The Public Works Department and Public Works Commission provide an update of their coordinated efforts to outline a plan for getting the work done based on their December 19, 2017 Action Calendar reports (41a and b) and presentation.
The December reports discuss reasons the projected Pavement Condition Index (PCI) is deteriorating, including the rising costs of construction contracts. We provided recommendations in our November 15, 2011 audit Failing Streets: Time to Change Direction to Achieve Sustainability and Summary flyer. Our June 26, 2012 Investing in Sustainability: Streets Audit Follow-up and Stormwaterprovided additional analysis. Since we prepared estimates for street improvement costs in 2011, significant new state, federal and regional mandates - ADA (American with Disabilities Act), safety and storm water, and Council and community direction for Complete Streets program - have led to increasing costs. All of the new mandates and requirements mean taking the needs of all users of streets and sidewalks into consideration when planning street repairs. Without new funding to cover these costs, PCI may continue to deteriorate.
In fiscal year 2019, we will conduct audits that we believe have the most potential to add value to City operations, guard against fraud and abuse, and identify ways to equitably serve the Berkeley community. Audits we hope to address in the upcoming year are:
Processes for waiving City fees
Homelessness response
Bike and pedestrian safety
Zoning permit hearing and appeals process
Climate action plan progress
Parking citations
Capital assets management
Community direct requests for service (carryover from FY18)
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Audits in Progress:
Follow Up Audit of Public Works Equipment Replacement Fund
Dispatch Workload
Fire Prevention Inspections
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The City Auditor's Report on Results shows how our audits and city staff actions made a difference. Click on the pictures on page two of the four page report to read the full audit reports.
Hear the City Auditor's October 17, 2017 presentation of the report to Council here.
Thank you for your continued support for our work to help Berkeley deliver services in a more efficient, effective, and equitable way. Please contact me at[email protected]or at 981-6750 with your questions or comments. I'm always happy to hear from folks who want to get more involved. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Ann-Marie Hogan, City Auditor City of Berkeley Auditor's Office
