During Fiscal Year 2009, the total cost of drugs purchased by the Pharmacy Department at the North Central Bronx's Hospital was $2.1 million. At the end of that fiscal year, the inventory of drugs at NCB totalled to $309,806. This audit determines whether NCB has adequate controls over the inventory of noncontrolled drugs. The results show that NCB has adequate controls over the inventory, though there were weaknesses present.
The Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications entered a 15-year contract with Level 3 Communications, Inc. to provide telecommunications services in the City. Under its agreement, Level 3 is required to report all gross revenue from telecommunications services and pay a franchise fee to the City. The audit finds that Level 3 did not maintain records in sufficient detail that allowed the investigators to determine whether the revenues were reported.
Local Law 129 established the City Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprise Program. This Law responded to the imbalance in contracting opportunities afforded to the minority- and women-owned business enterprise groups. The audit determines whether the Department of Housing Preservation and Development is following with the Law in monitoring the use of minority- and women-owned business enterprises. The audit finds that the HPD have not been following the Law.
The Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications entered a 15-year contract with Looking Glass Networks, Inc. to provide telecommunications services. Under its agreement, Looking Glass is required to report all gross revenue from telecommunications services and pay a franchise fee. The audit finds that the Looking Glass did not maintain records in sufficient detail that could provide the investigators information about the revenues.
NYC signed a 20-year lease with the Staten Island Yankees, requiring the SI Yankees to pay the City annually, follow an attendance criteria, and a ticket fee for each complimentary ticket. It also requires them to pay a monthly rent for the team store and that they submit to the Economic Development Corporation and attendance report and a statement of signage revenue. The audit finds that the SI Yankees maintained the required property and liability insurance. They, however, underreported attendance for the 2009 baseball season.
An audit report was filed on December 22, 2010 on the Department Of Parks And Recreation's monitoring of subcontracts covered by Local Law 129. It was determined that Parks was in partial compliance with the provisions of Local Law 129 relating to its monitoring of the use of M/WBEs by vendors that were awarded contracts with M/WBE subcontractor participation goals, however, there were various flaws identified with its system of monitoring. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on November 26, 2010 on the adherence of the New York City Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) to Executive Order 120 concerning limited english proficiency. It was determined that TLC was generally compliant with EO 120 and has pursued meaningful language initiatives. However, there were some issues regarding a lack of consistency in the Commission's operations. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on November 26, 2010 on the adherence of the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT) to Executive Order 120 concerning limited english proficiency. It was determined that DOT was generally compliant with EO 120 and has pursued meaningful language initiatives. However, there are several areas where efforts can be strengthened. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on November 26, 2010 on the adherence of the New York City Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) to Executive Order 120 concerning limited english proficiency. It was determined that CCHR was generally compliant with EO 120 and has pursued meaningful language initiatives. However, there are several areas where efforts are in need of improvement. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on November 26, 2010 on the adherence of the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) to Executive Order 120 concerning limited english proficiency. It was determined that DCP was generally compliant with EO 120 where it is mandated that DCP ensure meaningful access of agency resources to limited english proficiency (LEP) persons. However, there are several areas where efforts can be enhanced to provide better services to LEP persons. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on December 30, 2010 on the financial and operating practices of union-administered benefit funds with fiscal years ending in calendar year 2008. It was determined that there were variations in the amounts spent for administrative purposes, although in certain instances there was an indication that these expenses were reduced. It was suggested that the financial issues to be addressed were the reduction of administrative expenses, allocation of excess reserves of funds, and the minimization of operating deficits.
This IT audit and research report is a study on the compliance of New York City Agencies with Executive Order 120 and makes recommendations for enhancing citywide language access. It was determined that the agencies reviewed (CCRB, CCHR, DCP, DOT, and TLC) were generally in compliance with EO 120 and have taken reasonable measures to promote compliance and to expand language access to limited english proficiency (LEP) customers. General recommendations were made regarding consistency of services, improvement of public outreach, and formalization of language access training.
An audit report was filed on January 6, 2011 on the New York City Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP's) Fire Hydrant Repair Efforts. It was determined that the timeliness of DEP's handling of fire hydrant service requests needs improvement. DEP has not established time standards for resolving such requests, even those considered to be of high priority, and does not have sufficient evidence to show that it effectively tracks the overall timeliness of repairs. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
An audit report was filed on January 5, 2011 on the Investigation of Child Abuse and Maltreatment Allegations received by the Administration for Children's Services (ACS). It was determined that ACS generally ensured that investigations of child abuse and maltreatment reports were conducted in accordance with established guidelines and regulations. However, it was determined that case workers were not always making timely entries in CNNX, a child welfare computer system. Inconsistencies were also noted with the performance of random managerial reviews. Recommendations were made to rectify these issues.
From an audit conducted on the MDO Development Corporation, it was found that the corporation maintained the required insurance coverage and the required security deposit and paid all utilities charges. However, there are weaknesses in the corporation's control procedures, and the corporation should take action to strengthen its controls. In addition, the Economic Development Corporation needs to maintain stronger oversight over the corporation.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Finance, it was found that the Department did not place expired payments in lieu of taxes back onto the city's tax rolls in a timely manner. There was a failure to collect sufficient real property taxes and there is insufficient documentation, and the Department must work to ensure that it fixes its weaknesses.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Education, it was found that the Department's monitoring of food safety practices is adequate. The schools' facilities were well maintained and the schools followed proper procedures and regulations, but the Department needs to make sure that employees are properly trained and prepared.
From an audit conducted on the Department of Finance, it was found that the Utility tax data collected by the Department is accurate and reliable. The Department followed proper procedure and regulation, but they can improve on their collection efforts by ensuring that forms are concise and billing processes are adequately conducted.
From an audit conducted on the New York City Police Department, it was found that the Department's controls over the acceptance, safeguarding, and disposition of firearms and cash are adequate, but there are weaknesses in the cataloging of firearms and cash received. The Department must ensure that procedures, forms and logs are properly completed and data is adequately recorded.
From an audit conducted on the Staten Island Borough President's Office, it was found that the Office adhered to most of the requirements of the Comptroller's Directives, applicable Procurement Policy Board rules, and the Department of Investigation's Standards for Inventory Control and Management. However, the Office must ensure that internal control weaknesses are addressed and expenditures are properly disclosed.