City of Davis City Manager’s Office23 Russell Boulevard – Davis, California 95616530-757-5602 – FAX: 530-757-5603 – TDD: 530-757-5666
STATEMENT REGARDING RELEASE OFREDACTED FIRE REPORT
For More Information: Call 530-757-5602February 20, 2009
Upon receipt of a Public Records Act (PRA) request, the city of Davis is releasing a redactedversion of the independent report prepared by Bob Aaronson re: Grand Jury Report FireDepartment. The PRA exempts from disclosure "personnel, medical, or similar files, thedisclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy." Likewise, theCalifornia Constitution contains an explicit right of privacy to which the City's employees areentitled and which the City must protect. The redacted Aaronson Report strikes a balancebetween the public interest in disclosure and the employees' privacy interests – redacting onlythat information containing sensitive personnel information or information protected by theofficial information and deliberative process privileges.The City hired Mr. Aaronson to complete an investigation of the Department to follow up on theJuly 1, 2008 Grand Jury report about the Davis Fire Department. Mr. Aaronson’s investigativereport addresses the range of issues contained in the Grand Jury report. Mr. Aaronson discussedthe findings of his report in public session on January 13. The City Council also received a staff report, which included portions of the Aaronson report, on January 13. A full copy of that reportcan be found athttp://cityofdavis.org/meetings/councilpackets/20090113.I am satisfied with the results of the process. The City invested time and funds to ensureadequate follow-up and elaboration of the findings from the Grand Jury report. Issues identifiedin the investigation have been addressed, both internally and at the City Council level. Mr.Aaronson’s report makes it clear, and I concur, that the Davis Fire Department is managedprofessionally and provides the highest level of service to the community.Bill EmlenCity Manager
###
Leave a Comment