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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.

Mendocino County Grand Jury • 1999-2000

Mendocino-Lake Community College Athletic Facilities

6 pages
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Note: Missing finding numbers detected: F5

Findings and Recommendations 7 findings

F1 Page 181
MCC defines conditions which must be met to qualify for the use of the athletic facilities. Response (MCC): This statement is accurate.
Related Recommendations (1)
R8
Page 182
The Grand Jury found evidence of MCC internal conflict about how best to accommodate requests for athletic facilities by schools having limited resources. Instances of obtaining the use of facilities by "back-door" methods were reported as a way of avoiding what was perceived by the requesters as "undue hassle" when following the official route. Response (MCC): Any "back door use" has been unauthorized use, which is eliminated when discovered. District policy clearly outlines the steps and requirements for facility use at Mendocino College (see Grand Jury Finding #1, above). These policies are applied equitably (see Grand Jury finding #5). Recommendation The Grand Jury recommends that the top administration and Board of Trustees of the MCC acknowledge public concern in these matters and critically review not only the financial aspects involved, but also the manner in which the use of facilities is being administered. Since the College is funded by the public, owned by the public for the use of the public, MCC should be especially sensitive to the perceptions projected to the public. Response (MCC): The administrators and trustees of the college not only acknowledge the public's concern in these matters, but are actively looking for innovative ways to expand and improve all of the outreach programs. This statement is backed up by the recent town meetings and the college's Mendocino 2000 program which expressly is aimed at bringing the community into decisions involving future and current plans for the college. The existing policies were carefully crafted with these ends in mind, and we are constantly monitoring to assure that the outside uses are being administered consistent with the policies now in place. Most of the outside users of college facilities understand the limitations which the college faces with regard to their use. The athletic facilities represent only a portion of the facilities utilized by the public. The complaints registered to the Grand Jury regarding athletic facilities are 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report 185 only representative of a small percentage of uses of the District's facilities. Mendocino College facilities were built with public funds; however, amortization of costs associated with the original development of the facilities are not borne by the users. All charges for use of facilities are for direct costs associated with each use. Response Required Mendocino-Lake Community College District Board of Trustees Response Requested Mendocino Community College 186 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report
F2 Page 181
Although the daily fees have been reduced, the total cost for an organization to use MCC facilities has increased, in some cases, as much as 300-600% in a two-year time frame. Response (MCC): Charges for facility use were, and will be, changed in order to more accurately reflect the actual costs associated with 1999-2000 Mendocino County Grand Jury Final Report 181 each use. Such changes reflect both adherence to policy as well as the resulting good stewardship by the college administrators and trustees. Direct costs include charging for: staff time to set up and take down furniture and equipment required for the activity, use of special equipment, costs associated with providing security during large events, and costs of waste disposal, utility and custodial services. In most cases, the fee charged for the facility rental has been reduced, especially for shorter duration events.
No recommendations for this finding
F3 Page 182
According to MCC staff, these large increases in fees were imposed to reflect the "hours of use." In the past, some events, especially those of long duration, allegedly ran at a financial loss to MCC. Response (MCC): This statement is accurate.
No recommendations for this finding
F4 Page 182
As a result of the large increases, schools and organizations find it more and more difficult, if not impossible, to take advantage of the unique, excellent facilities. Response (MCC): Facility utilization by local school districts does not reflect this finding. The number of uses by local secondary schools does not reflect any significant decline since the facility use fees were revised. The past three years of athletic facility use by local secondary schools is as follows: 1997-98, 17 events; 1998-99, 22 events; 1999- 2000, 21 events.
No recommendations for this finding
F6 Page 182
Inspection of several recent accounting statements from the MCC Facilities Director's Office indicates that these new user fees are being administered equitably among all users. Response (MCC): The College appreciates the Grand Jury's affirmation of the consistent application of the College's Facilities Use Policy. The primary goal of the Facility Use Policy is: To make Mendocino College facilities available to outside users without adversely impacting the instructional programs of the College, either operationally or financially, and to do so in a fair and equitable manner.
No recommendations for this finding
F7 Page 184
Past requests by a local high school to provide its own concessions as well as security staff were denied by MCC. Having these services provided by MCC constitutes a significant portion of the users' overall expenses. Response (MCC): This statement is accurate. The practice also reflects District policy which allows the District to require these services be provided by the College when it is necessary for the District to protect its facilities and address liability issues. A number of years ago, when the College contracted with a high school for use of facilities, the high school maintained concession rights.
No recommendations for this finding
F8 Page 185
The Grand Jury found evidence of MCC internal conflict about how best to accommodate requests for athletic facilities by schools having limited resources. Instances of obtaining the use of facilities by "back-door" methods were reported as a way of avoiding what was perceived by the requesters as "undue hassle" when following the official route. Response (MCC): Any "back door use" has been unauthorized use, which is eliminated when discovered. District policy clearly outlines the steps and requirements for facility use at Mendocino College (see Grand Jury Finding #1, above). These policies are applied equitably (see Grand Jury finding #5).
No recommendations for this finding