Calaveras County Jail as part of Law Enforcement Infrastructure

The Board committed violations of the Brown Act over the course of the year. These violations included not posting notices 72 hours in advance of a meeting, not holding a public meeting before and after a closed session to inform the public of its decision on related matters, and other violations that are still under investigation at this writing.

For several years, Foothill Fire Protection District has been receiving tax dollars from an area to the south of Hogan Dam, accessed off of Hogan Dam road, that has not been annexed by the district. During a recent Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) meeting, Jenny Lind Fire District voiced interest in annexing this area into their district.

In the course of the Grand Jury investigation, it was learned that the emergency response vehicles are poorly equipped with oxygen cylinders. When these cylinders are exhausted, a firefighter must take the empty cylinder to San Andreas to be refilled. There are no extra cylinders at the station.

The Grand Jury, after reviewing the Brown Act, found that the district was acting appropriately in considering initiating litigation during a closed session. Code 54956.9 (c)

The Grand Jury, upon review of expense reports and budgets submitted by Ebbetts Pass Fire District, has determined there was no overpayment of legitimate expenses.

The Grand Jury did find a violation of the Brown Act when a full packet agenda was not available 72 hours in advance of the November 21, 2005 district board meeting. DETERMINATION The Ebbetts Pass Fire District appears to be in compliance with local, county, and state requirements. This is to the credit of the board, management, and staff. With the exception of a minor violation of the Brown Act regarding availability of a full packet agenda 72 hours prior to a board of directors’ meeting, the Grand Jury finds this district well managed and directed.