San Joaquin County Grand Jury
• 2007-2008
• Agency Response
Final Report – Case No. 05-07 City of Ripon
⚠️ 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 7 findings
F1
City of Ripon Ordinance 544 §1,1995 provides for, and outlines the purpose, powers, and duties of a Purchasing Officer. The position remains vacant at this time, and the duties are being performed by the City Administrator, Finance Director, and the City Council. City Ordinance 544 §1,1995 Section 3.20.070 allows for the bidding process to be by-passed when “the City Council determines that the purchase of supplies, services or equipment using an alternative method would be in the best interests of the city”.
Related Recommendations (1)
R1
City of Ripon Ordinance 544 §1,1995 should include provisions whenever possible for the use and designation of substitute employees to fill positions outlined by the ordinance.
F2
The City of Ripon had an established relationship with an employee of Fireworks America. This employee was able to provide the city with fireworks that were superior to those available from other companies.
Related Recommendations (1)
R2
To avoid any perception of wrongdoing when awarding contracts not using the “bidding process”, the City Council should clearly and precisely state the reasons for and procedures followed for awarding these types of contracts.
F3
The relationship with this employee of Fireworks America was public knowledge and the City of Ripon had used her previous company for their fireworks display for several years.
Related Recommendations (1)
R3
City Council needs to make every effort to address fully the questions and concerns of its citizens in the City Council meetings. If an answer is not readily available, an acknowledgement of the concern should be made and a time for a response given to the citizen.
F4
The City Council approved the contract at their March 6, 2007 meeting by a vote of three to two.
No recommendations for this finding
F5
The City of Ripon has an established skate park which is highly praised by those knowledgeable in the sport of skateboarding. The second phase of that park has been approved to be built with funds in the 2007-2008 Budget.
No recommendations for this finding
F6
The monies for the second phase of the skate park were publicly discussed in the City Council meeting of July 17, 2007. The City Council voted to approve their proposed budget for 2007-2008 with a vote of three to two. $400,000.00 for the second phase of the skate park was included in this budget.
No recommendations for this finding
F7
After reviewing minutes of City Council meetings, the Grand Jury is concerned with what appears to be a lack of response to citizen questions in the public discussion phase of these meetings.
No recommendations for this finding