Stanislaus County Grand Jury
• 2016-2017
Is Modesto City Water in Riverdale’s Future? Case # 18-25c
⚠️ 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 12 findings
F1
The RPTCSD BOD has no bylaws on how to conduct meetings or resolve the simplest issues regularly causing dissension and division within the board.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
RPTCSD 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.
R5
RPTCSD 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.
F2
The governance and operating expenses are outpacing revenues and significantly reducing operating reserves.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
RPTCSD residential and business water rates should be increased no later than December 31, 2018 in order to maintain a positive cash flow position.
F3
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).
Related Recommendations (3)
R1
RPTCSD 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.
R4
Each RPTCSD board member should attend training by March 31, 2019 in the following areas: Brown Act, parliamentary procedures, conducting efficient meetings, and team building.
R7
RPTCSD should insure by July 31, 2018 that the meeting agendas are posted pursuant to Brown Act regulations. 6
F4
Nepotism exists on the RPTCSD BOD.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
RPTCSD shall create a conflict of interest policy as required by law to minimize board meeting issues
F5
The RPTCSD BOD has one vacancy that often results in a tie vote on motions, thus preventing completion of unfinished business.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
RPTCSD 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.
R5
RPTCSD 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.
F6
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.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
RPTCSD 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.
F7
The chairman of the board has no control of the meetings. Attempts to control outbursts and interruptions are unsuccessful.
Related Recommendations (2)
R1
RPTCSD 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.
R4
Each RPTCSD board member should attend training by March 31, 2019 in the following areas: Brown Act, parliamentary procedures, conducting efficient meetings, and team building.
F8
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. 5
No recommendations for this finding
F9
Board agendas and minutes are not provided to the general audience during board meetings unless requested.
No recommendations for this finding
F10
No set policy of minimum physical requirements, procedures, or responsibilities has been agreed upon for on-call pay and emergency duties.
No recommendations for this finding
F11
RPTCSD does not have a website to provide the general public with meeting agendas, minutes, or other documents to encourage public participation.
Related Recommendations (1)
R6
RPTCSD 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.
F12
The biennial financial audit is current.
No recommendations for this finding
No Responses Found 3
Government entities assigned to respond to this report. No response documents have been linked in our database.
Riverdale Park Tract Community Services District
Special District
Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors
Elected County Office
Stanislaus LAFCO
Lafco