Score: -3 (1/13/4)

Contra Costa County Grand Jury • 2016-2017

Contact: Jim Mellander Foreperson

Published: July 01, 2016 12 pages

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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 and Recommendations 12 findings

The closure of five of the district’s eight fire stations has resulted in slower response times.

No recommendations for this finding

Slower fire district response times increase potential loss of life and property damage.

No recommendations for this finding

High ISO ratings may increase rates for residential and commercial insurance coverage.

No recommendations for this finding

ECCFPD has been unsuccessful in finding sufficient funding to reopen closed fire stations.

Related Recommendations (3)

The ECCFPD Board should consider continuing to place tax measures on the ballot that would provide funding to reopen fire stations.

The ECCFPD Board should consider undertaking market research to better understand how to motivate potential voters to approve ballot measures that would raise funds to increase the number of operating fire stations.

The ECCFPD Board should consider appointing a district-wide task force to research possible funding opportunities to benefit the fire district and make recommendations to the ECCFPD Board.

Three recent tax ballot measures that would have raised revenues for ECCFPD were rejected by the voters.

No recommendations for this finding

Revenue and Taxation Code § 99.02 provides for the voluntary transfer of property tax revenues from one local agency to another local agency.

Related Recommendations (1)

The ECCFPD Board should consider negotiating with local agencies to voluntarily transfer a portion of their property tax to ECCFPD.

Legislation, AB 898 and AB 899, introduced by Assembly Member Frazier proposes reallocating property tax increment funds from East Bay Regional Park District to ECCFPD.

Related Recommendations (1)

The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD.

The City has collected impact fees that have been earmarked for ECCFPD to use for capital improvements.

Related Recommendations (1)

The City should consider adopting a policy to collect impact fees from all developers of residential and commercial properties to fund capital improvements that will be needed to open future stations.

The City has unallocated Community Facility Funds.

No recommendations for this finding

F10

The City does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Related Recommendations (1)

The City should consider adopting a policy to enter agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD.

F11

The County does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Related Recommendations (2)

The County should consider adopting a policy to collect impact fees from all developers of residential and commercial properties to fund capital improvements that will be needed to open future stations.

The County should consider adopting a policy to enter into agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD.

F12

ECCFPD accepted and implemented recommendations made by the Fire District Task Force.

No recommendations for this finding

Agency Responses 5

Government agencies' official responses to this report's findings and recommendations. Click on a response to see the structured breakdown.

1710 Response from Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

July 27, 2017 • 4 pages • 21 responses View Details ▾

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21 responses to findings and recommendations

The closure of five of the district’s eight fire stations has resulted in slower response times.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The ECCFPD Board should consider continuing to place tax measures on the ballot that would provide funding to reopen fire stations.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Slower fire district response times increase potential loss of life and property damage.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

High ISO ratings may increase rates for residential and commercial insurance coverage.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The ECCFPD Board should consider appointing a district-wide task force to research possible funding opportunities to benefit the fire district and make recommendations to the ECCFPD Board.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

ECCFPD has been unsuccessful in finding sufficient funding to reopen closed fire stations.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Three recent tax ballot measures that would have raised revenues for ECCFPD were rejected by the voters.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The ECCFPD Board should consider negotiating with local agencies to voluntarily transfer a portion of their property tax to ECCFPD.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Revenue and Taxation Code § 99.02 provides for the voluntary transfer of property tax revenues from one local agency to another local agency.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

Legislation, AB 898 and AB 899, introduced by Assembly Member Frazier proposes reallocating property tax increment funds from East Bay Regional Park District to ECCFPD.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

The City has collected impact fees that have been earmarked for ECCFPD to use for capital improvements.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The City should consider adopting a policy to enter agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

The City has unallocated Community Facility Funds.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

The County should consider adopting a policy to enter into agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD.

Response: Unknown

Score: 0

F10

The City does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

F11

The County does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

F12

ECCFPD accepted and implemented recommendations made by the Fire District Task Force.

Response: Unknown Score: 0

City of Brentwood

August 10, 2017 • 6 pages • 11 responses • Score: -1 (+1, 8, -2) View Details ▾

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11 responses to findings and recommendations

The closure of five of the district’s eight fire stations has resulted in slower response times.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City of Brentwood ("City") partially disagrees with the finding. The City does not have a formal CORE team, and cannot speak to the findings of those agencies that do. The City of Brentwood Police Department does, however, have a Homeless Liaison Officer who works closely with the homeless population and a City staff team responsible for homeless issues. The Homeless Liaison Officer has helped facilitate the entry of homeless individuals into the Contra Costa County Coordinated Entry System. The staff team, comprised of employees from various departments within the City meets on a regular ...

The ECCFPD Board should consider continuing to place tax measures on the ballot that would provide funding to reopen fire stations.

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

The recommendation will not be implemented at this time because it does not appear to be warranted. The City's Police Department currently has a policy that addresses the treatment of homeless individuals, their needs, and their property. This policy extends much further than simple enforcement of laws, and City police officers are encouraged to utilize a variety of resources when considering long-term solutions to problems that may relate to the homeless. The Police Department's Homeless Liaison Officer attends training and Countywide meetings regarding the trends and developments in the trea...

Slower fire district response times increase potential loss of life and property damage.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding. The City does not have a formal CORE team and is not aware of the knowledge, skills, training, or ability level of each individual member assigned to another agencies' CORE team, as they relate to successfully identifying the needs of homeless persons. The City's Police Department's Homeless Liaison Officer has, however, worked collaboratively with individual members of the County's CORE program to provide physical and/or mental health services to members of the homeless population within the City. Although there was nothing in these interactions ...

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

The recommendation has been implemented. The City of Brentwood currently has several programs in place that act as incentives for the provision of affordable housing. These incentive programs include, but are not limited to, the following:  An Affordable Housing Ordinance that currently requires developments of 25 or more lots or dwelling units, to either construct or pay an in-lieu fee for two percent of the total number of dwelling units. This is generally allocated at 1% for very low and 1% for low income housing.  A Density Bonus Ordinance that allows for increased density for developmen...

High ISO ratings may increase rates for residential and commercial insurance coverage.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding because it is not aware of the specific resources that the CORE teams of other agencies possess. In the past, City staff has been able to identify if there are vacant shelter beds available in the County. This information has been accessed either through the County's CORE program, or via other resources currently available in the County. Grand Jury Finding F4 CORE teams are equipped and have the authorization to transport homeless individuals to a medical facility or to a homeless shelter. City Response: The City partially disagrees with the findi...

The ECCFPD Board should consider appointing a district-wide task force to research possible funding opportunities to benefit the fire district and make recommendations to the ECCFPD Board.

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

The recommendation has been implemented, and further efforts to act in accordance with the recommendations will take place as funds become available. Although the City does not administer its own CDBG funds, it is part of the County's Consortium. The City will consider bidding for CDBG funds through the County's annual process as such funds may be needed for planned affordable housing projects. In addition, the City encourages non-profits and affordable housing developers who consider building affordable housing units in Brentwood to apply for CDBG funds. The City's Affordable Housing Program ...

ECCFPD has been unsuccessful in finding sufficient funding to reopen closed fire stations.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding because it is not aware of the specific equipment, authority, and/or transportation protocols of the CORE teams of other governmental agencies. The City is, however, equipped to transport homeless individuals to a medical facility or to a homeless shelter, and has done so in the past. Grand Jury Finding F5 CORE teams build trust between the homeless and police departments. City Response: The City partially disagrees with the finding because it does not have first-hand knowledge of the trust levels between specific CORE teams, the homeless, and poli...

The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD.

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

Although the Report does not provide a definition for what the Grand Jury considers to be a "comprehensive homeless plan", the City of Brentwood has established policies and practices that were developed and implemented with the intent to address the needs and lawful treatment of the homeless. Along with the actions and programs identified in Responses 3 and 4 above, a team comprised of employees from various departments within the City of Brentwood meets on a regular basis to address issues related specifically to homeless individuals located within the City. Members of this team communicate...

Three recent tax ballot measures that would have raised revenues for ECCFPD were rejected by the voters.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding because it does not have first-hand knowledge of the trust levels between specific CORE teams, the homeless, and police departments of other governmental agencies. The City does, however, take very seriously its interactions with members of the homeless population and strives to establish positive relationships with all those encountered. In spite of the best intentions and a professional and empathetic approach, City employees are sometimes unable to establish positive and/or trusting relationships with every member of the homeless community. When...

The City has unallocated Community Facility Funds.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding because it has no direct knowledge of the homeless plans, or lack thereof, of other cities in the County. Grand Jury Finding F10 The City appears to be in compliance with the California Housing Accountability Act. City Response: The City agrees with the finding. RECOMMENDATIONS Grand Jury Recommendation R1 The City should consider establishing CORE teams either by partnering with one or more cities in the region, or by funding its own team. City Response: The recommendation will not be implemented at this time because it does not appear to be warr...

F10

The City does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Response: Agree Score: +1

The City agrees with the finding. RECOMMENDATIONS Grand Jury Recommendation R1 The City should consider establishing CORE teams either by partnering with one or more cities in the region, or by funding its own team. City Response: The recommendation will not be implemented at this time because it does not appear to be warranted. The City's Police Department currently has a policy that addresses the treatment of homeless individuals, their needs, and their property. This policy extends much further than simple enforcement of laws, and City police officers are encouraged to utilize a variety of...

City of Brentwood

August 09, 2017 • 3 pages • 5 responses • Score: -2 (+0, 3, -2) View Details ▾

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5 responses to findings and recommendations

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

This recommendation has been implemented. The City has a comprehensive development impact fee program to collect fees from all developers of residential and commercial properties to fund capital improvements, including future fire stations located in the City. Grand Jury Recommendation #8: The City should consider adopting a policy to enter agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD. City Response: This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Current estimates indicate that the annual cost to run ...

The City has collected impact fees that have been earmarked for ECCFPD to use for capital improvements.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding. While fire development impact fees have been earmarked for fire capital improvements, the spending of those funds has not been earmarked specifically for the East Contra Costa Fire Protection District (ECCFPD). For example, the City has historically constructed fire stations using impact fee funds, from which ECCFPD then provides fire services. Grand Jury Finding #9 The City has unallocated Community Facility Funds. City Response: The City partially disagrees with the finding. The City of Brentwood has Community Facility Development Impact Fee Fun...

The City should consider adopting a policy to enter agreements with all developers to establish Community Facility Districts to provide operating revenue for ECCFPD.

Response: Will Not Implement

Score: -1

This recommendation will not be implemented because it is not warranted. Current estimates indicate that the annual cost to run a City fire department are $16 million to $17 million. Currently the CFDs generate less than $5 million annually for public safety purposes. To raise $17 million annually in on-going revenue through CFDs is not reasonable. Furthermore, through the existing property tax allocation process the residents of Brentwood already provide an estimated $5.0 million to ECCFPD. As long as the ECCFPD exists and is receiving this allocation from Brentwood taxpayers it seems unfair ...

The City has unallocated Community Facility Funds.

Response: Disagree Partially Score: 0

The City partially disagrees with the finding. The City of Brentwood has Community Facility Development Impact Fee Funds (CFDIF funds) and Community Facility District Funds (CFD funds). CFDIF funds are development impact fee funds and are a one-time source of revenue used to mitigate the impacts that new development has on the City's infrastructure. CFD funds provide an annual revenue source from new development to fund authorized improvements and services in the City. For purposes of this response, the City believes that Grand Jury Finding #9 refers to CFD funds. Due to residential growth whi...

F10

The City does not always require that developers of residential and commercial properties establish Community Facility Districts.

Response: Disagree Score: -1

The City disagrees with the finding. The establishment of, or annexation into, a Community Facility Districts is a Standard Condition of Approval for all City development entitlement. City of Brentwood's Required Responses to Grand Jury Recommendations Grand Jury Recommendation #6: The City should consider adopting a policy to collect impact fees from all developers of residential and commercial properties to fund capital improvements that will be needed to open future stations. City Response: This recommendation has been implemented. The City has a comprehensive development impact fee program...

Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff

July 11, 2017 • 1 response • Score: 0 (+0, 1, 0) View Details ▾

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East Contra Costa Fire Protection District

September 12, 2017 • 8 pages • 1 response • Score: 0 (+0, 1, 0) View Details ▾

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1 response to findings and recommendations

The ECCFPD Board should consider appointing a district-wide task force to research possible funding opportunities to benefit the fire district and make recommendations to the ECCFPD Board.

Response: Implemented

Score: 0

, above, the District is preparing to undertake strategic planning, which likely will include a workshopping process with the other governmental agencies to investigate options for additional funding. Should this process indicate another task force is needed, the District will consider forming another task force with a to-be-determined scope, goals, membership, etc. Page 4 of 5 13768887.1 4. "The ECCFPD Board should consider supporting legislation to reallocate property tax revenues from one or more local agencies to ECCFPD." Response: This recommendation has not been implemented but will be ...