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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.

Stanislaus County Grand Jury • 2017-2018

Case 18-06c: Burbank-Paradise Fire District Board of Directors, Dynasty or Democracy?

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⚠️ 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 13 findings

F1 Page 23

The BPFD-BOD is dysfunctional. Board members lack training, leadership skills, and the ability to communicate effectively.

F2 Page 23

The lack of written conflict of interest policies and procedures is a frequent issue.

F3 Page 23

Legal fees have depleted the funds available for the district’s core mission.

F4 Page 23

No records exist accounting for the cash funds received from the sale of the BPFD fire truck.

F5 Page 23

State funds reimbursing the district for administrative costs for strike teams were improperly paid to an employee.

F6 Page 23

Credit cards were left unsecured with no written policy for their use.

F7 Page 23

BPFD-BOD failed to provide financial statements and audit reports.

F8 Page 23

BPFD-BOD failed to provide Form 700 Statement of Economic Interests and evidence of ethics training as required by California law.

F9 Page 23

BPFD-BOD failed to provide board agendas and minutes as required by the Brown Act.

F10 Page 23

Agendas for special meetings were not posted as required by the Brown Act. 2017-2018 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury -

F11 Page 24

BPFD-BOD has no written policies, procedures, or bylaws.

F12 Page 24

Employees have no job descriptions and therefore have little understanding of what their job responsibilities truly are.

F13 Page 24

BPFD has no grievance procedure for protection against any form of abuse.

Recommendations 14

R1
Page 24

LAFCO should consider dissolving BPFD or consolidating it with another district
R2
Page 24

BPFD-BOD must conduct public meetings in a professional manner led by the board chair in congruence with the district’s adopted written policies, customary parliamentary procedures, and the Brown Act
R3
Page 24

Develop procedures and rules for BPFD-BOD on conducting public meetings by participating in state-approved courses on the Leadership of Special Districts Foundation in California by December 1, 2018. R.4 Develop and implement a conflict of interest policy and procedures to establish expectations of balancing the personal and business interests of BPFD.
R4
Page 34

Fire districts are to ensure that meeting times and locations are posted consistently and accurately on district websites and with LAFCO.
R5
Page 24

Retain Financial Disclosure Forms (Form 700) for a minimum of five years to be held at the BPFD office and at the Stanislaus County Election Office
R6
Page 24

Maintain Ethics training certificates for a minimum of three years to be held at BPFD office
R7
Page 24

Establish bylaws requiring new and returning BPFD-BOD to complete biannual training in the Brown Act, Public Records Act (Government Code 1090-1098), and the Political Reform Act (Government Code 87100-87505)
R8
Page 24

The BPFD website should focus on governance information and financial transparency no later than August 1, 2018 by posting: • Regular meeting agendas 72 hours prior to the meeting. • Special meeting agendas 24 hours prior to the meeting. • Emergency meeting agendas one hour prior to the meeting. • Board minutes. • Monthly budget reports. • Financial transaction reports. • Annual audit information. 2017-2018 Stanislaus County Civil Grand Jury -
R9
Page 25

Use the BPFD website to provide information about the district to encourage public attendance and participation
R10
Page 25

Encourage public attendance and involvement by clearly posting BPFD-BOD meeting dates, times, agendas, at locations visible to the public
R11
Page 25

BPFD-BOD needs to develop job descriptions and responsibilities for all employees and volunteers
R12
Page 25

Develop a grievance procedure free from the fear of retaliation
R13
Page 25

BPFD-BOD is directed to support the current fire chief and assistant chief by encouraging them to connect with the Stanislaus County Fire Warden’s Office to assist this leadership staff with strategic planning, training, and other support services to effectively manage the district
R14
Page 25

Ensure LAFCO website shows the correct monthly board meeting time and location and update when necessary