to approve expenditures.
F9
Page 46
Board agendas and minutes are not provided to the general audience during board meetings unless requested.
F10
Page 46
No set policy of minimum physical requirements, procedures, or responsibilities has been agreed upon for on-call pay and emergency duties.
F11
Page 46
RPTCSD does not have a website to provide the general public with meeting agendas, minutes, or other documents to encourage public participation.
F12
Page 46
The biennial financial audit is current. 2017-2018 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury -
Recommendations 7
-
R1Page 47RPTCSD should seek organizations that provide training, mentorship, website, and personnel support to facilitate their transition to an effective and productive board by December 31, 2018. One such organization is California Special Districts Association – www.csda.net.
-
R2Page 47RPTCSD residential and business water rates should be increased no later than December 31, 2018 in order to maintain a positive cash flow position.
-
R3Page 47RPTCSD shall create a conflict of interest policy as required by law to minimize board meeting issues
-
R4Page 47Each RPTCSD board member should attend training by March 31, 2019 in the following areas: Brown Act, parliamentary procedures, conducting efficient meetings, and team building.
-
R5Page 47RPTCSD BOD should adopt bylaws by July 1, 2019 that provide written procedures specific but not limited to conducting BOD business, job descriptions, filling board vacancies, and emergency contacts.
-
R6Page 47RPTCSD should create a website in order to improve transparency by December 31, 2018. Meeting agendas, minutes, special reports, financial audits, bylaws, and the governing ordinance are examples of documents that foster increased trust and communication within this community.
-
R7Page 47RPTCSD should insure by July 31, 2018 that the meeting agendas are posted pursuant to Brown Act regulations.