Contra Costa County Grand Jury
• 2010-2011
Hercules in Transition To: Hercules City Council
⚠️ 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 and Recommendations 9 findings
F1
A challenge facing the City after the June election is that there will be at least three council members with less than six months’ experience.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
The Council should obtain training regarding the role of a city council and how members successfully interact with one another, the City staff and residents.
F2
As evidenced in the report a lack of transparency and openness such as not having public comment at the beginning of Council meetings, impeded residents’ input, contributed to the political turmoil and stifled the development of policies, priorities and goals.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
Steps should be taken to solicit residents’ participation on major issues, policies and procedures.
F3
The lack of clearly defined goals and responsibilities for the City Manager and City Attorney hindered the Council’s ability to hold them accountable for their performances.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
Upon selection of a new City Manager and City Attorney, the Council should provide a clear definition of responsibilities, performance goals and the reporting relationship between these positions and the Council.
F4
The flow of information provided to the Council about city operations was managed by the City Manager, limiting the Council’s decision-making abilities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R4
The Council should require the City Manager to develop a reporting structure that ensures the Council has information and insight regarding City operations.
F5
Existing conflict of interest, contract bidding and nepotism policies were not comprehensive enough, which resulted in abuses.
Related Recommendations (1)
R5
The Council should review existing conflict of interest, contract bidding and nepotism policies and adopt provisions to address any weaknesses.
F6
The lack of rotating subcommittee assignments limited the opportunity for checks and balances. Additionally, subcommittee meeting minutes were not taken and thus not available for review.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
The Council, in conjunction with the new City Manager, should obtain residents’ input when developing policies, goals, and priorities for the City.
F7
Not changing the City’s financial audit firm periodically may have contributed to the financial crisis facing the City.
Related Recommendations (1)
R7
The Council should establish a policy to assure the financial audit firm is changed at least every five years.
F8
Failure to fill key City management vacancies promptly may negatively impact the City’s ability to operate effectively.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
The Council should fill vacant key City management positions expeditiously.
F9
Total compensation provided to Council members is above the average for Contra Costa County cities.
Related Recommendations (1)
R9
The Council should review compensation for Council members and take appropriate actions.
No Responses Found 1
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Hercules
City