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All right.

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good evening everyone. Uh, welcome to our february 3rd, 2026

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city council meeting. It is 7:00 pm meeting's now in session. Any

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person wishing to address the city council during oral communication must

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complete a speaker card that is provided at the entrance of the council chamber

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and submit the card to assistant city clerk, uh, prior to the commencement of

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oral communication. Speaker cards will not be accepted after oral communication has

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started. Tonight's invocation will be led by ray zed,

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president universal society of hinduism and south hills high school student,

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lizette dondo will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. All rise. Oh,

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and we have announcement. Mayor, if I may, uh, we need to change for

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the invocation, we have pastor samuel martinez from amazing love ministries, who's going to do our

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invocation this evening. All right, perfect. We welcome, pastor.

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thank you. Thank you, mayor. Well, we remember the words of

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a young man who said once that sometimes the best prayers are the most simple.

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so, heavenly father, we just remember the words of king solomon who said that wisdom

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is a principle thing. Give us all wisdom, father

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parents, wisdom in bringing up their children.

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father, give wisdom to father our first responders.

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give wisdom to police officers, our soldiers. Father,

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give wisdom above all this evening to those that

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manage the affairs of the city. Give wisdom to our mayor. Give wisdom, father

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to our our city council, our chief of police, city manager,

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heavenly father, fire chief, all our school teachers, heavenly

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father. And we pray that you direct our steps

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and that you direct the steps of our leaders. We thank you for

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west covina. God bless america, and god bless our beloved

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city of west covina. In jesus' name, amen. Amen.

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and we'd like to invite south hills high school student lizette to lead us in the pledge

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of allegiance. Good evening, gentlemen. Remove your hats.

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place your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. I pledge

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allegiance to the flag of the united states of america,

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and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

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under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for

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all. Thank you. Thank you.

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roll call please. Good evening, mayor. Council member gutierrez.

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here. Councilman wu? Here. Councilwoman diaz. Here.

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mayor pro contos. Here. Mayor lopez. Vito, present

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city attorney. Is there anything to be reported out of closed session? There is no

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reportable action. Thank you, madam mayor. Okay. Onto presentations.

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I'd like to invite shelby williams from the n-a-a-c-p

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president to the front.

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so they are here. Um, 2026 marks a century of

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national com, uh, commemorations of black history. In 1925, when

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dr. Carter g woodson planned inaugural week long observance of black history,

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he could hardly have anticipated the imprint he would leave on this world.

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the association for the study of african life and history has carried forth the tradition

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and the observance have become part of the warp and left, left of american culture. And

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increasingly, the global community for our hundredth theme, the founders

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of black history month urge us to explore the impact and meaning of black history and

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the life comm, uh, commemorations in transforming the status of black peoples in

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the modern world. Uh, for those who might not know, I've actually led

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the largest black history festival and,

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uh, history paraded festival in southern california. So I do

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a part of this and I'd like to thank, um, shelby for, we just

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had our martin luther king day, and she ran a fabulous event with our partner

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san gabriel valley, n-w-a-c-p. And I wanted to thank you a few a you wanted to

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say a few words? Okay. Yes. Thank you so much for

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recognizing the 100th anniversary of the commemoration

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of black history. To understand the

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modern world, especially nations where black peoples from

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a significant population one must grapple with the impact

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that the public observance have had for the past and

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the present. This year, when we are also commemorating

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the 250th anniversary of united states independence,

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it is important to tell not only an inclusive history, but

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an accurate one. We have never had more

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need to examine the role of black history month than

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we do when forces weary of democracy seek

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to use legislative means and book bans to erase

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black history from america's schools and from public culture.

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black history's value is not its contribution to mainstream

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historical narratives, but it is its resonance in the

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lives of black people. We, the san gabriel valley, n-a-a-c-p

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branch, would like to thank the city of west covinas mayor and

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city council for recognizing black history month for 2026.

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thank you. And on behalf of city of west covina, we'd like to give a proclamation

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for the black history month. So thank you for being here and, uh, accepting this, uh, proclamation.

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I had like to, uh, invite lieutenant weatherman to front

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to the front. Is he here? Yes. Okay. And this is

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in regards to the, uh, we like have west covina police explorer

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posts come down as well. So on january 17 and 18,

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the west covina police explorer post 4 9 9, completed at

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tac comp in chandler, arizona. Eight explorers represented our

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department and competed in several events against police explorer posts from

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across the nation. I am proud to announce that our explorers receive the following

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awards.

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first place, high risk stop. Third place

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cnt. I'd like to congratulate all of the explorers who participated in

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this event and extend a sincere thank you to the advisors and the department members who have

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assisted in the development and training. Can you tell us a little bit about those awards?

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yeah. So, uh, I'll talk a little bit about, uh, what we did out there. So, um,

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mayor, members of city council, I'm, uh, if you don't know who

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I am, my name's lieutenant mike weatherman. I'm honored to take a few moments to, uh, this evening to

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recognize the outstanding accomplishments of the west police explorer program and the explorers who proudly

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represented our city at the 2026 chandler tactical competition

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tac com in chandler, arizona, the chandler tcom is a nationally

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recognized competition that brings together police explorer posts from across the country.

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the event is designed to challenge participants through realistic law enforcement based

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scenarios that test teamwork, communication, leadership, and

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tactical decision making. Under pressure. This year, eight of our west camino police

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explorers competed again, completed against explore posts from

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agencies nationwide. I'm proud to recognize the following explorers who represented our city

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explorer, blas explorer, ve rivera explorer, daniel

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renteria explorer, damian renteria, explorer joshua joshua ortega,

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explorer, pena explorer, mubarak

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explorer garcia. Their hard work and dedication resulted in

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the exceptional achievements of first place in high risk stop.

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and third place in the counter narcotics team, or cnt. It's actually crisis

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negotiation team. Sorry about that. Uh, these events require pre

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precise coordination, sound judgment, effective communication,

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and a strong focus on officer safety, earning first place in the high risk stop

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event. And placing third in cnt reflects the discipline, the professionalism,

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and the teamwork demonstrated by our explorers. These accomplishments would not

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be possible without the commitment, mentorship of their dedicated advisors, the support

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of the department, and especially the support of the city council. I would like to recognize and

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thank the following individuals for their leadership and support. Cso jose,

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jose fuentes, officer daniel gonzalez, officer michael chang, officer

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alex dte, officer destiny martinez,

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officer steven de la fuente, officer alex illa, officer

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jennifer ledesma, officer zamar sal,

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and the sergeants that oversee the unit. Sergeant steve spa,

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sergeant jose marquez and corporal ian papapa assisted with us from the, our, uh,

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swat and swat team. Their guidance, training, and continued

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investment in our youth play a critical role in the success of our explorer program.

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the wesco police explorer program continues to be a tremendous asset to our community,

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developing future leaders, promoting positive police community relationships,

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and preparing young men and women for careers in law enforcement and public service.

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on behalf of the west camino police department, I would like to congratulate our explorers and advisors

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for representing our city with professionalism and pride. And thank the city council for

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its continued support of programs. Done a vest in the future of west camino.

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that's truly amazing. These are our future officers, and we

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just wanted to thank you especially about the crisis negotiation. So, on behalf of

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city of west covina, we'd like to present a certificate, first place,

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and third place on one up picture. Congratulations.

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thank

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up. Next, we'd like to honor teacher of the year, renee romero from south hills

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high school. If I could have mr. Renee romero to the front, along with

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dr. Josie per perez, assistant superintendent of educational

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services. So covina valley

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takes great pride in recognizing mr. Renee romero, the 2026

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california teacher of the year, for his extraordinary service to students

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and public education. Mr. Romero is an 11th and 12th grade international

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bachelorette language and literature teacher at south hills high school in the covina valley

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unified school district, where he has made a lasting impact through his dedication,

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professionalism, and commitment to student success. As an

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international bachelorette teacher, mr. Romero helps students make meaning from

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advance complex texts while developing their voices, confidence

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and critical thinking skills. Drawing on his own background as an english learner

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from east los angeles, he creates an inclusive and supportive classroom where every

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student feels welcomed, challenged, and encouraged to thrive. His

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students consistently achieve outstanding results, including a 90%

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pass rate on inter on the international

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baccalaureate english examinations. This prestigious award is one

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of the profession's highest honors. This recognition reflects

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his strong instructional practice, his dedication to equity and inclusion,

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and his ability to create a classroom where every student feels supported to think deeply

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and succeed. So we always love our teachers. Uh,

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any wise words from teacher of the year?

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uh, thank you. Um, it's, uh, really something to be recognized

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for the work that, uh, that all teachers do. Um, I'd like to thank the

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district, uh, for their support, my wife, for her endless support. Um,

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but most importantly, like the students, you know, they make my job easy. Um,

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and it's no, they, they really do know. Um, they, they really would impress

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you if you like, sit down and get to know them. Um, they're game changers, you know,

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and it's important to create a curriculum that's meaningful to them.

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um, and yeah, it's, I love what I do.

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thank you. Would you like to say something? Sure.

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renee's very humble. He's probably one of the most humble persons that

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teachers that we have around, and he doesn't realize what a big thing this

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is. He is teacher of the year for california. And so we're so excited,

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yes. To have one of our own teachers,

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uh, for covina valley. And just as he was getting the word, we

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have asked a lot of students. What do you think about, you know, mr. Romero? And

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this is by far one of their favorite teachers. Um, he really does love

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the students. He really is patient. He wants to make sure that they're

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passing their classes, and he's a teacher in the international baccalaureate

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classes, which is a very difficult class to

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pass and a test to pass, and he gets 90% of

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his students passing the test. So we just wanna recognize how amazing he

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is, and we're so excited for him to go out through this year. He'll be speaking at several

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places, and he'll be recognized all over the state of california.

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so let's give him a big hand.

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that's a, that's a full year, 365 days. So we just wanted

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to say thank you. We love teachers. They make a big impact, and I'm sure the students appreciate

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and, you know, bring the students up. And so on behalf of city of west covina, we'd

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like to present a certificate honoring teacher of the year. Congratulations. Thank you.

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thank you. Congratulations. Good. Great job, mayor.

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oh, his wife and family's here. Would you wanna stand up so they can recognize that's a

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big support team, so please recognize the award. Thank you.

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so, up next, I'd like to recognize lizette

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dondo, the student board member, and the member of the mock trial team from south hills high

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school. May you please come up to the front.

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so, ms. Lizette dondo led us in the pledge of allegiance today. She's a student

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board member and a member of the mock trial team. May you let us know what is your role on

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the student student board and what the mock trial team is,

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uh, on the student on the board of education for covina valley, I serve as a student board

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member, meaning I represent the voices of all the students in my

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district. Um, mock trial, we compete, we get a case packet, and

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we compete it, uh, as different roles like lawyers, uh, witness, we

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have bailiffs, like all that. Personally, I am, uh, my last role is a prosecution attorney,

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and I've also played witness and a defense attorney. Wow.

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great job. Thank you. And thank you again for leading us in the pledge of

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allegiance. So we'd like to recognize you, uh, as a certificate from the city of west

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covina. Thank you. Thank you,

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thank you, thank you.

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so the new initiative that I implemented is the taste of west covina that we're highlighting

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businesses. And today we'd like to bring up, uh,

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invite melissa rojas from heavenly flowers to up to the front.

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is she here? Oh, there, she's nestled in

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the heart of west covina, heavenly flowers has grown into more than just a florist. It's

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a community staple where flowers and heartfelt moments intertwine. Locals

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know it as a place to go when they want flowers that speak from the heart, and arrangements

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that feel personal and thoughtful. Its designers blend, classic craftsmanship

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with ever-changing floral trends, whether crafting arrangements for wedding anniversaries,

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birthdays, or just because moments the team dedicates technical skill

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and personal warmth to each creation. Heavenly flowers is

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more than a place to buy flowers. It's part of the west covina community, helping people

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celebrate milestones, comfort loved ones, and share beauty through all of life

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seasons. For the month of february, heavenly flowers will offer a community

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discount of 15% of all in-store purchases to west covina residents.

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to receive the discount, residents must present valid, valid identification

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confirming west covina residency. So we'd like to present a certificate,

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and, um, many might not know. Uh, I remember we partnered

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a few years ago, uh, honoring one of our first high revenue generating

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chick-fil-a, and they donated flowers to all the,

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uh, drive through, uh, community. And that was for

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the christmas, christmas eve. And it was really nice. And one of the resident

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actually was visiting a family at the funeral, uh, the cemetery. And she called,

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and there was another person that called, um, because his wife

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had passed away and during the holidays, but receiving this meant

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a lot. So they, like they said, bring warmth, and they're right here in our community

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located, oh, they can give you more information, but go ahead, . Here you go.

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we're located in west camino parkway. Glendora, right in the corner. You must have known it with

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mario deonte. For many years. He was the owner, but luckily

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we had the privilege to take ownership over nine years now. So

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we've been in the, I grew up my entire life in west covina, so I'm happy to be

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here. Happy to serve you guys, and happy to be part of this city. Thank

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you. Thank you.

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they do have their flyer up in the front, so if you entered, or if you're leaving, make

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sure to pick one up, but of course, you don't have to have the flyer. If you're a west covina resident,

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come in and stop by and shop some flowers. Flowers make

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everyone brings joy to everyone. So on behalf of west covina, thank you for your business here.

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oh, wait, actually, oh, I didn't

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realize they had something shown up earlier about their flowers. So all their information is on the,

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on the online that you could see. And I believe everything will be posted on

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the website as well. And now lastly,

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I'd like to recognize cafe 86 and bring grace reyes

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to the front.

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cafe 86 offers a thoughtfully crafted menu that blends cherish

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tra cherish traditional recipes with modern culinary techniques. The

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cafe is best known for its signature purple yam ube desserts like ube le chilan

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cupcakes, and its unique halo hollow drinks. Inspired by classic comfort foods,

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each item delivers bold, unforgettable flavor flavors more than

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just a cafe. Cafe 86 is a welcoming space where food brings people

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together, bridges culture sparks conversation and creates lasting

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memories. Guests are invited to experience a vibrant world of flavors, colors, and

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aromas on a culinary journey where tradition meets innovation. And the unmistakable

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taste of ish shines in every bite. This february cafe 86 is

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proud to offer a community discount to our west covina neighbors. West covina residents

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will receive 10% off on all items with some restrictions applying.

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simply present a valid id confirming residency to enjoy the discount. And

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just like heavenly flowers, they do have a flyer out on the lobby that you're

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more than welcome to pick up and along there's more information. So

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on behalf of west covina, thank you. Everybody else try their uber,

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all their favorites. Um, yep, thank you.

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here you could say something. So, I, I just wanna say, um, so my

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family's lived in westcon for, uh, for, oh, for 40 years. And so when

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we were looking to open, um, our shop, this was the first city that

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we kind of looked at. And so we are actually gonna, we just opened

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last march, so we're actually celebrating our one year anniversary

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this march. And I just wanna say like, beyond the menu, our

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location has been like a community hub. We've been really trying

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to bring in a lot of people from outside of the city. And so

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we, we actively support like local artists, um, neighboring

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neighboring, um, small businesses, and then creators of events that, so we

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spotlight music, um, art and culture. Um, so

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in march, actually, like lucid motors is coming over to do some,

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um, some like drive testing for, for residents. And so we,

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we really are trying to, um, bring in as many, um,

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events that we can in that little strip of, we are in west

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covina, downtown west covina, see bun street here.

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so it, you know, we're trying to revive that area. Um, and

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so please come. Um, I've, I've tried to, um,

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um, also partner with a lot of the other shops around the area. And

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so I just feel like, you know, um, being a community and, um, we all

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kind of help each other out. And so please, please come. And then, you

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know, we, we partner with the sticker store across the mexican store across. And so,

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um, hopefully we'll get to see you this month of february.

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do have karaoke nights, so you're all more than welcome to come and

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sing. They host that. Um, they have different variety of events. They have many things.

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so come enjoy. And just like with all businesses that we are bringing up

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here and everyone else, please like them on social media. Follow sometimes they

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offer best deals, special things, and, you know, take advantage of it. And,

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uh, enjoy each shop play in west covina. So on behalf of city of

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west covina, we'd just like to thank you for taste of west covina.

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okay, now for our city manager's report, which will be given by our acting city

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manager, milan. Um, thank you madam mayor. Um, first

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our city electrician staff replaced field lighting at walmart auto park. These

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updates ensure appropriate lighting of the sports fields and park during park hours

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for users of the park. On friday, january 30th,

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uh, the west vena police department, in conjunction with public safety conducted a coordinated

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enforcement operation addressing rv camping along badillo street, east

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00:24:39,815 --> 00:24:43,815
of north vincent avenue. Over the past month in individuals had been parking

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00:24:44,355 --> 00:24:47,935
rvs in this area in a fixed long-term manner. In violation of california

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vehicle code. Um, staff observed activity included drug use and

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illegal dumping, creating ongoing public health and quality of life concerns, as well

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as a visual blight to the surrounding community. As a result, the operation west covena pd

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00:25:01,125 --> 00:25:05,055
impounded two r two rvs and three vehicles. All occupants had

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previously been advised and probably noticed prior to the enforcement action. This

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location remains a priority and staff will continue to closely monitor the area

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to ensure continued compliance on tonight's

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agenda. Uh, as item number 11, the public works department is requesting approval

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of the city council to order the following number of picnic tables and water

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fountains to distribute across 16 of the city parks.

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65 8 foot pvc traditional picnic tables 38 8

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foot pvc, traditional a da one side ended picnic

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tables four, um, lk outdoor pedestal

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fountains with, uh, with a pet station. Seven lk

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outdoor upper bottle water filling stations, and six lk outdoor

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pede pedestal fountains.

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um, this past week, city crew has been updated several red

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curbs throughout the city, which you'll see this looks like a, uh, on francis

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and surrounding streets, including sunset. Um, audit

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committee update on wednesday, january 28th. I, along with our finance director,

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met with the community members who have served on the audit committee, discuss next steps, future

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direction, and continued transparency and financial oversight. The discussion

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included the, the evolving role of the audit committee will, will play

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in the coming years. Moving forward, the audit committee will meet on a quarterly basis

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with the city manager, attending the committee meetings to support, coordination, accountability,

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and open communication. On saturday,

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january 24th, the community services division held its annual in-service training

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from 8:30 am 8:30 am to 3:00 pm at the cortez park

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community and senior center. This year's focus was customer service and featured

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keynote speaker sonya jimenez, young superintendent of the city of los angeles.

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opening remarks were provided by mayor letti, um, via lopez,

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vito, and myself, along with assistant city manager roxanne lerma. Closing

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the training with a talk on what each individual brings to the table and

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the value they bring to this organization. A special thank you to community services

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team suzie perez, vanessa ibanez, leslie ez, mha

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00:27:18,115 --> 00:27:21,895
kuta, leslie bravo, clarissa romero, and korea. Korea,

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00:27:22,305 --> 00:27:26,245
albert for ongoing and delivering a comprehensive and engaging

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training for staff. Um, athens update commercial deployments.

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uh, commercial deployments will started last week on monday and will be fully

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deployed by wednesday of this week. Commercial accounts will continue

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00:27:39,735 --> 00:27:43,705
waste assessments until accounts are right sized. If

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00:27:43,925 --> 00:27:47,805
you need athens to provide a waste assessment and the right size of size containers,

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00:27:48,365 --> 00:27:50,855
please call, um, their toll free number, 8 8 8 3 3 6 6 1 0 0.

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and in addition to the deployment of the commercial, uh,

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bins, staff and athens continue to meet with, um, our local

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00:28:03,525 --> 00:28:07,405
business community as we implement, um, state mandated 1383

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and working with individual businesses and, um, groups of businesses

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to find the right fit and the the right package, uh, for their

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trash service. Um, update on the residential

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deployments. Residence residential will be receiving blue carts throughout

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00:28:25,445 --> 00:28:28,885
this week and next week. Your blue recycled carts are for recycling

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00:28:29,485 --> 00:28:33,465
materials only, which include cardboard, aluminum, cans, and glass. Please

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00:28:33,895 --> 00:28:37,505
refer to athens what goes where, guide at the cal

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00:28:37,965 --> 00:28:41,885
recycle mike.com. If you are unsure how to properly dispose of your

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00:28:42,785 --> 00:28:46,445
any item, um, any dispose of any item,

361
00:28:47,065 --> 00:28:50,745
um, green waste, food waste, and fiber based food soil paper will be stowed

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00:28:51,325 --> 00:28:55,005
disposed in the green container. Only residents receive newsletters

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00:28:55,685 --> 00:28:59,605
in january and will continue to receive newsletters quarterly. Athens services

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00:28:59,865 --> 00:29:03,335
has issued a robocall to inform residents to leave carts

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00:29:04,405 --> 00:29:08,285
curbside the entire service day for the next three weeks. Um, during the initial service

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adjustment period, please make sure your calendars are also marked

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00:29:13,345 --> 00:29:16,945
for the 2026 compost, um, giveaways, um,

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00:29:17,425 --> 00:29:19,805
on may 2nd, and also on november 7th, 2026.

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if you'd like to adjust your athens services or container size, please

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contact athens again at 8 8 8 3 3 6 6 1 0 0.

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00:29:38,845 --> 00:29:42,725
the of west covina will shortly welcome two new businesses to our community.

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sunday car wash will celebrate grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Um,

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this saturday, february 7th, uh, the community is invited to tour the new

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facility. Enjoy a car wash sunday. Car wash is located at 3 0 1 south vincent

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00:29:56,625 --> 00:30:00,525
um, avenue, uh, at the former site of the west covina car wash.

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home goods will celebrate its grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on thursday, march 19th.

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the new loca, the new location will open at the eastland center at the former

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site of burlington coat factory on january 30th

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00:30:15,375 --> 00:30:19,375
and 31st west covina firefighters association, 3, 2, 2 6 and

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00:30:19,595 --> 00:30:23,555
west covina. Beautiful teamed up for a property cleanup on alaska to remove overgrown

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00:30:24,075 --> 00:30:27,985
vegetation on the property. Last week, the

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00:30:28,145 --> 00:30:32,105
fire department used the sportsplex for driver's training skills, included diminishing

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00:30:32,425 --> 00:30:36,155
lane serpentine and backing drills. Banks do engineer bland

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00:30:36,505 --> 00:30:39,915
for facilitating this very important training. Uh, micro

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uh, budget workshops. We every friday march, uh, in march of 2026,

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we've dedicated each friday for this. Um, we have morning, afternoon,

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00:30:49,925 --> 00:30:53,545
and evening appointments available. Uh, please rsvp to decompose@west.org.

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if you'd like to set up an appointment, uh, limited seats available, we'll

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be meeting with, uh, groups of four to six residents at a time to

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00:31:03,665 --> 00:31:07,485
spend, you know, two to four hours, um, going in detail to

391
00:31:07,705 --> 00:31:11,305
the budget process, different funding sources, expense and income

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00:31:11,925 --> 00:31:13,355
for the city. If anybody is interested,

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00:31:16,415 --> 00:31:20,105
couples connect a workshop for couples, reconnect, communicate and

394
00:31:20,425 --> 00:31:23,985
strengthen your relationship. At couples connect, a free and engaging workshop

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00:31:24,585 --> 00:31:28,265
designed to help couples build healthier, more fulfilling partnerships. Join mayor

396
00:31:28,635 --> 00:31:32,145
lopez yato and relationship ship coach, uh, kelly

397
00:31:32,645 --> 00:31:35,825
dpu for a dynamic evening focused on overcoming common relationship

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00:31:36,745 --> 00:31:40,695
challenges and learning practical tools you can use immediately, whether you are newlyweds

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00:31:41,325 --> 00:31:45,085
or have been together for decades. Date

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00:31:45,375 --> 00:31:48,735
is thursday, february 12th, 2026, 6:00 pm to 8:30 pm

401
00:31:49,885 --> 00:31:53,815
community center at cortez park. It's absolutely free. And dinner

402
00:31:54,055 --> 00:31:57,655
will be provided, sponsored by athens trash service.

403
00:31:58,795 --> 00:32:02,495
um, upcoming events, uh, again, uh, couples

404
00:32:02,855 --> 00:32:06,035
connect, uh, on thursday the 12th. And, um,

405
00:32:09,155 --> 00:32:13,095
and that's all I have tonight, madam mayor. Okay, thank you. Now we'll move on to

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00:32:13,245 --> 00:32:16,975
oral communications. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker, unless

407
00:32:17,575 --> 00:32:21,405
modified by the presiding officer or the city council. Requests to speak on agenda items will

408
00:32:21,695 --> 00:32:25,295
be heard prior to request to speak on non agenda items. Members of the public

409
00:32:25,715 --> 00:32:29,615
may not engage behavior that is disruptive to the orderly conduct of the

410
00:32:29,735 --> 00:32:33,455
meeting, including but not limited to speaking off topic, speaking beyond the speaker's

411
00:32:33,815 --> 00:32:37,605
allotted time limit making slanderous or profane remarks or using loud

412
00:32:38,215 --> 00:32:42,125
threatening or abusive language, which disrupts, disturbs, impedes or renders

413
00:32:42,575 --> 00:32:46,325
infeasible the orderly conduct of the meeting. Members of the public may not

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00:32:46,725 --> 00:32:50,485
threaten any person with physical harm or act in a manner that may reasonably be interpreted

415
00:32:51,005 --> 00:32:54,685
as imminent threat or of physical harm. When you hear, hear your name being called,

416
00:32:55,065 --> 00:32:59,005
you may sit in the front row designated for public speakers. The timer will start when

417
00:32:59,245 --> 00:33:02,805
your name is called assistant city clerk. How many speakers do we have tonight?

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00:33:03,255 --> 00:33:07,145
mayor? We have 19 speakers this evening. Okay, go ahead and proceed. Our

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00:33:07,365 --> 00:33:11,205
first speaker is john shoemaker, followed by marsha solorio, followed by josh murray.

420
00:33:16,395 --> 00:33:20,145
good evening everyone. I just have a quick one. Uh,

421
00:33:20,955 --> 00:33:24,805
I've requested, uh, you know, some accommodations and I understand

422
00:33:25,165 --> 00:33:28,565
they may be coming through, but I haven't seen them. But what I found

423
00:33:29,205 --> 00:33:32,165
absolutely amazing is we have a member of this console

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00:33:33,265 --> 00:33:36,525
who is constantly requesting accommodations,

425
00:33:37,955 --> 00:33:41,355
demanding accommodations, taking us,

426
00:33:42,095 --> 00:33:45,675
threatening lawsuits for accommodations. When I got up here and asked for one,

427
00:33:46,205 --> 00:33:50,085
what did he, what did he do? He was silent. Seems

428
00:33:50,435 --> 00:33:54,395
like somebody who wants accommodations in his behind people who have disabilities.

429
00:33:55,305 --> 00:33:58,415
he'd been the first one to say, you know, we gotta help this man.

430
00:33:59,745 --> 00:34:03,265
but he sits there silently, he doesn't care.

431
00:34:03,935 --> 00:34:07,705
it's about him, not about, uh, helping the public. Prime example

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00:34:08,125 --> 00:34:12,105
is he's walked in on a couple occasions with stacks of documents

433
00:34:12,345 --> 00:34:16,185
and everything else. And my understanding is he didn't give a preview

434
00:34:16,615 --> 00:34:20,165
copy to a member of our city council, our mayor pro tem,

435
00:34:21,445 --> 00:34:25,165
who was blind. So he'd have a heads up on what's

436
00:34:25,485 --> 00:34:29,245
going on. How can you, how can you

437
00:34:29,745 --> 00:34:33,485
be so concerned about yourself and not anybody

438
00:34:33,805 --> 00:34:37,545
else? I remember about 25 years ago, or

439
00:34:38,165 --> 00:34:42,125
probably 30 years ago now, meeting kami polis. She was on the school board for

440
00:34:42,365 --> 00:34:45,525
a number of years. She had a son who was disabled

441
00:34:47,515 --> 00:34:51,005
even when her son was no longer in school. She was a champion

442
00:34:51,745 --> 00:34:55,615
for children with disabilities. So they got good educations

443
00:34:56,215 --> 00:35:00,115
and got what was needed. That was a person who was concerned about the

444
00:35:00,505 --> 00:35:04,345
issue, not themselves, you know. And what

445
00:35:04,585 --> 00:35:08,445
also gets me is I have no problem getting up here and saying I need an accommodation because of

446
00:35:09,685 --> 00:35:13,655
two strokes that I had. But some

447
00:35:14,045 --> 00:35:17,985
are trying to hide. Why would you hide if you're open? You want

448
00:35:18,185 --> 00:35:22,185
transparency, wouldn't you want to brag and show,

449
00:35:22,495 --> 00:35:26,425
even with all these issues, I can still serve, I'm still

450
00:35:26,585 --> 00:35:30,065
helping the public, you know, but maybe when some of those accommodations

451
00:35:30,785 --> 00:35:33,245
are things like, I don't know,

452
00:35:35,065 --> 00:35:38,785
the free meal that I'm given is I need it to come from jersey mike's and not portos.

453
00:35:41,315 --> 00:35:44,055
uh, you mean they don't have anything that you can eat?

454
00:35:45,785 --> 00:35:48,575
it just doesn't make any sense of what's there,

455
00:35:50,495 --> 00:35:54,435
you know? So again, you know, hopefully I'll see the documents and it'll be satisfactory,

456
00:35:55,175 --> 00:35:58,815
but I'm still waiting for, you know, somebody you know, who

457
00:35:59,585 --> 00:36:03,035
says, you know, we need to help this man instead of just complete and utter silence.

458
00:36:04,285 --> 00:36:08,195
thank you. Thank you. Next speaker, marsha solorio, followed

459
00:36:08,335 --> 00:36:09,955
by josh murray, followed by steve bennett.

460
00:36:17,645 --> 00:36:21,385
good evening. Sorry, it's been a long day. So I'm just gonna read, uh, good evening mayor,

461
00:36:21,885 --> 00:36:25,655
city council, city staff and residents. My name is marsha solorio.

462
00:36:26,315 --> 00:36:30,255
I'm a 25 plus year resident, and until recently chair of the audit

463
00:36:30,495 --> 00:36:34,355
committee, I am here tonight, as some may know on

464
00:36:34,575 --> 00:36:38,575
my birthday to comment on item number 12. First, I want

465
00:36:38,775 --> 00:36:42,735
to thank our new finance director for promptly addressing our questions regarding

466
00:36:43,255 --> 00:36:47,215
the rules and regulations attachment. I truly appreciate the timely response.

467
00:36:48,075 --> 00:36:51,605
second and more importantly, I'm here to respectfully urge

468
00:36:52,115 --> 00:36:56,015
the council members who will be serving on the audit committee to ensure that

469
00:36:56,255 --> 00:37:00,135
the appointments are approved this evening. As mr. Gritch has noted in prior

470
00:37:00,375 --> 00:37:03,775
council meetings, the audit committee has not met since april of 2025

471
00:37:05,235 --> 00:37:09,215
in whatever form the council ultimately deems appropriate. The audit committee

472
00:37:09,865 --> 00:37:13,815
needs to resume performing its duties. Our residents deserve that

473
00:37:14,105 --> 00:37:18,015
level of oversight and accountability. Do I hope

474
00:37:18,215 --> 00:37:22,215
the committee is approved as recommended by city staff? Absolutely.

475
00:37:23,355 --> 00:37:27,215
we had a strong, well-rounded committee that was just beginning to find its footing

476
00:37:27,835 --> 00:37:31,835
and changing course now would be a disservice. That said, the

477
00:37:32,055 --> 00:37:35,975
primary objective remains clear to get the audit committee back on

478
00:37:36,215 --> 00:37:40,135
a regular quarterly meeting schedule. Lastly, if this

479
00:37:40,375 --> 00:37:44,175
is my goodbye, I want to sincerely thank the council members past and present

480
00:37:44,955 --> 00:37:48,655
who appointed me and supported my continued service over the years.

481
00:37:49,195 --> 00:37:53,095
and of course, a huge thank you to my incredibly smart and passionate

482
00:37:53,655 --> 00:37:57,345
fellow committee members who entrusted me with the imaginary gavel

483
00:37:57,915 --> 00:38:00,695
for most of my time on this committee. Thank you. Thank you.

484
00:38:02,245 --> 00:38:04,925
josh mary, followed by steve bennett, followed by tina freeman.

485
00:38:11,285 --> 00:38:15,185
hi, uh, good evening mayor and members of the council. My name is josh murray. I'm here

486
00:38:15,305 --> 00:38:19,225
on behalf of west covina library. Um, I want to invite the teens

487
00:38:19,485 --> 00:38:23,455
of the community to the teen advisory board meeting, taking place tomorrow, wednesday,

488
00:38:24,345 --> 00:38:28,105
february 4th at 4:00 pm teens will collaborate on next month's

489
00:38:28,545 --> 00:38:32,545
teen programs, teen library topics, and provide the librarian with

490
00:38:32,785 --> 00:38:36,475
insight on what our teams want in their library. Also,

491
00:38:37,405 --> 00:38:41,265
children ages five to 12 with their parent or caregiver are invited to

492
00:38:41,485 --> 00:38:45,365
celebrate african american and black history month, along with the winter

493
00:38:45,525 --> 00:38:49,485
olympic games at our winter sports medal winners program on wednesday,

494
00:38:50,205 --> 00:38:54,125
february 11th, from three 30 to 4:30 pm children

495
00:38:54,315 --> 00:38:57,705
will learn about some notable african american winter sports

496
00:38:58,645 --> 00:39:02,515
athletes, and then they'll make and decorate winning medals from clay registrations

497
00:39:03,365 --> 00:39:07,045
available on our website, la county library.org. And I thank you for your time.

498
00:39:07,415 --> 00:39:11,365
thank you. Steve bennett, followed by tina freeman, followed by

499
00:39:11,725 --> 00:39:11,925
doug four.

500
00:39:18,275 --> 00:39:22,225
first off, happy birthday. I think

501
00:39:22,385 --> 00:39:25,865
I would lead happy birthday for you, but they're gonna count my time down, so it's okay.

502
00:39:26,685 --> 00:39:30,625
um, counsel, good to

503
00:39:30,705 --> 00:39:34,585
see you. I know you guys miss me every time I'm here. It's always smiles except for one

504
00:39:34,745 --> 00:39:38,685
person. Um, so it's always fun. I I wanna bring up something that I, I think we,

505
00:39:38,965 --> 00:39:42,045
we need to talk about. So, a meeting ago,

506
00:39:43,245 --> 00:39:46,775
you guys held in closed session, a discussion with real property negotiators

507
00:39:47,535 --> 00:39:51,265
located at 1501 del norty. And the person

508
00:39:51,685 --> 00:39:55,625
you were meeting with to discuss terms is, I think it's mlc

509
00:39:55,945 --> 00:39:59,645
holdings, which is meritage, who's the developer at the del norte school. Here's

510
00:40:00,065 --> 00:40:03,945
the problem, um, you're not meeting with real property negotiators 'cause they don't own the

511
00:40:04,225 --> 00:40:08,225
property yet. Tony, you know how title deeds work? You have to close escrow before a title deed is

512
00:40:08,825 --> 00:40:12,385
switched over. Huh? Tony, you're a real estate guy. Am I correct? So ironically,

513
00:40:13,105 --> 00:40:16,505
I pulled the title deed on that through a friend of mine, and it's still the school district.

514
00:40:17,285 --> 00:40:21,145
so we don't have as a city, the right to negotiate

515
00:40:21,775 --> 00:40:25,625
with a real property that we're not even talking to the owner. They haven't closed

516
00:40:26,065 --> 00:40:30,025
escrow. And why haven't they closed escrow? 'cause ironically, that's in front of the planning commission right

517
00:40:30,185 --> 00:40:34,145
now for development. They're holding a public hearing that's held open right

518
00:40:34,425 --> 00:40:38,305
now. So you guys are openly interfering

519
00:40:40,055 --> 00:40:43,955
on a closed session item with an item that's before your own planning

520
00:40:44,115 --> 00:40:48,075
commission on a public hearing. There's a lot of question to that.

521
00:40:48,655 --> 00:40:51,635
why? Well, could it be a

522
00:40:52,825 --> 00:40:55,915
potential quid pro quo that you're asking for, I don't know,

523
00:40:57,255 --> 00:41:00,935
an acre or two of them to be donated to the city or

524
00:41:01,315 --> 00:41:05,195
renegotiated with the school district, even though they don't technically own the property yet. And their

525
00:41:05,435 --> 00:41:09,045
agreement with the district is kind of already been approved by the school district contingent

526
00:41:09,715 --> 00:41:13,575
on you guys approving the planning division, huh? So

527
00:41:14,195 --> 00:41:18,115
quid pro quo could be that you want this property to be

528
00:41:18,275 --> 00:41:20,855
given to the city as something, but

529
00:41:22,425 --> 00:41:25,925
the developer wants their development approved. That's the definition

530
00:41:27,065 --> 00:41:30,905
of a quid pro quo. They get something, you get something. The problem is,

531
00:41:31,145 --> 00:41:34,005
is where does that legally land? It's a brown act violation.

532
00:41:35,695 --> 00:41:39,675
that's what it is. It's a brown act violation. And it would probably have been

533
00:41:39,835 --> 00:41:43,795
on this week's closed session, but our city attorney leave finally woke up

534
00:41:43,995 --> 00:41:47,995
from his nap that he's so commonly in here and decided that it probably wasn't legal

535
00:41:48,195 --> 00:41:51,715
to do. I noticed we have a different city attorney and I thank you. And it's by no means

536
00:41:52,295 --> 00:41:56,275
an a dig on her because it's the other city attorney who sits in here with an

537
00:41:56,435 --> 00:42:00,435
alarm clock every time, you know he's here. So my question to you guys

538
00:42:00,815 --> 00:42:04,675
is legally you weren't negotiating with a property owner because

539
00:42:05,115 --> 00:42:08,835
tony, as you just said, I'm not untitled. So I have to ask you,

540
00:42:09,695 --> 00:42:13,215
why were we negotiating with them? Was it a quid pro quo,

541
00:42:14,095 --> 00:42:15,915
huh? I guess we'll find out.

542
00:42:19,385 --> 00:42:22,535
tina freeman, followed by doug four, followed by sherry balian,

543
00:42:27,105 --> 00:42:31,085
30 years, and I finally made it here. I'm tina freeman, the owner

544
00:42:31,265 --> 00:42:34,945
of tina's tavern in west covina, and I love west covina finest

545
00:42:35,585 --> 00:42:39,225
law enforcement. Thank you guys. 'cause you are my champs. Anyway,

546
00:42:40,105 --> 00:42:43,205
I'm here. Um, two things actually. Athens trash.

547
00:42:44,145 --> 00:42:48,065
uh, I, as you guys know, I never make it to a meeting, but I am now.

548
00:42:48,825 --> 00:42:52,525
uh, my understanding was, um, am I allowed to ask a question

549
00:42:52,945 --> 00:42:56,865
or no? Uh, when you guys voted, uh, my understanding was

550
00:42:57,465 --> 00:43:00,885
the business people all thought, uh, it was gonna be a 17%

551
00:43:01,645 --> 00:43:05,455
increase on a athens trash. And, uh, we're all dying

552
00:43:05,825 --> 00:43:09,525
out here trying to make a living. I'm a single mom. My daughter's gonna be a veterinarian

553
00:43:10,145 --> 00:43:13,975
two years, and it's a rough time for all of us. Sorry.

554
00:43:15,935 --> 00:43:19,835
and if any of you owned a business, I just don't see how you could have voted something.

555
00:43:20,945 --> 00:43:22,995
it's a 70% increase on everybody.

556
00:43:24,985 --> 00:43:28,795
it's it's wrong. It's outrageous. And I feel like maybe no one up

557
00:43:28,995 --> 00:43:32,955
here has ever owned their own business because it's tough times right

558
00:43:33,305 --> 00:43:36,665
now. And whether it was or wasn't a tough time,

559
00:43:37,575 --> 00:43:41,435
that kind of increase is ludicrous. I think it's,

560
00:43:41,675 --> 00:43:45,555
um, uncalled for. And the fact it wasn't

561
00:43:45,875 --> 00:43:49,815
taken off the agenda to at least get more business people here to

562
00:43:50,055 --> 00:43:53,915
defend ourselves and be lied to about the 17%

563
00:43:54,835 --> 00:43:57,455
increase that's now over 70 is, is

564
00:43:59,055 --> 00:44:02,915
it is unwarranted. It's, it's wrong. And everyone I feel should

565
00:44:03,155 --> 00:44:06,395
be ashamed of themselves. That voted five to zero. My is my understanding.

566
00:44:07,615 --> 00:44:11,455
and, uh, as a single mom trying to make a living, this was

567
00:44:11,855 --> 00:44:15,515
so wrong in every way, shape and form my understanding, I don't know for a fact,

568
00:44:16,165 --> 00:44:19,555
could be hearsay. I hear the city of west covina got a one and a half million dollar

569
00:44:20,275 --> 00:44:24,035
donation later from aron's. I could be wrong. I'm just saying.

570
00:44:24,895 --> 00:44:28,825
so on that note, um, I don't

571
00:44:29,025 --> 00:44:32,605
know what I, you know, we're just all sitting ducks out here. There's nothing we could do,

572
00:44:33,345 --> 00:44:37,165
but I just feel like this was, um, so wrong in every way,

573
00:44:37,365 --> 00:44:41,045
shape and form. Uh, and on that note, I just wanna bring something

574
00:44:41,405 --> 00:44:45,125
else. I'll get off athens. I'm just telling you how I feel as a business person.

575
00:44:45,875 --> 00:44:49,385
what happened to us out here is wrong. Number one. Number

576
00:44:49,925 --> 00:44:53,745
two, the other thing I wanna bring up, actually, g right here, uh,

577
00:44:54,775 --> 00:44:58,725
about a year ago told me about this wonderful thing called the trespass letter,

578
00:44:59,235 --> 00:45:02,455
okay? For us, 'cause we're always battling homeless, crime,

579
00:45:04,135 --> 00:45:08,085
trash stuff being dumped, uh, you know, stabbings, outside

580
00:45:09,245 --> 00:45:13,245
shootings, whatever. Okay? And we have to deal with a lot of homeless

581
00:45:13,445 --> 00:45:17,325
people, okay? God bless 'em. I, the thing I love is that law enforcement

582
00:45:17,765 --> 00:45:21,485
does try and get them help, okay? Uh, but this

583
00:45:21,845 --> 00:45:25,765
trespass law or letter I, I have signed, got a

584
00:45:25,885 --> 00:45:29,885
sign up, a trespass. And at least it's something I'm gonna tell you right now. Law enforcement

585
00:45:30,265 --> 00:45:34,245
has done a great job. I don't know if you guys are here, thanks to every darn one of

586
00:45:34,445 --> 00:45:38,125
'em. Uh, I get graffiti, I send it. Oh, thank you.

587
00:45:38,525 --> 00:45:42,505
I get graffiti. I send it to the lieutenant. That's time. And I want, oh, I get, but

588
00:45:42,725 --> 00:45:46,595
it's okay. You're more than welcome to email and the city manager will, I'll answer everybody's

589
00:45:47,925 --> 00:45:51,765
comments. Thank you. Our next speaker is doug four, followed by sherry

590
00:45:52,225 --> 00:45:56,125
barian, followed by matthew. I might be saying this last name starts with a p.

591
00:45:57,425 --> 00:46:01,245
no. Hello, my name is doug. Four. I live in district five. I have three

592
00:46:01,965 --> 00:46:05,845
businesses in district three. Um, I've been told by people in

593
00:46:06,045 --> 00:46:09,645
this room that I'm lying that I am only being charged 17%.

594
00:46:11,825 --> 00:46:15,665
um, that I've only been charged 17%. And I have my

595
00:46:15,885 --> 00:46:19,545
proof here. I have copies for you guys. Audience, I have copies to pass out.

596
00:46:20,185 --> 00:46:24,125
um, they're getting passed out behind me. Um, I did get

597
00:46:24,325 --> 00:46:28,245
charged, look at my bills. 71% increase on trash fees.

598
00:46:28,915 --> 00:46:32,595
71% increase on city franchise

599
00:46:33,225 --> 00:46:37,205
fee. Another 71% increase on the waste management

600
00:46:37,825 --> 00:46:41,145
fee. Numbers don't lie, people lie.

601
00:46:42,095 --> 00:46:45,985
let's talk about the lies enclosed. In here also is

602
00:46:46,245 --> 00:46:50,205
a letter from neil, our assistant city manager, stating that there's

603
00:46:50,525 --> 00:46:54,475
only a 17% increase, which is a lie. He also said

604
00:46:54,955 --> 00:46:58,865
that at the 1216 meeting, that he would explain in full detail and

605
00:46:59,285 --> 00:47:03,275
in depth, he lied. Again, he never explained anything. Look

606
00:47:03,565 --> 00:47:07,445
at the email. It's in this packet. We have had the

607
00:47:07,645 --> 00:47:10,485
vice president of athens here, liz, on 1216.

608
00:47:11,795 --> 00:47:15,785
tony, you asked her two times at the 58 minute mark and

609
00:47:16,005 --> 00:47:19,205
the hour and three minute mark about the 17%

610
00:47:20,405 --> 00:47:24,285
increase. She lied to you. Um, ms. Diaz, thank you for attending today's

611
00:47:24,685 --> 00:47:28,685
meeting. It was awesome. We appreciate you there. You asked her, and you

612
00:47:28,845 --> 00:47:31,845
even included my business. Thank you very much about the 17%

613
00:47:33,085 --> 00:47:36,605
increase at the one hour and seven minute mark. She lied to you,

614
00:47:37,525 --> 00:47:41,495
ollie. You asked her at the one hour and 11 minute mark about

615
00:47:41,845 --> 00:47:45,805
the 17% increase. She lied to you, brian, you asked

616
00:47:46,045 --> 00:47:49,725
her several times. Your last time you asked her was at the one minute and 20.

617
00:47:50,345 --> 00:47:54,325
at the one minute and 12 second mark, she lied to you. Staff report

618
00:47:54,775 --> 00:47:57,565
dated 1216 stated that a 13.5%

619
00:47:59,085 --> 00:48:02,845
increase was negotiated in november. What happened between november and december

620
00:48:03,305 --> 00:48:07,105
to move it from 17% to sorry, to

621
00:48:07,325 --> 00:48:10,485
move it from 13.5% to 17

622
00:48:11,385 --> 00:48:15,185
to 301% increase. What happened? Why

623
00:48:15,805 --> 00:48:19,565
I have asked this several times. How much money did athens need to raise

624
00:48:20,145 --> 00:48:23,615
to comply with this senate bill? No one wants to answer. How much money

625
00:48:24,465 --> 00:48:28,385
did these increases make for athens pockets residents? I'm

626
00:48:28,605 --> 00:48:32,235
gonna run outta time, but there are fees for you guys. We are all getting rate

627
00:48:32,715 --> 00:48:36,515
fees increased again on july 1st. Businesses also,

628
00:48:37,275 --> 00:48:40,645
it's in here. I spent 20 hours going through this contract this weekend.

629
00:48:41,365 --> 00:48:44,875
I have a lot more to say, but I only have 20 seconds. There is also

630
00:48:45,645 --> 00:48:49,475
a fee that's going on your tax roll for 39 13. There's

631
00:48:49,965 --> 00:48:53,805
also another bulky item pickup fee. It's in this packet I sent out. There's

632
00:48:54,285 --> 00:48:57,385
a fee for that also from here on out. The city did get $1.5 million.

633
00:48:58,555 --> 00:49:02,505
they're gonna get it every single year. And I have a lot more to say. But

634
00:49:02,725 --> 00:49:06,645
my time's up. Sherry bian, followed

635
00:49:06,825 --> 00:49:07,045
by matthew

636
00:49:13,825 --> 00:49:16,985
sherry bian, followed by matthew, followed by maurice wilder.

637
00:49:20,165 --> 00:49:23,595
my name is sherry bian. I'm a resident here of 60 plus years.

638
00:49:24,805 --> 00:49:28,275
and this athens is the most ridiculous thing I've ever heard of. Ridiculous

639
00:49:29,495 --> 00:49:33,465
this council, whether these people know it or not, you are getting, we the city are

640
00:49:33,665 --> 00:49:37,505
getting $1.5 million this year from athens. You have said

641
00:49:37,725 --> 00:49:41,185
you wanna hire 10 new policemen on the backs of our businesses,

642
00:49:41,795 --> 00:49:45,725
which their price is going to increase for us. You're gonna ruin the

643
00:49:46,145 --> 00:49:49,335
businesses. No reason you guy, this is a multi-billion

644
00:49:50,185 --> 00:49:53,985
dollar contract. Pull the contract back, tell 'em you want changes.

645
00:49:54,515 --> 00:49:58,505
don't take the $1.5 million for 'em, use a

646
00:49:58,625 --> 00:50:02,225
million dollars of that money to put back into save the businesses.

647
00:50:02,885 --> 00:50:06,145
so it doesn't cost all of us to get this done.

648
00:50:07,045 --> 00:50:11,045
that's on the athens thing. And and thank you doug, for bringing all this up and

649
00:50:11,585 --> 00:50:15,565
publicly. The other thing I wanna bring up is other different things is

650
00:50:15,805 --> 00:50:19,765
our health department. I'm tired of council saying we, we,

651
00:50:20,325 --> 00:50:24,305
we know the people want the health department. We know that the, that the residents

652
00:50:24,665 --> 00:50:28,645
want us to run the sportsplex. We know that the, the city wants us

653
00:50:28,765 --> 00:50:32,705
to run a chamber, which we know the chamber running is illegal. And if the attorney had

654
00:50:32,925 --> 00:50:36,145
done his job in 5 0 1 c3 or 5 0 1 c six,

655
00:50:36,995 --> 00:50:40,945
it's illegal to run a chamber in the city. Now

656
00:50:42,265 --> 00:50:46,225
we have an election coming up and three people on this council are up

657
00:50:46,465 --> 00:50:50,365
for election. So why leave it to saying to a handful

658
00:50:50,785 --> 00:50:54,765
of people, we want the health department added on the ballot. How many people

659
00:50:55,075 --> 00:50:58,965
want the health department? Yes or no? How many people want the city running the sportsplex?

660
00:50:59,625 --> 00:51:03,565
yes or no? How many people think we des we should have a chamber

661
00:51:03,875 --> 00:51:07,745
when we know it's illegal? Yes or no? Give us the

662
00:51:07,965 --> 00:51:11,825
opportunity to prove to this council that you guys are

663
00:51:12,045 --> 00:51:15,945
doing the wrong thing. It's your job to run the city of

664
00:51:16,165 --> 00:51:19,845
west covina. Not to run pothole businesses

665
00:51:20,465 --> 00:51:23,485
in the city of west covina down. Thank you.

666
00:51:24,875 --> 00:51:27,725
matthew p followed by maurice, followed by gilbert.

667
00:51:30,985 --> 00:51:34,925
be good afternoon. We meet again. I was everybody doing

668
00:51:35,085 --> 00:51:38,895
the night I, the belly night industries. I saw

669
00:51:39,095 --> 00:51:42,725
that in 2008. Um, I was going on the city of sina.

670
00:51:43,375 --> 00:51:47,335
I volunteered into the county where I'm currently working right now. I got my

671
00:51:47,495 --> 00:51:51,095
associate's degree in kinesiology, recreational sports, fleeting.

672
00:51:53,275 --> 00:51:57,175
and I'm here to redo the contract with valley night and the bus crew. It was a great

673
00:51:57,335 --> 00:52:00,575
opportunity for me. I didn't know what I wanted to do.

674
00:52:01,395 --> 00:52:05,375
but in the mornings I went to work, I did my job. And in the

675
00:52:05,495 --> 00:52:09,375
afternoon I volunteered into the county where I'm currently now. And I did over

676
00:52:09,535 --> 00:52:12,855
1600 hours for the county while I was in school.

677
00:52:14,195 --> 00:52:15,895
and I got, and I was coaching football.

678
00:52:22,035 --> 00:52:25,965
sorry, I have the speech prepaid, but I'm gonna fix from out.

679
00:52:28,305 --> 00:52:32,185
and I think we need to bring back the bus. Sina bus crew. Look at these guys.

680
00:52:33,295 --> 00:52:36,985
look at jack, look at gilbert. Look at all these bus crews.

681
00:52:37,885 --> 00:52:41,265
go around the city, sit with them, watch them.

682
00:52:42,475 --> 00:52:45,385
watch the pride that they take in cleaning these bus shelters.

683
00:52:46,695 --> 00:52:50,385
they're amazing. And I promise you, I promise

684
00:52:50,725 --> 00:52:53,815
you, if you guys take the time, rose,

685
00:52:57,135 --> 00:53:00,945
that letti tony vine, I challenge you guys

686
00:53:01,885 --> 00:53:04,825
to take one day, watch 'em, clean it.

687
00:53:05,975 --> 00:53:09,045
look at the pride that they have. They're angels.

688
00:53:10,415 --> 00:53:14,185
they're angels doing the job. And we need to bring it back

689
00:53:15,215 --> 00:53:18,605
because they've, because it, it's encouraging,

690
00:53:19,475 --> 00:53:22,145
it's inspiring and they love their job.

691
00:53:25,445 --> 00:53:29,195
I was a part of that team, I was a part of that

692
00:53:29,615 --> 00:53:33,455
and I watched it and I knew they were great people

693
00:53:34,575 --> 00:53:38,555
and I sat beside them. So thank you

694
00:53:38,635 --> 00:53:41,975
for this moment. And now I'm gonna go coach.

695
00:53:44,015 --> 00:53:47,995
I wanna coach. I'm a coach. I fall in love with coaching because of my

696
00:53:48,115 --> 00:53:52,035
amazing job. My amazing team give egs, who is an

697
00:53:52,235 --> 00:53:56,235
honor man. He loves his job and he trained a lot of

698
00:53:56,395 --> 00:54:00,355
other successful clients who work the

699
00:54:00,555 --> 00:54:03,275
dolly light. And now they do this, now they do

700
00:54:06,675 --> 00:54:10,575
radios, laverne college, ppa and

701
00:54:10,795 --> 00:54:14,775
all these agencies. And it started with this community, started with west covina

702
00:54:15,295 --> 00:54:19,275
and the bus crew. So let's bring

703
00:54:19,395 --> 00:54:22,915
it back. We know what to do. We

704
00:54:23,645 --> 00:54:25,925
know where site. Thank you for this moment.

705
00:54:30,355 --> 00:54:34,025
maurice wilder, followed by gilbert viegas,

706
00:54:34,725 --> 00:54:37,065
followed by johnny knights. Maurice wilder.

707
00:54:43,375 --> 00:54:44,845
maurice wilder.

708
00:54:54,265 --> 00:54:58,045
the next speaker after maurice is gilbert, followed by johnny.

709
00:55:15,925 --> 00:55:19,895
okay, it's okay. Hello council. Oh, can you speak to the speaker

710
00:55:20,365 --> 00:55:23,015
without the mic? Hello council members.

711
00:55:25,265 --> 00:55:29,175
let's see, where can I start? Uh, what I miss,

712
00:55:29,565 --> 00:55:32,835
what I liked working for the bus crew is

713
00:55:34,555 --> 00:55:38,135
it felt like I was giving more to the community. I got to know

714
00:55:38,885 --> 00:55:42,375
more, um, how you say it. For example,

715
00:55:43,025 --> 00:55:46,875
there was one incident that when we were cleaning a bus

716
00:55:47,125 --> 00:55:50,675
stop, a homeless guy, like around my age,

717
00:55:52,955 --> 00:55:56,795
he was already clean from ugh, . He was clean for

718
00:55:57,015 --> 00:56:00,835
us. And

719
00:56:01,235 --> 00:56:04,665
uh, what touched me the most

720
00:56:05,925 --> 00:56:08,845
was the fact that he said that we inspired him

721
00:56:10,095 --> 00:56:13,835
to clean up. Because nowadays

722
00:56:16,055 --> 00:56:19,675
the bus stops that I'm seeing, they're filthy

723
00:56:20,125 --> 00:56:22,605
right now. That's what I love, loved

724
00:56:24,195 --> 00:56:24,945
working for.

725
00:56:37,905 --> 00:56:38,915
yeah. Thank you.

726
00:56:45,965 --> 00:56:49,095
gilbert. Followed by johnny, followed by maria.

727
00:56:59,965 --> 00:57:03,895
hello city. How's going? How's doing this? Hi.

728
00:57:04,125 --> 00:57:07,915
how's everybody doing this evening? Yeah, you can bring it down too. Me go down.

729
00:57:08,375 --> 00:57:12,375
oh, no, no, not you. No, the mic, the mic can go up and down. . Anyway, just, uh,

730
00:57:13,045 --> 00:57:16,295
thank you for letting us be here. I work for the west covina

731
00:57:17,255 --> 00:57:21,195
center. Uh, we had the contract with the bus crew. Remember

732
00:57:21,275 --> 00:57:25,115
mayor was out there. But, uh, we took pride in what we did. Just like

733
00:57:25,315 --> 00:57:28,815
your police department, just like your fire department for west covina.

734
00:57:29,525 --> 00:57:33,365
there was a lot of pride in my crew. You heard the guys talking. Um, there

735
00:57:33,715 --> 00:57:37,485
was a homeless guy that told us that we impressed him by doing

736
00:57:37,835 --> 00:57:41,305
what we're doing. But um, god, I'm sort of a little nervous here,

737
00:57:41,975 --> 00:57:45,675
but I'm trying to, you know, but mayor out there,

738
00:57:46,295 --> 00:57:49,795
he went out there one time and seen us working and he took a picture of us working

739
00:57:50,735 --> 00:57:54,715
and um, we did a lot for you guys. We love working for you guys. We had

740
00:57:54,975 --> 00:57:58,855
so much pride work. They had pride what they would talk about working for

741
00:57:59,075 --> 00:58:02,575
the city of wis covina. You know, they had their badge

742
00:58:03,185 --> 00:58:07,185
on their badge, you know, and they were so, so proud of working for

743
00:58:07,405 --> 00:58:10,775
you guys. We did a lot for you guys too. We, uh,

744
00:58:11,485 --> 00:58:15,185
summertime we used to deliver water. We used to give water to the elderly,

745
00:58:16,055 --> 00:58:19,955
to the children on summertime. And the crew, they decided to do that. They bought it with

746
00:58:20,075 --> 00:58:23,715
their own money. They bought the water and we'd pass it out to the people.

747
00:58:25,235 --> 00:58:28,895
and when anything was wrong with the bus benches, we would let you guys know. We'd call our supervisors

748
00:58:29,495 --> 00:58:33,285
and our supervisor would call you guys graffiti. Everything, anything that

749
00:58:33,575 --> 00:58:37,415
was wrong. But, uh, we got a lot of compliments. They would tell us, well,

750
00:58:37,615 --> 00:58:41,565
why don't you go to pomona and start cleaning their benches, you know? But, uh, just

751
00:58:41,855 --> 00:58:45,335
thank you all of you. Thank you very much. All of you,

752
00:58:46,235 --> 00:58:49,855
you know. Um, and my men, I'm proud of them.

753
00:58:50,915 --> 00:58:54,815
I'm proud of what they do. Matt , what he did, you know,

754
00:58:55,795 --> 00:58:59,775
but just god bless you and thank you for giving us the opportunity for work for

755
00:58:59,975 --> 00:59:03,915
you guys now. Bless you. The wish that you want may come true

756
00:59:04,075 --> 00:59:06,395
for you and your family. Thank you very much.

757
00:59:11,295 --> 00:59:15,275
johnny. Followed by maria, followed by sage. I

758
00:59:21,065 --> 00:59:24,625
doing, my name is johnny, uh, castillo

759
00:59:25,525 --> 00:59:29,275
nis. And I am speaking on behalf of my son michael, who works

760
00:59:29,725 --> 00:59:33,115
for valley light and cleaning the buses. And

761
00:59:34,575 --> 00:59:37,815
I don't know how many years he's been there, but I lost count because he's been there so long

762
00:59:38,595 --> 00:59:42,175
and he's been working there. And, uh, once I heard about

763
00:59:43,315 --> 00:59:46,815
him losing the contract, he, uh, sort of,

764
00:59:48,285 --> 00:59:51,485
uh, out of place. He didn't know, well, what am I gonna do now?

765
00:59:52,815 --> 00:59:56,645
well, I told him there, there are other places that they have there, I'm pretty sure, you

766
00:59:56,865 --> 01:00:00,605
know, but, uh, he hasn't been working since

767
01:00:00,955 --> 01:00:04,575
the time of the loss of the contract. He hasn't been himself. Um,

768
01:00:05,815 --> 01:00:09,515
but I do know that it helped him a lot, that he got up every morning,

769
01:00:10,725 --> 01:00:14,665
would go to work, and he was very proud of himself. And I was very proud

770
01:00:14,825 --> 01:00:18,765
of him for being involved in a job that was

771
01:00:18,985 --> 01:00:22,705
paying him and being responsible of putting money in the bank,

772
01:00:23,045 --> 01:00:26,925
paying his bills and helping around the house. Now he

773
01:00:27,085 --> 01:00:30,785
has an opportunity to work at a different facility and he's a little

774
01:00:31,735 --> 01:00:35,585
more happier now. Uh, before that he wasn't really doing very much,

775
01:00:36,205 --> 01:00:40,105
uh, just waiting to see another opportunity. And now he has

776
01:00:40,265 --> 01:00:44,225
an opportunity, but he does want to go back to work for the

777
01:00:45,045 --> 01:00:48,965
bus routes, clean the bus stations at the city of west covina.

778
01:00:49,445 --> 01:00:53,325
and he took pride in that. A lot of pride. And, you know, I was very proud of him. You

779
01:00:53,545 --> 01:00:56,925
know, I look forward to see him go back if

780
01:00:57,565 --> 01:01:01,235
we got contractors, give it back to them, you know. 'cause you know, coach

781
01:01:01,585 --> 01:01:05,315
gilbert was very good. And he always told

782
01:01:05,605 --> 01:01:09,605
me that your son is very hardworking and he's, you know, he is a good job.

783
01:01:09,945 --> 01:01:13,885
he is very good at that, you know, so I also hope that they bring coach gilbert

784
01:01:14,275 --> 01:01:18,225
back. 'cause you know, it was like a small family, you

785
01:01:18,445 --> 01:01:22,345
know. And I, uh, appreciate your time for hearing

786
01:01:22,505 --> 01:01:25,985
this, and I thank you very much. Thank you.

787
01:01:28,115 --> 01:01:31,545
maria. Followed by s so maria,

788
01:01:32,345 --> 01:01:33,945
followed by sage, followed by julie.

789
01:01:44,165 --> 01:01:47,985
um, good evening, council members. Mayor. My name is maria amaya and I'm

790
01:01:48,185 --> 01:01:51,775
here representing valley light. I am the chairperson

791
01:01:52,925 --> 01:01:56,535
for the agency. Um, for months I had been

792
01:01:57,015 --> 01:01:59,485
reading contemplating, um,

793
01:02:01,265 --> 01:02:04,325
uh, statements that were made by a council member here.

794
01:02:05,525 --> 01:02:09,055
um, and in that we have been

795
01:02:10,455 --> 01:02:14,235
rising above that statement or statements made by a

796
01:02:14,595 --> 01:02:18,195
specific council member. Um, and in my research,

797
01:02:19,085 --> 01:02:23,045
I read this council member's bio and I thought, wow, this person

798
01:02:23,345 --> 01:02:27,065
is absolutely amazing. But after the incidents, um,

799
01:02:27,525 --> 01:02:31,245
I feel that this council member is just

800
01:02:31,845 --> 01:02:35,485
absolutely amazingly disappointing for the agency and the city.

801
01:02:36,945 --> 01:02:40,365
um, valley light. Um, we strive to celebrate

802
01:02:41,025 --> 01:02:44,825
our clients' challenges and triumphs. We

803
01:02:45,235 --> 01:02:48,915
also, um, advocate for our clients. We also,

804
01:02:49,425 --> 01:02:52,675
um, inspire that. I mean, hope that our clients' stories inspire

805
01:02:53,505 --> 01:02:56,685
the, the, the community as a whole.

806
01:02:57,545 --> 01:03:01,125
we hold, uh, true values for our agency and our clients.

807
01:03:02,385 --> 01:03:06,245
um, and, and the statement made here in this

808
01:03:06,525 --> 01:03:10,425
council member's bio, it

809
01:03:10,645 --> 01:03:14,435
shows that, um, there's a

810
01:03:15,035 --> 01:03:18,655
testament that what is impossible is always possible. And we feel the same way.

811
01:03:19,145 --> 01:03:23,105
that valley light, we hope that today our testament will

812
01:03:23,395 --> 01:03:27,005
show that what is impossible, actually possible. And

813
01:03:27,445 --> 01:03:31,145
we also feel that. Well, I feel that this council member's

814
01:03:32,085 --> 01:03:35,115
bio does not reflect, uh, there.

815
01:03:36,125 --> 01:03:38,385
action. Thank you. Thank you.

816
01:03:41,945 --> 01:03:45,655
sage newman, followed by julie, followed by nada

817
01:03:46,335 --> 01:03:50,085
nadi. Nada. Nad. Nada. Okay, sage? Yes.

818
01:03:50,525 --> 01:03:53,555
can I do mind that that's the order.

819
01:03:58,335 --> 01:03:59,775
julie, after julie,

820
01:04:04,775 --> 01:04:07,945
so I'm gonna call ivan, followed by julie, followed by nada.

821
01:04:09,225 --> 01:04:09,575
thank you.

822
01:04:15,435 --> 01:04:19,335
hi, my name is ivan. I'm actually the director of operations for valley

823
01:04:19,575 --> 01:04:23,175
light. I wanted to go and read a letter that was presented or prepared by hunt ortman,

824
01:04:23,655 --> 01:04:26,535
a law attorney group. Uh, it was directed to brian gutierrez.

825
01:04:27,805 --> 01:04:31,555
dear sir, our firm represents valley light center for social advancement in

826
01:04:31,935 --> 01:04:35,775
m. Louder in the mic. Yeah. A firm. Our firm represents valley

827
01:04:36,015 --> 01:04:39,575
light center for social advancement, a nonprofit organization that has served

828
01:04:40,315 --> 01:04:44,135
the west covina community for decades and employs adults with developmental disabilities through

829
01:04:44,635 --> 01:04:48,295
its supported programs. This letter concerns

830
01:04:49,075 --> 01:04:53,055
the false and defamatory statements you made about valley light during

831
01:04:53,615 --> 01:04:57,535
a recent public city council meeting of west covina. During your

832
01:04:57,775 --> 01:05:01,615
public comments, you stated and implied among other things that valley light

833
01:05:01,915 --> 01:05:05,735
was not performing contracted services, valley light was not cleaning bus shelters.

834
01:05:06,995 --> 01:05:10,495
valley light may not have engaged or may have engaged in fraudulent

835
01:05:11,055 --> 01:05:14,595
billing practices. Valley light may not be properly paying

836
01:05:15,315 --> 01:05:17,575
its workers implying wage law violations,

837
01:05:19,505 --> 01:05:23,445
and that complaints existed regarding valley light's work. Despite no such complaints

838
01:05:23,875 --> 01:05:27,725
ever having been submitted to, to the city or communicated to

839
01:05:27,925 --> 01:05:31,925
valley light, the statements were made without evidence, investigation, or factual

840
01:05:32,455 --> 01:05:36,005
basis. And were presented as statements of fact not opinion

841
01:05:36,785 --> 01:05:40,765
to a public body and audience that included city officials and members of the

842
01:05:40,885 --> 01:05:44,765
public who are involved in public contracting decisions that have economic

843
01:05:45,025 --> 01:05:48,885
impact on valley light. Your statements are

844
01:05:49,285 --> 01:05:53,265
demonstrably false as of the date of this letter. Valley light has, doc

845
01:05:53,785 --> 01:05:57,525
has no documented complaints on record with the city valley. Light

846
01:05:57,825 --> 01:06:01,545
has performed consistently and continuously under its contract for decades. Valley

847
01:06:01,965 --> 01:06:05,785
light maintains a timestamp documentation, photographic records of

848
01:06:06,005 --> 01:06:09,825
its work. Valley light has repeatedly been asked by the city to take on

849
01:06:10,045 --> 01:06:13,605
additional work, including emergency and sub supplemental services.

850
01:06:14,415 --> 01:06:18,245
value light has been repeatedly complimented for its excellent provisions of

851
01:06:18,565 --> 01:06:22,355
services to the city. There is no evidence whatsoever of fraud, wage

852
01:06:22,645 --> 01:06:26,185
violations, failure to perform, nor any other allegation you

853
01:06:27,365 --> 01:06:31,005
recklessly raise at the city hall meeting. While publicly

854
01:06:31,475 --> 01:06:35,445
asserting false claims that impugn value, light's, honesty, and legal compliance,

855
01:06:36,465 --> 01:06:39,925
you expose value light to reputational harm, loss of economic,

856
01:06:40,725 --> 01:06:44,195
economic opportunities, including donor goodwill, knowingly

857
01:06:45,025 --> 01:06:48,525
and recklessly making false statements of fact that harm an organization's reputation

858
01:06:49,635 --> 01:06:53,245
constitutes defamation under california law. When the state,

859
01:06:53,835 --> 01:06:57,605
when those statements concern the quality of services business integrity,

860
01:06:58,395 --> 01:07:01,995
they may also constitute trade liable and intentional

861
01:07:02,685 --> 01:07:06,205
interference with prospective economic advantage. Your statements

862
01:07:06,705 --> 01:07:10,605
are particularly harmful given that value employs adults with

863
01:07:10,915 --> 01:07:14,725
developmental disabilities, individuals who are entitled to dignity

864
01:07:15,145 --> 01:07:18,715
and protection from discriminatory, stigmatizing public accusations.

865
01:07:20,495 --> 01:07:21,115
thank you. Okay,

866
01:07:24,865 --> 01:07:28,605
ju julie, followed by nara, followed by sage.

867
01:07:37,935 --> 01:07:41,735
hi. Good evening mayor and council members. Thank you for allowing me

868
01:07:41,955 --> 01:07:44,825
to speak here. My name is julie wallick and I am a certified,

869
01:07:46,095 --> 01:07:49,895
uh, custom employment specialist for the valley light industries in

870
01:07:50,115 --> 01:07:53,475
the city of azusa. Um, what I do is I find employment

871
01:07:54,175 --> 01:07:58,175
for and customize it around the clients that are looking for work. And I'm

872
01:07:58,395 --> 01:08:01,955
happy and excited to hear that you're getting two new businesses in west covina that I can

873
01:08:03,015 --> 01:08:06,955
go interfere into and find work for my clients. I am currently working

874
01:08:07,155 --> 01:08:10,875
with a client at the moment that used to be on the bus crew. Well, I'm trying to find employment

875
01:08:11,545 --> 01:08:15,445
because there's no longer a bus crew for her to participate in for the

876
01:08:15,565 --> 01:08:19,285
city of west covina. Um, she has told me,

877
01:08:19,725 --> 01:08:23,685
actually today I engaged with her and she says, julia, I take the bus to work. And I noticed

878
01:08:23,915 --> 01:08:27,545
that the buses in the bus stops in the city of west covina aren't

879
01:08:27,965 --> 01:08:31,785
looking as sparkly as they used to . So, um, I just wanted to, uh,

880
01:08:32,005 --> 01:08:35,585
show you, share my testimony with you from her and that I, uh,

881
01:08:36,025 --> 01:08:39,845
try to find these individuals work in the city of west covina. 'cause some of them live

882
01:08:40,085 --> 01:08:43,885
in the city of west covina. So, um, I appreciate your time.

883
01:08:44,345 --> 01:08:48,045
that's all I have to say. I do have business cards for anybody who has a

884
01:08:48,365 --> 01:08:51,645
business. We're trying to find employment for some of my clients.

885
01:08:52,505 --> 01:08:54,365
so, um, ,

886
01:08:57,315 --> 01:09:01,285
I'll leave, I'll leave some here on the podium for you and also on

887
01:09:01,445 --> 01:09:05,445
the table outside, upstairs. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you for listening. I appreciate your

888
01:09:05,605 --> 01:09:05,605
time.

889
01:09:09,675 --> 01:09:12,675
nara followed by sage, followed by brian caldone.

890
01:09:15,625 --> 01:09:19,185
good evening everyone. My name is nada

891
01:09:19,715 --> 01:09:23,715
sali. I work with valley light center for social advancement. Is a

892
01:09:23,835 --> 01:09:27,555
non-profit organization that works with individual with special

893
01:09:28,225 --> 01:09:31,725
ability. Valley light center is doing really meaningful

894
01:09:32,505 --> 01:09:35,715
work every day. We support individual in building independence,

895
01:09:36,685 --> 01:09:40,425
confidence, and life skills that truly improve their quality of life.

896
01:09:41,855 --> 01:09:45,305
our focus has always been on dignity, choice, and inclusion,

897
01:09:46,575 --> 01:09:50,535
and that continues to guide everything we do. One

898
01:09:50,775 --> 01:09:54,615
of the highlights that one of our individual has been invited to

899
01:09:54,835 --> 01:09:57,695
sacramento to meet with the legislators. Woo.

900
01:10:02,015 --> 01:10:05,685
we are proud of where we are and excited about

901
01:10:06,085 --> 01:10:09,755
where we are going. And many of our individual are wests

902
01:10:10,095 --> 01:10:13,995
covina residents. And I would like also to share during their free time.

903
01:10:14,345 --> 01:10:18,315
they like to make beanies and scarves, and they like to give

904
01:10:18,475 --> 01:10:22,435
it to the riverbed outreach and others as well. Thank you very much.

905
01:10:22,925 --> 01:10:23,275
thank you.

906
01:10:27,915 --> 01:10:31,895
sage. Followed by brian calderone. Tabba followed by glenn kennedy. Sage newman.

907
01:10:48,175 --> 01:10:51,635
okay. I need to make sure I'm looking at the right person. Brian.

908
01:10:53,125 --> 01:10:56,925
oh, he moved. Oh yeah, I finally moved. Oh,

909
01:10:57,175 --> 01:11:00,795
okay. Good. That's at the very end. Um, brian,

910
01:11:01,695 --> 01:11:05,435
this is just a fraction of the people that supported

911
01:11:06,045 --> 01:11:09,545
you when you ran for office. We were so

912
01:11:10,235 --> 01:11:13,565
excited it brian, to have someone

913
01:11:15,235 --> 01:11:19,075
with a different ability. I'm sorry. Is

914
01:11:19,295 --> 01:11:23,215
it right here? Am I the audience can hear you now. You gotta gimme five extra seconds.

915
01:11:23,755 --> 01:11:27,275
no problem. With the different ability. We were so

916
01:11:27,885 --> 01:11:31,795
excited. We were your cheerleaders. We

917
01:11:32,135 --> 01:11:35,675
were behind you. And you know what? You

918
01:11:36,295 --> 01:11:40,275
attacked us. That's the way you thanked us. By

919
01:11:40,965 --> 01:11:42,315
attacking our

920
01:11:45,035 --> 01:11:48,695
agency, attacking the integrity of our

921
01:11:49,275 --> 01:11:53,115
agency, without even doing your homework, you

922
01:11:53,335 --> 01:11:56,955
are supposed to represent us better than that, brian. I am so,

923
01:11:57,675 --> 01:12:01,655
so disappointed. I have a couple of board members

924
01:12:02,005 --> 01:12:05,815
that don't wanna come here because you have made it a

925
01:12:06,215 --> 01:12:10,055
practice to retaliate against people that say things that you don't

926
01:12:10,335 --> 01:12:14,215
like and you do it through ai. May I

927
01:12:14,435 --> 01:12:18,435
say the cease and desist order

928
01:12:18,785 --> 01:12:22,575
that brian, uh, I'm sorry. That, um, ivan read. That's

929
01:12:22,995 --> 01:12:26,735
from a real attorney, brian. Okay. Not ai.

930
01:12:27,235 --> 01:12:30,945
a real attorney. And you will not come at my people. It's

931
01:12:31,275 --> 01:12:34,965
a shame that I have board members that don't even wanna show their face because you intimidate

932
01:12:35,635 --> 01:12:38,235
them. You have taken

933
01:12:40,355 --> 01:12:43,265
a beautiful different ability and you've made it into something ugly.

934
01:12:44,935 --> 01:12:48,905
autism is beautiful. I've worked with many clients that

935
01:12:49,455 --> 01:12:53,255
had autism that in addition to my

936
01:12:53,475 --> 01:12:56,705
43-year-old son who is autistic.

937
01:12:58,125 --> 01:13:01,845
so you've harmed a lot of people. You've harmed my son.

938
01:13:02,645 --> 01:13:06,425
you, you, no one is gonna wanna take on autism or someone

939
01:13:06,735 --> 01:13:10,205
with autism because they've seen how you,

940
01:13:10,765 --> 01:13:14,085
or how you or how you, uh, behave.

941
01:13:16,315 --> 01:13:20,085
and they don't wanna take that on. It's been ugly. You have taken something. Maya

942
01:13:20,375 --> 01:13:24,365
angelou said, diversity brings

943
01:13:24,785 --> 01:13:28,755
beauty and strength. Brian, you've made it into something ugly

944
01:13:29,985 --> 01:13:33,695
and unappealing. We'll be lucky if julie can place

945
01:13:34,395 --> 01:13:35,865
some of our clients who have autism

946
01:13:38,735 --> 01:13:42,565
into gainful employment because you sat up here and

947
01:13:42,785 --> 01:13:46,545
you have weaponized it. You've taken your different

948
01:13:46,945 --> 01:13:50,345
ability and you used it not to champion disabilities,

949
01:13:51,205 --> 01:13:54,735
but to weaponize it, and you also

950
01:13:55,375 --> 01:13:59,305
exploited it. And you are very dangerous to be

951
01:13:59,425 --> 01:14:03,145
on that council right now for persons with disabilities. Thank you.

952
01:14:03,535 --> 01:14:05,945
took time. Thank you. Thank you.

953
01:14:12,175 --> 01:14:15,725
brian caldron tabba, followed by glenn kennedy, followed by mario

954
01:14:16,715 --> 01:14:16,715
sono.

955
01:14:21,245 --> 01:14:25,165
uh, uh, thank you. Just wanna thank, uh, valley light and, and

956
01:14:25,405 --> 01:14:28,885
all the community members, uh, who've come out and,

957
01:14:29,685 --> 01:14:33,585
uh, done so many, so much great work over the years. And, and sage,

958
01:14:33,755 --> 01:14:37,565
thank you for, uh, providing that opportunity. Um,

959
01:14:38,045 --> 01:14:41,725
I'm, I'm here tonight. Um, a lot's, lot's been going on.

960
01:14:42,525 --> 01:14:46,525
um, so I did want to get into the record here in the city of west covina,

961
01:14:47,445 --> 01:14:51,385
uh, and acknowledge, um, those that have been, uh, murdered

962
01:14:51,765 --> 01:14:55,405
by, by ice and, uh, in detainment,

963
01:14:56,745 --> 01:15:00,435
uh, and through shootings. Um, renee, nicole, good, alex

964
01:15:01,015 --> 01:15:04,465
preti, verio, viegas gonzalez, keith porter, jr.

965
01:15:05,335 --> 01:15:07,525
henry aldo ruiz, guillen

966
01:15:11,035 --> 01:15:14,785
juan, alexis martinez, brian rao, garon non

967
01:15:16,135 --> 01:15:20,135
marie, an blaze delgado. Jesus

968
01:15:20,625 --> 01:15:24,025
molina, johnny ello, wan fan.

969
01:15:27,555 --> 01:15:31,505
lorenzo antonio batres vargas, oscar rascon, ismail

970
01:15:32,345 --> 01:15:35,525
ael, ala delvin, francisco rodriguez,

971
01:15:36,355 --> 01:15:40,265
geraldo, luna campos, victor manuel diaz, parada

972
01:15:41,425 --> 01:15:45,035
la luis tran, yez cruz, luis gustavo

973
01:15:45,975 --> 01:15:49,925
nunez, caes. And, uh, the others, uh, that we don't know

974
01:15:50,295 --> 01:15:53,865
about. Uh, I'm, I'm here, um, because, uh,

975
01:15:54,825 --> 01:15:58,505
la county, uh, on january 13th, uh, passed

976
01:15:59,345 --> 01:16:03,065
an ice free zones in la county. Uh,

977
01:16:03,465 --> 01:16:07,165
and I provided the, the mayor, the mayor, pro tem, uh, the city,

978
01:16:07,625 --> 01:16:11,545
uh, manager and the city attorney, a copy of that. Plus, uh,

979
01:16:11,965 --> 01:16:15,605
I, uh, I also, uh, provided all the council members, including

980
01:16:16,225 --> 01:16:19,765
the mayor, city attorney, and city manager, um, a

981
01:16:20,645 --> 01:16:24,645
resolution that west covina can do. Uh, la county. When they

982
01:16:24,805 --> 01:16:28,785
wrote theirs, they modeled it, hoping that all 88 cities in

983
01:16:29,545 --> 01:16:33,365
la county would also adopt a similar measure. And what this measure

984
01:16:33,795 --> 01:16:37,705
does is it is it really protects the community from having our

985
01:16:37,925 --> 01:16:41,905
public spaces that we pay our tax dollars to, our, our parks, uh,

986
01:16:42,305 --> 01:16:46,105
our community centers, uh, the areas that we gather as,

987
01:16:46,345 --> 01:16:49,865
as a community, uh, to keep them safe, uh, from having to

988
01:16:50,485 --> 01:16:54,145
interact with, with, uh, dhs border patrol and, and ice.

989
01:16:54,665 --> 01:16:58,115
uh, again, when, when we look to congregate as community,

990
01:16:59,105 --> 01:17:02,605
um, we look to do it with joy, with love, and to know that we are safe.

991
01:17:03,225 --> 01:17:06,825
uh, we don't do it, uh, to be around mass men with assault rifles,

992
01:17:07,465 --> 01:17:11,445
uh, that put our lives in danger. Um, and so I hope that the council

993
01:17:11,835 --> 01:17:15,605
will take a moment, uh, to look at this resolution, take time with

994
01:17:15,845 --> 01:17:19,325
it, and hopefully it'll show up on a future agenda. Uh, I appreciate

995
01:17:19,905 --> 01:17:21,925
all you do, uh, and thank you for your time.

996
01:17:23,935 --> 01:17:27,725
glenn kennedy, followed by mario, followed by ravens and vargas,

997
01:17:28,005 --> 01:17:28,005
jr.

998
01:17:33,185 --> 01:17:36,875
good evening, wes covina. How's everybody doing tonight?

999
01:17:38,055 --> 01:17:42,035
I'm glenn kennedy. I represent the historical society and it, it's that time

1000
01:17:42,195 --> 01:17:45,755
of the month again. So, uh, this friday we are having our meeting

1001
01:17:46,235 --> 01:17:47,965
greet, uh, seven o'clock 3 33 38,

1002
01:17:50,335 --> 01:17:53,515
uh, glendora avenue. Everybody here is welcome to join,

1003
01:17:54,575 --> 01:17:58,415
uh, this month we will be doing west covina canine. So,

1004
01:17:58,815 --> 01:18:02,575
uh, we also are moving along with our,

1005
01:18:02,975 --> 01:18:06,635
uh, round table. That's every thursday, every the first and third

1006
01:18:07,075 --> 01:18:10,965
thursday of every month at six o'clock, six to eight. Anybody who's

1007
01:18:11,375 --> 01:18:15,235
is interested in history in the city of west covina and the

1008
01:18:15,635 --> 01:18:18,835
surrounding areas. That's all. Thank you very much and have a beautiful evening,

1009
01:18:20,485 --> 01:18:22,555
mario, followed by raven st. Vargas.

1010
01:18:27,865 --> 01:18:31,615
hello, counsel. Uh, let's see here. One quick note.

1011
01:18:31,925 --> 01:18:35,545
item 11. Um, I am biased 'cause I am a pet owner, dog lover.

1012
01:18:36,335 --> 01:18:39,655
I think all the fountains should be with pet stations, not just four.

1013
01:18:40,445 --> 01:18:44,355
alright, so moving on. I am here representing the,

1014
01:18:44,655 --> 01:18:48,415
uh, west covina business district, historic west covina business district.

1015
01:18:49,355 --> 01:18:52,765
uh, and, and it's 26 member businesses, organizations.

1016
01:18:53,915 --> 01:18:57,445
at the december 15 city council meeting, prior to the council's five oh vote,

1017
01:18:58,005 --> 01:19:01,665
approving the athens amendment, we formally requested that the cedar review, the proposed trash

1018
01:19:02,015 --> 01:19:05,375
rate increase impacting businesses. That request remains unanswered.

1019
01:19:06,245 --> 01:19:10,095
what businesses are now experiencing is not a 17% increase in many

1020
01:19:10,295 --> 01:19:14,255
cases. One french one franchise fees, surcharges, and bundled

1021
01:19:14,775 --> 01:19:18,495
services are applied. The real increase ranges from 17% to well over

1022
01:19:18,855 --> 01:19:22,745
a hundred percent, approaching 300% for certain line items. While

1023
01:19:23,095 --> 01:19:26,815
residential rates remain largely unaffected. This is a business only burden, and it's

1024
01:19:27,175 --> 01:19:31,135
creating immediate financial strain across west covina. The historic

1025
01:19:31,255 --> 01:19:35,105
west covina business district is requesting city council action in two specific ways. First,

1026
01:19:35,555 --> 01:19:39,175
we ask that city establish a stakeholder committee to develop a fair and equitable trash

1027
01:19:39,575 --> 01:19:43,425
rate structure. This committee should include local businesses, residents, city staff,

1028
01:19:43,995 --> 01:19:47,955
athens representative hospitals, and civic organizations. So

1029
01:19:48,175 --> 01:19:52,095
that impacts alternatives and mitigation. Strategies can be openly discussed before

1030
01:19:52,375 --> 01:19:55,525
further action is taken. Second, we request immediate financial

1031
01:19:56,675 --> 01:20:00,595
relief for west covina businesses by returning the approximate 1.5 million and

1032
01:20:00,815 --> 01:20:04,135
newly received franchise free revenue back to the business community.

1033
01:20:05,105 --> 01:20:09,045
these funds were not previously budgeted or relied upon and should be used now to,

1034
01:20:09,505 --> 01:20:11,885
to offset the financial hardship this decision has created.

1035
01:20:13,605 --> 01:20:17,365
additionally, we respectfully request that all city impose trash related fees on businesses

1036
01:20:17,645 --> 01:20:21,205
be temporarily waived until a fair and transparent plan is developed and approved.

1037
01:20:22,025 --> 01:20:25,925
the historic west conven business district is not asking to avoid compliance with state law. We

1038
01:20:26,125 --> 01:20:30,085
are asking for collaboration, transparency, and equity. We'll continue to seek a

1039
01:20:30,325 --> 01:20:34,025
revised amendment approved by this council that reflects the business friendly west covina, and

1040
01:20:34,485 --> 01:20:38,305
demonstrates that the city values its local businesses, its partners, not

1041
01:20:38,525 --> 01:20:41,765
revenue sources in closely. I want to talk on a personal observation

1042
01:20:43,075 --> 01:20:46,885
with regards to municipal analogs. When the city

1043
01:20:47,265 --> 01:20:50,765
was looking to justify bringing a health department, we were

1044
01:20:51,285 --> 01:20:55,245
compared to burbank long beach. Um, what was it?

1045
01:20:55,485 --> 01:20:59,435
pasadena, uh, to justify, you know, that, of bringing a health department when

1046
01:20:59,725 --> 01:21:03,645
you wanted to reduce the time. Speaking from five minutes to three minutes, we looked at

1047
01:21:03,805 --> 01:21:07,045
cities like covina, el monte, baldwin park to justify that.

1048
01:21:08,025 --> 01:21:12,005
I'm wondering why, you know, we did not look at that for the athens contract.

1049
01:21:12,695 --> 01:21:16,605
we're not reinventing the wheel here. Athens is implementing this for the last four years across other municipalities.

1050
01:21:18,005 --> 01:21:21,925
a simple request by staff to research how it's being rolled out in other cities,

1051
01:21:22,805 --> 01:21:24,645
I think would've been warranted. Thank you.

1052
01:21:29,545 --> 01:21:30,585
ray vincent vargas, jr.

1053
01:21:36,175 --> 01:21:39,035
good evening. First off, I want to give props

1054
01:21:40,605 --> 01:21:44,305
and appreciation to, uh, doug and, uh, tina's, uh,

1055
01:21:44,785 --> 01:21:48,665
tavern. Um, you guys see

1056
01:21:48,865 --> 01:21:52,545
what you guys are doing. You guys are destroying small businesses here in west

1057
01:21:52,885 --> 01:21:56,865
covina because of the greed that's shameful of you

1058
01:21:56,985 --> 01:22:00,135
guys. Also, I want to give props and recognition

1059
01:22:01,925 --> 01:22:05,555
to, uh, tony corina and his, uh, staff.

1060
01:22:06,745 --> 01:22:10,715
I talked to tony at last meeting about heavy equipment going

1061
01:22:11,125 --> 01:22:15,125
up and down south and north on vincent. He got,

1062
01:22:15,485 --> 01:22:19,015
uh, patrol up there and eliminated that.

1063
01:22:19,885 --> 01:22:23,575
and I also want to give props and recognition to the fire department. They're

1064
01:22:24,125 --> 01:22:28,065
up and down all over west covina. I see them a

1065
01:22:28,185 --> 01:22:31,165
lot at my place. Uh, up and down, uh,

1066
01:22:32,195 --> 01:22:36,095
north on, uh, vincent south on vincent. You know, they're

1067
01:22:36,825 --> 01:22:40,185
doing a fantastic job. The three of you here,

1068
01:22:41,465 --> 01:22:44,985
I hope I, I heard three elections are gonna be coming up pretty soon.

1069
01:22:45,785 --> 01:22:48,185
I hope it's the three that gotta be replaced right away.

1070
01:22:50,685 --> 01:22:54,345
um, tony and the fire department,

1071
01:22:54,705 --> 01:22:57,775
thank you for your services. Um,

1072
01:23:05,355 --> 01:23:09,125
there's a big corruption. We all know it. Tony asked me, uh, last

1073
01:23:09,405 --> 01:23:13,065
meeting, ray, uh, uh, what's the problem? What's

1074
01:23:13,485 --> 01:23:16,445
the problem, mr. Corina? The problem is here.

1075
01:23:17,625 --> 01:23:21,575
the three, the three corrupted, uh, counsel people,

1076
01:23:23,305 --> 01:23:26,335
steve bennetton came up. He said what? He said,

1077
01:23:27,395 --> 01:23:31,375
the guy's to the target and to the point. Some of you guys don't like

1078
01:23:31,575 --> 01:23:35,495
it. Some of you guys sit here with bulldog faces, but he says it the way it

1079
01:23:35,615 --> 01:23:38,125
is. It's the truth. You know,

1080
01:23:39,935 --> 01:23:43,785
brian gutierrez, we elected him. He

1081
01:23:44,025 --> 01:23:47,315
got several and majority of the votes because

1082
01:23:48,465 --> 01:23:52,245
we wanted somebody to do something in our district. We wanted to see change.

1083
01:23:53,905 --> 01:23:57,715
he's digging, he's discovering, and he sees the corruption

1084
01:23:58,235 --> 01:24:02,205
here. He's fighting an uphill battle because he's doing it

1085
01:24:02,445 --> 01:24:05,855
all alone. You know, it's not easy

1086
01:24:06,725 --> 01:24:10,035
when everybody's against you, milan,

1087
01:24:11,755 --> 01:24:15,595
you know what's going on. If you know what's going on, say

1088
01:24:15,815 --> 01:24:19,335
something. Don't get comfortable where

1089
01:24:19,855 --> 01:24:23,775
you're at, and don't secure or try and

1090
01:24:23,895 --> 01:24:27,535
secure your employment. You know,

1091
01:24:28,005 --> 01:24:31,495
make sure the residents, the community, and the city is good.

1092
01:24:32,815 --> 01:24:36,615
you know, I'll have more respect for you when I see that.

1093
01:24:38,305 --> 01:24:42,255
thank you, mayor. I have a late submission of a

1094
01:24:42,375 --> 01:24:46,265
speaker card if you would like to hear it. Go ahead. Yes. Yes.

1095
01:24:46,635 --> 01:24:47,225
colleen rosati.

1096
01:24:51,285 --> 01:24:55,275
sorry. , is that a cry? ?

1097
01:25:13,555 --> 01:25:17,045
thank you, mayor. I appreciate you allowing me to speak. Um,

1098
01:25:17,785 --> 01:25:20,985
I just wanted to take a moment. West covina beautiful. Thank you

1099
01:25:21,875 --> 01:25:25,845
chief brown for acknowledging us with the slideshow this evening. We

1100
01:25:26,065 --> 01:25:29,805
really appreciate it. For those of you that don't know, west covina

1101
01:25:30,225 --> 01:25:33,385
beautiful is the oldest nonprofit here in the city, established 78

1102
01:25:34,235 --> 01:25:38,145
years ago. And I'm the current president, ceo, and proud to

1103
01:25:38,305 --> 01:25:42,225
be. So, um, recently we had a huge project

1104
01:25:42,975 --> 01:25:46,345
past this past weekend, a program that started in 2018,

1105
01:25:47,025 --> 01:25:50,735
hashtag impact. Um, my daughter and I, ashley noticed that

1106
01:25:51,295 --> 01:25:54,985
city of west covina was looking a little tired, and we decided

1107
01:25:55,805 --> 01:25:59,585
to make a difference, as cliche as that sounds.

1108
01:26:00,485 --> 01:26:04,485
so we got together with some important community sponsors

1109
01:26:05,385 --> 01:26:08,105
and partners and decided how can we combat

1110
01:26:10,225 --> 01:26:13,485
the disarray that's going on in west covina? Excuse me.

1111
01:26:14,745 --> 01:26:18,645
so we pulled together some dynamic community partners who are

1112
01:26:18,805 --> 01:26:22,255
still our community partners today, athens suburban water,

1113
01:26:23,185 --> 01:26:26,615
um, royal coaches, mcintyre ecosystems,

1114
01:26:27,865 --> 01:26:31,795
et cetera. There's a tenant foundation. They stepped up and help us with

1115
01:26:32,125 --> 01:26:35,565
a few funds to get the ball rolling. This past weekend,

1116
01:26:36,505 --> 01:26:40,365
we were asked by the city code enforcement to see

1117
01:26:40,525 --> 01:26:44,125
if we could help some senior citizens. A 95-year-old

1118
01:26:44,965 --> 01:26:48,805
woman who has dementia, and her daughter, who is almost 70,

1119
01:26:49,835 --> 01:26:52,925
live in a beautiful home in south hills. It's exquisite.

1120
01:26:53,945 --> 01:26:57,725
it was overgrown. It hadn't been taken care of in probably about five years.

1121
01:26:58,715 --> 01:27:02,605
code enforcement had cited them many, many, many times. And I don't

1122
01:27:02,845 --> 01:27:06,685
know if you're aware, but at some point, if nothing is done, it gets turned

1123
01:27:06,965 --> 01:27:10,565
over to the district attorney and even further receivership

1124
01:27:11,225 --> 01:27:15,125
by the city. And if you know what that means, it means that the city could take the

1125
01:27:15,605 --> 01:27:19,605
property, remodel, fix it up, and then sell it,

1126
01:27:20,545 --> 01:27:24,545
and then those folks would have to be relocated. So we stepped in.

1127
01:27:24,865 --> 01:27:28,755
we called our community partners, the firefighters association.

1128
01:27:29,445 --> 01:27:32,995
3, 2, 2 6. They came out in force. I'm gonna tell you, those guys are maniacs

1129
01:27:33,485 --> 01:27:37,425
with power tools. Sean weiss was outta control. Anyway,

1130
01:27:37,905 --> 01:27:41,755
we filled up a dumpster, a roll off, which is the size of a semi that

1131
01:27:42,045 --> 01:27:45,925
was donated for free by athens to help the seniors in need.

1132
01:27:46,785 --> 01:27:50,645
we beautified that property, it people have driven by it four times

1133
01:27:51,345 --> 01:27:55,205
and said, I couldn't find the house. Where is the house that you can now see the house

1134
01:27:55,715 --> 01:27:59,525
that you couldn't see two weeks ago? So, we're happy to partner

1135
01:27:59,855 --> 01:28:03,405
again with the fire department, athens services, suburban tenant foundation,

1136
01:28:04,065 --> 01:28:07,885
and all of our community partners. Thank you for coming out. My board

1137
01:28:08,165 --> 01:28:12,025
of directors, my students from west covina high school, gold bulldogs, and

1138
01:28:12,245 --> 01:28:15,925
from mecca, they were there, raking, hoeing, and pulling

1139
01:28:16,335 --> 01:28:19,525
weeds. Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank you.

1140
01:28:23,905 --> 01:28:27,765
no, mr. Speaker, no further speakers. Mayor. Um, so acting city manager, will you please respond to

1141
01:28:28,065 --> 01:28:31,665
all the public comments, concerns quite a few tonight, madam mayor. Um,

1142
01:28:32,355 --> 01:28:36,085
I'll start working backwards here. Colleen, thank you for your work with west covina.

1143
01:28:36,485 --> 01:28:39,805
beautiful. Identifying your community partners, working with fire department,

1144
01:28:40,745 --> 01:28:44,525
um, local 3, 2, 2, 6. Uh, aware of the property that you,

1145
01:28:45,225 --> 01:28:49,165
uh, and the crew cleaned up, and citations were not issued, but they

1146
01:28:49,285 --> 01:28:53,245
were noticed many times that the property needed to be cleaned. I'm glad that our

1147
01:28:53,445 --> 01:28:56,985
staff was able to work with your group to get this property cleaned. Um,

1148
01:28:57,485 --> 01:29:01,320
ra vargas, thank you for, um, thanking our police department, our fire department for

1149
01:29:01,520 --> 01:29:05,365
the great work they do. They are very responsive. They are out and about doing the best they

1150
01:29:05,565 --> 01:29:09,565
can. And for my position here, as I mentioned to doug ford, one of the

1151
01:29:09,645 --> 01:29:13,545
very first meetings, you know, my focus is on the community first, and I'm

1152
01:29:13,765 --> 01:29:17,665
not married to this position. So if you see me back on the streets, so be it. But it

1153
01:29:17,885 --> 01:29:21,745
is the community first. I'm working on transparent, transparency, making

1154
01:29:22,165 --> 01:29:25,845
the city more accountable and doing the best for this community that I can. While I'm up here,

1155
01:29:27,745 --> 01:29:30,465
um, for mario, um,

1156
01:29:31,785 --> 01:29:35,445
sherry, doug, tina, thank you for speaking on the implementation

1157
01:29:36,265 --> 01:29:39,685
of, um, 1383 and some of the complications

1158
01:29:40,305 --> 01:29:44,085
that's come along with that, I know athens is currently, uh, working with residential

1159
01:29:45,035 --> 01:29:48,925
more specifically, they're also working with the business community, um, trying to address some

1160
01:29:49,125 --> 01:29:52,805
of the con concerns they've brought forward. That being said, the city council has tasked

1161
01:29:53,205 --> 01:29:57,105
me with, um, meeting with athens. Um, as

1162
01:29:57,325 --> 01:30:01,185
soon we are, we're meeting tomorrow, and then we're meeting weekly to address the

1163
01:30:01,405 --> 01:30:05,405
concerns, the ideas, and the things you've brought forward. Um, so I

1164
01:30:05,525 --> 01:30:09,525
just want you to understand that you, you are being heard. The council has heard you, and they have

1165
01:30:09,685 --> 01:30:13,515
asked me to accelerate my work with this project. As you know, this

1166
01:30:13,805 --> 01:30:17,705
project was, uh, going on for multiple years and just recently got

1167
01:30:18,085 --> 01:30:21,885
approved, but it started, um, back six, eight years ago when this first

1168
01:30:22,155 --> 01:30:26,125
started. Um, doug, with your questions and the limited time I have,

1169
01:30:26,545 --> 01:30:30,165
um, I'm gonna send you a detailed email tomorrow to answer. I wrote down all your questions

1170
01:30:30,755 --> 01:30:34,205
with specifics so you have it in print. You can share it with the business community,

1171
01:30:35,065 --> 01:30:38,965
and hopefully that gets some, uh, uh, relevant and correct information out there to everybody.

1172
01:30:39,395 --> 01:30:43,285
from there, we can move forward and work, um, with your business

1173
01:30:43,405 --> 01:30:47,365
community on the glendora district, as well as throughout the city as we implement 1383

1174
01:30:48,225 --> 01:30:51,645
and address some of the hiccups and concerns that have been, um, brought forward.

1175
01:30:52,665 --> 01:30:56,505
um, brian calderon, tabba, thank you for bringing, um,

1176
01:30:56,725 --> 01:31:00,405
the handouts and samples today and speaking on federal activities within

1177
01:31:00,825 --> 01:31:04,805
the city. Uh, glenn kennedy, thank you for your work with the historical

1178
01:31:05,235 --> 01:31:08,725
society, and again, your meeting this friday, 7:00 pm at 3 3 8.

1179
01:31:09,865 --> 01:31:13,045
um, glen dora, um, I have is glen still here?

1180
01:31:14,195 --> 01:31:17,525
glen, I did see you on social media and doing your podcast, some great information

1181
01:31:18,385 --> 01:31:22,235
and historical information about the city for ivan, nada,

1182
01:31:23,135 --> 01:31:27,075
julie, maria, johnny gilbert, maurice, matthew,

1183
01:31:27,665 --> 01:31:31,405
and especially sage. Um, we do appreciate and thank you for the work that you've

1184
01:31:31,685 --> 01:31:35,675
done within our community for, for many years. Um, the people that work

1185
01:31:36,345 --> 01:31:39,875
the streets, our police, fire, public safety, um, they

1186
01:31:40,485 --> 01:31:44,255
recognize the hard work and dedication that you put into, uh, cleaning our bus stops.

1187
01:31:44,915 --> 01:31:48,805
what people may not recognize is that often you would clean a

1188
01:31:48,925 --> 01:31:52,835
bus stop and then unfortunately, unhoused or others would then mess

1189
01:31:53,145 --> 01:31:57,125
it up pretty quick, quickly afterwards. But I, I do understand, I do

1190
01:31:57,245 --> 01:31:59,885
appreciate all the work that you put in, um, to our city.

1191
01:32:02,065 --> 01:32:05,485
um, steve bennett, uh, on the meritage project, meritage project,

1192
01:32:06,145 --> 01:32:10,005
um, that will go be for the planning commission at an

1193
01:32:10,165 --> 01:32:13,905
undetermined date soon. And then we'll come back to the city council, as it should, as

1194
01:32:15,035 --> 01:32:19,005
josh murray from west covina library. Thank you, um, for the updates on

1195
01:32:19,205 --> 01:32:22,885
the library teen advisory board meeting, and your work with black history

1196
01:32:23,245 --> 01:32:27,195
month and much more. Uh, marsha salerio, thank you for your,

1197
01:32:27,945 --> 01:32:31,825
uh, comments on the audit committee. We did have a very good two hour meeting, um,

1198
01:32:32,325 --> 01:32:36,005
a week ago and was very productive. And I think we will be,

1199
01:32:36,465 --> 01:32:40,405
uh, moving forward, being far, far more transparent. And for the c the

1200
01:32:40,605 --> 01:32:44,325
community. Um, as the audit committee meets quarterly, what we're gonna start doing

1201
01:32:45,015 --> 01:32:48,625
after their quarterly meeting, I'm gonna report out, um,

1202
01:32:49,055 --> 01:32:53,045
about the audit committee meeting. So it's not just the five people or the handful that attend

1203
01:32:53,285 --> 01:32:57,085
the audit committee meeting. I want the whole committee, the community to understand what the audit committee's

1204
01:32:57,605 --> 01:33:01,065
bringing forward, their ideas, concerns. So everybody has an idea. Um,

1205
01:33:02,105 --> 01:33:05,725
and happy birthday to marsha, if you're still here. Um, john schumaker,

1206
01:33:06,145 --> 01:33:10,045
um, on your, uh, accommodation request, I understand that risk management will be getting back to

1207
01:33:10,165 --> 01:33:13,925
you this week. Uh, it's been a busy week, uh, but it has been forwarded,

1208
01:33:14,625 --> 01:33:18,545
uh, through risk management and our, our labor council to get you a answer in

1209
01:33:18,765 --> 01:33:22,765
writing, um, no later than this week. And I believe that concludes

1210
01:33:23,065 --> 01:33:26,715
all my responses for tonight. Madam mayor. Okay. Thank you. Onto consent

1211
01:33:27,485 --> 01:33:31,285
calendar. Oh, did you have, yeah. Uh, yes, madam mayor, I just have a question. Pantos, go

1212
01:33:31,605 --> 01:33:35,525
ahead. Thank you. Um, um, I, I was

1213
01:33:35,645 --> 01:33:39,625
just wondering with regard to the valley light contract, I thought that, that the, the

1214
01:33:40,085 --> 01:33:43,605
contract was, was originally going, we were just awaiting a report regarding

1215
01:33:44,125 --> 01:33:47,725
the cleanliness, and then we were going to vote on that contract. What has

1216
01:33:48,165 --> 01:33:52,165
happened since I, I thought that they were on a month to month contract and then, and then

1217
01:33:52,285 --> 01:33:56,185
it would be brought back to us for approval. Did something change? Uh,

1218
01:33:56,625 --> 01:34:00,365
my understanding is that, um, city staff, uh, was notified

1219
01:34:00,705 --> 01:34:04,285
by the company that they would not be providing services at the established

1220
01:34:05,125 --> 01:34:08,765
contract rate that was agreed to, uh, from their staff,

1221
01:34:09,145 --> 01:34:12,885
was to prepare an rfp to go out for services, uh, which they're

1222
01:34:13,205 --> 01:34:17,085
still eligible to, um, submit through the rfp process.

1223
01:34:19,355 --> 01:34:23,005
okay. Uh, thank you. And my, my second question is with regard to the meritage,

1224
01:34:23,905 --> 01:34:27,365
uh, uh, property with regard to proper procedures relating

1225
01:34:27,985 --> 01:34:31,745
to, uh, uh, counsel, um,

1226
01:34:32,115 --> 01:34:35,925
just even communicating with, with, with meritage, what, what is,

1227
01:34:36,155 --> 01:34:39,995
what is it that we should and should not do so as not to, uh, fall

1228
01:34:40,695 --> 01:34:44,595
afoul of whatever applicable rules are with regard to when we are allowed

1229
01:34:45,085 --> 01:34:49,045
to communicate with them and when we are not allowed to communicate with them in light of where they are in

1230
01:34:49,405 --> 01:34:53,355
escrow? Um, great question. Um, mayor prom,

1231
01:34:53,705 --> 01:34:57,265
I'm gonna defer to our, um, city attorney, brittany roberto, to

1232
01:34:57,825 --> 01:35:01,495
answer that question. Um, madam

1233
01:35:01,845 --> 01:35:05,245
mayor, if I may speak, uh, mayor pote, I believe that's

1234
01:35:05,885 --> 01:35:09,805
probably a discussion that's more appropriate behind not an open session

1235
01:35:10,155 --> 01:35:13,445
that we can advise you on the parameters of the brown act and what is and is not appropriate.

1236
01:35:15,075 --> 01:35:18,845
okay. E even if that's advised, uh, will there be a point when that will be

1237
01:35:19,145 --> 01:35:23,125
rev, uh, shared with the public to the extent legally feasible? Feasible?

1238
01:35:23,325 --> 01:35:27,165
because the perception among the community is that we are engaging in

1239
01:35:27,365 --> 01:35:31,205
nefarious activities when, when that is not how we are operating. And so

1240
01:35:31,505 --> 01:35:35,365
in order to ensure that there's public trust, can we make sure that, that

1241
01:35:35,645 --> 01:35:39,275
we prepare, uh, a report or something that can be read or disclosed

1242
01:35:39,905 --> 01:35:43,825
in open session. Um,

1243
01:35:44,365 --> 01:35:48,205
I believe that's something that needs to be discussed internally in the city attorney's office. And we may need

1244
01:35:49,265 --> 01:35:53,245
to have a separate mother may I type item to get direction from

1245
01:35:53,445 --> 01:35:57,385
the council on something like that. Thank you. But we do report out in accordance with the

1246
01:35:57,625 --> 01:36:00,305
law. Thank you. Councilman wu.

1247
01:36:02,525 --> 01:36:06,225
I want to follow up. Okay. Mayor proton regarding the valley light, and

1248
01:36:06,565 --> 01:36:10,165
I, as, as I remember last year, I was the mayor. Okay. And regarding

1249
01:36:10,685 --> 01:36:14,355
the issue come up and I remember our direction basically

1250
01:36:15,015 --> 01:36:18,765
month to months and bring back to us mm-hmm . And then we going to

1251
01:36:19,035 --> 01:36:22,965
approve it or this and that. But during that time, and I remember improve it

1252
01:36:23,145 --> 01:36:27,045
and uh, in august 23rd, I saw them in couple bus stops. So I stopped

1253
01:36:27,465 --> 01:36:31,425
and, uh, take it. I took a picture with them and, uh, it's really clean. So

1254
01:36:31,665 --> 01:36:35,605
that's why I posted my facebook in august 23rd. So, so the point

1255
01:36:35,825 --> 01:36:39,795
is they didn't lose the contract. Okay. My understanding, this

1256
01:36:40,225 --> 01:36:44,205
year's services month to months, okay. And, uh,

1257
01:36:44,365 --> 01:36:47,625
with a five year contract or not, the long term contract will come back to us.

1258
01:36:48,505 --> 01:36:52,435
so we are going to, based on their performance, and then we will make

1259
01:36:53,005 --> 01:36:56,805
decision to approve or dec or disapprove the contract. So this

1260
01:36:57,645 --> 01:37:01,245
supposedly still with us, and councilman you, you are correct.

1261
01:37:01,825 --> 01:37:05,005
uh, we were going to a month to month and to come back to the council

1262
01:37:05,955 --> 01:37:09,805
somewhere while doing the month to month, they advised staff that they no longer

1263
01:37:10,025 --> 01:37:13,945
wanted to honor the agreement and contract we had for the dollar amount

1264
01:37:14,505 --> 01:37:18,425
per month, per year. And they wanted to renegotiate, um,

1265
01:37:18,755 --> 01:37:22,545
that contract. So it was on them to withdrawing service. It

1266
01:37:22,765 --> 01:37:26,075
wasn't us terminating a contract. Uh, we are getting

1267
01:37:26,845 --> 01:37:30,845
prepared to come out with the rfp for bus shelter service and cleaning

1268
01:37:31,505 --> 01:37:35,085
and get somebody on board shortly. I I, I don't think our direction

1269
01:37:35,605 --> 01:37:39,365
is go to rfp. I think our direction is bring them back about their performance.

1270
01:37:40,545 --> 01:37:43,975
am I right? That's what I remember. That was the last discussion.

1271
01:37:44,915 --> 01:37:48,705
yeah. I, I didn't, I didn't remember the city council request ip,

1272
01:37:49,225 --> 01:37:53,085
but I, I, I wasn't aware of that. I know, um, the letter that they've

1273
01:37:53,565 --> 01:37:57,325
provided, the demand to cease and desist for defamatory statement, and this is a

1274
01:37:57,605 --> 01:38:01,355
personal issue between valley light and councilman gutierrez, um, with

1275
01:38:01,645 --> 01:38:05,525
the whole letter that they provided. So there was an just other internal

1276
01:38:06,485 --> 01:38:10,225
disputes, but my point is the council didn't request ip,

1277
01:38:10,505 --> 01:38:14,255
the council requests okay. Month to month and then bring

1278
01:38:14,635 --> 01:38:18,045
back to this council regarding the finding the performance

1279
01:38:18,705 --> 01:38:22,465
and see, okay. And how this okay. Was and

1280
01:38:22,785 --> 01:38:26,685
the contract, and then it should be couple months bring back, but you never

1281
01:38:26,805 --> 01:38:30,645
bring back to us okay. To today. So, so, and then

1282
01:38:30,845 --> 01:38:34,805
you say you go to rp. So I kind of confused. And then I don't think last,

1283
01:38:35,355 --> 01:38:39,245
last, when that meeting, I don't think we asked for ip. We asked

1284
01:38:39,505 --> 01:38:43,065
for month to month and bring them back. So

1285
01:38:44,025 --> 01:38:47,805
during that time, um, value light industries contacted the city

1286
01:38:48,505 --> 01:38:52,125
and advised they were cease providing services to us

1287
01:38:52,815 --> 01:38:56,605
under the existing contract. They wanted to renegotiate the

1288
01:38:57,005 --> 01:39:00,605
contract or come back for a, a higher amount. Um, since they

1289
01:39:01,955 --> 01:39:05,845
willfully decided not to continue working for the city, we were

1290
01:39:06,265 --> 01:39:09,955
now in search of a provider to clean our, our bus shelters. Just

1291
01:39:10,325 --> 01:39:13,755
a question. If they had communicated with lead

1292
01:39:14,465 --> 01:39:18,065
and different than what we request, should you bring back to

1293
01:39:18,505 --> 01:39:22,445
us, tell us what happened between you and ct and the

1294
01:39:22,605 --> 01:39:26,545
very light so we understand what's going on. But because my understanding is

1295
01:39:26,765 --> 01:39:30,665
month to month, so I don't understand why they say they don't have a contract. So

1296
01:39:30,985 --> 01:39:34,925
I'm kind of confused about that. Supposedly we never request ip

1297
01:39:35,285 --> 01:39:39,085
my understanding okay. That there is supposedly, supposedly should

1298
01:39:39,365 --> 01:39:43,035
be bringing back, but okay. If they want to renegotiate contract, it can discuss

1299
01:39:43,525 --> 01:39:47,415
with us, bring through the agenda, uh, due to this, they request additional

1300
01:39:48,595 --> 01:39:52,425
okay, this and that, then we can approve or send ip. Am I right? Is

1301
01:39:52,645 --> 01:39:56,625
that the procedure? That is correct. So, so I think okay. You

1302
01:39:56,845 --> 01:40:00,565
should communicate with, uh, with a very light and tell them,

1303
01:40:01,315 --> 01:40:05,245
okay, because we never asked for ip, I don't think we, we vote on anything

1304
01:40:05,365 --> 01:40:09,305
about late ip. So certainly city center ip for, for

1305
01:40:09,825 --> 01:40:13,095
no reason. Okay. So, so this is one thing I think about,

1306
01:40:13,945 --> 01:40:17,875
uh, the very light thing and regarding ethan, and I think when

1307
01:40:18,205 --> 01:40:21,845
I read this, this is pretty shocking, about 70% increase.

1308
01:40:22,465 --> 01:40:26,355
so I, I think there's really, uh, need to discuss

1309
01:40:26,845 --> 01:40:30,745
with ethan. Ethan, okay. If, and we have to check all the business, if

1310
01:40:30,965 --> 01:40:34,865
they all have, uh, increase like this, then we might have to

1311
01:40:35,105 --> 01:40:38,985
see what other way to, to, to work with them. Meaning even we

1312
01:40:39,205 --> 01:40:43,105
seen the contract with them. I think that the point is they need to own

1313
01:40:43,475 --> 01:40:46,865
what they promised to us. And, uh, we are second

1314
01:40:47,915 --> 01:40:51,605
largest business. Okay? And the community next to

1315
01:40:52,045 --> 01:40:55,645
pasadena, yeah, about three, 4,000 business, we need to make sure

1316
01:40:56,355 --> 01:40:59,965
they can survive, especially mountain park business. So we wanna make sure,

1317
01:41:00,595 --> 01:41:04,365
okay. And, uh, they not misleading us about what they

1318
01:41:04,845 --> 01:41:08,585
promised and then to come out the bill is different. Understood. So

1319
01:41:08,865 --> 01:41:12,765
two things, uh, I will discuss with the staff that was working with valley light, get a

1320
01:41:12,885 --> 01:41:16,445
more detailed answer, move forward with either working on their

1321
01:41:16,925 --> 01:41:20,865
contract or going out to rfp. We can go either way. And also with the athens,

1322
01:41:21,295 --> 01:41:25,085
again, I am meeting with athens again tomorrow that work through these items and address

1323
01:41:25,445 --> 01:41:29,325
the community and business concerns. Uh, I think they need to clarify. Okay, I don't know how many business

1324
01:41:30,075 --> 01:41:33,925
receive a shocking okay. New bill to them. So we

1325
01:41:34,085 --> 01:41:37,965
need to maybe check with our, okay. And the community development

1326
01:41:38,565 --> 01:41:42,505
manager to check with coding up and, uh, have them provide the, so

1327
01:41:42,725 --> 01:41:46,685
we need to blankly check all the businesses, what kind of bill they have, how many, how many

1328
01:41:46,845 --> 01:41:50,745
percentage they can increase. So not only okay, the

1329
01:41:51,025 --> 01:41:54,705
the people at, uh, our downtown, but also entire

1330
01:41:55,275 --> 01:41:59,225
city. Okay. So we can pick all the area and uh, okay. Ask

1331
01:41:59,445 --> 01:42:03,125
them about their trash bill and they have them to provide so we can have information

1332
01:42:03,805 --> 01:42:07,675
to see, okay, uh, are they really deceiving us? Okay.

1333
01:42:08,065 --> 01:42:11,965
so we, we look into all the business about their bail. So, so I think

1334
01:42:12,085 --> 01:42:15,845
in that way, you have much, you have more bullet to de negotiate with them

1335
01:42:16,265 --> 01:42:20,105
rather than only couple, couple, couple business like, uh,

1336
01:42:20,325 --> 01:42:24,075
bond street, like, uh, okay. And uh, uh, portal. Okay.

1337
01:42:24,445 --> 01:42:28,425
I think they have issue too. They increase like almost 70% too. So,

1338
01:42:28,665 --> 01:42:32,375
and plus, I don't know, some other office, I haven't received any other

1339
01:42:33,165 --> 01:42:37,045
complaint yet. But, um, my point is this, why don't we wait

1340
01:42:37,245 --> 01:42:40,845
for the business to complain it's too late. I think we should maybe call them

1341
01:42:41,465 --> 01:42:45,385
and to have them see how did, how's the bail? What is the percentage? So

1342
01:42:45,605 --> 01:42:49,305
we can check. So in that way, in that way, we have more information to

1343
01:42:49,635 --> 01:42:52,725
negotiate, uh, to bring them to say, what the heck is this?

1344
01:42:53,675 --> 01:42:57,435
okay. Understood. One of the, uh, topics for tomorrow, or agenda items that

1345
01:42:57,725 --> 01:43:01,485
we're gonna be discussing with, I'm gonna be discussing with athens is identifying,

1346
01:43:02,285 --> 01:43:06,285
quantifying how many businesses are affected by a 17%, how many

1347
01:43:06,685 --> 01:43:10,485
businesses are affected by a 50 or a 70 or more. And then

1348
01:43:10,705 --> 01:43:14,645
be able to capture those businesses and reach out to them. Uh, I think

1349
01:43:14,945 --> 01:43:18,165
any about what they agree upon, they will be unacceptable.

1350
01:43:19,195 --> 01:43:23,085
okay. Like they, even 70% is already pretty high,

1351
01:43:23,705 --> 01:43:27,565
but anything about that, that will be pretty shocking because we need

1352
01:43:27,725 --> 01:43:31,365
to compare with other city. Okay. What is the percentage and this on that.

1353
01:43:31,905 --> 01:43:35,765
so, so anyway, this is my suggestion to, to check with all the business

1354
01:43:36,555 --> 01:43:40,485
with their building the code up. Okay. Have your staff to request

1355
01:43:41,535 --> 01:43:45,285
those trash bill. Okay. I think all everybody received a new bill.

1356
01:43:45,805 --> 01:43:49,765
I received a new bill too, so, so possible. Okay. And we can collect

1357
01:43:50,145 --> 01:43:53,985
all those information. Supermarket, okay. Check the super, our

1358
01:43:54,205 --> 01:43:57,905
supermarket, have them provide a bill. Okay? How much is they increase? So

1359
01:43:58,235 --> 01:44:02,125
with that, you have more information to describe. Plus we want to

1360
01:44:02,245 --> 01:44:06,005
know too. Okay? Okay. Is that they have an owner what they promised to us.

1361
01:44:06,745 --> 01:44:10,365
and, and, and then, so I think this is, uh, this is much easier

1362
01:44:11,305 --> 01:44:15,245
to understand what we get into it. Okay. In that way

1363
01:44:15,785 --> 01:44:19,685
we know the fact, okay. What the business get hit on it.

1364
01:44:20,155 --> 01:44:24,025
okay. And regarding the value view, I think we never asked for ip.

1365
01:44:24,505 --> 01:44:28,365
my suggestion is if our council agree, we should go back to

1366
01:44:28,565 --> 01:44:32,205
what we originally bring, bring back to us. If they want to renegotiate,

1367
01:44:32,805 --> 01:44:36,725
you can still bring back to us they wanna increase this, okay. And bring the contract. See, we

1368
01:44:36,885 --> 01:44:40,885
want to approve or not, rather than go to ip and they, right now we need

1369
01:44:41,205 --> 01:44:44,985
somebody to clean the bus and then let those, so those people need job. So

1370
01:44:45,835 --> 01:44:49,685
what we delayed, okay, so I think we never asked for ip, my

1371
01:44:49,885 --> 01:44:53,285
understanding. Okay. I think okay, we can talk to them.

1372
01:44:53,995 --> 01:44:57,885
okay. And if it's too much we bring to us, then if we all agree, we

1373
01:44:58,005 --> 01:45:01,845
send ip, otherwise let's continue to use this service month to month. That's what we agree

1374
01:45:02,235 --> 01:45:06,145
upon. Okay. When the last meeting that what we, our decision is,

1375
01:45:06,585 --> 01:45:10,325
was, am I right? Yes. Okay. I'm done. Um, thank you. And I have something, sorry,

1376
01:45:10,705 --> 01:45:14,605
and I'll, I'll get to you in a bit. Um, I, in regards

1377
01:45:15,065 --> 01:45:18,805
to their letter, I know that they had a few demands, um, with valley light.

1378
01:45:19,265 --> 01:45:22,805
so I, I I think they wanna see those demands being met. Um, that is

1379
01:45:23,365 --> 01:45:27,095
in regards to valley light. As for athens, thank

1380
01:45:27,445 --> 01:45:31,055
you for providing the breakdown of the sheet.

1381
01:45:31,765 --> 01:45:35,555
I know in the past we had told athens previously to compare it with

1382
01:45:35,845 --> 01:45:39,435
other cities that it wasn't gonna hurt our businesses. I mean, we were told.

1383
01:45:40,345 --> 01:45:44,145
so of course, I mean obviously this affects all businesses and we

1384
01:45:44,365 --> 01:45:48,225
wanna make sure that that is being corrected. Um, and then I'd like to

1385
01:45:48,515 --> 01:45:52,305
give, uh, councilwoman diaz, she wanted to speak. Oh, you

1386
01:45:52,525 --> 01:45:56,465
got it. Okay. Thank you. Now you can go, uh, council, oh, uh,

1387
01:45:56,855 --> 01:46:00,785
mayor pro, oli contos. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Uh, milan, just for,

1388
01:46:01,235 --> 01:46:05,045
just to make sure that I understand, you said that they, are, they asked for

1389
01:46:05,245 --> 01:46:09,085
a negotiated rate. Is the negotiated rate that they wanted or with an increase,

1390
01:46:09,505 --> 01:46:13,405
was it different from the original amount of what we originally would've approved

1391
01:46:13,585 --> 01:46:17,485
on that night when their contract was up? Or was it a different rate? Just, I just wanted to make sure

1392
01:46:17,605 --> 01:46:21,525
to have apple's to apple's comparison. Um, I don't

1393
01:46:21,725 --> 01:46:25,505
know the exact right. I believe it was more, I don't know the difference, uh,

1394
01:46:25,785 --> 01:46:29,605
how much more they were asking for. Um, I had staff, a staff member

1395
01:46:29,845 --> 01:46:33,585
working with them on that. Um, but again, essentially they, they abandoned the

1396
01:46:34,045 --> 01:46:37,115
contract and decided they were not gonna do our bus shelters anymore.

1397
01:46:38,185 --> 01:46:41,925
um, so with that, that's why the idea to go rfp 'cause we do need

1398
01:46:42,325 --> 01:46:46,285
somebody to clean our bus shelters. And if they weren't gonna be the service provider, I

1399
01:46:46,405 --> 01:46:49,565
needed to have other sources to draw from. Thank you.

1400
01:46:50,555 --> 01:46:54,245
yeah. Please make, make sure you speak to , uh, councilman gutierrez.

1401
01:46:55,065 --> 01:46:58,855
yes. Uh, maybe kelly, do you remember, I think kelly knows

1402
01:46:59,265 --> 01:47:03,185
the, the exact words of the matter. May I? 'cause I believe, uh, do

1403
01:47:03,405 --> 01:47:06,845
you remember roughly what happened that night? What the council request was?

1404
01:47:12,355 --> 01:47:16,085
evening? It's on. It's on. Okay, great.

1405
01:47:16,985 --> 01:47:20,645
um, no, I'm sorry. I don't remember exactly what it was, but, uh,

1406
01:47:21,305 --> 01:47:25,245
the acting city manager is correct. We, we, we were working with them on a, on a

1407
01:47:25,365 --> 01:47:29,325
month to month contract, and at some point they gave us a very

1408
01:47:29,485 --> 01:47:33,185
short deadline with a increased the, uh, rate was, um,

1409
01:47:33,625 --> 01:47:36,985
higher than, uh, what we were working off of. And

1410
01:47:37,785 --> 01:47:41,745
so, um, when we weren't able to meet that deadline, they had ceased

1411
01:47:42,165 --> 01:47:44,185
service. Great. And, um,

1412
01:47:48,005 --> 01:47:48,355
let's see.

1413
01:47:57,015 --> 01:48:00,825
mind you, this is, uh, a public comment and I'll, that's off for you, kelly,

1414
01:48:01,485 --> 01:48:05,285
but, um, okay, great. Um, so if

1415
01:48:05,545 --> 01:48:08,985
I, if, and that was on that day, um, city manager

1416
01:48:10,885 --> 01:48:13,685
on that day, that was the day where we were presented, uh,

1417
01:48:15,135 --> 01:48:19,135
rfps to approve that night, right? I think that

1418
01:48:19,255 --> 01:48:23,015
was a, a a, their new contract was brought to us that night, right? I think,

1419
01:48:24,995 --> 01:48:28,975
um, I don't recall if they brought their contract that night or if this was

1420
01:48:29,175 --> 01:48:32,935
just a, based on a mother may, may I, uh, status report on observations

1421
01:48:33,655 --> 01:48:37,445
in the field. Yeah, I, yeah, I think it, I think it was an agenda item,

1422
01:48:37,795 --> 01:48:41,415
and it's either, it's either we requested

1423
01:48:41,935 --> 01:48:45,515
an rp or we rejected the rrp, um,

1424
01:48:46,115 --> 01:48:50,055
but there was clear direction that they were to continue on a month-to-month

1425
01:48:50,535 --> 01:48:54,335
basis. Uh, that is clear. So at no point did I

1426
01:48:54,995 --> 01:48:58,925
say I wanted to, uh, permanently or, or, or any way fire

1427
01:48:59,245 --> 01:49:03,055
them. I think that's misleading. Uh, I think, uh, the council

1428
01:49:03,475 --> 01:49:07,355
as a whole voted to, uh, give them a month to month, uh,

1429
01:49:07,895 --> 01:49:11,895
services, uh, when it comes to, also on a separate note, when it comes

1430
01:49:12,015 --> 01:49:15,935
to people with disabilities, uh, all people with disabilities,

1431
01:49:16,815 --> 01:49:20,765
regardless of your disability, but if you do have a disability, you can become anything you wish

1432
01:49:21,075 --> 01:49:25,055
to become, because only you have the power to make change and, and make

1433
01:49:25,395 --> 01:49:29,315
and determine your future with determination and aspirations. Anything can

1434
01:49:29,535 --> 01:49:33,315
be achieved. Um, and so at no point, uh, did

1435
01:49:33,575 --> 01:49:37,375
I judge their contract based upon the people or individuals

1436
01:49:38,055 --> 01:49:41,795
who work for that company. Uh, that's not in my, uh,

1437
01:49:42,435 --> 01:49:46,435
values as a person. And, uh, and they were not judged, uh,

1438
01:49:46,655 --> 01:49:50,325
based upon who works for their company. But rather what I've heard,

1439
01:49:51,145 --> 01:49:55,005
uh, from community residents, uh, from our community, and, and again,

1440
01:49:55,345 --> 01:49:59,285
uh, those who have disabilities, the impossible is always possible when you believe in

1441
01:49:59,565 --> 01:50:03,285
yourself. Um, when it comes to athens trash services,

1442
01:50:03,905 --> 01:50:06,755
um, this is just one business bill.

1443
01:50:07,945 --> 01:50:11,725
but when you look at the contract like I have after the fact,

1444
01:50:12,705 --> 01:50:16,525
uh, there is, it's the first, it's different than what was

1445
01:50:16,725 --> 01:50:20,325
presented to us, um, at the time we voted.

1446
01:50:21,425 --> 01:50:25,165
so, um, city staff will look into it, but eventually

1447
01:50:25,715 --> 01:50:29,705
it's gonna come to a point where this council has to make a determination and

1448
01:50:29,925 --> 01:50:33,785
an and, and a decision if we're gonna ask to officially ask

1449
01:50:34,435 --> 01:50:38,405
that that contract be presented to this council again, to make sure that, we'll,

1450
01:50:38,685 --> 01:50:41,975
we voted on what we were verbally towed matches what was on paper.

1451
01:50:42,985 --> 01:50:46,985
and I think we owe that to our businesses in our community. And

1452
01:50:47,205 --> 01:50:50,225
that's one of the requests I did, uh, at the last meeting. But,

1453
01:50:51,585 --> 01:50:55,585
um, and so, so yeah,

1454
01:50:55,745 --> 01:50:59,275
I, I think that's, uh, very important, uh, in that aspect. And again,

1455
01:51:00,285 --> 01:51:04,145
uh, yeah. And, and, and, and the, I guess a, a legal

1456
01:51:04,545 --> 01:51:08,285
question for our city attorney, if, if, let's just say, uh,

1457
01:51:09,045 --> 01:51:12,945
and I know, man, and you've been, uh, very passionate in, in, in, in making sure this co

1458
01:51:13,175 --> 01:51:17,145
this company had an opportunity. And, and it's unfortunate that they chose not to

1459
01:51:17,265 --> 01:51:21,265
proceed, uh, with, with the, with the opportunity. But just to clarify

1460
01:51:21,885 --> 01:51:25,685
on the legal aspects of stuff, if a business wanted

1461
01:51:26,255 --> 01:51:30,185
more money than what was on their original contract, uh, then

1462
01:51:30,505 --> 01:51:34,355
what the consul approved originally and what was awarded due to rfp process,

1463
01:51:35,185 --> 01:51:39,075
will the city legally have to go for an rp then if they wanted

1464
01:51:39,355 --> 01:51:42,875
more money? Um,

1465
01:51:43,415 --> 01:51:47,165
brittany, I'm not, can you please clarify your

1466
01:51:47,695 --> 01:51:51,535
question? I didn't. Yeah, so I think there was a, I think, um, that, uh, our acting

1467
01:51:51,735 --> 01:51:55,735
city manager stated that they wanted more money, and that's why I they not wanna

1468
01:51:57,015 --> 01:52:00,675
continue to be paid or on a month to month services. Uh,

1469
01:52:01,385 --> 01:52:05,215
maybe minor. You could let clarify. Yeah. So I do remember that meeting.

1470
01:52:05,475 --> 01:52:09,455
it was actually to extend their contract. That was the agenda is item at the time,

1471
01:52:09,955 --> 01:52:13,955
uh, that, that item came up. There were some concerns about the, the quality of work, the

1472
01:52:14,175 --> 01:52:18,135
maintenance of the shelters, those type things. The council then determined that we will go

1473
01:52:18,295 --> 01:52:21,475
on a month to month and we will, uh, have public safety

1474
01:52:22,605 --> 01:52:26,415
following and monitor their activities, which matt and

1475
01:52:26,615 --> 01:52:30,315
his staff were doing during that time period. Um,

1476
01:52:31,355 --> 01:52:35,335
the, uh, the belly light decided that they were gonna discontinue service

1477
01:52:36,325 --> 01:52:40,135
with the city at that point until a new contract

1478
01:52:40,715 --> 01:52:44,255
is brought forward. Staff was working, uh, and discussing with them,

1479
01:52:44,795 --> 01:52:48,685
uh, their terms and what they were looking for. And again, when they said they did not

1480
01:52:48,845 --> 01:52:52,605
want to provide service anymore, that's why we decided we, we would start preparing

1481
01:52:53,085 --> 01:52:56,845
an rfp. 'cause eventually we do have to have somebody, whether it's them or anybody else,

1482
01:52:57,505 --> 01:53:01,225
uh, we need to have a provider. So the intent the whole time was to

1483
01:53:01,725 --> 01:53:05,205
continue them on a month to month, whether it was one month or six months,

1484
01:53:05,865 --> 01:53:09,285
um, until we come back within a, a revised contract if needed.

1485
01:53:09,875 --> 01:53:13,725
okay. Thank you. That answers my question. And valley light has sent other

1486
01:53:13,965 --> 01:53:17,805
emails, um, previously. Uh, so please take that into factor

1487
01:53:18,585 --> 01:53:22,485
on two consent calendar. Uh, counsel, is there anything you'd like to pull from the

1488
01:53:22,605 --> 01:53:26,465
consent calendar? Uh, uh, mayor pro contos, uh,

1489
01:53:26,685 --> 01:53:30,315
item number four, please. Four. Anybody

1490
01:53:30,805 --> 01:53:32,505
else? I'll do one.

1491
01:53:37,275 --> 01:53:39,985
just one. Uh, no, I'm, I'm looking, let's see, um,

1492
01:53:42,465 --> 01:53:42,915
number five,

1493
01:53:49,315 --> 01:53:53,145
number nine, and

1494
01:53:53,365 --> 01:53:55,785
number 10. 1, 5, 9, 10.

1495
01:53:57,505 --> 01:54:01,145
anyone else? Okay. Uh,

1496
01:54:01,545 --> 01:54:05,145
do I have a motion to approve the consent calendar items one through 11,

1497
01:54:05,675 --> 01:54:09,675
with the exception of number 1, 4, 5, 9, and 10? I'll

1498
01:54:09,965 --> 01:54:12,765
move to approve. Second. Okay. Roll call.

1499
01:54:15,295 --> 01:54:19,195
thank you, mayor. I have a motion by councilwoman diaz

1500
01:54:19,565 --> 01:54:23,325
and a second by councilman wu to approve consent calendar items

1501
01:54:23,785 --> 01:54:26,225
one through 11, with the exception of items 1, 4, 5, 9,

1502
01:54:28,065 --> 01:54:31,815
and 10. Council member gutierrez aye. Councilman

1503
01:54:32,585 --> 01:54:36,505
wu? Aye. Councilwoman diaz? Aye. Mayor, approach him contos. Aye.

1504
01:54:36,975 --> 01:54:40,685
mayor lopez. Vito aye. Motion passes, uh, onto item number

1505
01:54:41,145 --> 01:54:44,955
one. Go ahead. Councilman gutierrez? Yes. So, um, yeah,

1506
01:54:45,245 --> 01:54:49,085
so I, I think there is concerns regarding obviously what

1507
01:54:49,465 --> 01:54:53,165
the residents have spoken about, about, uh, meritage mlc holdings

1508
01:54:53,605 --> 01:54:57,545
being put on closed session on that when we were not the

1509
01:54:57,965 --> 01:55:01,185
property owners. And, and so, uh, with that being said, uh,

1510
01:55:02,405 --> 01:55:05,025
I will, um, uh,

1511
01:55:07,225 --> 01:55:11,085
I will, uh, I will vote no on the, on the minutes for,

1512
01:55:11,405 --> 01:55:14,425
uh, closed session and yes, on the minutes for open session,

1513
01:55:17,165 --> 01:55:19,345
um, number one, I move the motion to approve.

1514
01:55:22,485 --> 01:55:26,305
I second. All right, I'll second. I'm

1515
01:55:26,525 --> 01:55:29,805
sorry, who gave the second? I, I'll second. Nobody else. Thank you. I

1516
01:55:30,785 --> 01:55:34,425
have a motion by councilman wu, a second by mayor lopez viro to approve,

1517
01:55:35,205 --> 01:55:38,265
uh, consent calendar item number one, which is the approval of the january 20th, 2026

1518
01:55:40,495 --> 01:55:44,275
city council closed session and regular session minutes. Councilman gutierrez?

1519
01:55:45,395 --> 01:55:49,385
yeah. Oh, no, no. Sorry. . Councilman wu? Sorry. Yes.

1520
01:55:50,345 --> 01:55:53,975
aye. Councilwoman diaz. Aye. Mayor

1521
01:55:54,425 --> 01:55:58,345
pro. Tim contos. Aye. Mayor lopez. Vito aye.

1522
01:55:58,565 --> 01:56:02,545
motion passes and I'll make a motion to approve, uh, attachment number two,

1523
01:56:03,995 --> 01:56:07,765
open session. What? That's not, or not which one?

1524
01:56:08,265 --> 01:56:12,075
recommendation. Oh, okay. It's one. Okay. Sign. This is one. Okay,

1525
01:56:12,365 --> 01:56:15,945
no problem. Okay. Uh, onto item number

1526
01:56:16,435 --> 01:56:20,295
four, em contos. Thank

1527
01:56:20,885 --> 01:56:24,835
you, madam mayor. Uh, this is regarding the, uh, code of co, uh, conduct.

1528
01:56:25,985 --> 01:56:29,805
uh, I, I, I wanted to, uh, I, first of all, I've

1529
01:56:30,045 --> 01:56:34,025
gotta apologize to my colleagues. I sent a dear colleague letter this afternoon. Uh,

1530
01:56:34,245 --> 01:56:38,045
I've been sick for most of two weeks, and so I did the best I could to get it to everybody.

1531
01:56:38,905 --> 01:56:42,885
um, and I don't, I, I don't know if that's going to affect things, but basically, just to give a summary,

1532
01:56:43,945 --> 01:56:47,345
I'm proposing a series of small language changes just to ensure,

1533
01:56:48,185 --> 01:56:52,045
uh, appropriate first amendment, uh, safeguards, uh, with regard

1534
01:56:52,445 --> 01:56:56,435
to the, uh, code of conduct. And I laid out in that dear colleague, uh, letter, just

1535
01:56:56,965 --> 01:57:00,725
a few small, uh, changes that would, uh, in principle essentially

1536
01:57:01,415 --> 01:57:05,325
allow people to have their freedom of speech, but not, uh, bring us

1537
01:57:05,515 --> 01:57:09,425
into a situation where, uh, terms are so vague as to as

1538
01:57:09,645 --> 01:57:13,015
to cause conflict and potential litigation and, and, and other situations

1539
01:57:13,685 --> 01:57:17,105
relating to, uh, allegations of, of, of

1540
01:57:17,845 --> 01:57:21,525
constitutional violations of the first amendment. And so, I, I laid that out,

1541
01:57:21,905 --> 01:57:25,805
but the other thing I wanted to say is that, uh, over the past two weeks and going

1542
01:57:26,005 --> 01:57:29,995
over it, uh, the entire code of conduct, again, uh, it's just, it's,

1543
01:57:30,285 --> 01:57:33,845
it's really, really long. And I can understand why, because there meant to address

1544
01:57:34,445 --> 01:57:38,245
a, a number of problems, but it's just really unwieldy for, for the average person

1545
01:57:38,665 --> 01:57:42,385
to really understand. Um, and the, the thing that, um,

1546
01:57:42,845 --> 01:57:46,715
I think I pointed out, and I think I'm gonna need some help in, in reading a section just

1547
01:57:47,005 --> 01:57:50,835
to sort of, to illustrate, um, this, but, um, there's

1548
01:57:51,325 --> 01:57:55,265
several various sections that, that just have vague language. And so what I'm, what I'm

1549
01:57:55,485 --> 01:57:59,125
asking is that, first, if, if, um, just to illustrate first,

1550
01:57:59,725 --> 01:58:03,595
I don't know if, if of the, the assistant city clerk can read from, from

1551
01:58:03,885 --> 01:58:07,345
that, from that letter. There's a section where I, I think it's 2 7 0 9

1552
01:58:09,005 --> 01:58:12,965
ci think, um, if, if she, if, if that's the

1553
01:58:13,045 --> 01:58:17,045
right section, and if you could just double check it's, it's right in the, in the letter, um, toward the

1554
01:58:17,205 --> 01:58:21,065
beginning of the dear colleague letter. And it's just to illustrate a point. And then, and, and I'm

1555
01:58:21,285 --> 01:58:24,805
going to then make a point order. Okay. But my suggestion have, uh,

1556
01:58:25,425 --> 01:58:28,725
uh, the attorney tom tom mcconnell to maybe address your concern,

1557
01:58:29,625 --> 01:58:33,155
uh, since he's the person, address all this court conduct. Okay.

1558
01:58:33,725 --> 01:58:37,705
I think maybe the answer would be much more precise. So, uh, okay. So

1559
01:58:38,085 --> 01:58:41,805
I guess in, in light of the, the recommendations, and, and, and I,

1560
01:58:42,095 --> 01:58:46,085
again, I'm, I'm openly and transparently admitting I, I only provided this to

1561
01:58:46,365 --> 01:58:50,205
everyone this afternoon. Um, but if there's a way that we, we could look at this code

1562
01:58:50,485 --> 01:58:54,205
of conduct, uh, with these possible amendments and have, have it reviewed and just,

1563
01:58:54,635 --> 01:58:58,635
just put it to the next meeting so we could be reviewed properly rather than pushing

1564
01:58:59,275 --> 01:59:02,485
this through, I just would be appreciative. And again, literally

1565
01:59:03,395 --> 01:59:06,965
it's just to address first amendment considerations that are laid out there.

1566
01:59:07,425 --> 01:59:11,025
and, and I, um, copies were also made available to the public to see what they are. But,

1567
01:59:11,825 --> 01:59:15,765
but if, if that could be done, I would really be, uh, appreciative. Uh, so that

1568
01:59:15,885 --> 01:59:19,865
way we can make sure to still have a code of conduct, but yet, uh, uh,

1569
01:59:20,145 --> 01:59:23,955
do this in a way that that, uh, addresses first amendment considerations and also

1570
01:59:24,735 --> 01:59:28,725
tries to find a way to make this more streamlined within not being so

1571
01:59:28,925 --> 01:59:32,045
onerous with the document being so darn long and hard to understand in different places.

1572
01:59:33,465 --> 01:59:37,445
uh, council member, uh, contos, if you don't mind, I wanna address a

1573
01:59:37,565 --> 01:59:41,525
couple of things from your, uh, letter, but just generally sure. If we could discuss that,

1574
01:59:42,105 --> 01:59:45,965
um, if it is not passed tonight, if there's changes made, it would come

1575
01:59:46,125 --> 01:59:49,965
back for a second reading. Again, I think that's what you're asking is, is for us

1576
01:59:50,195 --> 01:59:54,085
tonight to discuss what changes you would want to have, uh, made and then

1577
01:59:54,745 --> 01:59:58,565
to have those changes made and brought back to the council. Is that accurate?

1578
01:59:58,785 --> 02:00:02,445
yes, exactly. And, and out of respect for recognizing that I,

1579
02:00:02,805 --> 02:00:06,725
I provided this so late, I also wanted to, to, in the same way that I

1580
02:00:06,845 --> 02:00:10,765
don't want to rush through, I, I wanted to, to at least give my colleagues an opportunity to

1581
02:00:11,075 --> 02:00:14,865
read, read what I gave them so they could, they can have some thoughts on that as

1582
02:00:15,085 --> 02:00:18,485
opposed to our just getting it through tonight. And so that's why I'm just requesting a delay.

1583
02:00:19,165 --> 02:00:22,885
I mean, we can talk about it now too, which we should, but I just wanted to let you know where I was coming from.

1584
02:00:23,275 --> 02:00:26,835
yeah. And, and if, if I could make a recommendation to the council, um, council

1585
02:00:27,325 --> 02:00:30,725
member s's uh, email was approximately

1586
02:00:31,785 --> 02:00:35,645
six pages. Um, there are a number of suggestions in here

1587
02:00:36,075 --> 02:00:39,825
that I think would be worthwhile having a discussion with the council so that the

1588
02:00:40,245 --> 02:00:43,565
language that's brought back to the council, if, if the council wants to make these changes,

1589
02:00:44,415 --> 02:00:48,205
would be something that you'd be ready to vote on next time if you're not ready to vote on at this time.

1590
02:00:48,865 --> 02:00:52,805
is that fair? Yes. Okay. Um, and, and that paragraph, did you

1591
02:00:52,885 --> 02:00:56,805
want me to read that paragraph for you? Yes, please. Yes, please, tom. Thank you. Yeah, no problem. And and don't

1592
02:00:57,045 --> 02:01:00,945
worry, I don't take any writer's insult to it. Oh, I understand. . Um,

1593
02:01:01,305 --> 02:01:04,805
the, the paragraph that you're referring to is material interference with truth finding,

1594
02:01:06,265 --> 02:01:10,135
and it says, an elected or appointed official shall

1595
02:01:10,545 --> 02:01:14,325
not engage or attempt to engage in conduct intended to materially

1596
02:01:14,835 --> 02:01:18,825
interfere with the city's ability to ascertain the truth or reach lawful

1597
02:01:19,645 --> 02:01:22,765
informed outcomes in connection with city business or city governance.

1598
02:01:23,885 --> 02:01:27,345
material interference with truth finding includes, but is not limited to

1599
02:01:27,995 --> 02:01:31,995
providing materially incomplete, misleading, or deceptive

1600
02:01:32,605 --> 02:01:36,405
information directing, encouraging or knowingly permitting

1601
02:01:36,925 --> 02:01:40,205
others to provide materially false or misleading information,

1602
02:01:41,075 --> 02:01:44,875
intentionally delaying proceedings, disclosures, cooperation

1603
02:01:45,705 --> 02:01:49,425
or responses where such delay is material to obstructing review,

1604
02:01:50,725 --> 02:01:54,235
investigation, or decision making, attempting to influence, disrupt,

1605
02:01:55,225 --> 02:01:58,925
or affect the scope, timing process, or outcomes of administrative

1606
02:02:00,365 --> 02:02:04,075
investigatory, regulatory enforcement or advisory matters

1607
02:02:04,715 --> 02:02:07,965
through the misuse of authority, access, or influence,

1608
02:02:09,055 --> 02:02:12,725
using authority or influence to pressure, discourage or manipulate

1609
02:02:13,325 --> 02:02:17,115
participants, witnesses, investigators, or advisory fact

1610
02:02:17,405 --> 02:02:21,255
finders. Were attempting to influence the material content scope,

1611
02:02:22,065 --> 02:02:25,565
timing, or outcome of investigatory advisory

1612
02:02:26,385 --> 02:02:29,235
review findings through misrepresentation, concealment,

1613
02:02:30,415 --> 02:02:34,385
delay, or other obstructive conduct. Thank you, tom.

1614
02:02:34,965 --> 02:02:38,795
I really appreciate it. And attorney to attorney you. You, I really love

1615
02:02:39,235 --> 02:02:43,165
your ability to write . I, but I, I, the thing that I was worried about

1616
02:02:43,365 --> 02:02:46,965
with regard to this and why, why put this in the dear colleague letter is it's an illustration

1617
02:02:47,485 --> 02:02:51,285
of how it's, it's hard, at least, at least for me, I, I, I don't

1618
02:02:51,525 --> 02:02:55,405
know exactly what that means contextually. And that's, that's just an example

1619
02:02:55,705 --> 02:02:58,905
of why I was supportive of efforts to

1620
02:03:00,235 --> 02:03:04,125
slim down the code of conduct, to just have a, just to have it

1621
02:03:04,245 --> 02:03:08,245
more workable. Because this is really, it's just, it's long and it's unwieldy. And a lot of residents have

1622
02:03:08,365 --> 02:03:12,205
frankly told me they don't understand what it says. And so I realized that

1623
02:03:12,455 --> 02:03:16,005
maybe we can, maybe we could, uh, revise it for more plain

1624
02:03:16,565 --> 02:03:20,365
language if we can find a way to, to put summaries in to, so it's more

1625
02:03:20,755 --> 02:03:24,645
easy to understand. But whatever the case may be, uh, those sorts of

1626
02:03:24,765 --> 02:03:28,545
tweaks along with, um, my suggested recommendations to,

1627
02:03:28,865 --> 02:03:32,335
to, to strengthen first amendment protections is what I'm asking for. Understood.

1628
02:03:33,105 --> 02:03:36,825
and, and so I, I, I could go through obviously and, and

1629
02:03:37,115 --> 02:03:41,085
provide context for what this particular paragraph means. Let me just on a

1630
02:03:41,325 --> 02:03:44,795
a whole give a little bit more context. Uh, my concern with,

1631
02:03:45,385 --> 02:03:48,585
um, generally narrowing the code of context or, or

1632
02:03:49,545 --> 02:03:53,485
oh my god, code of conduct. Uh, my concern with narrowing

1633
02:03:53,965 --> 02:03:57,385
it is that much of this code of conduct is based on case law and

1634
02:03:58,085 --> 02:04:02,085
recognized phrases or, or usage by california superior court and federal

1635
02:04:02,245 --> 02:04:05,665
court. And so to the extent that we were going to make this, um,

1636
02:04:06,575 --> 02:04:10,365
ultra plain language, let's just say hypothetically that we, we made this as plain

1637
02:04:10,965 --> 02:04:14,925
languages as possible, uh, we by doing so, might actually make the

1638
02:04:15,085 --> 02:04:18,645
code of conduct longer, which would be ironic, . But secondly,

1639
02:04:19,465 --> 02:04:23,405
it, it could actually lose some of the force and effect that you would have in trying

1640
02:04:23,645 --> 02:04:27,605
to protect first amendment rights. So, uh, what we're trying to

1641
02:04:27,765 --> 02:04:31,685
balance here, I I completely understand. You're trying to balance, you know, something that

1642
02:04:31,885 --> 02:04:35,845
is easy to explain with something that is going to be law. And laws

1643
02:04:36,145 --> 02:04:40,025
are oftentimes as an attorney to an attorney, oftentimes quite hard to

1644
02:04:40,245 --> 02:04:44,245
explain to a lay person. The, the most important thing is to

1645
02:04:44,405 --> 02:04:47,525
have something for the counsel to be able to use if necessary.

1646
02:04:48,665 --> 02:04:52,285
and, and so I, I would defer to the counsel on what their priority is or their preferences

1647
02:04:52,835 --> 02:04:56,685
with regards to any language. Um, I'm happy to go through any language

1648
02:04:57,025 --> 02:05:01,005
in the code of conduct to make it so that it is usable and it will have the force

1649
02:05:01,265 --> 02:05:04,915
and effect that the council wants it to have. Thank you, tom. So process wise,

1650
02:05:05,745 --> 02:05:09,605
uh, would it be possible for, for, uh, you to go through,

1651
02:05:10,185 --> 02:05:13,845
uh, the recommended amendments, uh, I mean the recommended

1652
02:05:14,595 --> 02:05:18,505
amended language as, as outlined, and then come back with the report so the council can

1653
02:05:18,725 --> 02:05:22,585
see, see, um, what will, they'll, they'll have time, but

1654
02:05:22,805 --> 02:05:26,745
they'll also see your, your recommendations with regard to incorporation of, of,

1655
02:05:27,025 --> 02:05:30,885
of those land language changes. So that way everyone will have more time to germinate

1656
02:05:31,205 --> 02:05:35,205
over this appropriately. It's, it's to the council's discretion. I can

1657
02:05:35,325 --> 02:05:38,905
go through your recommendations right now orally, uh, with the council, or

1658
02:05:39,485 --> 02:05:43,385
I can provide something in writing regarding the, your recommendations. The

1659
02:05:43,605 --> 02:05:47,325
only, um, the only issue with that would be if you provide me

1660
02:05:47,675 --> 02:05:51,505
with direction now, it would make it so that I could provide a draft for

1661
02:05:51,725 --> 02:05:55,305
the next council meeting for consideration. If it was, um,

1662
02:05:55,965 --> 02:05:59,125
I provide you with a response to your code of conduct recommendations,

1663
02:06:00,275 --> 02:06:04,045
that would mean during the next meeting, the council would approve those recommendations or disapprove

1664
02:06:04,445 --> 02:06:08,265
mm-hmm . And that would mean that would be another meeting before the code of conduct would pass. Uh,

1665
02:06:08,495 --> 02:06:12,365
again, there's no pressure on this whatsoever. Uh, I wanna make sure this is

1666
02:06:12,525 --> 02:06:16,325
right. I just wanna make sure that, um, you're aware of what the, the procedure would

1667
02:06:16,605 --> 02:06:20,505
be going forward. Thank you, tom. So for the benefit of the council, can you please just go

1668
02:06:20,725 --> 02:06:24,665
over, I'm not able to read it, uh, live in real time the way you guys can, but

1669
02:06:25,185 --> 02:06:28,865
can you just go over generally what, what it just for,

1670
02:06:29,385 --> 02:06:33,365
for the benefit of others, just read there and then I'll, I'm happy to answer any questions after that

1671
02:06:33,625 --> 02:06:37,485
or is that possible? Not a problem at all. Do you want me to go by the headings that you have? Would

1672
02:06:37,685 --> 02:06:41,605
that be yes. You know, just a different, you know, uh, just to go over what, what, yeah.

1673
02:06:41,845 --> 02:06:45,765
the basic headings of what it says. So, so it's to give the public also who may not have seen the dear colleague

1674
02:06:46,125 --> 02:06:49,785
letter yet, uh, what we're all referring to. Sure. Um,

1675
02:06:50,465 --> 02:06:54,085
do you want me just to give the, the recommendations or you want me to go by headings?

1676
02:06:54,565 --> 02:06:58,485
'cause some of the headings are pre recommendation. If you could do headings and recommendations, please,

1677
02:06:59,065 --> 02:07:02,925
that'd be great. And then, and then just read off the principles as to why, because I also bulleted

1678
02:07:03,485 --> 02:07:07,405
there different principles that I chose to try to uphold in doing all of this.

1679
02:07:08,165 --> 02:07:12,045
absolutely. Thank you, tom. So, uh, number one, why as applied matters

1680
02:07:12,545 --> 02:07:16,465
in plain language, um, and the principles that you, you

1681
02:07:16,685 --> 02:07:20,285
had bolded here was courts routinely uphold ethics codes on their face,

1682
02:07:20,985 --> 02:07:24,845
but strike them down or impose liability when they are enforced in ways

1683
02:07:25,435 --> 02:07:29,365
that chill political speech, punish, dissent or criticism, regulate

1684
02:07:29,635 --> 02:07:33,565
tone, style or viewpoint, rather than conduct and substitute discipline for

1685
02:07:33,765 --> 02:07:37,565
democratic debate. Do you want me to continue? Yes, please. This is helpful.

1686
02:07:37,915 --> 02:07:41,845
yeah, no problem. Thank you. Um, number two, shared values underlying these

1687
02:07:42,005 --> 02:07:45,725
clarifications. Um, I believe we all agree on these core principles.

1688
02:07:46,545 --> 02:07:49,925
uh, one disagreement, even sharp, uncomfortable disagreement is not misconduct.

1689
02:07:50,985 --> 02:07:54,845
two, ethical rules should target abuse of power, not unpopular viewpoints.

1690
02:07:55,855 --> 02:07:59,725
three, governance processes must not become a tool to suppress criticism.

1691
02:08:00,665 --> 02:08:04,325
and four, elections and public debate not discipline are the primary

1692
02:08:04,685 --> 02:08:08,485
remedies for political conflict. Um, the third heading, key clarifications

1693
02:08:09,325 --> 02:08:13,125
and why they are good for the city, uh, sub would be,

1694
02:08:13,345 --> 02:08:17,325
uh, a related to improper conduct towards participants. Uh, the clarification

1695
02:08:18,185 --> 02:08:22,085
was regarding terms of demeaning or hostile, um, saying that those

1696
02:08:22,385 --> 02:08:26,045
are potentially subjective. Mm-hmm . Um, and the clarifying

1697
02:08:26,805 --> 02:08:30,665
language was, improper conduct must objectively and

1698
02:08:31,165 --> 02:08:35,125
materially interfere with a person's lawful participation in city

1699
02:08:35,365 --> 02:08:38,885
governance or operations. Lawful political disagreement, criticism

1700
02:08:39,545 --> 02:08:42,925
of policy advocacy or constitutionally protected expression

1701
02:08:43,625 --> 02:08:46,915
cannot be punished even when sharp, uncomfortable or unpopular.

1702
02:08:48,685 --> 02:08:52,505
um, is it possible for, uh, when we're going through each of the recommendations,

1703
02:08:53,325 --> 02:08:56,865
if I have some response? Yes, please. Yes. It just might make it easier for people to

1704
02:08:57,385 --> 02:09:01,045
remember what we're talking about. Yes. Because we'll, probably their eyes are glazing over or they're zoning out

1705
02:09:01,465 --> 02:09:05,345
probably. 'cause this is, this is dense, but I really would appreciate that. Again, I was an english teacher in sixth grade,

1706
02:09:05,665 --> 02:09:09,145
I dealt with that a lot. , um, with the improper

1707
02:09:09,705 --> 02:09:13,285
conduct must objectively and materially interfere with a person's lawful

1708
02:09:14,065 --> 02:09:17,045
participation in city governance or operations. And then the second

1709
02:09:18,105 --> 02:09:21,945
sentence there, um, regarding political disagreement, um, let me

1710
02:09:22,675 --> 02:09:26,605
state what my concern is and then, uh, an option here, um,

1711
02:09:27,005 --> 02:09:30,825
the objectively and materially interfere. Um, it is funny because

1712
02:09:31,145 --> 02:09:35,005
we're now adding legal terms to it, so that is kind of in our

1713
02:09:35,225 --> 02:09:38,745
need for, for us to actually add something for that. But the second

1714
02:09:39,385 --> 02:09:42,425
sentence, the lawful political disagreement, criticism of policy

1715
02:09:43,425 --> 02:09:47,145
advocacy, um, that's actually something that's already part of the code

1716
02:09:47,485 --> 02:09:51,385
in two other sections. Um, there is a lain phrase, I don't

1717
02:09:51,665 --> 02:09:55,575
wanna bore everyone here. Um, it's expresso unia exclusion,

1718
02:09:56,425 --> 02:10:00,225
ter, which means to express one thing is to basically to exclude

1719
02:10:00,585 --> 02:10:04,065
another. If we have a sentence like that

1720
02:10:04,605 --> 02:10:08,565
in one section, it starts to actually make the court question, why

1721
02:10:08,785 --> 02:10:12,685
didn't you have a sentence like that in all of the sections? And so if

1722
02:10:12,905 --> 02:10:16,705
you have an overall guiding principle, which is in the construction section, I think you pointed

1723
02:10:17,005 --> 02:10:20,705
out, um, the construction section says just that essentially.

1724
02:10:21,725 --> 02:10:24,985
and so that means that governs every single section that comes thereafter.

1725
02:10:26,045 --> 02:10:29,865
so my, uh, my recommendation would be objectively and

1726
02:10:30,265 --> 02:10:34,125
materially interfere is, is a wonderful addition. I, I think that,

1727
02:10:34,465 --> 02:10:38,365
um, if there is a phrasing for lawful political

1728
02:10:39,045 --> 02:10:43,005
disagreement, criticism of policy, I would have that as part of the general construction agreed

1729
02:10:43,475 --> 02:10:47,205
paragraph and, and have whatever framing, whatever phrasing that

1730
02:10:47,485 --> 02:10:51,365
you want to have it in, that sent that one section since it'll govern everything

1731
02:10:51,805 --> 02:10:55,805
else. That, that makes sense. I, I, I would agree to that as a friendly amendment to the, to what

1732
02:10:56,025 --> 02:10:59,885
I'm suggesting. Okay. Um, the residual catchall

1733
02:11:00,445 --> 02:11:04,265
provision, uh, the y clarification is needed. Catchall provisions are

1734
02:11:04,805 --> 02:11:08,505
historically the most vulnerable to abuse because they rely on, uh,

1735
02:11:08,955 --> 02:11:12,825
rely heavily on discretion. Um, this again, you,

1736
02:11:13,145 --> 02:11:16,845
you had, uh, clarifying language. This section may not be used to

1737
02:11:17,245 --> 02:11:20,985
regulate or sanction protected political speech criticism, advocacy, or

1738
02:11:21,525 --> 02:11:25,485
participation in public debate that would fall within the same, uh, construction. Because if

1739
02:11:25,685 --> 02:11:29,645
you put that in that, then there's a question, well, can this other section

1740
02:11:30,025 --> 02:11:33,945
be used to regulate or sanction, uh, or, or basically cut

1741
02:11:34,165 --> 02:11:38,165
off first amendment rights? Good point. I'd agree to that change too. Okay. So, so I think

1742
02:11:38,285 --> 02:11:42,205
we're both talking about, um, so far just the construction

1743
02:11:42,635 --> 02:11:46,515
paragraph and, and making sure that that fits exactly what you're looking for. Yes. Okay.

1744
02:11:46,805 --> 02:11:50,645
so we'll re we'll return to that one, uh, in a minute here. Uh, interim governance

1745
02:11:51,205 --> 02:11:54,985
based measures, uh, you have interim measures through, uh,

1746
02:11:55,385 --> 02:11:58,965
though labeled non-punitive confunction as punishment in practice

1747
02:11:59,625 --> 02:12:03,285
if imposed too quickly or too broadly, and you had four bullet

1748
02:12:03,685 --> 02:12:07,285
points. Clarifying language, uh, measures require specific

1749
02:12:07,955 --> 02:12:11,155
articulable facts showing immediate and ongoing risk.

1750
02:12:12,115 --> 02:12:16,105
they must be the least restrictive means available. They must not

1751
02:12:16,525 --> 02:12:20,485
restrict participation or speech based on viewpoint or tone. They must be viewed

1752
02:12:21,065 --> 02:12:24,905
at, uh, they must be reviewed at defined intervals. Um,

1753
02:12:25,305 --> 02:12:29,285
the first bullet point measures require specific articulable facts showing

1754
02:12:29,725 --> 02:12:32,965
immediate and ongoing risk is actually in the, uh, immediate,

1755
02:12:33,865 --> 02:12:37,725
the introduction to that particular section that's already covered. So there might

1756
02:12:37,925 --> 02:12:41,765
be some language that you wanted to add in, um, but I, I'd have to look at the

1757
02:12:42,165 --> 02:12:45,685
language. Sure. Definitively, um, they must be the least restrictive

1758
02:12:46,325 --> 02:12:49,525
means available. I, I think that's a fantastic addition. Um, because

1759
02:12:50,505 --> 02:12:54,505
you're saying everything else in this says progressive. Yes. So

1760
02:12:54,725 --> 02:12:58,415
this is a clarification of progressive. Exactly. Tom. Um, the third,

1761
02:12:59,395 --> 02:13:03,125
they may not restrict participation or speech based on viewpoint or tone.

1762
02:13:03,955 --> 02:13:07,925
same thing that we're talking about with the construction. So, uh, I,

1763
02:13:08,085 --> 02:13:12,075
I think that that's gonna be covered by a different paragraph. Uh, and then they

1764
02:13:12,365 --> 02:13:16,125
must be reviewed at defined intervals. Right now it says that it must be

1765
02:13:16,845 --> 02:13:20,665
reviewed, but it doesn't say the interval. So I think that you're adding in, uh,

1766
02:13:20,945 --> 02:13:24,845
no more than 60 days. Yes. That would be an addition that you'd want yes. To be more concrete.

1767
02:13:25,185 --> 02:13:29,125
yes. Okay. Um, construction rule favoring

1768
02:13:29,885 --> 02:13:33,565
constitutional protection, we're, we're hammering that construction paragraph.

1769
02:13:34,425 --> 02:13:38,265
um, you have in a clarifying language, in

1770
02:13:38,485 --> 02:13:42,125
close or ambiguous cases, applications shall favor protection of

1771
02:13:42,525 --> 02:13:46,005
constitutional expression and the electoral process over governance based restriction.

1772
02:13:47,185 --> 02:13:50,525
um, I had said that we were gonna return to that.

1773
02:13:51,245 --> 02:13:54,865
I think that that's the addition that you're looking for in the construction that solves

1774
02:13:55,625 --> 02:13:59,445
yes. Everything going up. Yes. So, uh, the construction paragraph

1775
02:13:59,965 --> 02:14:03,795
right now, I believe it's q or something. I'd have to find

1776
02:14:04,085 --> 02:14:08,005
it here quickly. You could give me one

1777
02:14:08,205 --> 02:14:09,115
second. Sure.

1778
02:14:15,125 --> 02:14:19,085
construction, I flipped

1779
02:14:19,305 --> 02:14:21,925
too far. Oh, thank you.

1780
02:14:24,345 --> 02:14:28,325
so the construction paragraph right now, this is what says in full, and I think what

1781
02:14:28,565 --> 02:14:32,085
you'd be saying is that if this one sentence was added, it would solve

1782
02:14:32,755 --> 02:14:36,585
many of the things that you had above. Yes. Um, legislative discretion and

1783
02:14:36,805 --> 02:14:40,705
protected activity, this is d of 7 0 4. Nothing in

1784
02:14:40,925 --> 02:14:44,565
this article shall be construed to regulate or prohibit lawful political

1785
02:14:45,405 --> 02:14:49,405
disagreement, criticism of policy positions, robust debate during

1786
02:14:49,765 --> 02:14:53,365
public meetings, lawful political speech campaign

1787
02:14:54,085 --> 02:14:57,565
activity conducted in a personal capacity or other expression

1788
02:14:58,125 --> 02:15:01,595
protected by the united states or california constitutions. Mm-hmm . Nothing

1789
02:15:02,185 --> 02:15:05,555
in this article shall be construed to prohibit lawful legislative

1790
02:15:06,245 --> 02:15:09,745
inquiry, oversight, policy advocacy or

1791
02:15:10,405 --> 02:15:14,005
participation in authorized city governance activities, provided such activities

1792
02:15:14,525 --> 02:15:17,925
are conducted through appropriate channels and do not involve misuse of city authority,

1793
02:15:19,125 --> 02:15:22,965
resources, or access or interference with the lawful functioning of

1794
02:15:23,165 --> 02:15:26,845
city operations. Um, if we made that addition to the

1795
02:15:27,285 --> 02:15:31,165
construction, would it solve the yes. The other issues that you were identifying then

1796
02:15:31,385 --> 02:15:35,185
yes. Because it would, it would cover the whole, the whole document. Exactly. Yeah. So

1797
02:15:35,485 --> 02:15:39,425
I think that that's what you're looking for. Yes. Is is in addition to that section that would cover the

1798
02:15:39,645 --> 02:15:43,375
whole document. Yes. I'm sorry, attorney, non-attorney people. It's, sorry.

1799
02:15:43,725 --> 02:15:46,965
this is what happens when we nerd out. I'm so confused. Sorry, .

1800
02:15:47,925 --> 02:15:51,835
I am often because of the, so, so, okay.

1801
02:15:52,225 --> 02:15:56,125
so, um, going back to your email, um, what this means

1802
02:15:56,345 --> 02:15:59,845
in practice, uh, with these clarifications, ethics enforcement

1803
02:16:00,405 --> 02:16:03,925
remains strong and credible. Abuse of power, intimidation, corruption

1804
02:16:04,565 --> 02:16:08,395
and safety threats are still fully addressable. Political speech criticism,

1805
02:16:09,195 --> 02:16:13,165
criticism, advocacy and dissent are clearly protected. The city

1806
02:16:13,475 --> 02:16:17,165
reduces litigation risk and increases public trust, and future councils

1807
02:16:17,725 --> 02:16:20,965
will inherit a principle constitution, constitutionally sound framework.

1808
02:16:22,065 --> 02:16:25,885
and, and then you had said very nice words about a shared commitment towards

1809
02:16:26,315 --> 02:16:30,165
essentially an ethical and code compliant. Thank you for going through

1810
02:16:30,405 --> 02:16:33,685
this. So in light of all of that, I'd like to ask for, for council

1811
02:16:35,125 --> 02:16:38,945
approval to move forward with the spirit of this. And maybe tom, would it be, uh, if

1812
02:16:39,185 --> 02:16:43,045
the, this council so gives that direction, uh, well, what's possible now,

1813
02:16:43,245 --> 02:16:47,005
could, could they agree to all of this in principle and then pass it? Or does it

1814
02:16:47,285 --> 02:16:51,225
need to come back again? In light of this discussion, we are having, uh, in, uh, in

1815
02:16:51,445 --> 02:16:54,885
the open here, I, I defer to city attorney on that one.

1816
02:16:55,765 --> 02:16:59,365
I just write things. Madam mayor, if I may answer, it would need to come back.

1817
02:16:59,785 --> 02:17:03,645
you can't make any changes to an ordinance at second rating and adoption. So you would have to

1818
02:17:04,045 --> 02:17:07,905
specifically identify the changes you want mr. O'connell to make, and

1819
02:17:08,125 --> 02:17:11,645
then it could come back at a, the next council meeting with those changes

1820
02:17:12,145 --> 02:17:15,715
for adoption. So in light of that, I would therefore request

1821
02:17:16,345 --> 02:17:20,145
my co my colleagues to allow those changes. Because doing this now,

1822
02:17:20,365 --> 02:17:23,945
even though it's boring and tedious and we nerd out about this kind of stuff, it

1823
02:17:24,685 --> 02:17:28,425
actually will help protect us, um, against, uh, allegations of, of,

1824
02:17:29,105 --> 02:17:33,085
of constitutional violations, uh, would relate with regard to the first amendment.

1825
02:17:33,585 --> 02:17:37,485
so I like to make that request and make that motion. Great question.

1826
02:17:38,025 --> 02:17:41,965
uh, councilman wu? Yeah. Uh, and, uh, okay. I

1827
02:17:42,085 --> 02:17:45,765
think that's why I hate to talk to my attorney because ,

1828
02:17:46,145 --> 02:17:49,975
my goodness. Okay. My wife hates to talk to her attorney. Also. You is logic here. Definition

1829
02:17:50,745 --> 02:17:54,605
is, is, okay, so understand, you got, try to find

1830
02:17:54,765 --> 02:17:58,625
the right wording. Okay. But my questions over here is the,

1831
02:17:59,465 --> 02:18:03,365
our attorney, outside attorney tono, and, uh, what is your suggestion?

1832
02:18:04,065 --> 02:18:08,045
you see, it's a, it is a valid point, okay. To do this

1833
02:18:08,635 --> 02:18:12,465
amended. Okay. Or it's, it's all about the

1834
02:18:12,685 --> 02:18:15,565
same thing. So I think that will be dependent on your professional

1835
02:18:16,695 --> 02:18:20,085
subjection and, uh, your point of view.

1836
02:18:20,825 --> 02:18:24,705
if you say, yeah, that's good point, and I will support, okay. And

1837
02:18:25,185 --> 02:18:29,085
our male potent, but if you say it's almost the same, it's just the

1838
02:18:29,245 --> 02:18:33,165
wording different then why we need to, okay, since we haven't

1839
02:18:33,445 --> 02:18:37,365
done this for 25 years. But another thing is this, again, we are not in

1840
02:18:37,525 --> 02:18:41,325
a hurry, okay? We not, we not rush this and that. We wanna make sure everything,

1841
02:18:42,865 --> 02:18:46,235
the, the guideline or ordinance or rule

1842
02:18:47,145 --> 02:18:50,925
is people have to follow, obey, uh, if people,

1843
02:18:51,505 --> 02:18:55,325
you have a, no matter how nice the law and this the ordinance, but

1844
02:18:55,525 --> 02:18:59,525
if people don't follow, it's still just a paper, a

1845
02:18:59,645 --> 02:19:03,485
warning. So, but the point is, okay, is this

1846
02:19:03,785 --> 02:19:07,765
waring this, you, I know you spend a lot of time go to all cases and go to other

1847
02:19:07,995 --> 02:19:11,985
city, and then you compute put this together. Okay? And

1848
02:19:12,205 --> 02:19:15,945
then, and our male protein, since he attorney, he,

1849
02:19:16,345 --> 02:19:20,345
he has his integrity and his point of view. So he want to read it and

1850
02:19:20,565 --> 02:19:24,165
make sure everything's covered. So my point is, since I'm not an attorney,

1851
02:19:24,705 --> 02:19:28,585
so I'm just asking your suggestion is that our

1852
02:19:28,805 --> 02:19:32,685
mayor portal has a valid point. Okay. That we should go back. Okay. Change

1853
02:19:32,955 --> 02:19:36,605
some wording to protect, okay. The ct and the council member.

1854
02:19:37,715 --> 02:19:41,485
yeah, so it's an interesting question. Um, any changes

1855
02:19:42,155 --> 02:19:46,085
that are gonna add value to the code of conduct to make it so that the code of conduct

1856
02:19:46,385 --> 02:19:49,665
is not something that you have to revisit weekly, monthly, yearly.

1857
02:19:50,475 --> 02:19:54,445
that is something that I take as valuable. What I would emphasize here is

1858
02:19:54,645 --> 02:19:58,545
the code of conduct is, is not meant to create new law. In

1859
02:19:58,765 --> 02:20:02,565
fact, it, it is meant to essentially give everyone

1860
02:20:02,825 --> 02:20:06,565
on the council something that is more finite, more procedural

1861
02:20:07,275 --> 02:20:11,205
than having to come up with things ad hoc based on case law, having to talk to

1862
02:20:11,365 --> 02:20:15,345
your attorney, which is, I know a pain. Um, having to talk to people, uh,

1863
02:20:15,565 --> 02:20:19,555
and try to figure out what to do with these situations. There's nothing in this code

1864
02:20:19,845 --> 02:20:23,305
of conduct, and I do mean nothing. Um, as far as

1865
02:20:24,165 --> 02:20:27,965
investigations or, uh, discipline, whatever you might

1866
02:20:28,285 --> 02:20:32,205
call it that is not already available to the city of west covina. And so

1867
02:20:32,365 --> 02:20:36,125
to the extent that there's any question regarding, you know, timing

1868
02:20:36,705 --> 02:20:40,445
or speed or anything like that, this is not a timing of the essence type of,

1869
02:20:40,825 --> 02:20:44,765
of passage. So if there was some situation that required an

1870
02:20:45,285 --> 02:20:49,035
investigation as an example, which is two seven, uh, that's section

1871
02:20:49,865 --> 02:20:53,835
2 7 18 investigation. It's not like we've just made

1872
02:20:54,125 --> 02:20:58,005
up that now the city can conduct investigations. Obviously we're

1873
02:20:58,325 --> 02:21:02,305
aware the city is in the middle of an investigation right now. These are powers the city has

1874
02:21:02,525 --> 02:21:06,405
already had. It is just codifying it so that this council and future

1875
02:21:06,765 --> 02:21:10,525
councils know how to deal with these problems in a more procedural

1876
02:21:10,885 --> 02:21:14,705
manner. So now, regarding the actual questions of,

1877
02:21:15,425 --> 02:21:19,265
you know, did uh, councilman contos add value to

1878
02:21:19,485 --> 02:21:23,025
this? Uh, I would say, um, the, uh,

1879
02:21:23,675 --> 02:21:25,515
objectively and materially interfere.

1880
02:21:27,745 --> 02:21:31,305
I'm sure there's a lot of attorneys that could say that language is, uh,

1881
02:21:32,015 --> 02:21:35,625
additional legalese and it's helpful or it's not helpful. Um,

1882
02:21:36,145 --> 02:21:39,965
and I even see councilman contos smiling here too. I,

1883
02:21:40,245 --> 02:21:43,925
I would say, if you're gonna make these other changes, I, I would say that that change is worthwhile.

1884
02:21:44,945 --> 02:21:48,645
um, the changes that I, I think are frankly wonderful,

1885
02:21:49,675 --> 02:21:53,605
they must be the least restrictive means available. Uh, change I think is, is a

1886
02:21:53,725 --> 02:21:57,445
really valuable addition. Just it goes with the rest of the code.

1887
02:21:58,225 --> 02:22:02,085
um, would that be something that would be incorporated in the, in the code already?

1888
02:22:02,705 --> 02:22:06,465
it, it is already in there. Um, it's just something that clarifies for

1889
02:22:07,115 --> 02:22:11,005
whoever it is that's going through this. 'cause it says very clearly it's progressive, uh, that the

1890
02:22:11,125 --> 02:22:14,685
entire code is meant to be progressive and what is happening with governance based measures.

1891
02:22:15,385 --> 02:22:19,285
for instance, you wouldn't go directly to an impeachment or something along those

1892
02:22:19,485 --> 02:22:23,445
lines if a council member was speaking hostilely to a

1893
02:22:23,565 --> 02:22:27,025
member of the public. See, yeah, I, I know, understand your answers create

1894
02:22:27,605 --> 02:22:31,185
a smile from the . Only our

1895
02:22:31,845 --> 02:22:35,665
attorney contos. Okay. Face is put, my face is

1896
02:22:35,885 --> 02:22:39,525
like, I'm more confused. Okay. So, so the point is I only need yes or no

1897
02:22:40,045 --> 02:22:44,045
question, but it's a good, it's a good addition. It wouldn't, it wouldn't be

1898
02:22:44,485 --> 02:22:47,045
absolutely necessary for it to be a lawful, uh, code of conduct,

1899
02:22:48,905 --> 02:22:52,325
huh? It's, it's a yes or no is a, is a, is add value,

1900
02:22:52,995 --> 02:22:56,165
then I will support it. Adds value. Yes. Okay, then I will second.

1901
02:22:59,185 --> 02:23:02,825
so, um, I would definitely say that before we,

1902
02:23:03,235 --> 02:23:07,045
well, I mean, if, if you wanna take a vote on what councilman contos, I, I would

1903
02:23:08,525 --> 02:23:12,405
strongly advise that. All comments. I was gonna say this

1904
02:23:12,825 --> 02:23:16,805
are heard because I, I want, this is the opportunity for each council to hash out everything.

1905
02:23:17,785 --> 02:23:21,565
um, uh, I know, uh, councilman

1906
02:23:22,205 --> 02:23:26,025
gutierrez had sent us an email in regards to this. Um, so yes,

1907
02:23:26,275 --> 02:23:29,805
we'd like to go ahead and, uh, answer your questions.

1908
02:23:30,445 --> 02:23:33,805
I mean, ask your questions because we don't want a lawsuit.

1909
02:23:35,345 --> 02:23:37,705
yes, thank you, mayor. Um,

1910
02:23:39,465 --> 02:23:43,405
mr. O'connell, does the code of conduct, say a council member has to go through the city

1911
02:23:43,565 --> 02:23:45,245
manager before talking to staff?

1912
02:23:48,435 --> 02:23:51,805
are, are you asking about the council manager,

1913
02:23:52,795 --> 02:23:56,735
uh, form of government in the code of conduct, or are you talking about actually the municipal ordinance

1914
02:23:57,095 --> 02:24:00,935
that's already part of the law for, um, state of west covina? Yeah, it's

1915
02:24:01,175 --> 02:24:04,975
both, but okay. Uh, I think the, the city has that code and then,

1916
02:24:05,315 --> 02:24:09,255
um, uh, I can leave the co this new code of

1917
02:24:09,415 --> 02:24:13,415
conduct also has it, right? Not exactly as you stated. That would be

1918
02:24:13,535 --> 02:24:17,235
a misstatement of how it is that the code of conduct states it. Well, I'm asking you.

1919
02:24:18,235 --> 02:24:21,655
I'm telling you. Okay. It's a misstatement . Okay. Tell me what it says .

1920
02:24:22,475 --> 02:24:26,335
that's what I'm asking you. Tell me what it says. Do you want me to say what the municipal code

1921
02:24:26,495 --> 02:24:30,285
is first? I'll do that. So the municipal code, which is section two dash

1922
02:24:30,715 --> 02:24:34,475
1 51 powers and, and duties of the city manager. Um, it

1923
02:24:34,725 --> 02:24:38,695
says council manager relations, this is section q,

1924
02:24:39,395 --> 02:24:43,375
the city council and its members shall deal with the administrative services of the

1925
02:24:43,495 --> 02:24:47,415
city only through the city manager, except for purpose of inquiry.

1926
02:24:48,235 --> 02:24:51,815
and neither the city council, nor any member thereof, shall give orders

1927
02:24:52,275 --> 02:24:56,135
to any subordinates of the city manager. The city manager shall take

1928
02:24:56,435 --> 02:25:00,215
his or her orders and instructions from the city council only when sitting

1929
02:25:00,675 --> 02:25:04,575
in a duly held meeting of the city council. And no individual council member

1930
02:25:05,225 --> 02:25:08,935
shall give any orders or instruction to the city manager. The city council

1931
02:25:09,305 --> 02:25:13,155
shall instruct the city manager in matters of policy. No

1932
02:25:13,375 --> 02:25:17,175
council member shall in any manner, directly or indirectly by suggestion

1933
02:25:17,695 --> 02:25:21,675
or otherwise attempt to influence or coerce the city manager or any

1934
02:25:21,895 --> 02:25:25,805
candidate for the position of city manager on matters relaying to the appointment, promotion

1935
02:25:26,365 --> 02:25:30,285
or demotion or removal of any employee or award of any purchase order,

1936
02:25:30,485 --> 02:25:34,365
order or contract. That answer your question. And what does

1937
02:25:34,565 --> 02:25:36,195
the, the new code have?

1938
02:25:38,645 --> 02:25:42,425
I believe it has a new adding it has a new ruling,

1939
02:25:43,125 --> 02:25:46,195
a new rule, saying that you can no longer do inquiries

1940
02:25:47,595 --> 02:25:51,405
with department head. That's not accurate. Okay. What does it say? I'm asking you, can you please answer the

1941
02:25:51,685 --> 02:25:55,685
question, ? Oh, I, I am answering your question. . I continue to answer your question. I don't

1942
02:25:55,845 --> 02:25:59,765
wanna read my e long email in front of everyone. I mean, I don't want to aboard board them,

1943
02:26:00,125 --> 02:26:04,125
I mean board them with all this email. So I make, I could look for it in here,

1944
02:26:04,425 --> 02:26:08,365
but, okay. So which particular

1945
02:26:08,925 --> 02:26:12,925
part would you like me to point out regarding the inquiry? Which one would you like me to

1946
02:26:13,125 --> 02:26:16,805
go through? So if I'm, if I'm not mistaken, without

1947
02:26:17,205 --> 02:26:21,165
me having to read this email, 'cause I don't think, uh, councilman diaz wants me to read it

1948
02:26:21,285 --> 02:26:24,925
all, but, um, um, or my colleagues,

1949
02:26:25,345 --> 02:26:29,035
but there is a section in general phrases that,

1950
02:26:29,465 --> 02:26:33,405
in other words, you could no longer do. If I had a question,

1951
02:26:33,525 --> 02:26:37,485
for example, for to our finance director, I'm not allowed

1952
02:26:37,805 --> 02:26:41,395
to go, uh, inquire with her about a financial, financial

1953
02:26:42,705 --> 02:26:46,645
status of, of, of, of something that's not accurate. There was a

1954
02:26:46,725 --> 02:26:49,715
mu tell me the section. I believe there was a mother may I that was passed that

1955
02:26:51,045 --> 02:26:54,805
required, uh, that not to occur anymore. That's not true.

1956
02:26:55,345 --> 02:26:59,285
can you show me the section, tell me the section and I'll, I'll be happy to answer questions

1957
02:26:59,445 --> 02:27:03,365
regarding, so I, if I'm not mistaken,

1958
02:27:03,485 --> 02:27:07,285
I think the mayor passed a motor, may I, that said that you have to go through the city manager

1959
02:27:07,825 --> 02:27:11,765
if you wanna speak to department. Is this related to the code of conduct or something different? Please go directly.

1960
02:27:12,005 --> 02:27:15,525
I believe you added based upon what she asked for, you added it to it.

1961
02:27:16,025 --> 02:27:19,945
that's not true. Take a look at the red line. There's literally the only thing that's been added is

1962
02:27:20,165 --> 02:27:23,925
in the red line. And the only thing that's been changed, for instance, is elected

1963
02:27:24,265 --> 02:27:28,145
and appointed officials. Um, as opposed to saying that it

1964
02:27:28,365 --> 02:27:32,365
is just an elected official that's a council member, you'd have to

1965
02:27:32,445 --> 02:27:36,085
look at, uh, the attachment number two. So that's, that's not accurate. What does it say?

1966
02:27:38,055 --> 02:27:40,755
uh, look at attachment two. Do you have a copy?

1967
02:27:42,095 --> 02:27:45,555
it has red lines. There's no addition like you're referring to whatsoever.

1968
02:27:46,895 --> 02:27:50,835
so are you say, okay, so, okay. And okay, let's just, okay. In, in

1969
02:27:51,275 --> 02:27:55,035
a regular question, can a council member contact a department head to inquire

1970
02:27:55,735 --> 02:27:59,675
to do an inquiry? So are you asking

1971
02:28:00,125 --> 02:28:03,955
under the municipal code or the code of conduct? I'm asking

1972
02:28:04,215 --> 02:28:07,995
you based upon case law. Okay. We're here talking about the code of conduct

1973
02:28:08,935 --> 02:28:12,915
and if you wanna talk about case law, we can talk about that. You've a whole bunch

1974
02:28:13,035 --> 02:28:16,915
of emails. You, you have a municipal code and you have a code of

1975
02:28:17,075 --> 02:28:20,835
conduct that backs each other. Yes. Okay. So I'm asking

1976
02:28:21,225 --> 02:28:25,065
you can a council member contact a department head to

1977
02:28:25,285 --> 02:28:28,755
in do inquiry? So an inquiry

1978
02:28:29,875 --> 02:28:33,845
that you're talking about right now, are you talking about levy versus santa monica? C of santa

1979
02:28:34,005 --> 02:28:37,525
monica you cited? Yes. Okay. Can we talk about

1980
02:28:38,035 --> 02:28:41,945
that a little bit more? 'cause you're citing it for something that doesn't actually say

1981
02:28:42,985 --> 02:28:46,965
it says in levy, the court said you can, do you have levy? I can give it to you. Yes, I have

1982
02:28:47,085 --> 02:28:51,005
a copy for you. It says in levy, the court said you cannot block elected officials

1983
02:28:51,475 --> 02:28:55,465
from talking to city staff because that stops them from doing their job and

1984
02:28:55,685 --> 02:28:58,725
violates free speech. Not actually what the case says.

1985
02:29:00,695 --> 02:29:04,655
it's not, it, it's not the words. What is the words here?

1986
02:29:05,115 --> 02:29:05,825
lemme give you a copy.

1987
02:29:12,215 --> 02:29:15,905
adam, clerk, do you mind if I alright. You got hand that to him

1988
02:29:16,685 --> 02:29:20,545
to the, yeah. Council member gutierrez, that's actually been a perfect time. Sure. I'm talking about

1989
02:29:20,965 --> 02:29:24,505
the same case. So it says,

1990
02:29:26,655 --> 02:29:30,585
tell me where you're looking. I'm I'm gonna read you the email I sent you

1991
02:29:30,775 --> 02:29:34,305
here since you're asking so many questions. Lets, so here, so levy versus santa monica,

1992
02:29:34,805 --> 02:29:38,595
the very first sentence of the opinion. Santa

1993
02:29:38,945 --> 02:29:41,685
monica city charter section 6.10 states,

1994
02:29:43,005 --> 02:29:46,845
except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and

1995
02:29:47,165 --> 02:29:51,165
its members shall deal with the administrative service under the city manager solely

1996
02:29:51,585 --> 02:29:55,485
through the city manager. And neither the city council nor any member

1997
02:29:55,995 --> 02:29:59,905
shall give orders to any subordinates of the sea manager either publicly or privately.

1998
02:30:00,795 --> 02:30:04,785
first sentence of the opinion. What's

1999
02:30:05,205 --> 02:30:09,165
your question? Where is it at? Where is that at? First sentence of the opinion?

2000
02:30:11,615 --> 02:30:14,785
turn of page five where it says opinion. Did you read this?

2001
02:30:15,765 --> 02:30:19,685
uh, mr. Con, are you mad about something right now or just what I know you don't want to ask, ask

2002
02:30:19,905 --> 02:30:23,905
answer questions. Well, it sounds like you're very argumentative right now, so I

2003
02:30:24,105 --> 02:30:27,805
I would agree. I would like to ask my questions. Where are you being argumentative? So, um,

2004
02:30:29,615 --> 02:30:33,415
okay. Okay. I'm on page five. And where, where is that at? Okay.

2005
02:30:34,035 --> 02:30:35,605
under gilbert, pj yes.

2006
02:30:38,725 --> 02:30:42,225
except, except for the purpose of inquiry, the city council and its members shall deal.

2007
02:30:43,495 --> 02:30:47,265
exactly. So ex except for purpose of inquiry, so mm-hmm. Council

2008
02:30:47,505 --> 02:30:51,025
members can inquire with city staff according to this case, council

2009
02:30:51,665 --> 02:30:55,505
members can inquire and it's just inquiry. Okay, thank you.

2010
02:30:55,685 --> 02:30:58,765
you, you, we, we saw that question. Okay, so

2011
02:31:00,055 --> 02:31:03,065
what I'm reading in case law, I may be saying it, I purposely,

2012
02:31:04,085 --> 02:31:07,965
uh, put it in words more understandable to the public. So

2013
02:31:08,185 --> 02:31:12,185
I'm not reading you verbatim what the law specifically says. So I don't

2014
02:31:12,735 --> 02:31:15,585
lose the public's understanding what the questions I'm asking.

2015
02:31:18,165 --> 02:31:19,465
and so we can move on, um,

2016
02:31:22,815 --> 02:31:26,685
under the code, the consul can so on, under the code, the consul

2017
02:31:27,065 --> 02:31:30,685
can punish another council member for things they say. Isn't that

2018
02:31:31,195 --> 02:31:35,085
punishing political speech? Your, your hypothetical is

2019
02:31:36,065 --> 02:31:39,925
wildly I'm asking you yes or no. If, if it's no, it's no, I don't

2020
02:31:40,125 --> 02:31:43,555
need commentary. Commentary. I'm answering your question. Your question doesn't

2021
02:31:44,365 --> 02:31:47,805
actually ask a total question. Okay. So, and, and, okay.

2022
02:31:48,505 --> 02:31:51,705
and if we move on then, then in the us supreme court say

2023
02:31:52,515 --> 02:31:56,445
that once you start limiting someone's duties, that becomes a first amendment

2024
02:31:56,805 --> 02:32:00,355
problem in houston community colleges versus wilsons of the us supreme

2025
02:32:00,845 --> 02:32:04,665
court. Nope, it did not. Okay. You want a copy of the case? If

2026
02:32:04,885 --> 02:32:08,885
we're gonna read the same thing, go ahead. Gimme a no, you're saying it says one thing and

2027
02:32:09,005 --> 02:32:12,965
then when I read it, you acknowledge it does say it. See, the problem I have always said it was

2028
02:32:13,155 --> 02:32:16,945
inquiry and you kept on changing my words. So the

2029
02:32:17,165 --> 02:32:21,115
problem that we have is that every single time you

2030
02:32:21,335 --> 02:32:25,335
send an email like this that has case law, it's never actually

2031
02:32:25,635 --> 02:32:29,285
the case law. It's not what it says. And so we spend

2032
02:32:29,695 --> 02:32:33,605
hours going back and forth and doing research. So that's that

2033
02:32:34,265 --> 02:32:38,205
the taxpayer's dollars on this, and I wanna make sure that we're actually talking about,

2034
02:32:38,465 --> 02:32:42,365
but you don't, you don't tell us how much you're getting paid by hour, but, but we move on. I talk about that email,

2035
02:32:42,705 --> 02:32:46,045
but we move on and, and you're talking about

2036
02:32:47,225 --> 02:32:51,205
the problem is, is that you're a labor law lawyer, you're not a constitutional law lawyer, you're not

2037
02:32:51,325 --> 02:32:55,045
a brown act lawyer. And, and so you keep on, you keep refer

2038
02:32:55,645 --> 02:32:59,605
referencing to my email. I don't wanna stall time and, and

2039
02:32:59,805 --> 02:33:03,645
my colleagues, I don't think want me to read this email, but if you're asking me to, I I will,

2040
02:33:03,985 --> 02:33:07,755
but okay,

2041
02:33:08,045 --> 02:33:11,835
so, okay. Houston, houston college, tell me, tell me in houston what

2042
02:33:12,125 --> 02:33:15,845
you're looking at. Did you read houston?

2043
02:33:17,945 --> 02:33:21,725
I'm gonna read you portions of this email and then you could, because you, you're being argumentative

2044
02:33:22,145 --> 02:33:24,945
and saying says one thing and it does. So, um,

2045
02:33:28,145 --> 02:33:32,015
you know, I will allow you to go ahead and read your entire email.

2046
02:33:32,525 --> 02:33:36,525
I mean, it was a demanding and threatening email to the city attorneys

2047
02:33:36,845 --> 02:33:40,625
and you, and it was to us as well, demanding what we do with this code of conduct. You

2048
02:33:40,865 --> 02:33:44,845
freely give tons of copies of all proof of email. You should have done that. The same

2049
02:33:44,975 --> 02:33:48,845
today giving oh, I'll read it. Your emails to all the public that is here today.

2050
02:33:49,155 --> 02:33:53,125
yeah. So be with the clerk been a perfect opportunity, but go ahead. That's why I'm giving you the floor and giving you all

2051
02:33:53,285 --> 02:33:57,245
the time for this to be discussed. Great. So continue on and if you wanna read your

2052
02:33:57,405 --> 02:34:01,285
email, read it fully clearly. Okay. What you just commanded and told us. Yes. Dear mayor

2053
02:34:01,615 --> 02:34:05,345
lopez vido, council member ru, council member diaz, mr. Doherty, mr.

2054
02:34:05,715 --> 02:34:09,605
o'connell and mr. Jones. I write to you in my

2055
02:34:10,005 --> 02:34:13,425
capacity as an elected council member for the city of west covea, to formally demand

2056
02:34:14,155 --> 02:34:18,035
that ordinance number 2 5 3 7, the proposed city cons

2057
02:34:18,355 --> 02:34:22,155
code of conduct be immediately withdrawn from consideration. This

2058
02:34:22,445 --> 02:34:25,405
ordinance scheduled for its second reading on february 3rd, 2026,

2059
02:34:26,805 --> 02:34:30,665
contains multiple provisions or unconstitutional on

2060
02:34:30,885 --> 02:34:34,525
retaliatory and unlawful. Its adoption and enforcement

2061
02:34:35,115 --> 02:34:38,325
will violate my rights and the rights of others under the first amendment,

2062
02:34:39,265 --> 02:34:42,925
the due process clause, the americans with disability act, a da

2063
02:34:43,425 --> 02:34:47,395
and the ralph van brown act, among other laws. If the city council does

2064
02:34:47,685 --> 02:34:51,345
not put this ordinance from the agenda or fundaments to revise it to comply

2065
02:34:51,765 --> 02:34:55,485
with constitutional requirements, I attend to initially litigation

2066
02:34:56,085 --> 02:35:00,005
against the city and, uh, and the officials involved. And there are the

2067
02:35:00,125 --> 02:35:03,765
individual capacities without further notice, this letter

2068
02:35:04,325 --> 02:35:07,485
outlines the most, a rigorous legal defects of the ordinance

2069
02:35:08,875 --> 02:35:12,825
with reference to the specific sections of the red line draft attachment number

2070
02:35:13,305 --> 02:35:17,085
two, ordinance 2 5 3 7, and the january 6th and

2071
02:35:17,525 --> 02:35:21,085
february 3rd, 2026 agenda reports. It also provides

2072
02:35:21,665 --> 02:35:25,625
notice of evidence of retaliatory motive behind this ordinance and

2073
02:35:25,935 --> 02:35:29,685
cites controlling legal authority confirming that ordinances of the,

2074
02:35:29,945 --> 02:35:33,625
the legality in light of the serious consequences, I urge you

2075
02:35:34,025 --> 02:35:37,745
to reconsider and abandon this unlawful ordinance before further damage

2076
02:35:38,185 --> 02:35:42,165
is done. The first amendment violations of retaliation and

2077
02:35:42,325 --> 02:35:45,845
speech restrictions, ordinance number 2 5 3 7 flanking

2078
02:35:46,405 --> 02:35:50,225
infringes on free speech rights protected by the us and

2079
02:35:50,445 --> 02:35:54,375
california constitutions as an elected official, I retained rob's

2080
02:35:54,725 --> 02:35:58,545
first amendment rights to speak out on matters of public concern and

2081
02:35:58,765 --> 02:36:02,645
to perform my oversight duties on behalf of my residents. Courts have

2082
02:36:03,005 --> 02:36:06,755
repeatedly howled that local governments may not punish or retaliate

2083
02:36:07,365 --> 02:36:11,325
against elected legislators for their speech in levy versus the city

2084
02:36:11,445 --> 02:36:15,085
of santa monica. The santa monica rent control board case. The california

2085
02:36:15,525 --> 02:36:18,885
court of appeal emphasized that legislators are given the widest latitude

2086
02:36:19,585 --> 02:36:23,445
to express their views with no s stricter free speech standards on their

2087
02:36:24,225 --> 02:36:28,045
on them than the general public council members are entitled

2088
02:36:28,345 --> 02:36:32,145
to speak as a please on matters of vital to them. Errors

2089
02:36:32,625 --> 02:36:36,575
or in judgment may be exposed of course, but not through punishment

2090
02:36:37,425 --> 02:36:41,165
for the expression quoting word versus georgia three 70

2091
02:36:41,845 --> 02:36:45,565
s3 75 19 62. The proposed code of conduct

2092
02:36:45,905 --> 02:36:49,805
defies three. These principles, its vague mandates and

2093
02:36:49,965 --> 02:36:53,965
punitive mechanisms are fully aimed at chilling and punishing protected political

2094
02:36:54,445 --> 02:36:58,245
speech. In particular, my speech and advocacy. Several provisions

2095
02:36:59,085 --> 02:37:02,925
demonstrate this unconstitutional over breath, vague and overbroad speech

2096
02:37:03,325 --> 02:37:07,005
restrictions. Section two dash 7 0 7, a improper

2097
02:37:07,565 --> 02:37:11,385
conduct toward participants forbids a cons member from engaging in

2098
02:37:11,765 --> 02:37:14,595
threatening and intimidating abusive, demeaning hostile

2099
02:37:15,835 --> 02:37:19,285
sive behavior toward a person involving city governance.

2100
02:37:20,015 --> 02:37:23,685
while true threats, while true, while true threats

2101
02:37:24,305 --> 02:37:27,845
and coercion are not protected, this ordinance goes much further.

2102
02:37:28,465 --> 02:37:32,195
it uses undefined subjective terms like abusive, demeaning,

2103
02:37:33,065 --> 02:37:37,025
or hostile. These elastic labels could en

2104
02:37:37,845 --> 02:37:41,845
encompass virtually any sharp or critical remark. For example,

2105
02:37:42,425 --> 02:37:45,495
if I criticize a staff report as misleading

2106
02:37:46,585 --> 02:37:50,385
or question a contractor's performance, could that be deem hostile or

2107
02:37:50,715 --> 02:37:53,965
demeaning? The ordinance gives no objective

2108
02:37:55,925 --> 02:37:59,635
standard, inviting the majority to punish dissenting speech on a whim.

2109
02:38:00,755 --> 02:38:04,185
this sort of vagueness and viewpoint targeting is unconstitutional.

2110
02:38:05,725 --> 02:38:09,545
a law divests officials with unfettered discretion to punish

2111
02:38:10,585 --> 02:38:14,205
speech they dislike violates the first amendment and due process

2112
02:38:15,385 --> 02:38:18,965
its void. For vagueness doctrine restrictions on communications

2113
02:38:19,425 --> 02:38:23,395
and inquiry, the ordinance will empower the council by majority vote

2114
02:38:23,685 --> 02:38:27,215
to impose communication or co our contact perimeters

2115
02:38:28,065 --> 02:38:32,005
on council members as a governance measure. In plain

2116
02:38:32,245 --> 02:38:36,105
terms, the majority could gig a member by restricting who,

2117
02:38:36,785 --> 02:38:40,555
who they can talk to and what information they can seek.

2118
02:38:41,265 --> 02:38:44,805
indeed. Section two dash 7 26 b explicitly

2119
02:38:45,355 --> 02:38:48,505
contempts temporary restrictions on

2120
02:38:49,425 --> 02:38:53,125
direct contact with specific five persons or entities as a sanction.

2121
02:38:53,915 --> 02:38:57,565
this is a direct attack on my right and duty to gather information

2122
02:38:58,225 --> 02:39:02,105
and speak with city staff, contractors and members of the public in

2123
02:39:02,325 --> 02:39:05,845
a course of oversight, nobody, the first amendment coalition's

2124
02:39:06,605 --> 02:39:10,555
legal director has already worn the best kind of staff contact

2125
02:39:11,165 --> 02:39:14,855
restrictions, apparently contemp here, likely imposed first

2126
02:39:15,205 --> 02:39:18,845
amendment and or, or other problems preventing an elected

2127
02:39:19,265 --> 02:39:22,995
pre representative from talking to staff or cons or cons

2128
02:39:23,505 --> 02:39:27,305
or constituents, ants, except through a man

2129
02:39:27,775 --> 02:39:31,625
managerial gatekeeper, impedes core political speech and

2130
02:39:31,845 --> 02:39:35,365
the right to petition. The right to petition. Such restrictions

2131
02:39:37,005 --> 02:39:40,895
re retaliate against me for asking hard questions and effectively sentencing

2132
02:39:41,565 --> 02:39:44,685
my oversight efforts, which is planing unlawful

2133
02:39:46,285 --> 02:39:49,885
punitive measures for protective expression. The ordinance

2134
02:39:50,325 --> 02:39:53,925
manual penalties goes well beyond a symbolic sensor. It authorizes

2135
02:39:55,005 --> 02:39:58,365
concrete punitive actions such as re as removal from committees

2136
02:39:59,325 --> 02:40:03,205
blocking an agenda, participation mandatory training, and other restrictions

2137
02:40:04,105 --> 02:40:07,905
on official duties. These are

2138
02:40:08,225 --> 02:40:12,085
not me intentional at guidelines, there are retaliatory

2139
02:40:13,125 --> 02:40:16,545
sanctions that hinder an elected official's ability to do their job.

2140
02:40:17,715 --> 02:40:21,405
they were elected to do the us supreme court's decision in houston community

2141
02:40:21,965 --> 02:40:25,105
college system versus wilsons 5 9 5 us 1 42

2142
02:40:26,895 --> 02:40:30,065
draws a critical constitutional line in this regard.

2143
02:40:30,905 --> 02:40:34,685
in wilson, the court held that per verbal censor of an elected board

2144
02:40:35,005 --> 02:40:38,955
member did not by itself give rise to first amendment claim. However,

2145
02:40:40,185 --> 02:40:43,845
the court took care to note that the case did not involve

2146
02:40:44,595 --> 02:40:47,205
expulsion, exclusion or any form of punishment

2147
02:40:48,985 --> 02:40:52,955
and more than severe, and, and that more severe penalties against

2148
02:40:53,465 --> 02:40:57,085
an elected official could present problems under the first amendment.

2149
02:40:58,155 --> 02:41:01,685
here the city is venturing far beyond a censor.

2150
02:41:02,665 --> 02:41:06,585
it seeks to exclude a cons. Member from committees, limit his

2151
02:41:07,325 --> 02:41:10,235
participatory rights and even potentially

2152
02:41:11,545 --> 02:41:15,325
bar him from accessing information or attending meetings as discussed

2153
02:41:15,845 --> 02:41:19,685
below. Such preliminary measures secretly implicates the

2154
02:41:19,885 --> 02:41:23,875
first amendment under wilson and and classic cases like

2155
02:41:24,235 --> 02:41:27,425
bond versus floyd 3 85 us 1 16 19 66.

2156
02:41:29,705 --> 02:41:33,485
the state register violated first amendment by refuses to seat a duly

2157
02:41:33,725 --> 02:41:37,625
elected representative due to his political statements. In

2158
02:41:37,855 --> 02:41:41,285
short, punishing an elected official speech or political

2159
02:41:42,005 --> 02:41:45,685
activity is unconstitutional. And this ordinance attempts to do exactly

2160
02:41:46,155 --> 02:41:49,965
that in some ordinance, 2, 5 3 seven's. Speech restrictions

2161
02:41:51,025 --> 02:41:54,925
and retaliation mechanisms cannot withstand first amendment scrutiny.

2162
02:41:56,035 --> 02:41:59,685
they are designed to retaliate against protected speech, specifically

2163
02:42:00,465 --> 02:42:03,565
by outspoken oversight concerning city governance

2164
02:42:04,645 --> 02:42:08,645
spending and transparency as I described in my outreach to the first

2165
02:42:08,765 --> 02:42:12,385
amendment coalition. After I engaged in oversight public

2166
02:42:12,935 --> 02:42:16,725
criti and public criticism, certain city leaders responded with threats,

2167
02:42:18,095 --> 02:42:21,965
heavy handed rules to route all my communications to the

2168
02:42:22,125 --> 02:42:26,075
city manager and other tactics designed to isolate me from

2169
02:42:26,365 --> 02:42:30,315
information channels, discourage further inquiry and punish protected

2170
02:42:30,925 --> 02:42:34,845
speech. This code of conduct is a communication of an

2171
02:42:35,005 --> 02:42:38,285
all that, of that unlawful campaign to muzzle

2172
02:42:39,245 --> 02:42:43,145
a dissenting council member, the first amendment forbids the

2173
02:42:43,365 --> 02:42:47,175
city from enacting or enforcing such retaliatory rules,

2174
02:42:48,585 --> 02:42:51,285
the due process and vagueness the lack of fair procedure.

2175
02:42:52,625 --> 02:42:56,565
the proposed ordinance also tramples on due process guarantees

2176
02:42:56,785 --> 02:43:00,645
by authorizing putative action without a fair or neutral

2177
02:43:01,005 --> 02:43:05,005
process. And by employing vague standards that fail to give

2178
02:43:05,165 --> 02:43:09,165
notice of what is prohibited if adopted, the ordinance will effectively

2179
02:43:09,975 --> 02:43:13,785
allow a cons, majority or city staff acting at

2180
02:43:14,005 --> 02:43:17,675
their behest to play prosecutor, judge, and jury against

2181
02:43:18,165 --> 02:43:22,045
fellow elected officials without the basic procedural safeguards that due

2182
02:43:22,245 --> 02:43:25,725
process requires the key due process deficiencies include

2183
02:43:26,745 --> 02:43:30,405
no neutral gen, ator, and impartial process. The ordinance

2184
02:43:30,785 --> 02:43:34,295
invest, invest the city council itself with the power to determine violations

2185
02:43:35,025 --> 02:43:38,765
and impose sanctions by a mer majority vote with the accused

2186
02:43:39,045 --> 02:43:42,805
member per personally recused. In other words, my political

2187
02:43:43,325 --> 02:43:47,205
opponents on the council, the very individuals who have been the most vocal in attacking

2188
02:43:47,885 --> 02:43:51,875
me will act as a sole de decision makers on the charges that

2189
02:43:53,305 --> 02:43:56,845
on the charges on the counsel, the vari dis individuals who have

2190
02:43:57,415 --> 02:44:01,275
sorry, will act as a sole decision makers on the charges,

2191
02:44:01,815 --> 02:44:05,795
the verdict and the permit punishment. There is no provision for any independent

2192
02:44:06,355 --> 02:44:08,955
or neutral fact finder or gen care dispute allegations.

2193
02:44:10,375 --> 02:44:14,245
all those section two dash seven 15 and section 7 1 2

2194
02:44:15,475 --> 02:44:19,355
dash seven 16 allow the city manager to conduct

2195
02:44:19,795 --> 02:44:23,595
a preliminary review and outside investigator to compile a report.

2196
02:44:24,215 --> 02:44:27,715
the ultimate decisions rhetoric to sanction and how to rest

2197
02:44:28,235 --> 02:44:31,995
entirely with the cons majority. And this is a

2198
02:44:32,315 --> 02:44:36,115
textbook denial of due process. It violates the fundamental principle, then

2199
02:44:36,375 --> 02:44:40,265
no one should be judged in their own ca cause. Yet here

2200
02:44:40,855 --> 02:44:44,515
the cons majority will be judging a colleague. For, for conduct

2201
02:44:45,425 --> 02:44:48,075
that often involves political disputes between us,

2202
02:44:49,495 --> 02:44:53,495
the potential for bias and unfairness is enormous. Indeed, the

2203
02:44:53,715 --> 02:44:57,665
process outlined not

2204
02:44:57,885 --> 02:45:01,745
meaningful, distinguishable from the unconstitutional expulsion and

2205
02:45:02,075 --> 02:45:05,895
bond versus floyd, where legislators opposed to bond views

2206
02:45:06,385 --> 02:45:10,345
simply voted to exclude him just as bond required courts

2207
02:45:10,825 --> 02:45:14,765
to intervene. When legislative abuse its power to sign into a

2208
02:45:14,885 --> 02:45:18,325
member, a similar abuse here would trigger a judicial intervention.

2209
02:45:19,585 --> 02:45:23,445
simply put a process that allows a bare majority

2210
02:45:23,825 --> 02:45:27,075
to strip an elected official of duties or privileges. Effectively

2211
02:45:27,835 --> 02:45:31,805
notifying, notifying the voter's choice without neutral

2212
02:45:32,265 --> 02:45:36,065
due process is unconstitutional, undefined, and

2213
02:45:36,285 --> 02:45:40,155
the vague standards as noted

2214
02:45:40,505 --> 02:45:43,785
above the ordinance, substative standards for misconduct

2215
02:45:44,845 --> 02:45:48,595
are exceedingly vague and malleable terms

2216
02:45:49,015 --> 02:45:53,005
like abusive, demean, hostile, et cetera, are

2217
02:45:53,325 --> 02:45:57,055
not defined. The ordinance also uses broad phrases

2218
02:45:57,545 --> 02:46:00,065
such as misuse of the platform of office

2219
02:46:01,805 --> 02:46:05,545
to single out or pressure any person and conduct that undermines

2220
02:46:06,145 --> 02:46:09,445
their integrity, fairness, and lawful functioning of city governance.

2221
02:46:10,655 --> 02:46:14,365
these sweeping provisions fail to give fair notice of what is

2222
02:46:14,765 --> 02:46:17,635
prohibited and invite arbitrary enforcement.

2223
02:46:18,925 --> 02:46:21,725
a council member has no way to know, for instance, rather,

2224
02:46:23,295 --> 02:46:26,835
rather fiercely criticizing a city. Wasteful

2225
02:46:27,595 --> 02:46:31,435
spending might later be deemed abusive or undermining fairness.

2226
02:46:32,385 --> 02:46:35,675
such elastic provisions can easily be twisted to punish

2227
02:46:36,965 --> 02:46:40,735
legitimate political expression or minority

2228
02:46:41,105 --> 02:46:44,995
viewpoints, which is why vagueness in this context is

2229
02:46:45,295 --> 02:46:48,655
a serious due process problem. The void for vagueness

2230
02:46:49,415 --> 02:46:53,215
doctrine exists to prevent exactly this scenario where officials

2231
02:46:53,875 --> 02:46:57,775
are chilled from exercising their rights because a law is so unclear

2232
02:46:58,525 --> 02:47:02,255
that it could be used against them unpredictably. Here the vagueness

2233
02:47:02,835 --> 02:47:06,395
is not accidental. It appears crafted to

2234
02:47:07,015 --> 02:47:10,975
maximize the cons, majority's discretion in targeting this favor

2235
02:47:11,575 --> 02:47:15,575
behavior or people, this is unconstitutional. If this ordinance

2236
02:47:15,975 --> 02:47:19,555
were adopted, I will be forced to self, self-censor and limit my

2237
02:47:20,055 --> 02:47:23,975
advocacy out of fear. Then any assert oversight may violate

2238
02:47:24,885 --> 02:47:28,855
some unfor civility requirement. The law does not permit

2239
02:47:29,245 --> 02:47:33,175
such a sword of demons to hang over an

2240
02:47:33,375 --> 02:47:37,055
elected official's head. The lack of notice and opportunity to defend

2241
02:47:37,835 --> 02:47:41,555
the ordinance sets up a rapid path from ac accusation to

2242
02:47:41,895 --> 02:47:45,855
penalty with insufficient safeguards. For example, a

2243
02:47:46,215 --> 02:47:49,975
complaint can be received and filtered by the city manager in a preliminary

2244
02:47:50,595 --> 02:47:54,575
review conducted in secret, then forwarded to the council

2245
02:47:54,915 --> 02:47:58,875
for action at the secondary review. By cons, the

2246
02:47:59,095 --> 02:48:02,815
council can decide to impose corrective measures or launch

2247
02:48:03,775 --> 02:48:07,675
a formal investigation while the ordinance does

2248
02:48:07,985 --> 02:48:11,845
not. While the ordinance does allow an accused member to respond

2249
02:48:12,285 --> 02:48:15,485
during consult considerations and later, before any sanctions are finalized,

2250
02:48:16,545 --> 02:48:20,305
the combination of political decision makers and

2251
02:48:20,765 --> 02:48:24,565
eo define offenses undermines any meaningful opportunity to defend

2252
02:48:24,995 --> 02:48:28,845
oneself. Basic due process will demand a neutral

2253
02:48:29,245 --> 02:48:33,165
hearing officer clear charges the right to rep to present

2254
02:48:33,725 --> 02:48:37,445
evidence and cross examine witnesses for any proceeding that may result

2255
02:48:37,845 --> 02:48:41,805
in deprivation of rights and privileges. None of those features are

2256
02:48:42,005 --> 02:48:42,825
present. The

2257
02:48:47,205 --> 02:48:50,885
an ad hoc in political and non adjunct. This raises

2258
02:48:51,305 --> 02:48:54,735
serious t amendment concerns, compel commitments,

2259
02:48:55,425 --> 02:48:59,425
and prior restraint. The ordinance of acknowledgement requirements section two dash

2260
02:48:59,625 --> 02:49:02,895
7 0 3, adds another due process and first amendment wrinkle.

2261
02:49:03,885 --> 02:49:07,575
it mandates that every council member sign a written pledge confirming

2262
02:49:08,515 --> 02:49:12,145
receipt of fity wr an agreement to comply

2263
02:49:12,875 --> 02:49:16,875
with the code of conduct and related policies. This acknowledgement must

2264
02:49:17,165 --> 02:49:20,925
be ex executed without modification. Not only involuntarily without this

2265
02:49:21,305 --> 02:49:25,125
arrest and ero condition is since it

2266
02:49:25,525 --> 02:49:28,825
is clearly co co by the ordinance itself.

2267
02:49:29,945 --> 02:49:33,125
if a member refuses to sign the ordinance or ministry states

2268
02:49:34,625 --> 02:49:38,515
that such failure may be considered in determining appropriate governance

2269
02:49:38,995 --> 02:49:42,875
based measures ie punishment under division

2270
02:49:43,145 --> 02:49:46,835
four, he even suggests that that signing the form

2271
02:49:47,455 --> 02:49:51,375
may be required as a condition of participation in city council meetings and

2272
02:49:51,595 --> 02:49:55,195
other city governance activities. In other words, a council member

2273
02:49:55,655 --> 02:49:59,385
who does not immediately swerve feel to this new code

2274
02:49:59,885 --> 02:50:03,715
could be barred from participating in meetings or conducting city

2275
02:50:04,315 --> 02:50:08,055
business, effectively silencing the official and

2276
02:50:09,175 --> 02:50:12,915
dis franchising his or her votes. This is extraordinary and

2277
02:50:13,215 --> 02:50:17,215
unconstitutional prior restraint on an elected official's rights. For

2278
02:50:17,495 --> 02:50:21,195
one, it conditions my ability to perform my elected duties on signing

2279
02:50:21,635 --> 02:50:25,535
a document that I believe in parts to be unlawful for another. It

2280
02:50:25,755 --> 02:50:29,655
provides no due process at all. The meir act of not signing or even on

2281
02:50:29,875 --> 02:50:33,395
the grounds of principle or conscience, is enough to trigger adverse consequences

2282
02:50:34,625 --> 02:50:38,125
without any hearing. This deo approach is riley

2283
02:50:38,655 --> 02:50:42,215
out of step with due process. The

2284
02:50:42,675 --> 02:50:46,635
constitution does not allow the government to demand that someone waive their

2285
02:50:46,835 --> 02:50:49,715
rights or surrender their free speech as a precondition

2286
02:50:50,855 --> 02:50:54,345
to holding office or to accessing a public form.

2287
02:50:55,145 --> 02:50:59,035
imagine if a city required council members to sign a

2288
02:50:59,155 --> 02:51:03,005
pledge not to criticize the city. It will be laughed out of, it'll

2289
02:51:03,355 --> 02:51:06,665
be laughed out of court. This acknowledgement mandate

2290
02:51:07,365 --> 02:51:11,245
is in the same vein. I have a right to voice objections to

2291
02:51:11,465 --> 02:51:15,345
certain policies and to refuse to endorse them punishing me

2292
02:51:15,505 --> 02:51:19,225
for not signing the form or using that refusal as a basis

2293
02:51:19,605 --> 02:51:22,985
to curtail my row would violate both free speech

2294
02:51:23,845 --> 02:51:27,825
and due process. In summary, the ordinance procedural structure

2295
02:51:28,195 --> 02:51:31,945
lacks the ordinary elements of fair play requiring by due process

2296
02:51:33,285 --> 02:51:37,265
the combination of bias, decision making, body vague rules and put

2297
02:51:37,465 --> 02:51:41,435
in with preconditions like the acknowledgement creates an unconstitutional shame.

2298
02:51:42,925 --> 02:51:46,025
the a da disability rights, privacy, and accommodation concerns.

2299
02:51:47,485 --> 02:51:50,865
the code of conduct ordinance also raises red flags under the america's disability

2300
02:51:51,565 --> 02:51:55,425
act and related state laws. As you are all aware, I am

2301
02:51:55,585 --> 02:51:59,415
a person with autism and have certain accommodations that in enable me to serve effectively

2302
02:52:00,125 --> 02:52:03,745
as a council member. Over the past year, I have been subjected to ongoing

2303
02:52:04,185 --> 02:52:07,985
patterns of, of disability abuse and harassment. Uh,

2304
02:52:08,365 --> 02:52:11,745
I don't wanna offend my, uh, colleagues, you want me to read this or not?

2305
02:52:13,195 --> 02:52:16,875
uh, pretty much it goes on and the list goes on and on and on.

2306
02:52:17,275 --> 02:52:20,855
but at the very end, um, pretty much he tells us he's demanding

2307
02:52:21,375 --> 02:52:25,295
that we would draw this ordinance or it'll trigger a illegal battle in his

2308
02:52:25,455 --> 02:52:29,455
own words. Um, and the city will lose. So again, I

2309
02:52:29,575 --> 02:52:33,415
wanted to make sure this is all out there. I gave you the opportunity

2310
02:52:33,855 --> 02:52:37,755
to speak, so, okay. Well, may, may you, you changed my words now. So you want me to finish? Uh,

2311
02:52:38,135 --> 02:52:42,095
I mean, I'll read exactly what you said at the very end. Okay, I'll finish it. The code of

2312
02:52:42,295 --> 02:52:45,955
conduct ordinance also raises red flags under the american's disability act.

2313
02:52:46,795 --> 02:52:50,375
as you are aware, I'm a person. Okay. It goes on. Over the past year, I have been subjected

2314
02:52:50,815 --> 02:52:54,815
to ongoing patterns of disability based harassment and discrimination by some city officials,

2315
02:52:55,605 --> 02:52:59,455
including unfortunately, mayor lopez viro and council member vu, who have

2316
02:52:59,615 --> 02:53:03,255
made repeated public comments questioning the legitimacy of my autism

2317
02:53:03,975 --> 02:53:06,655
diagnosis and ing the removal of my approve accommodations.

2318
02:53:08,005 --> 02:53:11,455
this behavior is not only ible on a human level,

2319
02:53:12,115 --> 02:53:15,615
but it also violates the ada's guarantee of equal access and non-discrimination

2320
02:53:16,415 --> 02:53:20,295
in public services. Title two of the ada a in the california government code

2321
02:53:20,495 --> 02:53:24,415
11 1 35, among others. When an elected official

2322
02:53:24,565 --> 02:53:27,815
with a disability is publicly targeted and then administratively

2323
02:53:29,195 --> 02:53:32,675
isolated after exercising his rights and amplifies the constitutional harm,

2324
02:53:33,595 --> 02:53:37,165
creating a disability based chilling and democratic com parti

2325
02:53:37,955 --> 02:53:41,745
participation speak up and you will be punished, isolate,

2326
02:53:42,695 --> 02:53:46,555
and publicly undermine the purpose. Ordinance appears to be yet

2327
02:53:46,715 --> 02:53:50,715
another two in this discriminatory campaign, nor does the

2328
02:53:50,875 --> 02:53:53,915
code accommodate or even acknowledge the rights of officials with disabilities.

2329
02:53:55,255 --> 02:53:58,845
to the contrary, imposes rigged conduct requirements and mechanisms

2330
02:53:59,825 --> 02:54:02,955
that ignore the need for reasonable modifications. For example,

2331
02:54:03,935 --> 02:54:07,915
the ordinance will potentially authorized the consult to restrict the matter or

2332
02:54:08,115 --> 02:54:11,875
means a member's participation due temporary limitations on participation

2333
02:54:12,235 --> 02:54:15,935
in specific assignments or temporary adjustments to access

2334
02:54:16,855 --> 02:54:20,835
and to non-public information. If such measures were applied to

2335
02:54:21,035 --> 02:54:24,235
me, they could effectively undo accommodations that have been granted

2336
02:54:25,055 --> 02:54:29,035
for my disability. For instance, if I require information in a

2337
02:54:29,155 --> 02:54:32,995
certain format or advance access due to processing needs, a

2338
02:54:33,395 --> 02:54:37,195
restrict a restriction or information access could conflict with accommodations.

2339
02:54:38,465 --> 02:54:42,025
there's no provisions ensuring that any governance measure will respect

2340
02:54:42,855 --> 02:54:46,675
an official's disability, accommodation, or rights. The mandatory acknowledgement

2341
02:54:47,235 --> 02:54:51,095
section two dash 7 0 3 makes no exception or

2342
02:54:51,315 --> 02:54:54,795
allowance for disability. It requires me to personally affirm understanding

2343
02:54:55,495 --> 02:54:59,415
and agreement to all rules, even do some of those rules as

2344
02:54:59,635 --> 02:55:03,405
written might not account for not for how my disability affects accommodations.

2345
02:55:04,865 --> 02:55:08,765
by forcing an unconditional agreement, the city could later claim

2346
02:55:09,205 --> 02:55:12,965
I waive my a da related objections, which is improper

2347
02:55:13,925 --> 02:55:17,165
ineffective under the law and one cannot waive the public's

2348
02:55:18,045 --> 02:55:21,905
interest in non-discrimination. Moreover, if

2349
02:55:22,165 --> 02:55:25,355
I decline to sign because I need an accommodation related clarification,

2350
02:55:26,885 --> 02:55:30,685
I could be punished immediately. This is cohesive and at odds with the

2351
02:55:30,895 --> 02:55:34,605
ada's interactive process ideals. Notably, one provision

2352
02:55:35,045 --> 02:55:38,965
in the definition section specifically includes automated systems

2353
02:55:39,665 --> 02:55:43,445
or digital assistance, including prompts, inquiries, responses,

2354
02:55:44,115 --> 02:55:48,005
outputs as part of the document and information

2355
02:55:48,875 --> 02:55:52,675
that a customer must preserve and potentially disclose. This unusual

2356
02:55:53,295 --> 02:55:57,285
focus is on digital assistance, which presumably refers to generative

2357
02:55:58,145 --> 02:56:01,445
ai twos and other modern tech strongly suggests

2358
02:56:02,445 --> 02:56:06,335
a target intent. I have in fact utilized supportive

2359
02:56:07,305 --> 02:56:11,085
ai disability assistance and other digital tools as part of my

2360
02:56:11,315 --> 02:56:15,205
work for research drafting assistance and to help manage the heavy information

2361
02:56:15,795 --> 02:56:19,765
load. Something particularly useful given to my colleague. Your

2362
02:56:19,965 --> 02:56:23,885
profile. There is no legitimate reason to single out ai twos in a

2363
02:56:24,005 --> 02:56:27,525
code of conduct except to constrain my ability to use them

2364
02:56:28,105 --> 02:56:31,925
or to intrude upon my workload by casting a white dent over

2365
02:56:32,225 --> 02:56:35,925
in ai generated content related to city business. The ordinance

2366
02:56:36,325 --> 02:56:40,225
seems designed to either chill my use of assisted technology or

2367
02:56:40,445 --> 02:56:44,205
create a pretext to accuse me of some violation if I use such

2368
02:56:44,515 --> 02:56:48,185
twos without later surrendering every prompt output as city record

2369
02:56:49,185 --> 02:56:52,645
record. This raises posts privacy concerns and a da concerns

2370
02:56:53,715 --> 02:56:57,605
privacy because it seeks potential access to my personal

2371
02:56:57,765 --> 02:57:01,685
device outputs and cloud cloud data

2372
02:57:02,025 --> 02:57:05,885
and a da because it effectively in discourages me from using those

2373
02:57:06,125 --> 02:57:09,805
tools that mitigate my disability. The, the city

2374
02:57:10,905 --> 02:57:14,495
should be encouraging the use of adaptive and effective tools

2375
02:57:14,985 --> 02:57:18,585
to, to help any official perform their job, not outlaw,

2376
02:57:19,275 --> 02:57:23,085
outlawing, or stigmatizing them. This provision is a glaring

2377
02:57:23,465 --> 02:57:27,285
red flag of the ordinances crafted to micromanage and target me personally,

2378
02:57:27,985 --> 02:57:31,985
rather than address any generalized city governance issue in

2379
02:57:32,485 --> 02:57:36,325
ever. Great. The ordinance, when viewed in context of city's pattern

2380
02:57:36,545 --> 02:57:40,445
of hostility toward my disability, it is very likely to be found discriminatory.

2381
02:57:41,705 --> 02:57:45,495
it appears to be part of an ongoing pattern of retaliation. Reha harassment

2382
02:57:46,585 --> 02:57:50,445
and public disability based discrimination against me led by mayor

2383
02:57:50,695 --> 02:57:54,565
lopez viro and councilman vu. Their fingerprints are all over this ordinance.

2384
02:57:55,065 --> 02:57:59,005
and indeed the ordinance most concerning provisions align with past grievances.

2385
02:57:59,645 --> 02:58:03,605
they have voiced about me, my communication style, my use of technology,

2386
02:58:04,745 --> 02:58:08,525
my persistence in oversight using a city law to formalize

2387
02:58:09,045 --> 02:58:12,965
discrimination only compounds an illegality. I remind

2388
02:58:13,325 --> 02:58:16,925
you that disability discrimination by a public entity can result

2389
02:58:17,385 --> 02:58:21,325
not only in ju okay, we're, we're gonna, I I'm sorry. I think that I see the public falling

2390
02:58:21,685 --> 02:58:25,485
asleep there and yeah, I'm sorry. Just, I mean, so anyways, um, I mean

2391
02:58:25,745 --> 02:58:29,505
you can, you're more than welcome. You can forward them the copy I letting him

2392
02:58:29,855 --> 02:58:33,565
speak. Uh, there's a lot that could go on now that I know you keep

2393
02:58:33,965 --> 02:58:36,965
referencing your email to our attorney, tom o'connell.

2394
02:58:38,465 --> 02:58:42,225
now you've read that. Now can you ask specific questions? Um,

2395
02:58:42,825 --> 02:58:46,825
and again, I have a question. Oh, okay. Let

2396
02:58:47,045 --> 02:58:50,905
me, uh, councilman wu and then I'll go with d and

2397
02:58:51,705 --> 02:58:55,505
the co conduct is not talking one person or the single or any

2398
02:58:55,725 --> 02:58:59,715
person. The co conduct that is for 25 years. Okay?

2399
02:59:00,065 --> 02:59:03,655
we haven't have an update and it complied to five verse

2400
02:59:04,075 --> 02:59:07,955
including myself. And, uh, you've been accused. I have

2401
02:59:08,245 --> 02:59:11,915
my fingerprint. I haven't talked to, uh, okay.

2402
02:59:12,505 --> 02:59:16,265
uh, attorney o'connor at all. Okay? And, uh,

2403
02:59:17,115 --> 02:59:21,065
okay, this is, uh, what their integrity to check everything about all

2404
02:59:21,285 --> 02:59:25,195
other city about what this and that and a lot of, uh, okay.

2405
02:59:25,625 --> 02:59:29,285
detail. I think our male potent canto know much more than me.

2406
02:59:29,875 --> 02:59:33,805
okay? But again, this is basically is, uh, try to

2407
02:59:33,965 --> 02:59:37,605
have a common sense, try to have a courtesy to each other

2408
02:59:38,025 --> 02:59:41,635
and to the staff. It's not retaliate or anybody.

2409
02:59:42,675 --> 02:59:46,585
last time when this coordinate, okay. Come out and we

2410
02:59:46,805 --> 02:59:50,565
discuss and file verse or agree that we might, this is not only

2411
02:59:51,105 --> 02:59:55,045
for us. We're not going to sit over here forever, okay? This is for

2412
02:59:55,345 --> 02:59:59,205
now and the future. And it is a basic guideline between

2413
03:00:00,065 --> 03:00:03,845
the elected and the staff, how we treat each other.

2414
03:00:04,635 --> 03:00:08,605
okay? We get elected, doesn't mean we have a superpower, and that will become

2415
03:00:09,455 --> 03:00:13,245
their supreme boss. Anything we can just budge in,

2416
03:00:13,925 --> 03:00:17,535
I think the common courtesy and, uh, okay, the common sense.

2417
03:00:18,355 --> 03:00:22,195
okay? Any, everything goes through the city manager channel command. He's

2418
03:00:22,485 --> 03:00:26,125
a ceo. We hire him. He in charge of everything. That's why

2419
03:00:26,665 --> 03:00:30,325
we only talking to him. And then anything he need,

2420
03:00:30,755 --> 03:00:34,605
okay, we need, then he will go to his, uh, okay director and get

2421
03:00:34,805 --> 03:00:38,645
back to us. And this is always what practice

2422
03:00:38,865 --> 03:00:42,285
for 10 years. This is how I deal with the city manager because city manager

2423
03:00:43,155 --> 03:00:46,185
know and he run the city. He must know what's going on.

2424
03:00:47,345 --> 03:00:51,325
and that is what the, always the common practice, I think all, all the

2425
03:00:51,445 --> 03:00:55,085
council and barely go directly to, okay, a

2426
03:00:55,525 --> 03:00:59,245
director, okay? To asking for some document, this and that. I will ask for city manager

2427
03:01:00,105 --> 03:01:03,875
to provide a document of what the issue this. And then you will bring, okay,

2428
03:01:04,165 --> 03:01:07,985
finance director this and in the meeting and explain to the dean and

2429
03:01:08,205 --> 03:01:11,515
this and that. I think there's a proper procedure. And this guideline

2430
03:01:12,225 --> 03:01:16,205
is just want to give people some guideline so we have something, the city have

2431
03:01:16,485 --> 03:01:20,435
something to base on it, okay? Attorney has something to base on it, okay? Otherwise,

2432
03:01:21,115 --> 03:01:25,005
okay, somebody will say, hey, we never have this on the court counter,

2433
03:01:25,465 --> 03:01:29,405
so I can do this, do this. But before now, city council

2434
03:01:30,035 --> 03:01:34,015
will do this. But certainly, okay, some people want to do something extra.

2435
03:01:34,945 --> 03:01:38,845
and regarding the a da speaking, true, okay, this lie is

2436
03:01:38,965 --> 03:01:42,245
really hurting my eye. I tried to bear with that because

2437
03:01:43,005 --> 03:01:46,905
a common day and to one council member and I, with this lie,

2438
03:01:47,205 --> 03:01:51,085
I might have a, I doted to check about the contract and this, it's really

2439
03:01:51,405 --> 03:01:55,365
shocking into my eye. So to comment day you doesn't mean it's going to

2440
03:01:55,445 --> 03:01:59,285
hurt all neighbor or other city council. And maybe I will

2441
03:01:59,455 --> 03:02:03,445
apply the a da too because of my eyesight get hurt, but by damage by this,

2442
03:02:04,035 --> 03:02:07,525
okay? Because this is really, really strong lines over here. Another thing

2443
03:02:08,065 --> 03:02:11,365
you're talking about a common day, a da this elect, when you were the appointed

2444
03:02:12,275 --> 03:02:16,045
okay? Planning commissioner, he never requests anything a point of order.

2445
03:02:16,705 --> 03:02:20,525
you never request any why you get elected. Sir. You I have a point of order, okay? Everything,

2446
03:02:21,245 --> 03:02:25,125
I have a point of order. No, I haven't finished. Let me finish. I I have a point of order city attorney interrupt

2447
03:02:25,565 --> 03:02:29,245
you. I have a point of order, don't interrupt me. City attorney, I have a point of order. The chair,

2448
03:02:29,665 --> 03:02:33,485
the chair should recognize you and allow you to state your point of order and then make a ation state your

2449
03:02:33,725 --> 03:02:37,285
point of order. So, um, you should ask the, the of your order attorney

2450
03:02:37,865 --> 03:02:41,165
for legal advice because now he's going into reasonable accommodations

2451
03:02:41,955 --> 03:02:45,725
that he does not have the legal right to talk about my dis about reasonable accommodations

2452
03:02:46,435 --> 03:02:50,145
that the, that he's not entitled to talk about. I want you open, you

2453
03:02:50,485 --> 03:02:54,275
should talk to the city attorney, get her his, her legal councilman gutter. You already have

2454
03:02:54,565 --> 03:02:58,245
opened that up. So I'm no, I did not talk about I'm gonna allow,

2455
03:02:58,725 --> 03:03:02,685
I did not talk how the law works. This is all true. And that's how the law

2456
03:03:02,805 --> 03:03:06,145
works. If you don't want people notified, you're violating my a da rights, my privacy rights

2457
03:03:07,825 --> 03:03:11,685
sue you for violating my rights, right? That's enough. That's enough. So anyway,

2458
03:03:12,085 --> 03:03:16,085
that's what's gonna happen. Why after you got elected as long as, uh, uh, councilman w as long

2459
03:03:16,125 --> 03:03:20,125
as attorney you're gonna speak up about, hold on of a d accommodations discuss on this floor.

2460
03:03:20,245 --> 03:03:24,065
councilman gutierrez. Councilman wu, as long as you do not go into the details, I'm

2461
03:03:24,285 --> 03:03:27,985
going into details. I'm talking about why shirley not going to the details of the,

2462
03:03:28,545 --> 03:03:32,255
I'm talking about why certainly he want this one lead and he want the extra

2463
03:03:32,605 --> 03:03:35,485
fuel, this and that, and create a burden to the staff.

2464
03:03:36,665 --> 03:03:40,445
the a da is about, okay, we have another, okay, male protein,

2465
03:03:40,955 --> 03:03:44,045
okay? He never requests anything that's illegal. Stop comparing disabilities.

2466
03:03:44,985 --> 03:03:48,965
so no one, no matter what you using a da to protect you. But how about

2467
03:03:49,165 --> 03:03:52,965
the rest of our council? About our right? How about my right over

2468
03:03:53,245 --> 03:03:57,145
sitting here, the lights shouting point of my eye. Do

2469
03:03:57,365 --> 03:04:01,265
I have a war? Come walk you, you could tell the eoca federal judge why you can. So, so anyway,

2470
03:04:01,915 --> 03:04:05,755
what I'm saying is this, certainly you have all this accusation, okay?

2471
03:04:06,045 --> 03:04:09,765
regarding all this are left. But the truth is this, this core conduct is the guideline

2472
03:04:10,585 --> 03:04:14,445
is led. What now in the future, ocd council should, based on

2473
03:04:14,645 --> 03:04:18,605
that as a common courtesy, a common sense, like you go to

2474
03:04:18,765 --> 03:04:22,765
people's home, you just not baring you need to make appointment. Okay? Now just come

2475
03:04:22,965 --> 03:04:26,715
in and want to talk to city attorney, a city manager and take

2476
03:04:27,105 --> 03:04:30,285
all his time, this and that, all five us. We have to make appointment

2477
03:04:31,325 --> 03:04:35,015
a common courtesy. I I think this is what court conduct is about,

2478
03:04:35,905 --> 03:04:39,685
but we just kind of detailed wording. So I waited

2479
03:04:40,025 --> 03:04:44,025
second, okay. From male pur regarding okay, her,

2480
03:04:44,585 --> 03:04:48,525
his okay regarding the amended some of the wording to make it

2481
03:04:48,685 --> 03:04:52,645
more wrong and protected. Um, I just, I, you know, the code

2482
03:04:52,805 --> 03:04:56,765
of conduct is not only stem as you alleged or put all the blame

2483
03:04:57,065 --> 03:05:01,005
on me and, and attack me on a lot of other issues. This code

2484
03:05:01,245 --> 03:05:05,165
of conduct is a consensus of just everything that's already included. I

2485
03:05:05,285 --> 03:05:09,005
know you mentioned about like trainings. Well, we do get trainings, we get mandated

2486
03:05:09,485 --> 03:05:13,485
trainings, ethics training. I, I know I'm still doing it halfway. It's a two and a

2487
03:05:13,565 --> 03:05:17,325
half hour training that I need to complete. But we all need to complete. We, there are already

2488
03:05:17,685 --> 03:05:21,685
guidelines and rules that is already in place that this code of conduct

2489
03:05:22,065 --> 03:05:25,655
is now just showcasing. Um, this is also the protection of the staff.

2490
03:05:26,095 --> 03:05:29,915
we've had issues and complaints from the staff. We had issues and complaints with

2491
03:05:30,205 --> 03:05:33,725
the public. And so this encompasses for all of the protection

2492
03:05:34,785 --> 03:05:38,715
of the public, the staff, the colleagues. It's

2493
03:05:39,005 --> 03:05:42,945
a protection for everybody. And this is, uh, setting a, a standard for

2494
03:05:43,435 --> 03:05:47,025
just those that are current and then those that are gonna be, um, in,

2495
03:05:47,985 --> 03:05:51,885
in future offices. This is not targeted at one. We'd like to make

2496
03:05:52,085 --> 03:05:56,045
sure that we, it, we prevent abuse of power. I mean,

2497
03:05:56,165 --> 03:05:59,965
we hear it from the residents in regards when they're, they're talking about us. Well, this prevents,

2498
03:06:00,445 --> 03:06:04,365
that prevents abuse of power, prevents the, you know, abuse of a da abuse of

2499
03:06:04,885 --> 03:06:08,725
anything. And you know, here, as I mentioned, sometimes in public

2500
03:06:08,945 --> 03:06:12,895
we say things and there's a lot of things that are done behind the scenes that, you know, can't

2501
03:06:13,245 --> 03:06:17,105
be said or can't be talked. And I wish we could, but these, all

2502
03:06:17,325 --> 03:06:21,245
this needs to stop the pettiness, the drama, all that needs to stop. This is just

2503
03:06:21,685 --> 03:06:25,365
a standard. And now I bring this for, to you, to allow you and give you the opportunity.

2504
03:06:26,365 --> 03:06:30,265
I mean, I know you sent this email cc'd the world, cc'd the news media, the

2505
03:06:30,505 --> 03:06:34,265
tv stations, the newspaper, I, every time you send all these emails you

2506
03:06:34,835 --> 03:06:38,805
love to bring out and showcase to the world, all this. And they only hear

2507
03:06:39,185 --> 03:06:42,875
one side. I don't hear, I don't speak and say all these different things that

2508
03:06:43,705 --> 03:06:47,035
you've done. And these a da stuff. There's,

2509
03:06:47,785 --> 03:06:51,445
I'm, there's a lot of adas that, that was not mentioned before.

2510
03:06:51,925 --> 03:06:55,725
I know like the lighting we have closed session. That lighting is not even,

2511
03:06:56,385 --> 03:07:00,225
you know, that's not even touched. But we're not gonna go further in details on

2512
03:07:00,445 --> 03:07:04,445
those. The, and I'm giving you the opportunity to ask specific questions because

2513
03:07:04,785 --> 03:07:08,285
if you are hiding behind the, the rules here, these are common

2514
03:07:08,965 --> 03:07:12,845
courtesy, these are also respect, these are things that everybody agrees on.

2515
03:07:13,065 --> 03:07:16,985
and it's that, uh, management from city manager to

2516
03:07:17,305 --> 03:07:21,165
the council thing. I know that, that they mentioned earlier, these, these are already

2517
03:07:21,385 --> 03:07:25,325
in place. And so if there's an issue, I wanna make

2518
03:07:25,525 --> 03:07:29,485
sure that there's no legality issues because I mean, you threaten to sue us, here we

2519
03:07:29,645 --> 03:07:33,565
go again, another lawsuit. And so I wanna make sure it's all hashed

2520
03:07:33,925 --> 03:07:37,845
out right now. Make sure it's covered. Let the public know. 'cause things are always

2521
03:07:38,085 --> 03:07:41,805
done behind and it's like mm-hmm. Nobody really knows. So this is your opportunity council

2522
03:07:42,225 --> 03:07:46,115
gu gutierrez to ask questions. I haven't finished my my time yet. Okay?

2523
03:07:46,485 --> 03:07:50,445
I wanna conclude what I'm just say. So basically, okay, and uh,

2524
03:07:51,115 --> 03:07:55,025
what I'm saying is this, this is core conduct, again, is for

2525
03:07:55,425 --> 03:07:58,865
us, for everybody, not, or any person, including myself.

2526
03:07:59,565 --> 03:08:03,125
I have to comply too and see when we debate over here,

2527
03:08:03,825 --> 03:08:07,685
and this is clearly, uh, evidence example, when I say something

2528
03:08:07,925 --> 03:08:11,545
he doesn't like, I'm gonna sue you. So that's what the,

2529
03:08:12,025 --> 03:08:16,005
the so-called, uh, retaliation, this and that. It's not from us.

2530
03:08:16,325 --> 03:08:20,325
I never say I'm gonna sue you. If I listen to something like I, I I don't

2531
03:08:20,565 --> 03:08:24,445
like, but right away, just okay, say I'm gonna sue you, I'm gonna sue this and that.

2532
03:08:24,905 --> 03:08:28,605
so this is the intimidation. And that's why we try to use a court counter.

2533
03:08:29,265 --> 03:08:33,065
we have a freedom speech. We hear the debating about what is good or

2534
03:08:33,345 --> 03:08:37,275
bad, if any change, should we change. I, I agree with, uh, okay,

2535
03:08:37,755 --> 03:08:41,355
male potent, okay, counter regarding some of the okay,

2536
03:08:41,825 --> 03:08:45,255
he want to change as attorney, attorney say, yes, let's add value.

2537
03:08:45,945 --> 03:08:49,785
so in that way, let's make it better for the future. Not, not

2538
03:08:50,005 --> 03:08:53,685
just you. Nobody will take nobody, okay? And target you or target

2539
03:08:54,025 --> 03:08:57,805
myself or target anybody. It's something we want to make. This is something

2540
03:08:58,515 --> 03:09:02,345
that good for the future. So, so any add on this and

2541
03:09:02,565 --> 03:09:06,385
that, it would be perfect and welcome, see, to

2542
03:09:06,635 --> 03:09:10,465
discuss about this right away you go into the confrontation. I'm

2543
03:09:10,685 --> 03:09:14,235
gonna sue you because you say this and that. How can we debating over here

2544
03:09:15,065 --> 03:09:18,945
can be freely without worry about, we're gonna sue each other. We

2545
03:09:19,165 --> 03:09:22,845
not getting let to come over here to try to fight and try to sue each other.

2546
03:09:23,205 --> 03:09:26,765
I think we here and try to find something competitive for our council,

2547
03:09:27,625 --> 03:09:31,565
our future, and our city. And that's what we're sitting here for. So it's

2548
03:09:31,805 --> 03:09:35,115
not for the you, for me, for any council, for their individuality

2549
03:09:36,185 --> 03:09:39,805
or for their personal, right? It's more about, it's a public. We get elected

2550
03:09:40,225 --> 03:09:43,725
for public betterments. Okay? And that's why we here spend time

2551
03:09:44,265 --> 03:09:47,805
and now see we only item number four is already past 10 o'clock.

2552
03:09:48,605 --> 03:09:52,525
I think this like, we are going to go to midnight for something that can be

2553
03:09:52,685 --> 03:09:56,525
easily to agree upon and change some word that you don't like,

2554
03:09:57,265 --> 03:10:01,165
but comply for everybody and the future. So thank you mayor, to let

2555
03:10:01,325 --> 03:10:05,125
me finish. And, um, I know, uh, councilwoman diaz wanted

2556
03:10:05,365 --> 03:10:09,235
to say something. Thank you madam mayor. Um, I just find

2557
03:10:09,525 --> 03:10:12,965
this very interesting, or I guess I'm a little confused

2558
03:10:14,075 --> 03:10:17,875
that the last city council meeting, this

2559
03:10:18,165 --> 03:10:21,755
code of conduct was revised to accommodate,

2560
03:10:23,065 --> 03:10:27,025
um, councilman gutierrez's liking and he agreed to it and we

2561
03:10:27,245 --> 03:10:30,015
all, I think it was five one. And today

2562
03:10:32,025 --> 03:10:35,945
we received this email that he was reading and

2563
03:10:36,185 --> 03:10:40,045
at the end threatening to sue only the three of us. Though

2564
03:10:40,745 --> 03:10:44,565
he doesn't threaten councilman contos, which I have no idea why he agreed

2565
03:10:44,965 --> 03:10:48,245
to the code of conduct. So I, I'm confused about that.

2566
03:10:49,145 --> 03:10:51,845
but, um, isn't that a threat?

2567
03:10:53,245 --> 03:10:56,805
I mean, you're telling us that if we do not

2568
03:10:57,285 --> 03:11:01,225
withdraw from this code of conduct, that you're gonna sue me and

2569
03:11:01,465 --> 03:11:05,405
the city. I, I don't understand that and I'm sure,

2570
03:11:05,785 --> 03:11:09,645
um, we'll have to deal with that. 'cause I'm sure there's gonna be many

2571
03:11:09,885 --> 03:11:12,785
more issues that we'll have to address. But, um,

2572
03:11:14,045 --> 03:11:17,845
I just think it's unfortunate that we spend so much time on things like

2573
03:11:18,085 --> 03:11:21,585
this that are meaningless.

2574
03:11:22,775 --> 03:11:26,755
we have a code of conduct. Every government agency has a code of conduct

2575
03:11:27,535 --> 03:11:31,485
and we all have to sign the acknowledgement. I thought we

2576
03:11:31,925 --> 03:11:35,525
satisfied that at the last city council meeting, and I guess we didn't.

2577
03:11:37,055 --> 03:11:40,895
so that was just a comment I wanted to make. Thank you. Thank you. And

2578
03:11:41,115 --> 03:11:44,835
again, when we discuss the code of conduct, councilman gutierrez, this protects

2579
03:11:45,275 --> 03:11:49,195
you as well. This helps prevent others from bullying you or anything.

2580
03:11:49,295 --> 03:11:53,035
so it actually helps you. Um, in here, uh, mayor

2581
03:11:53,415 --> 03:11:56,945
pro tim contos offered some solutions

2582
03:11:57,575 --> 03:12:01,415
and changes. Now again, I'm going to ask you, what is

2583
03:12:01,635 --> 03:12:05,555
it in this code of conduct that you disagree with that, I

2584
03:12:05,675 --> 03:12:09,535
mean, I know they've heard this, you know, the story and everything else, but

2585
03:12:10,175 --> 03:12:13,785
can you ask specific, we have our attorneys here, we have the code of conduct here.

2586
03:12:14,335 --> 03:12:17,595
the attorneys read your email, and so please, if there's

2587
03:12:18,475 --> 03:12:22,315
specific questions or things you disagree in here that you want

2588
03:12:22,635 --> 03:12:26,595
to see changed or anything, offer those solutions. So by all means, this is your

2589
03:12:26,755 --> 03:12:30,655
opportunity to ask those questions. Yes.

2590
03:12:31,015 --> 03:12:34,795
so, uh, you you wanted me to read it, so that's why I read it. So, um, in regards

2591
03:12:35,215 --> 03:12:39,215
to councilwoman di she asked a great question, why am I bringing up these new

2592
03:12:39,435 --> 03:12:42,955
concerns now? And so the, I had, I had the, I had the opportunity

2593
03:12:44,135 --> 03:12:48,055
to email civil rights groups and the first amendment coalition, and

2594
03:12:48,275 --> 03:12:52,045
they raised these, some of these red flags to me. And so when they raised

2595
03:12:52,325 --> 03:12:56,115
them, when other lawyers raised these red flags to me, I responded

2596
03:12:56,865 --> 03:13:00,765
by sending this email, uh, to mr. O'connell and,

2597
03:13:00,925 --> 03:13:04,565
and the city council. Now, when it comes to the law, there's

2598
03:13:05,045 --> 03:13:08,605
case law that specifically states that if you violate another

2599
03:13:09,245 --> 03:13:12,405
council member's constitutional rights, he can bring claims

2600
03:13:13,275 --> 03:13:17,205
against a council member. And when my disability rights continue

2601
03:13:17,365 --> 03:13:21,205
to be discussed and violated, I have a right to defend myself

2602
03:13:21,565 --> 03:13:24,165
under the law. Um, and so

2603
03:13:25,915 --> 03:13:29,805
council member contos has mentioned some great changes, and I support

2604
03:13:30,165 --> 03:13:33,485
that. And all I'm asking mr. O'connell to do really,

2605
03:13:34,385 --> 03:13:38,245
is to review this again, maybe speak to a constitutional

2606
03:13:38,685 --> 03:13:42,565
lawyer, maybe speak to a brown act lawyer. Uh, you, you, you have a large

2607
03:13:42,835 --> 03:13:46,125
firm. I'm sure it's not hard to get some advice, uh, some extra advice

2608
03:13:47,425 --> 03:13:51,335
and, and just make sure that you're writing this code in a way

2609
03:13:51,495 --> 03:13:55,135
that doesn't violate anyone's constitutional rights. I don't think the overall picture

2610
03:13:55,715 --> 03:13:59,095
is wrong. I think in you have some areas where it's contradicting

2611
03:13:59,915 --> 03:14:03,655
itself. And I think you, you stated that earlier, that one area says one thing,

2612
03:14:04,155 --> 03:14:07,815
but then you cover it on a different section and you kind of contradict

2613
03:14:08,375 --> 03:14:12,295
you. You can't. Why, why do we have of that? Just so they can, I

2614
03:14:12,515 --> 03:14:16,335
can look at what you're talking about. So, no, don't, we're not gonna play this game. What I'm

2615
03:14:16,535 --> 03:14:20,225
I talking about? I don't have it in front of me. I'm trying, I'm trying to tell you something in general terms.

2616
03:14:20,755 --> 03:14:24,715
you're trying to make me look like, I'm like, I don't know what I'm talking about here. So

2617
03:14:25,555 --> 03:14:29,175
I'm telling you, all I'm asking for is, is not wanting to incorporate

2618
03:14:29,695 --> 03:14:33,615
council member contos concerns, but also get a second opinion.

2619
03:14:34,205 --> 03:14:37,925
make sure that what you are telling us to approve, uh, like the mayor said,

2620
03:14:38,215 --> 03:14:41,475
that it, it, it could protect my rights too at, but the problem is

2621
03:14:42,435 --> 03:14:46,135
you need to make sure that it does not violate people's

2622
03:14:46,695 --> 03:14:50,695
rights because you have case law where some of these

2623
03:14:50,815 --> 03:14:54,355
areas are contradictory. And all I'm asking for

2624
03:14:55,435 --> 03:14:59,185
is to go back and take what council member mayor

2625
03:14:59,595 --> 03:15:03,425
pro contos has indicated and also get, get while

2626
03:15:03,775 --> 03:15:07,655
you're at it, get a second opinion. Make sure that cons a constitutional lawyer or,

2627
03:15:07,875 --> 03:15:11,615
or a brown act lawyer. Councilman gutierrez, uh, when this has been brought

2628
03:15:11,935 --> 03:15:15,575
up, they took a lot of time and brought it to different attorneys.

2629
03:15:16,115 --> 03:15:19,975
now I ask you again what specific questions. No, no,

2630
03:15:20,295 --> 03:15:24,195
no, no, it's not. Here we go again. , I'm, I'm making this, your honor, and I wish yeah, please

2631
03:15:24,665 --> 03:15:28,295
share that other long email that you sent to the city attorneys

2632
03:15:28,855 --> 03:15:32,815
threatening the attorneys and the attorney did ask what lawyer complain about

2633
03:15:33,015 --> 03:15:36,655
a brown act violation, or which one are you talking about? Just, no, I mean, I'm just saying

2634
03:15:37,275 --> 03:15:41,175
you want, we want specifics. You wanna bring in a lawyer, you apparently

2635
03:15:41,475 --> 03:15:44,795
use a lot of ai, and then you said you get free legal advice. Well ask

2636
03:15:45,535 --> 03:15:49,005
specific questions. And here, what is the first to mimic violation?

2637
03:15:49,715 --> 03:15:52,965
okay, here we are. We're gonna ask you a specific question. In this code of conduct,

2638
03:15:53,795 --> 03:15:57,405
what rights have been violated on your first amendment and what

2639
03:15:57,825 --> 03:16:01,665
rights, disability rights does this violate? There's no provisions in

2640
03:16:01,885 --> 03:16:05,765
the code leti that addresses protections or, or, or vice versa.

2641
03:16:06,155 --> 03:16:09,745
there's language in the code that contradicts case law.

2642
03:16:10,385 --> 03:16:14,115
can you please explain which one? Well, you're gonna gimme an hour to do that, and there's

2643
03:16:14,605 --> 03:16:18,525
no time for that. All I'm asking for is let's incorporate what council member contos said and have

2644
03:16:18,685 --> 03:16:22,475
him double check the work. Okay. Uh, 0.0, the, I already second. Okay.

2645
03:16:23,015 --> 03:16:26,965
canto, would you please? Okay. Roll call so we can move on. I just wanna make sure

2646
03:16:27,125 --> 03:16:31,105
that, oh, I, I know with, um, I want, I want the opportunity of

2647
03:16:31,545 --> 03:16:35,315
the attorneys to address, make sure that

2648
03:16:36,155 --> 03:16:40,005
this, the concerns of all this is there is no violation, there is no legality issues.

2649
03:16:40,885 --> 03:16:44,765
I, I would like to give you the floor an opportunity. I just wanna make sure

2650
03:16:45,125 --> 03:16:49,005
procedurally we're on the same page here about what would happen next, because it sounds like we have two different

2651
03:16:49,525 --> 03:16:53,105
proposals of what would occur. Uh, council member, uh, contos

2652
03:16:53,945 --> 03:16:57,165
has proposed certain very finite specific changes,

2653
03:16:57,985 --> 03:17:01,885
uh, to the code of conduct. Um, I believe that we discussed some of

2654
03:17:02,045 --> 03:17:06,015
those, uh, changes. And I believe that council, uh, member wu would

2655
03:17:06,365 --> 03:17:10,205
like to move, essentially for those changes to be made and to bring back the code

2656
03:17:10,405 --> 03:17:13,905
of conduct to the next council meeting to be, uh, voted on.

2657
03:17:14,585 --> 03:17:18,525
and essentially that would be a second. Well, I will defer to them on this, but that would

2658
03:17:18,605 --> 03:17:22,445
be the equivalent of a second reading since we're making those finite changes. So the code of conduct

2659
03:17:22,645 --> 03:17:26,315
would be approved. Uh, the converse of that is council member gutierrez

2660
03:17:27,545 --> 03:17:31,285
is asking for a total review or re-review

2661
03:17:31,985 --> 03:17:35,725
of the code of conduct without, um, I, I, I don't have specific direction

2662
03:17:36,745 --> 03:17:40,645
of what it is that he would like to change, if you have specific my email,

2663
03:17:41,185 --> 03:17:44,585
but, but I'm not, that's not my request. Just to clarify it, uh,

2664
03:17:45,705 --> 03:17:49,545
I'm agreeing with council member contos motion, uh, and I'm

2665
03:17:49,765 --> 03:17:53,365
asking you uh huh. It's okay. Sorry. Mayor proton. Sorry, mayor. Proton

2666
03:17:53,985 --> 03:17:57,965
contos motion. Uh, sorry. Uh, and, and what I'm asking you

2667
03:17:58,165 --> 03:18:02,085
to do as a lawyer licensed in the state of california with the, and part

2668
03:18:02,365 --> 03:18:06,315
of your ethics as a, as a lawyer with the state bar of california to do your, do some

2669
03:18:06,605 --> 03:18:10,605
extra diligence, I'm asking you to make sure all the wordings there is constitutionally.

2670
03:18:11,555 --> 03:18:15,145
okay. But I'm, I'm gonna go ahead and support council member contos

2671
03:18:15,625 --> 03:18:19,445
motion. Can I, can I ask, are, are there finite things that we

2672
03:18:19,645 --> 03:18:23,425
can make as a change? Because what would happen with what you're saying is, um,

2673
03:18:23,705 --> 03:18:27,485
the next council meeting, we would not be able to vote mm-hmm . On the code of conduct.

2674
03:18:27,995 --> 03:18:31,965
exactly. And so if you have something that's finite, um, so for instance, so I

2675
03:18:32,045 --> 03:18:35,715
I, you brought up, you brought up the ai tools, um, and you said,

2676
03:18:36,625 --> 03:18:40,125
uh, I think that was the, I think that was the last thing that you had just talked about. Is that right? Council member?

2677
03:18:41,025 --> 03:18:44,525
yes. Okay. So you had said notably one provision definition

2678
03:18:45,085 --> 03:18:48,375
section specifically includes automated systems or digital assistance.

2679
03:18:49,545 --> 03:18:53,305
uh, you go on to say, I have in fact utilized generative ai

2680
03:18:53,985 --> 03:18:57,725
and other digital tools as part of my work for research drafting assistance,

2681
03:18:58,205 --> 03:19:01,905
and to help manage the heavy information load, something particularly useful

2682
03:19:02,325 --> 03:19:06,185
given my cognitive profile. There is no legitimate reason to single out

2683
03:19:06,585 --> 03:19:10,385
ai tools in the code of conduct except to constrain my ability to

2684
03:19:10,665 --> 03:19:14,565
use them or intrude upon my workflow. So, is, is your request

2685
03:19:15,795 --> 03:19:19,095
that the preservation or document definition

2686
03:19:20,115 --> 03:19:23,685
related to ai be taken out of the code of conduct?

2687
03:19:24,245 --> 03:19:27,825
'cause that would violate, uh, I believe it's government code 6 2 5 2

2688
03:19:29,385 --> 03:19:33,325
for the definition under a-c-p-r-a of what is a document that's supposed to

2689
03:19:33,445 --> 03:19:37,365
be withheld, uh, withheld by a government entity when

2690
03:19:37,605 --> 03:19:41,525
something's used within official business or official duties. So you don't clarify

2691
03:19:42,075 --> 03:19:46,025
that. You're, you're, if you're syncing medical exempt, uh,

2692
03:19:46,905 --> 03:19:50,825
it actually does. Um, that's why I wanna make sure that we're on the same page here, just like, uh,

2693
03:19:51,045 --> 03:19:54,965
just like we did with council member contos. If, if we're on a completely different

2694
03:19:55,315 --> 03:19:59,295
page, I'm happy, happy to do that. But documents means

2695
03:19:59,945 --> 03:20:03,745
all writings and recorded information. This is page three. Uh,

2696
03:20:03,965 --> 03:20:07,605
under section 7 0 1, um, documents means all writings

2697
03:20:08,085 --> 03:20:11,945
and recorded information, whether tangible or intangible, regardless of

2698
03:20:12,165 --> 03:20:15,665
form or medium, including paper, electronic, digital, audio, visual

2699
03:20:16,425 --> 03:20:20,195
or database materials. Documents includes letters, memoranda,

2700
03:20:20,855 --> 03:20:24,715
notes, reports, drafts, photographs, recordings, spreadsheets, presentations,

2701
03:20:25,965 --> 03:20:29,685
calendars, logs, databases, electronically stored information, metadata

2702
03:20:30,465 --> 03:20:32,985
and versions thereof. Documents also, uh,

2703
03:20:34,795 --> 03:20:38,355
include content generated, stored, transmitted,

2704
03:20:39,145 --> 03:20:43,005
or relied upon through artificial intelligence tools, automated systems

2705
03:20:43,665 --> 03:20:47,445
or digital assistance, including prompts, queries, responses,

2706
03:20:47,995 --> 03:20:51,765
outputs, drafts, summaries or analysis to the extent such content

2707
03:20:52,275 --> 03:20:54,445
relates to city business or city governance.

2708
03:20:57,245 --> 03:21:01,135
yeah. So if, if you're gonna say, if, if it's relates to the, the california

2709
03:21:01,575 --> 03:21:05,555
public records act, why don't you define that in there? To make

2710
03:21:05,715 --> 03:21:09,395
sure you're not going overroad? Well, that's, that's what we did. That's

2711
03:21:09,755 --> 03:21:13,755
why I'm trying to make sure that we're, that I'm, did you put that is in, you're saying that it's what? The california public

2712
03:21:14,035 --> 03:21:17,835
records act? I don't wanna, I don't wanna, uh, he has let, allow him to finish,

2713
03:21:18,115 --> 03:21:22,055
please. He's asking me no, go ahead. He's, he's speaking. So

2714
03:21:22,775 --> 03:21:26,195
you were saying that there was no reason for it to include

2715
03:21:26,975 --> 03:21:30,955
ai and that, um, it could potentially, oh, let me try to find your

2716
03:21:31,115 --> 03:21:34,715
email again. I apologize. Um, it could potentially make it so that someone

2717
03:21:35,175 --> 03:21:39,115
is going to look at personal devices. I believe you had said, well, well, why, why would you

2718
03:21:39,195 --> 03:21:42,945
put an ai thing in code of conduct? I don't understand. The nexus is you just, well,

2719
03:21:43,235 --> 03:21:46,445
it's a definition of the term document, and there's a, uh, preservation,

2720
03:21:47,825 --> 03:21:51,445
uh, section of the code of conduct that says that if during a review

2721
03:21:52,505 --> 03:21:55,085
of some kind of accusation, this would be 2 7, 1 7,

2722
03:21:56,625 --> 03:22:00,245
um, that they could send you a, or any other council member, a preservation

2723
03:22:00,805 --> 03:22:04,805
of documents, communications, and records, which again, is just codifying california

2724
03:22:05,625 --> 03:22:09,385
law. Yeah. If it's, if it's, if it's a preservation notice, that's

2725
03:22:09,805 --> 03:22:13,485
fine. But also you're saying it, it relates to the california public records

2726
03:22:13,865 --> 03:22:17,825
act requests, and there's some exemptions under that act. So

2727
03:22:18,505 --> 03:22:21,875
I'm ask you for is be more, if you could clarify it more clearer.

2728
03:22:22,785 --> 03:22:26,255
so, like you said earlier today, you wanna create a code of conduct where

2729
03:22:27,445 --> 03:22:31,405
absolutely, an attorney doesn't have to repeat himself every other month reminding us what certain

2730
03:22:31,875 --> 03:22:35,365
aspects mean to us. So all I'm asking for is some, some more clarity.

2731
03:22:36,505 --> 03:22:39,905
uh, if it makes it longer, it makes it longer, but at least there's clarity. So

2732
03:22:40,625 --> 03:22:44,525
we don't have to, uh, continue to debate what something means in, in the

2733
03:22:44,685 --> 03:22:48,325
code. Sometimes the more writing, the better to understand

2734
03:22:48,725 --> 03:22:52,595
something. So what else would you want us to take a look at? Because this

2735
03:22:52,885 --> 03:22:56,765
is one that you identified as being illegal in, in your email, and it

2736
03:22:56,925 --> 03:23:00,265
appears you're now satisfied that well, what, what I'm saying is

2737
03:23:01,985 --> 03:23:05,935
there's been comments made, uh, by the city attorney, uh, not,

2738
03:23:06,255 --> 03:23:10,175
not, not brittany, but the other city attorney. Uh, okay. Uh,

2739
03:23:10,415 --> 03:23:14,395
and so we're not gonna go that well, uh, down, down that route. So I'm, I'm only going off based upon

2740
03:23:14,665 --> 03:23:18,495
what I've been told, uh, what I've been criticized about. Uh, and,

2741
03:23:18,735 --> 03:23:22,685
and if, if, uh, if a code has specific terms

2742
03:23:23,215 --> 03:23:26,975
and aspects of the code that are, are intended to

2743
03:23:27,385 --> 03:23:31,035
somehow retaliate or chill, then we have a problem.

2744
03:23:31,855 --> 03:23:35,605
but if you're saying that this is in relation to a, a court

2745
03:23:35,955 --> 03:23:39,615
preservation notice or the california public records act

2746
03:23:40,825 --> 03:23:44,635
request, why don't you put that in there? Why don't we make it more clearer?

2747
03:23:45,575 --> 03:23:49,395
you would want us to state in, in the code something along

2748
03:23:49,635 --> 03:23:52,975
the lines of, this is following current law. Yes.

2749
03:23:53,775 --> 03:23:57,775
it says that in there no call following the california public records act. So

2750
03:23:57,995 --> 03:24:01,725
you want to, so that way you're not expanding its definition, uh, 0.0.

2751
03:24:02,625 --> 03:24:06,315
okay. I think otherwise you guy will be yeah. Debating all nine.

2752
03:24:06,655 --> 03:24:10,385
so I really don't wanna listen to the attorney to attorney, please. Okay.

2753
03:24:11,115 --> 03:24:15,115
I, I think we already have a motion. I have a second. I've been waiting for two hours

2754
03:24:15,455 --> 03:24:19,365
ago. Uh, can we roll code please? Um, madam

2755
03:24:19,715 --> 03:24:23,615
mayor, I believe we just need to clarify on the record whether you

2756
03:24:23,835 --> 03:24:27,735
guys are identifying specific changes, the specific and

2757
03:24:27,955 --> 03:24:31,575
what those are. We are waiting specific you changes. I can, we just have mr.

2758
03:24:32,035 --> 03:24:35,995
o'connell identified those specific changes. So there's, so this is from, this is

2759
03:24:36,115 --> 03:24:39,715
from council member contos changes, is that correct? Correct. And I seconded.

2760
03:24:40,385 --> 03:24:44,165
okay. And war call, please. Okay. Calling world call. I have a,

2761
03:24:44,825 --> 03:24:48,765
uh, first from mayor pro tem contos, second from councilman wu. Um, council member

2762
03:24:48,965 --> 03:24:52,185
guttier. Councilman g member gutierrez. Uh,

2763
03:24:53,025 --> 03:24:56,495
aye. . Councilman wu. Aye. Sorry. Councilman

2764
03:24:57,235 --> 03:25:00,625
diaz. Aye. Oh my god. Mayor pro tem contos. Aye.

2765
03:25:01,855 --> 03:25:05,605
mayor lopez, vido, you're laughing at me, mayor. I, I making that's okay. I can laugh.

2766
03:25:06,005 --> 03:25:09,965
I can get angry. I'm saying, yes, mayor, mayor, mayor. Mayor. Let's, uh, point

2767
03:25:10,085 --> 03:25:13,795
of order. Let's continue on. Let's move on. Please move on. All right. Disrespectful. That

2768
03:25:14,145 --> 03:25:18,105
is item par four. Uh, all

2769
03:25:18,325 --> 03:25:20,685
right. Now to item five, councilman gutierrez.

2770
03:25:23,785 --> 03:25:27,645
and, and I still stack, yeah. Item five, please. Can I talk no. Item five? Yes, you

2771
03:25:27,805 --> 03:25:31,725
can. On item five. Thank you. Yeah, you made me read the email. You're the one who wanted me to read it.

2772
03:25:32,115 --> 03:25:35,725
item five. Any complaint? And, uh, actually in

2773
03:25:36,285 --> 03:25:40,105
reference to that email, I could like to the public if they can post it so

2774
03:25:40,325 --> 03:25:43,835
that I already gave it to the card. Move on, please. Please. Let's move on. Already has it item five.

2775
03:25:44,555 --> 03:25:47,745
item number five. Yes.

2776
03:25:48,785 --> 03:25:52,285
so, um, ropes, rop stands for recognized obligation payment

2777
03:25:52,965 --> 03:25:56,765
schedule, but that just means it lists of old bills. The city is asking the city of california

2778
03:25:57,085 --> 03:25:59,355
to pay. Is it five?

2779
03:26:01,355 --> 03:26:05,125
it's item five is request for proposals for assessment engineering service. And,

2780
03:26:05,425 --> 03:26:08,145
uh, which one is that one? Okay, item, item five, that one. Um,

2781
03:26:10,505 --> 03:26:14,445
how much, uh, so we're, we're in increasing the, we're doing a

2782
03:26:14,565 --> 03:26:18,265
budget amendment to it? Yes, that's correct. Okay.

2783
03:26:18,605 --> 03:26:22,515
we're asking for, and, and where are we getting that money? Are we, is that money coming from the,

2784
03:26:22,725 --> 03:26:25,755
maybe that's a caring question, but is this coming from the, the reserve funds?

2785
03:26:29,415 --> 03:26:31,075
is reserve funds being transferred to the general fund?

2786
03:26:35,055 --> 03:26:38,715
oh, oh. The, the items that are listed to fund

2787
03:26:39,065 --> 03:26:43,065
the engineering, sorry, I'm short. The items, uh, to pay for

2788
03:26:43,425 --> 03:26:47,395
the engineering assessment, it's not gonna be coming from general fund. I think we listed here

2789
03:26:47,825 --> 03:26:51,625
in the budget amendment, the proposal's amendment is outta special revenue. So

2790
03:26:51,845 --> 03:26:55,825
your maintenance districts to sewer, not general fund. So that one, no,

2791
03:26:56,345 --> 03:26:59,755
no reserve funds have been transferred over for this not general fund.

2792
03:27:01,315 --> 03:27:04,925
okay. Okay. So no reserve funds have been transferred for, for this specific item.

2793
03:27:05,435 --> 03:27:09,045
okay. Let me just pull the slide really quick. If you look at the budget amendment

2794
03:27:09,885 --> 03:27:13,595
attached, I believe that's located in the second to last page.

2795
03:27:15,785 --> 03:27:19,545
and I'm referring to exhibit a. And it's budget memo number 2 0 2 6

2796
03:27:20,605 --> 03:27:24,245
dash 17. Mm-hmm . On your far left hand column,

2797
03:27:24,705 --> 03:27:28,155
we list all the different fund numbers where these monies would be coming from.

2798
03:27:29,785 --> 03:27:33,685
and in edina, in identifying all these special revenues, I

2799
03:27:33,805 --> 03:27:36,455
confirmed that there are reserve funds to cover these costs.

2800
03:27:37,825 --> 03:27:41,805
so again, no general fund monies will be used for the proposed engineering

2801
03:27:42,085 --> 03:27:45,985
assessment to reserve funds. Okay. And, uh, are, are

2802
03:27:46,545 --> 03:27:50,125
the currently, does our reserve funds meet the state? The state

2803
03:27:50,595 --> 03:27:53,965
auditor's requirement of the percentage that was required in our reserves.

2804
03:27:54,785 --> 03:27:58,685
if you're referring to the general fund, the reserve requirements that we are recommending

2805
03:27:58,925 --> 03:28:02,885
and that we abiding by is 18%. Uh, we currently are there. However,

2806
03:28:03,665 --> 03:28:06,835
the request for staff agenda item number five,

2807
03:28:08,025 --> 03:28:11,765
no funds are gonna be coming from the general fund. Again, these funds are non-general

2808
03:28:12,365 --> 03:28:16,225
fund monies and they are special revenues. Okay.

2809
03:28:16,525 --> 03:28:17,675
thank you. That's all my questions.

2810
03:28:22,845 --> 03:28:26,235
madam mayor, move approval. Second roll call.

2811
03:28:27,305 --> 03:28:30,685
roll call vote. Councilman gutierrez? Aye. Councilman,

2812
03:28:31,485 --> 03:28:35,435
councilman wu? Aye. Councilwoman diaz? Aye. Mayor prom, contos.

2813
03:28:35,935 --> 03:28:39,915
aye. Mayor lopez. Hi on pam. Motion

2814
03:28:40,115 --> 03:28:43,635
passes. I, um, item number nine, uh, councilman

2815
03:28:44,195 --> 03:28:44,195
gutierrez

2816
03:28:48,225 --> 03:28:51,395
some time so I can come back. . Let's see.

2817
03:28:57,255 --> 03:29:01,215
so this is our, uh, first quarter financial report, or yes.

2818
03:29:18,595 --> 03:29:22,445
did you have his question? Yes, I'm looking at it. Good

2819
03:29:22,735 --> 03:29:26,115
evening, everyone. , if you could just tell the community what, what this item is.

2820
03:29:26,855 --> 03:29:30,575
absolutely. I'll give you a brief overview of the staff report. So tonight for your consideration

2821
03:29:31,155 --> 03:29:34,645
is to receive and file the very first quarter financial

2822
03:29:35,255 --> 03:29:37,895
report. And this covers the period of july through september of 2025.

2823
03:29:39,595 --> 03:29:43,575
so the purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the city's general fund condition.

2824
03:29:44,715 --> 03:29:48,615
and as you know, the information presented in this report is preliminary. So in

2825
03:29:48,815 --> 03:29:52,775
the first quarter, our 25% over the peer, uh, excuse me, 20%

2826
03:29:53,255 --> 03:29:55,775
completed, the general fund revenues are approximately 4.8%,

2827
03:29:57,435 --> 03:30:00,215
and the expenditures are at 24.7% of the budget

2828
03:30:01,475 --> 03:30:05,135
in dollars. Revenues are 4.7 million, and expenditures are at 24.2 million,

2829
03:30:06,905 --> 03:30:08,815
which is a net negative of 19.5 million.

2830
03:30:11,005 --> 03:30:14,735
compare that to last year, same period of time, um, we were

2831
03:30:15,075 --> 03:30:19,055
at a negative 18 million. So as you can see, we're chain, we are training similarly

2832
03:30:19,615 --> 03:30:23,435
to that other prior year. The reason for the negative net

2833
03:30:23,655 --> 03:30:27,575
difference is primarily due to lag in the property

2834
03:30:27,755 --> 03:30:31,635
and sales tax revenues. Our very first property tax in

2835
03:30:31,855 --> 03:30:35,375
the fiscal year was not received until december, and that was in the tune of 6.9 million.

2836
03:30:36,995 --> 03:30:39,705
and the sales tax was received in september of 2 million.

2837
03:30:41,185 --> 03:30:45,165
so the general fund revenues is approximately 4.7 million. And again,

2838
03:30:45,485 --> 03:30:49,245
this is typical in the prior periods. As for the general fund expenditures,

2839
03:30:50,175 --> 03:30:52,565
we're at 24.7%, or 24.2 million

2840
03:30:54,385 --> 03:30:57,725
of the budget, same period. Last year we were at 24.3.

2841
03:30:59,265 --> 03:31:02,565
as you can see, again, we are training similar to, we have in the past prior year,

2842
03:31:03,815 --> 03:31:07,645
we're requesting approval of additional general fund

2843
03:31:07,925 --> 03:31:11,765
revenues of $200,000. And this is for the mutual aid reimbursements

2844
03:31:13,065 --> 03:31:16,585
and an additional expenditure appropriations of $281,940.

2845
03:31:20,975 --> 03:31:24,965
these expenditure appropriations are for mutual aid over

2846
03:31:25,165 --> 03:31:28,925
time of 225,000. And lead pouts payouts amounted

2847
03:31:29,405 --> 03:31:32,865
to approximately 57,000. So the net impact

2848
03:31:33,585 --> 03:31:35,805
on general fund is $81,940,

2849
03:31:38,505 --> 03:31:40,565
and that will be coming from the general fund reserves.

2850
03:31:42,625 --> 03:31:46,535
now, as you know, the sportsplex is a recreation facility, which

2851
03:31:46,885 --> 03:31:49,965
has amenities including the softball, play fields, the playgrounds,

2852
03:31:51,405 --> 03:31:55,045
restaurants, and a pavilion. Well, earlier in the fiscal year, we had emergency

2853
03:31:55,565 --> 03:31:59,365
repairs to our sports plex tent. That was approximately $400,000.

2854
03:32:01,755 --> 03:32:05,635
insurance covered approximately 268,000 resulting

2855
03:32:06,245 --> 03:32:08,845
in the city bearing the remaining cost of approximately 132,000.

2856
03:32:11,065 --> 03:32:15,005
so this evening, we're requesting a budget amendment for this emergency repair

2857
03:32:15,465 --> 03:32:19,325
to the tent. Now lastly, we're fortunate to have

2858
03:32:19,685 --> 03:32:22,965
received additional state homeland security program grant funds,

2859
03:32:23,745 --> 03:32:26,005
and we're requesting a budget amendment of $17,140

2860
03:32:28,025 --> 03:32:31,915
to reflect the additional grant funds. With that being said, I'll

2861
03:32:32,205 --> 03:32:35,985
cut it short. It's late available to answer any questions that you may have. And, and

2862
03:32:36,385 --> 03:32:40,385
did, uh, did we ever get cal, uh, fema money for the, the

2863
03:32:40,815 --> 03:32:44,485
sportsplex? I mean for the, what's it called? Sports sportsplex. Right? Plex. The sportsplex.

2864
03:32:44,885 --> 03:32:48,835
we, we received the funding from the insurance claim. I of fema

2865
03:32:50,045 --> 03:32:53,965
I have not seen the female needs come in. As you know, they may take some time. I

2866
03:32:54,085 --> 03:32:58,085
should have been here by now. A question. Go ahead. And I, I want to follow

2867
03:32:58,305 --> 03:33:01,895
up. Okay. As I remember, I think, um, my krisa

2868
03:33:02,545 --> 03:33:06,485
uh, waiting the roof could blow away. And, uh, we called, I,

2869
03:33:06,625 --> 03:33:10,485
at the time I was the mayor, so I called for the okay. And the

2870
03:33:10,645 --> 03:33:14,515
state of, city of emergency. So we called fema to pay for that

2871
03:33:15,025 --> 03:33:18,885
big loss. And, uh, I remember you let time, you work for fema, you say we

2872
03:33:19,085 --> 03:33:22,725
should get a grant. So we should have the money from fema. And I

2873
03:33:23,125 --> 03:33:27,085
remember, um, my, chris told me at the waiting for fema approval

2874
03:33:27,595 --> 03:33:31,525
because there's a big hole on the top of, uh, enclosement of,

2875
03:33:31,785 --> 03:33:35,645
uh, soccer field. I can double check to see if so maybe mike, chris,

2876
03:33:35,965 --> 03:33:39,965
I can answer the question. We, we, we went through the fema and we, the

2877
03:33:40,165 --> 03:33:42,965
fema should pay us good evening, mayor and council.

2878
03:33:44,375 --> 03:33:48,235
everything was submitted to fema. Um, everything from the windstorm, from

2879
03:33:48,525 --> 03:33:52,445
not only the sportsplex, but throughout the city, city has been submitted as far as,

2880
03:33:52,825 --> 03:33:56,725
um, you know, fires time and all those things. I

2881
03:33:56,845 --> 03:34:00,405
do not know if there's been anything paid from cal oes. But everything has been submitted.

2882
03:34:01,865 --> 03:34:05,665
the only thing I'm aware of is the insurance claim that we made currently. And cal, uh,

2883
03:34:06,165 --> 03:34:09,905
c-j-p-I-a paid us back for the repairs. My understanding, not only the,

2884
03:34:10,425 --> 03:34:14,045
the plex. Okay. The, the, the, the, the roof

2885
03:34:14,555 --> 03:34:18,005
blow away and the, the female, we, we went through the female for the,

2886
03:34:18,705 --> 03:34:22,395
the lost. Okay. Also, I think our cortes park.

2887
03:34:23,035 --> 03:34:26,475
okay. The roof something too. Okay. And that, I think the fema,

2888
03:34:27,415 --> 03:34:30,765
we've been waiting and we told the people, say we waiting for female approval.

2889
03:34:31,435 --> 03:34:35,405
that was during the windstorm? That is correct. I, we call for the city of

2890
03:34:35,565 --> 03:34:39,405
emergency. Yeah. A couple things I wanna clarify. We did submit both roofs. We submitted

2891
03:34:39,845 --> 03:34:43,605
everything from the sports plex, and we also submitted, um, cortez park

2892
03:34:43,865 --> 03:34:47,805
as well. The, the repairs of cortez park, all fema was covering was the

2893
03:34:47,925 --> 03:34:51,905
damage. 'cause there was only about 600 square feet of damage. And the roof is 15 to

2894
03:34:52,245 --> 03:34:55,145
1800 square feet, if I remember correctly. So, um,

2895
03:34:56,425 --> 03:35:00,305
the 600 feet, we, the six, 600 square feet that we could report was

2896
03:35:00,525 --> 03:35:03,915
submitted to fema or to calloway, or I'm sorry to fema.

2897
03:35:04,545 --> 03:35:08,285
and then the entire sportsplex was submitted as well. Like I said, I don't

2898
03:35:08,565 --> 03:35:12,445
think we've gotten any return on that, on top of the, the tree damage and the staffing.

2899
03:35:12,865 --> 03:35:16,685
so all those things have been submitted, but I do not believe back que question. Okay. When

2900
03:35:16,925 --> 03:35:20,525
you submit to them, okay, they should tell you the approval

2901
03:35:21,145 --> 03:35:25,005
or decline or this and that, do we have any communication? Are they

2902
03:35:25,165 --> 03:35:29,165
going to pay for it? Just, um, check in the mail or they're not going to

2903
03:35:29,285 --> 03:35:32,965
pay at all? I, I do not wanna defer. I don't have the answer.

2904
03:35:33,705 --> 03:35:37,125
um, we, we go through that process and go through the call oes process with the fire department.

2905
03:35:37,745 --> 03:35:41,685
so we work, we work together with the fire department, get all financials, and then submit it

2906
03:35:41,765 --> 03:35:45,745
all at the same time. But at that point, the, you know, I am not aware of any

2907
03:35:46,205 --> 03:35:49,795
communication. I cannot confirm, deny that. Um, I remember again, because

2908
03:35:50,595 --> 03:35:54,295
that is the, the very expensive repair. And we've

2909
03:35:54,645 --> 03:35:58,085
been waiting for fema adjusters to show up. And finally

2910
03:35:58,665 --> 03:36:02,525
you told me it show up and then we've been waiting for a while. So we should have something

2911
03:36:02,925 --> 03:36:06,925
if they show up, but, okay. And inspect. And they should

2912
03:36:07,515 --> 03:36:10,925
basically, they will pay for the difference. Am I right?

2913
03:36:13,725 --> 03:36:17,625
absolutely. Uh, just please understand that reimbursement from any federal agency

2914
03:36:19,195 --> 03:36:22,715
some time, and I do apologize for that. But any assistance anybody

2915
03:36:23,265 --> 03:36:27,105
can give us to expedite reimbursement, it'd be greatly appreciated. But please

2916
03:36:27,545 --> 03:36:31,405
do understand that reimbursement from federal and some state agencies, it does

2917
03:36:31,565 --> 03:36:35,125
take some time. So, so meaning they didn't decline it, just

2918
03:36:35,795 --> 03:36:39,285
slow. So money will still come to you, I hope,

2919
03:36:40,755 --> 03:36:44,585
slow the processes they must go through. So it does take some time and

2920
03:36:44,805 --> 03:36:48,805
the, the government shut down too. Okay. So, absolutely. Okay. Thank you so much. Appreciate that.

2921
03:36:48,885 --> 03:36:52,605
thank you. Any additional questions? Yeah, I, I think, uh, if I recall,

2922
03:36:53,405 --> 03:36:56,595
I think we, the city advanced money to fix the repairs, but fema

2923
03:36:57,425 --> 03:37:00,985
or the federal agency should still reimburse the city. So, um,

2924
03:37:01,575 --> 03:37:04,745
maybe, um, our kelly s um,

2925
03:37:06,245 --> 03:37:10,185
regional, uh, contact person could contact, uh, uh,

2926
03:37:10,625 --> 03:37:14,585
if forgot her name, but she could, he could contact her and, and find out what the status of

2927
03:37:14,805 --> 03:37:18,705
that is. It's a great suggestion. We will do so. Thank you. Great. Any

2928
03:37:18,925 --> 03:37:21,325
other questions? That's it. We just don't want the money come back.

2929
03:37:23,345 --> 03:37:26,425
so put a smile on your face. Move the motion to approve, please. Second

2930
03:37:27,555 --> 03:37:27,845
roll call.

2931
03:37:35,095 --> 03:37:38,725
roll call vote. Council member gutierrez aye.

2932
03:37:39,675 --> 03:37:43,525
councilman wu? Aye. Councilwoman diaz? Aye.

2933
03:37:44,035 --> 03:37:47,705
mayor pro tem contos. Aye. Mayor lopez vido aye. Motion passes.

2934
03:37:48,895 --> 03:37:52,065
last consent item number 10. Councilman gutierrez.

2935
03:37:54,125 --> 03:37:57,265
now that's the, hello again. Rops. .

2936
03:37:58,455 --> 03:38:02,155
okay. So the rops, which stands for recognize obligation

2937
03:38:02,825 --> 03:38:06,705
payment schedule, that just means a list of mobiles. The city is asking the state,

2938
03:38:07,245 --> 03:38:11,225
the state of california to pay. Um, so would you

2939
03:38:11,265 --> 03:38:15,225
like to gimme a brief? Uh, I can give you a very brief report. Uh, yeah, if

2940
03:38:15,345 --> 03:38:18,025
you want explain. Is that okay? Yes. Thank you very much.

2941
03:38:20,085 --> 03:38:23,815
as, uh, council member gutierrez stated that the roths does

2942
03:38:24,105 --> 03:38:28,105
stand for the recognized obligation payment schedule. I'd like to

2943
03:38:28,265 --> 03:38:31,765
just further, further explain that it was pursuant to ab one,

2944
03:38:32,965 --> 03:38:36,745
abx 1 26 and also the subsequent amendments. Thereafter,

2945
03:38:37,325 --> 03:38:41,305
we refer to those as the dissolution act and required the dissolution

2946
03:38:41,745 --> 03:38:44,265
of the redevelopment agency. So on february 1st, 2012,

2947
03:38:46,645 --> 03:38:49,965
the city elected to serve as the successor agency

2948
03:38:50,765 --> 03:38:54,545
to the former west covina redevelopment agency. Now then,

2949
03:38:54,785 --> 03:38:56,705
pursuant to the health and safety code section 34 1 7 7

2950
03:38:58,955 --> 03:39:02,625
subsection of subsection one, the successor agency is required to

2951
03:39:03,065 --> 03:39:06,945
file the roths. Again, that is the recognized obligation payment

2952
03:39:07,745 --> 03:39:11,565
schedule annually and is to receive funds to pay for

2953
03:39:11,785 --> 03:39:15,575
the former redevelopment agency's obligations. What

2954
03:39:15,885 --> 03:39:19,665
are eligible obligations while they include bonded debt services,

2955
03:39:20,405 --> 03:39:24,385
uh, reimbursement of the housing fund that was used for state mandated

2956
03:39:25,105 --> 03:39:28,545
property tax shifts, loans from the city, legal services, administrative

2957
03:39:29,315 --> 03:39:33,265
costs for winding down the successor agency. So

2958
03:39:33,485 --> 03:39:36,925
with our request this evening, we're asking for fiscal year 26 27

2959
03:39:38,025 --> 03:39:41,395
in the amount of 14.9 million on the roths. However,

2960
03:39:42,665 --> 03:39:46,105
please note that the department of finance has previously denied

2961
03:39:46,985 --> 03:39:49,885
12.6 million. More specifically,

2962
03:39:51,305 --> 03:39:54,965
we were funding for successor agency legal expenses,

2963
03:39:56,365 --> 03:40:00,165
repayment for the city, administrative overhead and construction

2964
03:40:00,485 --> 03:40:03,245
costs, the sales tax reimbursement agreement,

2965
03:40:04,645 --> 03:40:08,645
unfunded pension liabilities, and retirement benefits of which

2966
03:40:08,905 --> 03:40:12,425
totals approximately 12.6 million. So

2967
03:40:13,035 --> 03:40:16,395
overall, that being said, I do anticipate,

2968
03:40:17,065 --> 03:40:21,065
and I do hope that department of finance approves our remaining portion,

2969
03:40:21,265 --> 03:40:24,465
which is 2.3 million. And that is what is for consideration tonight.

2970
03:40:25,845 --> 03:40:29,825
theros, I listed all the obligations there are outstanding, even though

2971
03:40:31,005 --> 03:40:34,025
the successor agency has been previously denied the department of finance,

2972
03:40:35,355 --> 03:40:38,845
we're placing it back on to see or not we get approved. If not,

2973
03:40:39,675 --> 03:40:43,665
we're looking at approximately 2.3 million. Councilman gutierrez,

2974
03:40:44,185 --> 03:40:47,945
I hope I answers some of your questions. Yes. And then, um, is that,

2975
03:40:48,605 --> 03:40:52,105
is that the one that the state continues to deny? You're absolutely correct.

2976
03:40:53,245 --> 03:40:57,065
and are we paying legal fees for that? We are not. Um, if you look

2977
03:40:57,265 --> 03:41:00,505
at the administrative budget, which is included in one of the attachments,

2978
03:41:01,555 --> 03:41:04,645
legal expenses as it relates to the successor agency,

2979
03:41:05,605 --> 03:41:07,465
the former redevelopment agency is very minimal.

2980
03:41:15,385 --> 03:41:19,195
yeah. 'cause um, if you're still thinking on

2981
03:41:19,395 --> 03:41:23,255
your question, uh oh, I'm sorry. You finish. Are you, uh,

2982
03:41:23,475 --> 03:41:27,435
you know, I, I, I, 'cause I got, I got a, I got an email from this, the california department of

2983
03:41:27,515 --> 03:41:31,315
finance. And, um, again, they, they assert that we're not

2984
03:41:31,635 --> 03:41:35,555
entitled to this. And I think one of my concerns, I just wanna make sure we're not continuing

2985
03:41:36,075 --> 03:41:39,545
to pay this amount of money, but I see line item number 76.

2986
03:41:40,775 --> 03:41:43,815
it says 1.2 1,000,226

2987
03:41:47,015 --> 03:41:50,575
$1,226,000, um, paid to

2988
03:41:51,555 --> 03:41:55,075
reimbursement in advance sa expenses, legal expenses. And then

2989
03:41:55,855 --> 03:41:58,355
our successor agency console is jones and meyer. Correct.

2990
03:42:00,055 --> 03:42:02,625
uh, for the reimbursement of line item 76

2991
03:42:04,415 --> 03:42:07,515
is for reimbursement of an advancement of successor agency expenses.

2992
03:42:08,455 --> 03:42:12,395
and it does his legal expenses. If we were to look

2993
03:42:12,555 --> 03:42:16,435
at the agreement execution date on this item, it was september 16th, 2014.

2994
03:42:19,135 --> 03:42:23,115
um, unfortunately I do not have that information available to tell you who incurred those

2995
03:42:23,515 --> 03:42:27,315
expenses, but I can state that we are requesting a reimbursement of 1.2 million

2996
03:42:28,375 --> 03:42:32,185
and this is for legal expenses that were incurred prior to. Can

2997
03:42:32,405 --> 03:42:35,965
I ask you a question? Councilman gutierrez, you said you got an email from california state finance.

2998
03:42:36,435 --> 03:42:40,265
when did you get that? And did you share that with our own finance and city staff? Yes,

2999
03:42:40,685 --> 03:42:44,605
I did. Oh, when did you get the email? 'cause I, I don't know, we would like to know as

3000
03:42:44,805 --> 03:42:47,825
well. Yeah. Um, if, let's see. Um,

3001
03:42:51,075 --> 03:42:54,805
uh, I get it. Let's see. I think, yes, I think on monday, yesterday, I think. Okay.

3002
03:42:55,325 --> 03:42:58,815
alright, go ahead. Uh, councilman yesterday. I wanna say something.

3003
03:42:59,365 --> 03:43:02,735
okay. Um, I kind of know history about this because

3004
03:43:03,375 --> 03:43:07,245
I got elected 2015 this, uh, november. Okay. And it's

3005
03:43:07,535 --> 03:43:10,855
started in 2016. The previous city manager, chris freeland,

3006
03:43:12,115 --> 03:43:15,855
and the man and development manager, community development

3007
03:43:16,255 --> 03:43:19,815
manager, paulina morales, they've been asking

3008
03:43:20,355 --> 03:43:23,485
me to help ct to get this $2 million back

3009
03:43:24,505 --> 03:43:28,335
since 2016. And, uh, 1718, they even

3010
03:43:28,535 --> 03:43:32,515
want me to talk to okay. And, uh, our senator and,

3011
03:43:32,755 --> 03:43:36,325
uh, our, okay. Even last year, okay,

3012
03:43:36,815 --> 03:43:40,735
I think last year, uh, um, the time former city manager become

3013
03:43:41,135 --> 03:43:44,995
city manager, paulina morales still asking and

3014
03:43:45,805 --> 03:43:49,615
chasing this $2 million back to the city. So it look like

3015
03:43:50,405 --> 03:43:54,215
this is back in 2014 or 13 hotel before my

3016
03:43:54,415 --> 03:43:58,275
time. So look like state of finance or

3017
03:43:58,495 --> 03:44:02,245
state really owes this money $2 million. So, so otherwise

3018
03:44:03,235 --> 03:44:07,115
why? For so many, okay. Continuity of the

3019
03:44:07,335 --> 03:44:10,805
city managers or community service manager chasing

3020
03:44:11,885 --> 03:44:15,765
this money back to the city. So can you check into

3021
03:44:16,055 --> 03:44:19,975
it? I know it's easy to say. Okay. They say, no, no, no. But

3022
03:44:21,515 --> 03:44:25,375
do they really owe us money? And you know, that they may be the de debt, they

3023
03:44:25,575 --> 03:44:29,535
don't want to pay us. Okay. But, uh, are we entitled to this $12 million? We

3024
03:44:29,735 --> 03:44:33,055
just wanna make sure we don't get short change by the state.

3025
03:44:33,845 --> 03:44:37,535
well, obviously, um, we do believe we're entitled to these

3026
03:44:38,255 --> 03:44:42,215
reimbursements. We entitled to have this termin million dollar, the, the city or the, excuse

3027
03:44:42,495 --> 03:44:46,385
me, the successor agency. It's successor agency. Correct. We placed it on our wraps

3028
03:44:46,995 --> 03:44:50,815
and we believe that we are entitled to it. However, the department of finance

3029
03:44:51,775 --> 03:44:55,465
disagrees with the successor agency. Um, and councilman

3030
03:44:56,135 --> 03:45:00,055
gutierrez provide us a letter that was sent to the former finance director,

3031
03:45:00,175 --> 03:45:03,715
and it's dated back in april. And it outlines the

3032
03:45:04,255 --> 03:45:07,375
position of the department of finance. And their basically

3033
03:45:08,295 --> 03:45:12,055
position is saying that we are not, these are not eligible

3034
03:45:12,565 --> 03:45:16,245
obligations that are gonna be reimbursed. So it's

3035
03:45:16,905 --> 03:45:20,335
truly up to the city council and successor agency's decision

3036
03:45:21,315 --> 03:45:25,125
if we want to continue to pursue this by placing these outstanding

3037
03:45:25,885 --> 03:45:29,005
obligations, outstanding unreimbursable expenditures

3038
03:45:29,945 --> 03:45:33,565
on our wraps, or should we just remove it from the future

3039
03:45:33,975 --> 03:45:37,765
wraps? I have not had that opportunity to discuss this

3040
03:45:38,005 --> 03:45:41,845
matter with a successor agency, and therefore we continue to place this

3041
03:45:42,045 --> 03:45:44,415
on for the fiscal year 26, 27 wraps.

3042
03:45:46,225 --> 03:45:49,955
uh, I understand, but it's easy to just wave

3043
03:45:50,245 --> 03:45:54,125
it, delete it, tell million dollar gun. But I, I just feel like,

3044
03:45:54,595 --> 03:45:58,245
okay, if they really owe us, we just have to chase,

3045
03:45:58,795 --> 03:46:02,725
they pay us back. And we're not the only agency in a similar

3046
03:46:03,405 --> 03:46:07,285
situation where we don't agree what is considered to

3047
03:46:07,445 --> 03:46:11,325
be a recognized obligation. Mm-hmm . I just wanna make

3048
03:46:11,525 --> 03:46:15,485
that very clear and a statement to be made understand, I think this is very important

3049
03:46:16,065 --> 03:46:19,845
is possible rather than we just say, okay. Okay. Take it away. Take

3050
03:46:20,145 --> 03:46:23,865
out the book. Is that, do you need more time to search

3051
03:46:24,595 --> 03:46:28,325
this $12 million before you request to remove

3052
03:46:28,755 --> 03:46:32,195
this out of, uh, okay. On, on the book, meaning

3053
03:46:32,785 --> 03:46:36,715
if we still have a chance or we really okay. Have a, because

3054
03:46:37,485 --> 03:46:41,245
I I've been helping, okay. And, uh, the previous city managers,

3055
03:46:41,905 --> 03:46:45,745
the previous, the staff, they want me to talk to the, our

3056
03:46:46,095 --> 03:46:49,925
sacramento and this on that, and I've been talking to okay, then

3057
03:46:50,185 --> 03:46:54,085
hey to $12 million and this on that. So if we just give

3058
03:46:54,345 --> 03:46:58,205
up then, meaning we won't see this money coming back to us at all.

3059
03:46:58,675 --> 03:47:02,365
correct. If we do not place these, what we believe eligible

3060
03:47:02,715 --> 03:47:06,005
obligations on the wraps, we will not be refunded.

3061
03:47:07,265 --> 03:47:11,055
so basically you solid. This is just a dream

3062
03:47:12,715 --> 03:47:16,405
that we will never get a dream. I'm I'm optimistic individual.

3063
03:47:17,565 --> 03:47:21,405
I know you told. Yeah. However, uh, do I believe that the department

3064
03:47:21,845 --> 03:47:25,605
of finance will ever approve those 12.6 million that they've

3065
03:47:25,885 --> 03:47:29,715
been denied denying since day one? Um, minimal chance. Minimal

3066
03:47:30,225 --> 03:47:33,985
chance. Just I'm an optimistic individual. Negative one. Uh,

3067
03:47:34,885 --> 03:47:38,765
I wanna give the floor to mayor pro tem contos, please.

3068
03:47:40,055 --> 03:47:42,925
thank you. Uh, karen, especially since other,

3069
03:47:45,175 --> 03:47:48,825
since other cities have had similar disagreements, has,

3070
03:47:49,385 --> 03:47:53,325
uh, is there a way that staff can look into the extent to which we can ban

3071
03:47:53,925 --> 03:47:57,725
together with other cities? Because if we can do that, let's say to

3072
03:47:58,145 --> 03:48:01,595
in, in a, in a possible, uh, class action, uh, lawsuit

3073
03:48:02,155 --> 03:48:06,125
against the state, uh, for us, because if, if we were to band

3074
03:48:06,485 --> 03:48:10,105
together with other cities who are being denied their, their fund of, uh,

3075
03:48:10,605 --> 03:48:14,605
reimbursements for similar, uh, reasons, then, then would that be a

3076
03:48:14,725 --> 03:48:17,975
possibility for us to per to, uh, to facilitate

3077
03:48:18,765 --> 03:48:22,545
a receipt of these funds that we believe we're entitled to? Uh, so

3078
03:48:22,955 --> 03:48:26,675
successor agencies, other successor agencies have attempted

3079
03:48:28,065 --> 03:48:31,925
to litigate with against the department of finance in regards

3080
03:48:32,245 --> 03:48:34,935
to what the department of finance considers to be ineligible obligation.

3081
03:48:36,525 --> 03:48:39,655
I, for one, was at a city that we did try to litigate unsuccessfully.

3082
03:48:42,575 --> 03:48:46,315
uh, I can defer this to our deputy city attorney

3083
03:48:47,255 --> 03:48:51,035
and she can speak upon other successor agencies, whether another, this is a prob a probability

3084
03:48:51,435 --> 03:48:55,035
or not if the deputy city attorney has any perspective

3085
03:48:55,575 --> 03:48:59,395
or can get to us on that because, uh, this could be a, a

3086
03:48:59,715 --> 03:49:03,575
possible way for, uh, present an opportunity for us to band together with others who

3087
03:49:03,805 --> 03:49:07,205
still are, may not have pursued their, their

3088
03:49:08,185 --> 03:49:11,795
full legal recourse the way we have not yet done in, in that type of adversarial

3089
03:49:12,435 --> 03:49:16,335
context, but in light of their continually denying us, simply

3090
03:49:16,865 --> 03:49:20,755
just allowing them to say no to us without our stepping up or fight. That's a lot of money

3091
03:49:20,935 --> 03:49:24,875
at stake. 12.5, $12.2 million is a lot. It's a lot of money. It's a lot.

3092
03:49:25,175 --> 03:49:28,915
and if we, and, and we already know that whenever suits happen,

3093
03:49:29,285 --> 03:49:33,115
there can be settlements. So even if we get 6 million or whatever, I mean, I'm just saying

3094
03:49:33,355 --> 03:49:37,355
that from a strategic standpoint, to what extent may you be aware

3095
03:49:37,775 --> 03:49:41,715
or might you be aware, uh, is it possible for us

3096
03:49:42,135 --> 03:49:45,995
to band together, band it together with other cities who are similarly situated

3097
03:49:46,455 --> 03:49:49,795
so that we can, we can move forward with a unified potential class action,

3098
03:49:51,215 --> 03:49:54,435
uh, lawsuit against, against the state for this money,

3099
03:49:55,255 --> 03:49:58,965
for our, for the money that we all are collectively owed? Madam

3100
03:49:59,315 --> 03:50:03,115
mayor, if I may, I don't have the historical information on these issues,

3101
03:50:03,515 --> 03:50:07,235
however, I vaguely recall that cities have tried unsuccessfully

3102
03:50:08,215 --> 03:50:12,145
to sue the state over these funds, but my office can look

3103
03:50:12,465 --> 03:50:15,575
into that issue and get back to you. Thank you. Uh,

3104
03:50:17,095 --> 03:50:20,995
one thing, do we have urgency to approve this? We approve. Are

3105
03:50:21,195 --> 03:50:25,155
we going to just delete the $2 million off our book, or we still have a chance

3106
03:50:25,415 --> 03:50:29,355
to come back to address this issue? Just very difficult. I've been

3107
03:50:29,555 --> 03:50:33,435
fighting this for so long and now we just say goodbye. Okay. Well actually for your

3108
03:50:33,835 --> 03:50:37,575
consideration for this success report's consideration tonight is

3109
03:50:37,975 --> 03:50:41,515
to keep the, what we consider to be eligible obligations

3110
03:50:42,295 --> 03:50:45,395
on the robs and submit it to the department of finance.

3111
03:50:46,845 --> 03:50:50,735
so again, our request is to keep these obligations

3112
03:50:51,445 --> 03:50:55,405
on the robs and to submit it. I understand, but you are only asking for 2.1 million. No,

3113
03:50:55,625 --> 03:50:58,595
no, I'm, what I was stating is that the total roths,

3114
03:50:59,845 --> 03:51:03,505
um, the net effect of what I believe we're gonna receive. So let me just restate this.

3115
03:51:04,365 --> 03:51:08,225
the total rocks we request, karen, hold on. The point is that if

3116
03:51:08,445 --> 03:51:12,305
we ask for tell some million dollar, $2 million, we might get couple million dollars.

3117
03:51:13,205 --> 03:51:16,535
if we only ask for $2 million, we maybe get only $2,000 back.

3118
03:51:17,625 --> 03:51:21,225
absolutely. Understood. And that's why we're not asking for 2 million. We are asking for almost 15 million.

3119
03:51:22,165 --> 03:51:26,125
oh, yes. And I like it. Okay. Yeah, yeah. Okay. I'm sorry. I did state that

3120
03:51:26,285 --> 03:51:30,085
very clearly. My apologies. Oh, just gimme a heart attack. $2 million. I don't want just $2 million.

3121
03:51:30,505 --> 03:51:33,445
I'm sorry. It's a little late tonight, so I'm a little blurry. You plan on apologies.

3122
03:51:35,355 --> 03:51:39,145
okay. I think it's $50 million we asking for give $50 million then I'm

3123
03:51:39,365 --> 03:51:43,175
okay. Yes, we are. I don't wanna give up. Let's your million dollars. Understood.

3124
03:51:44,275 --> 03:51:48,245
yeah. And, and I think, uh, how we get to that large number is it, there's

3125
03:51:48,565 --> 03:51:52,485
different accounts and different categories, so when you add all those

3126
03:51:52,605 --> 03:51:56,565
accounts up, it, it creates to that a number, right, karen? Absolutely

3127
03:51:56,765 --> 03:51:59,905
correct. Yeah. And, and I know in, uh, in, in 2024

3128
03:52:00,945 --> 03:52:04,845
in december, uh, I know tony told mayor, uh, council

3129
03:52:05,045 --> 03:52:08,945
member ru told me about this, and then I know paulina has me mentioned it as well. So,

3130
03:52:09,345 --> 03:52:12,835
uh, the governor's office had set up a meeting, uh, with

3131
03:52:13,665 --> 03:52:17,325
the city attorney's office. Uh, I think paulina was part of that meeting.

3132
03:52:17,835 --> 03:52:21,505
city staff was part of that meeting. I joined the meeting and,

3133
03:52:22,345 --> 03:52:26,305
uh, the conversation even went as far as what happens if

3134
03:52:27,065 --> 03:52:30,965
one of the legislators were to pass an, uh, legislation that gives westfield

3135
03:52:31,555 --> 03:52:34,825
that portion of money. And their response, in other words, was,

3136
03:52:35,745 --> 03:52:39,685
uh, the governor would never sign it because open bankrupt the state

3137
03:52:39,845 --> 03:52:42,235
because there's so many other cities in this problem.

3138
03:52:44,105 --> 03:52:48,085
so, and plus they kind of broke too. So yeah. Kind of,

3139
03:52:48,465 --> 03:52:52,205
did anybody else have questions? I'll make a motion to approve anybody. Second?

3140
03:52:53,465 --> 03:52:56,275
uh, I have a question. So when we approve,

3141
03:52:57,945 --> 03:53:01,585
we not wire the $12 million. Why? No, sir. We are,

3142
03:53:02,245 --> 03:53:05,645
I am requesting to submit the wraps for almost $15 million.

3143
03:53:06,785 --> 03:53:09,885
got it. And there was a second already.

3144
03:53:10,985 --> 03:53:14,905
all right. Roll call. Thank you. Thank you. Just to clarify for

3145
03:53:15,125 --> 03:53:19,025
the record, the second was from mayor pro tem contos. Correct. Thank you. Um,

3146
03:53:20,115 --> 03:53:23,965
will call vote council member gutierrez aye. Councilman wu aye. Councilwoman

3147
03:53:24,875 --> 03:53:28,835
diaz aye. Mayor pro tem contos aye. Mayor lopez. Vito

3148
03:53:29,385 --> 03:53:33,125
aye. Motion passes on to department regular matters. Item 12, consideration of appointments

3149
03:53:33,785 --> 03:53:37,765
to the audit committee and resolution, revising audit committee rules

3150
03:53:38,105 --> 03:53:41,065
and regulations. City manager who will present the staff report.

3151
03:53:42,265 --> 03:53:45,995
uh, roxanne lerma, assistant city manager. Good

3152
03:53:46,285 --> 03:53:50,125
evening, mayor lopez. Vito, members of the city council. Um, before

3153
03:53:50,485 --> 03:53:54,145
you tonight, item number 12, consideration appointments. The audit committee and

3154
03:53:54,525 --> 03:53:58,485
resolution revising audit committee rules and regulation. So tonight, the city's council is being

3155
03:53:58,645 --> 03:54:02,545
asked to take two actions. The first is to adopt resolution 20 26 16,

3156
03:54:04,325 --> 03:54:07,965
which amends the audit committee rules and regulations. And the second is to appoint

3157
03:54:08,425 --> 03:54:12,195
the five members to fill current vacancies on the audit committee with

3158
03:54:12,485 --> 03:54:14,085
terms running through december 31st, 2027.

3159
03:54:16,585 --> 03:54:20,525
the audit committee was originally established in 2015 and has been modified several

3160
03:54:21,015 --> 03:54:24,765
times to adjust memberships and duties. Over the years, staff

3161
03:54:25,085 --> 03:54:29,085
members were removed to preserve independence. Committee representation was expanded

3162
03:54:29,305 --> 03:54:32,805
and the committee was renamed and restructured. As of today, the committee consists

3163
03:54:33,325 --> 03:54:37,265
of five public members with the city treasurer and two council members serving as

3164
03:54:37,485 --> 03:54:41,405
ex officio non-voting members. There are currently five vacancies on the audit

3165
03:54:41,525 --> 03:54:45,205
committee. The city accepted applications as required by law and staffer

3166
03:54:45,845 --> 03:54:49,755
commends appointing the five most recent serving members, raphael

3167
03:54:50,245 --> 03:54:54,115
cast castillian, james gritch, david lynn, marsha solorio,

3168
03:54:54,985 --> 03:54:58,645
and deanna stanley. Their proposed terms would begin in february, 2026

3169
03:55:00,305 --> 03:55:04,125
and end december 31st, 2027. In addition to the

3170
03:55:04,405 --> 03:55:08,165
proposed resolution, the proposed resolution updates, the audit committee rules and regulations

3171
03:55:08,955 --> 03:55:12,885
that were last amended in 2021. These revisions clarify that the

3172
03:55:13,005 --> 03:55:16,005
committee will meet quarterly on the fourth wednesday of january,

3173
03:55:17,055 --> 03:55:20,845
april, july, and october. The amendments also clarify

3174
03:55:21,395 --> 03:55:24,985
term lengths and add provisions regarding the selection of a chair and vice chair member

3175
03:55:25,525 --> 03:55:28,635
absences, removal members and procedures for filling vacancies.

3176
03:55:29,585 --> 03:55:33,365
um, we are open to questions. Thank you. Questions from the council?

3177
03:55:33,915 --> 03:55:37,675
move the motion to approve. Second roll call. Okay.

3178
03:55:38,445 --> 03:55:42,345
I have a motion from councilman wu, a second from mayor pro tem

3179
03:55:42,665 --> 03:55:45,515
contos, roll call, vote aye. Council member gutierrez

3180
03:55:47,025 --> 03:55:50,745
aye. Councilman wu aye. Councilwoman diaz? Aye.

3181
03:55:51,095 --> 03:55:54,605
mayor pro tem contos. Aye. Mayor lopez. Vito aye. Motion

3182
03:55:55,165 --> 03:55:58,945
I pass. Uh, item 13, now, consideration of a draft request for

3183
03:55:59,405 --> 03:56:00,885
proposal for federal lobbyist.

3184
03:56:03,515 --> 03:56:07,445
good evening. Um, just looking at these, uh, both

3185
03:56:07,925 --> 03:56:11,845
together, it was similar, uh, draft, uh, rfps to be

3186
03:56:12,285 --> 03:56:15,915
considered, uh, draft lobbyists and grant writing services. We'd

3187
03:56:16,365 --> 03:56:19,965
previously, uh, um, published rfps for both

3188
03:56:20,385 --> 03:56:24,365
in, uh, 24. And, uh, brought those proposals to council in january

3189
03:56:24,585 --> 03:56:28,295
25. Bids were rejected. We, uh, took input

3190
03:56:28,645 --> 03:56:32,645
from the council, uh, republished those rfps in october,

3191
03:56:33,265 --> 03:56:37,085
and, uh, we're directed to, uh, pull, pull those out of publication, which

3192
03:56:37,365 --> 03:56:40,565
we did. And so we're bringing these drafts forward for consideration

3193
03:56:41,705 --> 03:56:45,685
and direction. And, um, if there's approval to move forward,

3194
03:56:46,025 --> 03:56:49,995
we will do so. Publish these. We need, we will

3195
03:56:50,635 --> 03:56:54,265
need to identify funding. These, uh, services are not funded

3196
03:56:54,745 --> 03:56:58,425
in the current budget. And, uh, we'd anticipate a, uh,

3197
03:56:58,905 --> 03:57:02,725
an amendment, uh, to allocate money from the general fund for these services.

3198
03:57:03,625 --> 03:57:07,565
any questions from the council? Madam mayor? Uh, mayor proam? Uh, I have a contest.

3199
03:57:08,625 --> 03:57:12,345
go, go. Please go ahead. Oh, can you, can you go over the

3200
03:57:12,845 --> 03:57:15,015
specific changes that were made as a result of council input?

3201
03:57:18,945 --> 03:57:22,305
uh, I'm sorry, I don't have the, the

3202
03:57:23,195 --> 03:57:25,725
list of those changes. They were just built into the rfp

3203
03:57:29,545 --> 03:57:33,435
didn't have the specific changes. Thanks. Okay. Uh, into the scope of work primarily.

3204
03:57:34,075 --> 03:57:38,045
okay. Uh, I have a question. Okay. Um, do currently, do we

3205
03:57:38,165 --> 03:57:41,285
have a federal lobbyist? Do we have one or not?

3206
03:57:42,265 --> 03:57:45,685
no. No, we don't have, so how long we don't have this lobbyist

3207
03:57:46,585 --> 03:57:50,005
in the federal this first question. Second, do we need the lobbyist?

3208
03:57:50,875 --> 03:57:54,725
okay. Number three, how much it will cost the city, what kind of

3209
03:57:54,885 --> 03:57:58,115
result they can bring anything back to us. Because currently,

3210
03:57:59,285 --> 03:58:03,085
I don't think the federal government or state government or anybody want to give us a dime.

3211
03:58:04,265 --> 03:58:07,845
we have an infrastructure issue. We have a fire station issue, we have a,

3212
03:58:08,425 --> 03:58:12,045
all this issue, but I don't think they will give any funding.

3213
03:58:12,625 --> 03:58:16,625
so in that way, any lobbyist will really create to

3214
03:58:16,845 --> 03:58:20,425
bring, if they can provide the funding or

3215
03:58:20,865 --> 03:58:24,725
the grant okay. Offset the charge that we pay

3216
03:58:24,925 --> 03:58:28,785
them rather than, I worry that we pay the lobbyist annual fee. It

3217
03:58:29,005 --> 03:58:33,005
is like, I pay for service for some it guy, but they never

3218
03:58:33,165 --> 03:58:36,645
show up. I still have paid them, but I worry about one day I need it.

3219
03:58:37,185 --> 03:58:40,405
so, so the same token, we, we hire these lobbyists,

3220
03:58:41,235 --> 03:58:45,205
it's really functional for city to pay their money. Right. Uh, to my

3221
03:58:45,605 --> 03:58:49,085
recollection, we've never had a federal, um, federal, uh, government

3222
03:58:49,715 --> 03:58:53,195
lobbyists. Um, based on the information

3223
03:58:53,925 --> 03:58:57,785
that we got, the feedback from the last, uh, last go is about, uh,

3224
03:58:58,005 --> 03:59:01,905
32 4 3, uh, 32,400 to

3225
03:59:02,165 --> 03:59:06,085
102,000 a year. Just for, for the retainer. That was

3226
03:59:06,245 --> 03:59:10,235
an annual cost. So, so roughly a hundred thousand dollars a year potentially?

3227
03:59:10,945 --> 03:59:14,765
yes. Okay. But what kind of benefit the city can get

3228
03:59:14,965 --> 03:59:18,615
from these lobbyists just over there talking about this and never

3229
03:59:18,975 --> 03:59:22,845
bring a grant to us. And then why is the benefit to the

3230
03:59:23,005 --> 03:59:26,965
city if we spend this a hundred thousand dollars and the,

3231
03:59:27,145 --> 03:59:31,125
any lobbyist, the guarantee you pay me a hundred thousand, I give you a million

3232
03:59:31,245 --> 03:59:34,585
dollars. Right? No, they don't. Funding. There were guarantee, forget it. Just give us $200,000

3233
03:59:35,565 --> 03:59:38,165
funding. Any possibility a year?

3234
03:59:39,705 --> 03:59:43,565
uh, no. There was no guarantee of funding in the proposals. And as you mentioned,

3235
03:59:43,845 --> 03:59:47,005
the climate is such that, uh, the fund, the climates right now is not really

3236
03:59:47,925 --> 03:59:51,745
friendly to the city. We, we recently submitted an application for the,

3237
03:59:52,025 --> 03:59:55,025
uh, community project funding, uh, requesting $10 million

3238
03:59:56,185 --> 03:59:59,605
for, uh, fight. So for a fire station. And, uh, got it.

3239
04:00:00,285 --> 04:00:04,165
I know they don't give us a dollar. $250,000 is going through the congressional,

3240
04:00:04,825 --> 04:00:08,605
or was approved by the house. I mean, in dollar project it give us a hundred

3241
04:00:09,005 --> 04:00:12,965
thousand dollars. 250,000. 50 50,000 for the, we haven't seen the

3242
04:00:13,125 --> 04:00:16,965
money yet. Well, no, but we, it really maybe, maybe from

3243
04:00:17,245 --> 04:00:21,105
the female, it's something to checking in the mail. Mail it never come. That is from a congress. So,

3244
04:00:21,325 --> 04:00:25,005
so, so my point is over here, I I really don't wanna spend a hundred

3245
04:00:25,445 --> 04:00:29,165
thousand dollars. Okay. And it doesn't have any benefit to the city

3246
04:00:29,665 --> 04:00:33,415
unless, okay. Some kind of credibility lobbyists. Okay. And let's

3247
04:00:33,765 --> 04:00:37,725
say, hey, we done this. We have do this. We help with the city, give this funding. Otherwise

3248
04:00:38,265 --> 04:00:42,265
why we need this lobbyist. If he cannot bring any resolve funding or

3249
04:00:42,485 --> 04:00:46,465
benefit to the city, why we need a lobbyist. What the benefit for

3250
04:00:46,715 --> 04:00:50,605
this person that cities give them a hundred thousand dollars while they

3251
04:00:50,805 --> 04:00:54,735
to work to, to, to us kelly? And you can

3252
04:00:54,815 --> 04:00:58,115
answer. Uh, no, I, yeah. I, I, uh,

3253
04:00:59,385 --> 04:01:03,335
don't have a position on this. I, this, this was a direction from the council.

3254
04:01:03,635 --> 04:01:07,005
so basically you're not sure why we need that. Okay.

3255
04:01:07,835 --> 04:01:11,775
so I I'm the reserved we can get benefit. Okay. Maybe all the

3256
04:01:11,975 --> 04:01:15,615
city council can share some light. Well, I, I just, I mean, if there was a different formula

3257
04:01:16,075 --> 04:01:19,955
of payment, such as like a commission or percentage, if they get

3258
04:01:20,175 --> 04:01:23,965
that, then you know, they get paid versus just wishing

3259
04:01:24,715 --> 04:01:28,555
and if they produce nothing, we just wasted money. Is

3260
04:01:28,775 --> 04:01:32,655
there other options like that? This is the standard for, for this line of work.

3261
04:01:33,435 --> 04:01:36,765
all the proposals were we received were retainers. Okay.

3262
04:01:37,545 --> 04:01:41,355
madam mayor, go ahead. Mayor. Pro conscience. Um, kelly, do, do you happen to know with the, the

3263
04:01:41,575 --> 04:01:45,445
latest, uh, appropriation bill that was just signed, uh, earlier,

3264
04:01:46,355 --> 04:01:50,295
uh, if there were earmarks that, that were authorized in that bill, I, I know that there was a debate

3265
04:01:50,925 --> 04:01:54,835
with regard to whether or not earmarks were included at all. So, so

3266
04:01:55,355 --> 04:01:59,115
an answer to the councilman's question with regard to even the,

3267
04:01:59,395 --> 04:02:03,255
the government even giving money out. Do you have, or maybe anyone else on the staff

3268
04:02:03,435 --> 04:02:07,335
can, can they check to see if there are, if the congressional bill that just went

3269
04:02:07,495 --> 04:02:11,415
through included earmarks or did not include earmarks, if they did include

3270
04:02:11,695 --> 04:02:15,335
earmarks, that means that somebody's getting the money with a lobbyist. If they did not include earmarks,

3271
04:02:15,885 --> 04:02:19,855
then, then the councilman's. Right. About how it would not be the, the

3272
04:02:20,055 --> 04:02:23,935
best use of money. But it, it literally hinges on that question as to whether

3273
04:02:24,735 --> 04:02:28,455
congress as a matter of policy, uh, allowed earmarks or if it did not allow

3274
04:02:28,775 --> 04:02:32,015
earmarks, which are currently called con congressionally, congressionally

3275
04:02:33,335 --> 04:02:37,325
appropriated programs. Right. Uh, we did receive notification from,

3276
04:02:37,675 --> 04:02:41,285
uh, the congressman's office that the, uh, the request

3277
04:02:41,775 --> 04:02:45,735
that we had made for the fire station did clear the house. I, I don't know what the status

3278
04:02:45,995 --> 04:02:49,995
is of the senate. Bill, any other questions?

3279
04:02:52,055 --> 04:02:55,855
uh, councilman gutierrez? Yeah, I think, um,

3280
04:02:56,995 --> 04:02:59,335
I think the, the congressional member had stated before

3281
04:03:01,665 --> 04:03:05,195
when I asked him if there was a, a benefit to having a lobbyist. I think he said,

3282
04:03:05,895 --> 04:03:09,845
if you have a project and you know what you want for your

3283
04:03:10,005 --> 04:03:13,985
project, then it can be beneficial if it requires, like, uh,

3284
04:03:14,685 --> 04:03:18,665
multiple people, multiple agencies being involved in, in allocation of funding. So

3285
04:03:18,905 --> 04:03:22,225
it, um, it, it, it could be beneficial.

3286
04:03:23,125 --> 04:03:26,695
um, but, but again, if we do our, it's, there's

3287
04:03:27,185 --> 04:03:30,385
no cost to do an rp. So maybe we could hear whoever presents,

3288
04:03:31,245 --> 04:03:35,015
uh, proposes. Okay. Uh, follow up. Okay. What

3289
04:03:35,495 --> 04:03:38,325
council members stated. Okay. Um,

3290
04:03:39,725 --> 04:03:43,485
we have a project. We, we wanna build a fire station and, uh, our

3291
04:03:44,305 --> 04:03:48,225
congressman okay. And we told them we needed more than $20 million. So he said,

3292
04:03:48,455 --> 04:03:52,215
okay, we can going to give you what, $250,000? Yeah.

3293
04:03:52,745 --> 04:03:56,535
. So it's like 1 10, 1 10th. Okay.

3294
04:03:57,195 --> 04:04:01,055
maybe not even build a bathroom. Okay. So of the fire station. Okay.

3295
04:04:01,345 --> 04:04:05,065
grass. So, so yeah. Grass something. So, so the, the point is this

3296
04:04:05,755 --> 04:04:09,645
maybe ip you send out okay. And checks what we have, uh,

3297
04:04:10,335 --> 04:04:14,135
project. Okay. And what can you provide

3298
04:04:15,235 --> 04:04:19,145
grant for us? What kind of guarantee? I don't know if they can guarantee or this or

3299
04:04:19,305 --> 04:04:22,905
that, but, but again, just don't wanna waste the money, you know, get a lobbyist.

3300
04:04:23,375 --> 04:04:27,245
okay. All this over there, they die wine, this and that. But we, we,

3301
04:04:27,605 --> 04:04:31,505
we just don't get result. We have no control in dc and over there,

3302
04:04:31,765 --> 04:04:35,545
but at the same time, we have somebody over there and they may represent

3303
04:04:35,885 --> 04:04:39,345
so many city, a hundred thousand here, a hundred thousand, 180,000 there.

3304
04:04:40,045 --> 04:04:44,025
so, uh, they really will fight for us to get a grant because a hundred

3305
04:04:44,425 --> 04:04:48,365
thousand dollars, maybe 2000 lobbies is not really a lot of money. So, but

3306
04:04:48,585 --> 04:04:52,465
for us, every dying come, so, so, so my point is

3307
04:04:52,625 --> 04:04:55,965
this, I don't know how the city council do we need this ip.

3308
04:04:56,895 --> 04:05:00,565
okay. Or we can research for those people, but

3309
04:05:01,055 --> 04:05:04,925
okay. What they can offer to us, I, I don't even know this ip will have any

3310
04:05:05,145 --> 04:05:09,045
benefit to search it to a lobbyist maybe can

3311
04:05:09,265 --> 04:05:13,015
create money to us and plus kinda waste of step

3312
04:05:13,335 --> 04:05:16,615
time to search something that may be potentially

3313
04:05:18,125 --> 04:05:22,105
not in this environment, current environment in the federal government right now, it's very

3314
04:05:22,225 --> 04:05:26,165
difficult to get any money out of them. Okay. And so, so

3315
04:05:26,385 --> 04:05:29,745
this is a current, maybe we should wait maybe next year,

3316
04:05:30,395 --> 04:05:34,145
maybe change of environment after midterm elections

3317
04:05:34,505 --> 04:05:38,115
over, they may be changing a little bit more friendlier to the local government

3318
04:05:38,805 --> 04:05:42,645
for say, some funding to fix this and that. I don't know. This is, uh, my

3319
04:05:42,865 --> 04:05:46,635
suggestion. I just don't wanna waste a hundred thousand dollars to doing, like you throw

3320
04:05:47,285 --> 04:05:50,545
the, the rock into the lake. You don't see nothing.

3321
04:05:51,305 --> 04:05:55,185
I mean, I agree. I mean, if we hold, because I know the fiscal impacts as a funding source

3322
04:05:55,535 --> 04:05:59,025
will need to be identified for the service if approved to proceed.

3323
04:05:59,645 --> 04:06:03,025
so with everything that's going on and with funding and so forth,

3324
04:06:03,665 --> 04:06:07,355
I, I don't mind holding back, but I'll go ahead and let other mayor

3325
04:06:07,725 --> 04:06:11,625
pro tim contos. Thank you madam mayor. Uh, from, from my time in

3326
04:06:11,885 --> 04:06:15,825
dc I can tell you that lobbyists do a lot of good work with securing funding in

3327
04:06:16,045 --> 04:06:19,485
this current environment. I can understand the concerns though. So I'm wondering

3328
04:06:20,235 --> 04:06:24,125
what my colleagues would think about our are are still keeping

3329
04:06:24,405 --> 04:06:28,245
this under consideration, uh, uh, uh, un until we,

3330
04:06:28,425 --> 04:06:31,335
we, we see that the environment is such that we can reasonably

3331
04:06:32,665 --> 04:06:36,525
expect that there are possible congressionally appropriated

3332
04:06:36,765 --> 04:06:40,705
programs get that, that can be secured. But that way we keep the door open, but

3333
04:06:40,925 --> 04:06:44,605
then wait, uh, for a proper, proper time when we're more sure about that.

3334
04:06:44,945 --> 04:06:48,895
but it does take time to build these relationships with, with, with different stakeholders, which

3335
04:06:49,245 --> 04:06:53,125
is what lobbyists do. And I can tell you that lobbyists do, do move things

3336
04:06:53,365 --> 04:06:57,145
in dc and that's why we should still find a way to, to

3337
04:06:57,645 --> 04:07:01,245
consider that if, if we can, can councilman gutter?

3338
04:07:02,025 --> 04:07:05,485
oh, sorry. Um, can maybe, can we get like a, like a,

3339
04:07:06,185 --> 04:07:08,275
is it possible to get like an educational course from

3340
04:07:10,575 --> 04:07:14,505
a lobbyist group, just see what they do or something without, without committing

3341
04:07:15,175 --> 04:07:18,965
to hiring them or anything like that? I mean, city attorney, that's a city attorney

3342
04:07:19,325 --> 04:07:23,325
question, or that's tough. A lot of people, people don't wanna give their for you for

3343
04:07:23,445 --> 04:07:27,205
free. Okay. Especially lobbyists. Right? Well, we do have a,

3344
04:07:27,705 --> 04:07:31,565
you know, I'm just, we do have a state advocate. A state

3345
04:07:32,245 --> 04:07:36,125
advocate. I don't know if that would oh, maybe he could come talk. No, no, no. I, I I think

3346
04:07:36,325 --> 04:07:40,005
I mayor go ahead. Yeah, I, I think okay. I agree with,

3347
04:07:40,425 --> 04:07:44,085
um, okay. Male protein can tell. I think we keep the door open.

3348
04:07:44,555 --> 04:07:48,445
okay. And, uh, let's see how the time change, because when that's very

3349
04:07:48,645 --> 04:07:52,125
tough, we might have a war going on and we have mid election,

3350
04:07:52,745 --> 04:07:56,505
so this year I don't think anything will happen from the dc so,

3351
04:07:56,945 --> 04:08:00,315
so, so, but we keep the door open if we see any potential.

3352
04:08:01,255 --> 04:08:04,945
maybe kelly, you, you, you have your eye while open to see any

3353
04:08:05,395 --> 04:08:09,205
potential. Good thing you brought a good one. I mean, after the midterms,

3354
04:08:09,925 --> 04:08:13,845
yeah. That's a meeting this next year. Yeah. So that's why I just say next

3355
04:08:14,125 --> 04:08:17,785
year after midterm, do we have a motion, um, to motion

3356
04:08:18,465 --> 04:08:22,255
to open and we will motion what, uh, mayor proto

3357
04:08:22,625 --> 04:08:26,485
contos has mentioned, or he can motion that if you like, but

3358
04:08:26,645 --> 04:08:30,275
thank you. Thank you. I'd like to move to keep, to keep this matter open

3359
04:08:30,665 --> 04:08:34,465
and to bring this back at, at a, at a point when we, uh,

3360
04:08:34,905 --> 04:08:38,725
we feel that the environment has changed enough to enable us to consider,

3361
04:08:39,265 --> 04:08:43,165
uh, the possibility of securing congressionally pro. I, I seconded. Hey, roll

3362
04:08:43,365 --> 04:08:47,245
call. Get the door open. Okay. I have a motion from mayor

3363
04:08:47,585 --> 04:08:51,125
pro tem contos. And a second from councilman wu. Roll call vote.

3364
04:08:51,715 --> 04:08:55,585
council member gutierrez aye. Councilman wu? Aye.

3365
04:08:55,965 --> 04:08:59,725
councilwoman diaz. Aye. Mayor pro tem contos. Aye. Mayor lopez.

3366
04:09:00,155 --> 04:09:04,125
vito aye. Motion passes now to item number 14, consideration of a draft request

3367
04:09:04,505 --> 04:09:07,965
for proposals for grant writing services. City manager who will present the report.

3368
04:09:09,095 --> 04:09:12,805
kelly mcdonald. Go ahead. Proceed. Okay. Uh, similarly, this

3369
04:09:13,125 --> 04:09:17,085
was, this was an rfp that was published in 24 and bids were rejected

3370
04:09:17,385 --> 04:09:21,205
in 25. We attempted to publish again in october 25,

3371
04:09:22,025 --> 04:09:25,845
and, um, pulled that back. So this is a draft, uh, rfp

3372
04:09:26,325 --> 04:09:29,965
for consideration and direction. Again, that's not a funded service. And we had

3373
04:09:30,465 --> 04:09:34,115
be looking at a general fund allocation, if we decide to proceed

3374
04:09:36,305 --> 04:09:40,005
any questions, uh, councilman wolf, uh, rather than

3375
04:09:40,675 --> 04:09:44,335
hire additional person to impose another

3376
04:09:44,815 --> 04:09:48,615
of, uh, six figure salary. Okay. And, uh, because a

3377
04:09:49,185 --> 04:09:52,935
grant writer, so we have a, a assistant city manager

3378
04:09:53,675 --> 04:09:57,515
is that he capable to help us to,

3379
04:09:57,915 --> 04:10:01,755
to, to look into the grant design that, so in

3380
04:10:01,975 --> 04:10:05,705
that way, uh, we can save a rather than a higher grant

3381
04:10:06,365 --> 04:10:10,325
writers, we, we have a, he has a lot of, uh, finance

3382
04:10:10,985 --> 04:10:14,915
background, this and that. So possible, uh, he

3383
04:10:15,135 --> 04:10:18,315
can help us. This is my question. So

3384
04:10:19,435 --> 04:10:23,415
how do you think the city manager or kelly, does he keep we, can we

3385
04:10:23,535 --> 04:10:27,275
do that first? Okay. Well then just go to a higher

3386
04:10:27,695 --> 04:10:31,635
additional. It costs another six figure. In

3387
04:10:32,015 --> 04:10:35,455
speaking with, um, some of the firms that have, uh, contacted us,

3388
04:10:36,115 --> 04:10:39,775
um, it appears that the scope of work and the detail

3389
04:10:40,135 --> 04:10:43,635
that would need to go into it, uh, would need to be, would be best to

3390
04:10:44,455 --> 04:10:48,415
contract out to have this service provided. Um, with that, some of

3391
04:10:48,495 --> 04:10:52,315
the people, they have submitted inquiries about doing grant writing services for

3392
04:10:52,535 --> 04:10:56,455
the city. They have different menus, everything from a retainer, a monthly

3393
04:10:56,775 --> 04:11:00,615
retainer to a per project or per grant, uh, writing

3394
04:11:00,935 --> 04:11:04,615
service. So they had a full menu of how it could be, um, funded.

3395
04:11:05,315 --> 04:11:08,715
but, uh, currently we don't have the capabilities in-house, uh, to

3396
04:11:09,535 --> 04:11:13,385
research all the existing grants that are out there and to properly facilitate

3397
04:11:14,055 --> 04:11:17,895
the writing of grants. And I know currently that the city in different

3398
04:11:18,175 --> 04:11:21,895
departments, and I do think that each department for writing their own grants,

3399
04:11:22,555 --> 04:11:26,455
um, but sometimes the purview might be limited or they're still missing out on other grants

3400
04:11:26,695 --> 04:11:30,545
that they might not be aware of. Uh, with changes of staff, it just makes

3401
04:11:30,895 --> 04:11:34,875
it a little bit more difficult when you can have a specialty. And I know I've mentioned this in

3402
04:11:35,095 --> 04:11:39,055
the past of like, grants to maximize the use, and they usually have

3403
04:11:39,255 --> 04:11:42,835
their own databases of all the grants that we are limited to.

3404
04:11:43,715 --> 04:11:47,495
and I do, um, agree with per project, uh, and this

3405
04:11:47,775 --> 04:11:51,335
is more flexibility than the lobbyists. So, I mean, I'd like to see this move forward.

3406
04:11:52,835 --> 04:11:56,815
uh, kain gutierrez, yes. I, I think there's, uh, a lot of state money that the

3407
04:11:57,075 --> 04:12:01,055
city's not applying for. And, um, I think a,

3408
04:12:01,195 --> 04:12:05,015
uh, a firm, uh, or I think, I think one, I think part

3409
04:12:05,255 --> 04:12:09,155
of the consult request back then was also to see what, what would be more cheaper and

3410
04:12:09,375 --> 04:12:13,365
more efficient if, if it's a hiring a, uh, a grant writing,

3411
04:12:13,875 --> 04:12:17,845
writing, uh, firm, or potentially hiring in-house grant

3412
04:12:18,125 --> 04:12:22,015
writers. Again, um,

3413
04:12:22,515 --> 04:12:26,225
speaking with some of the, uh, perspective, um, vendors

3414
04:12:26,855 --> 04:12:30,515
for this type work. Um, they have people in specialized fields.

3415
04:12:31,175 --> 04:12:34,915
so with one firm they say they may ask, you know, what's your focus?

3416
04:12:35,215 --> 04:12:38,705
do you want funding for fire, police, landscape

3417
04:12:39,315 --> 04:12:43,315
maintenance, um, fire mitigation hazards, those type things.

3418
04:12:43,895 --> 04:12:47,635
um, one person wouldn't be well equipped in-house

3419
04:12:48,455 --> 04:12:52,355
to have that subject matter expertise on all the different type grants

3420
04:12:53,185 --> 04:12:57,115
that are out there. Um, some of the firms we've talked to, you know, they may have

3421
04:12:57,275 --> 04:13:01,235
20 people and everybody focuses on a specific type grant, and they're subject matter

3422
04:13:01,595 --> 04:13:05,515
experts in writing that type grant. So as the city says, we're

3423
04:13:05,755 --> 04:13:09,275
looking for a grant for something specific, they would have somebody earmarked

3424
04:13:10,035 --> 04:13:14,035
specifically to write that type grant and would have the expertise and knowledge of what grants that

3425
04:13:14,275 --> 04:13:18,205
are available and the timing for those. So I'll make a motion. Madam

3426
04:13:18,555 --> 04:13:20,785
mayor. Oh, we have, uh, councilman woman diaz.

3427
04:13:22,725 --> 04:13:26,535
thank you, madam mayor. So my question is, what's

3428
04:13:26,955 --> 04:13:30,865
the difference between this agenda 13 that

3429
04:13:31,155 --> 04:13:34,535
talks about this federal, um, law, I'm sorry, I'm the wrong one.

3430
04:13:36,655 --> 04:13:40,585
the grant writing proposal versus the number six that,

3431
04:13:41,575 --> 04:13:45,355
uh, we're requesting an rfp for the engineering, the traffic

3432
04:13:46,155 --> 04:13:50,075
engineering, the grant writing, administrative services and all that. What's the difference

3433
04:13:50,355 --> 04:13:54,275
between that? I believe on item number

3434
04:13:54,535 --> 04:13:57,735
six for the engineering proposal, we left in the

3435
04:13:58,705 --> 04:14:02,695
part of grant writing, not knowing if the council would approve or

3436
04:14:02,915 --> 04:14:06,835
move forward with a grant writing service. Currently, we rely on our

3437
04:14:07,195 --> 04:14:10,955
engineering, um, department to research and write grants

3438
04:14:11,715 --> 04:14:15,555
specifically to engineering and do public works to the best of their ability.

3439
04:14:15,905 --> 04:14:19,755
okay. But if the city were to move away from relying on

3440
04:14:19,915 --> 04:14:23,675
individual departments and went to a, a larger firm to search out these grants,

3441
04:14:24,295 --> 04:14:28,045
it would just enhance our ability to garner grants. Okay. Great

3442
04:14:28,595 --> 04:14:32,595
question. Uh, mayor pro, I mean, well, mayor proti contos, I, I was

3443
04:14:32,715 --> 04:14:36,545
just going to, uh, echo support for, for, for you with regard to this item.

3444
04:14:36,855 --> 04:14:40,715
and I'd like to move, uh, approval, uh, to proceed forward. Thank you. And I'm gonna second

3445
04:14:40,915 --> 04:14:43,975
that. Okay. So, so the question would be,

3446
04:14:44,985 --> 04:14:48,955
okay, I, I, based on the acting city manager okay. Suggestion

3447
04:14:49,555 --> 04:14:53,375
would be the firm. So I agree. Okay. Because the firm has

3448
04:14:53,595 --> 04:14:57,195
more people. Okay. Just like our also seeing engineer, they have

3449
04:14:57,745 --> 04:15:01,595
more people. So you hire one person, they only maybe good for one thing,

3450
04:15:01,935 --> 04:15:05,825
not okay. Because the grant, not only for the public safety, they

3451
04:15:06,115 --> 04:15:09,845
have a lot of grant for community service. When I was the ena

3452
04:15:10,545 --> 04:15:14,355
of, uh, okay. Council of government. Okay. Then, uh, they

3453
04:15:14,645 --> 04:15:18,015
basically talking about state has a lot of ground for hiking trail.

3454
04:15:19,435 --> 04:15:23,155
okay. And, uh, I think I sent it to the city manager okay.

3455
04:15:23,445 --> 04:15:27,405
to say, hey, maybe we can apply lake grant. So because we have a lot of

3456
04:15:27,485 --> 04:15:31,265
trail, okay. And, uh, maybe we can help to connect to other trail. And

3457
04:15:31,525 --> 04:15:35,365
I mentioned about that. So, so this is a specialty. Okay. Not public

3458
04:15:35,565 --> 04:15:39,555
safety, it's a state. They want the open space, they want the hiking trail, this

3459
04:15:39,845 --> 04:15:43,315
and that, and that. They have, they told me they have tons of money reserve,

3460
04:15:44,115 --> 04:15:47,785
even states broke because they're misusing the fund. But,

3461
04:15:48,225 --> 04:15:51,635
but the hiking trail is design that there's another trust fund

3462
04:15:52,465 --> 04:15:56,215
for the, for the, because they wanna emphasize open space, hiking, trail

3463
04:15:56,585 --> 04:16:00,485
nature and stuff. And we have less. So maybe that, that we can have them

3464
04:16:00,645 --> 04:16:04,625
to look into. So second thing is how

3465
04:16:04,965 --> 04:16:08,665
we pay them. If we hire the firm, are they going to

3466
04:16:09,765 --> 04:16:13,705
a grand percentage or are we higher monthly charge? How

3467
04:16:13,925 --> 04:16:17,925
much is that? Do, do we, can we go into this? Are we going to

3468
04:16:18,185 --> 04:16:22,015
be okay, just ip to, so you bring back to us about

3469
04:16:22,365 --> 04:16:26,045
their charge? Or are you paying, you can basically go through the company

3470
04:16:26,705 --> 04:16:30,325
and then tell us later about how much you're going to city going to pay.

3471
04:16:32,155 --> 04:16:35,675
my expectation is we would get the proposals from the different, um,

3472
04:16:36,215 --> 04:16:40,215
providers and come back to the council, seek direction on, do you want to go with a,

3473
04:16:40,735 --> 04:16:44,015
a monthly all cart? Uh, they just apply for everything

3474
04:16:44,875 --> 04:16:48,715
or do specific, um, grants one at a time. And

3475
04:16:48,965 --> 04:16:52,935
some of 'em are matching. Some of 'em, the firm may take

3476
04:16:53,135 --> 04:16:56,915
a percentage of the grant received, uh, which wouldn't be out of pocket. So

3477
04:16:57,305 --> 04:17:01,275
costs, basically we are going to approve tonight is approve the

3478
04:17:01,695 --> 04:17:05,535
proposal for ip, and then you will send back to us and we can decide

3479
04:17:06,065 --> 04:17:09,935
which company, what kind, what kind of charge, and then we can decide

3480
04:17:10,215 --> 04:17:14,095
the time e exactly. And just decide what type

3481
04:17:14,375 --> 04:17:17,535
program we want to have, uh, per grant, a per month.

3482
04:17:18,475 --> 04:17:22,335
um, and, and again, it would capture everything from covering all

3483
04:17:22,535 --> 04:17:26,365
of our departments, uh, uh, things outside of our city resources. Yeah.

3484
04:17:26,735 --> 04:17:30,655
I, I think the one is more motivated. Is I okay. Based on the

3485
04:17:30,775 --> 04:17:34,295
grant, more grant, they get paid more. Okay. Otherwise, if we get a fixed income,

3486
04:17:34,805 --> 04:17:38,655
they never get a grant for us. Well, they'll be, go ahead and bring that back. We already have a motion

3487
04:17:38,995 --> 04:17:42,675
and a second. So roll call. A roll call vote. Um,

3488
04:17:43,505 --> 04:17:47,455
councilman berg gutierrez. Yes. I was just gonna say, um, if you

3489
04:17:47,615 --> 04:17:51,485
could also, I think we, we, um, passed the council request to show us whoever

3490
04:17:51,975 --> 04:17:55,695
you picked, but also show us the top three, I think the record.

3491
04:17:56,085 --> 04:17:58,715
yeah. Record, yeah. Understood. Yeah. And then, yes,

3492
04:18:00,625 --> 04:18:04,495
we'll try this again. So let's back up a little bit, um, just to make sure that the record

3493
04:18:04,855 --> 04:18:08,805
reflects accurately. So I have a motion for mayor pro tem contos. A second

3494
04:18:09,065 --> 04:18:12,555
for mayor lopez. Vito, roll call. Vote. Council member gutierrez?

3495
04:18:13,345 --> 04:18:17,165
yes. Councilman wu. Aye. Councilman diaz? Aye. Mayor pro tem

3496
04:18:17,365 --> 04:18:21,365
contos. Aye. Mayor lopez. Vito aye. Motion passes. Now on to

3497
04:18:21,595 --> 04:18:25,085
city council reports. Ab 1, 2, 3, 4. Conference and meeting report.

3498
04:18:25,625 --> 04:18:29,425
any, seeing none, city council request? Any, uh,

3499
04:18:29,765 --> 04:18:33,545
councilwoman diaz? Thank you, madam mayor. Um,

3500
04:18:36,325 --> 04:18:40,265
I know that some time ago, um, we had, um, conditional use permit

3501
04:18:40,905 --> 04:18:44,905
issued to our, um, spotless burger. And, um,

3502
04:18:45,485 --> 04:18:49,085
I would like to have staff look into this issue, this

3503
04:18:49,605 --> 04:18:52,525
permanent and see if they're complying, because my understanding

3504
04:18:53,625 --> 04:18:57,365
is well, everybody has seen that place and it's, it's been a mess.

3505
04:18:57,905 --> 04:19:01,725
and so I want to find out if, um, they're complying with

3506
04:19:02,005 --> 04:19:05,385
that. Um, I know that we had granted them this, uh,

3507
04:19:06,355 --> 04:19:10,045
what is it? Um, drive through grandfather, grandfather, their,

3508
04:19:10,375 --> 04:19:14,285
their, um, their drive through. And so if they're not

3509
04:19:14,405 --> 04:19:18,145
complying, then I, maybe we will take that away. So

3510
04:19:18,545 --> 04:19:22,315
I'd like staff to look into that. Please. I'm, I will second let. Okay.

3511
04:19:23,985 --> 04:19:27,885
um, mayor proam contos. Oh, I, I,

3512
04:19:28,225 --> 04:19:32,205
I'm in full agreement with what? I thought you had an, uh, oh, I do. I do. But I

3513
04:19:32,285 --> 04:19:36,115
didn't know if there was a vote for that or not. Oh, yeah. No, I mean, she, there was no other disagreement. Oh, okay. Okay.

3514
04:19:36,405 --> 04:19:40,355
great. Unless anybody had any well, I, I'd like to, to, uh, echo

3515
04:19:40,705 --> 04:19:44,055
the concerns that were expressed by matt smith and doug four about

3516
04:19:44,785 --> 04:19:48,685
the ways that the businesses have been really fake. And, uh, I think there was another person

3517
04:19:49,005 --> 04:19:51,955
here, gosh, I don't remember her name, uh, but, but the, the tina

3518
04:19:53,035 --> 04:19:56,925
. Well, uh, she penalized me by saying, I don't, she'll, she'll deny me a beer

3519
04:19:57,085 --> 04:20:00,885
now, but I don't drink. So . But, uh, I,

3520
04:20:01,125 --> 04:20:04,885
I wanted to, uh, echo those, the, the, the sentiments

3521
04:20:05,205 --> 04:20:09,185
that they have expressed regarding the concerns relating to the, the, the

3522
04:20:09,405 --> 04:20:13,125
higher athens bill. And I know that, that, uh, myelin is already working on this,

3523
04:20:13,545 --> 04:20:17,445
but, but, um, borrowing from what was also brought up during oral communications,

3524
04:20:18,665 --> 04:20:22,525
if there'd be a way that, uh, staff could convene, uh, and, and give notice

3525
04:20:22,865 --> 04:20:26,485
to the various businesses all around town, to to have them all convene and, and discuss

3526
04:20:26,885 --> 04:20:30,865
these various issues about how to, how athens can work with them, uh, uh,

3527
04:20:31,105 --> 04:20:34,965
to, to address these issues. But not just do doing it piecemeal, but giving notice

3528
04:20:35,225 --> 04:20:39,045
to all of the businesses so that way we can get the aggregate of what is happening with

3529
04:20:39,405 --> 04:20:43,185
everyone and how, how, how these issues can be addressed and, and, and how

3530
04:20:43,575 --> 04:20:47,545
their, their, the issues relating to their costs can, can be, uh,

3531
04:20:47,765 --> 04:20:51,125
lowered or, or, or whatever collaboration that could result from,

3532
04:20:51,995 --> 04:20:55,925
from figuring this out together. But I, I really worry about the things

3533
04:20:56,045 --> 04:21:00,045
that are happening to the businesses here. And, and it's, we, we just, we've gotta do something about

3534
04:21:00,205 --> 04:21:04,085
it in a way that really matters to these businesses. Bottom lines. So, I agree. And I second that.

3535
04:21:04,485 --> 04:21:08,005
I don't wanna see highway robbery and, you know, we do care for our businesses,

3536
04:21:08,825 --> 04:21:12,575
and so I'd like to see that move forward. Any other con concerns with that? Right.

3537
04:21:12,925 --> 04:21:16,765
that one's good. Uh, um, the next one is with regard to our beautification.

3538
04:21:17,535 --> 04:21:21,525
again, I've gotten word that there are dead trees along the median side on azusa avenue,

3539
04:21:21,935 --> 04:21:25,765
along several blocks. Um, and that there are also people who have driven

3540
04:21:26,265 --> 04:21:30,205
in, in, um, cortez park. And there, there are tire marks all over the

3541
04:21:30,325 --> 04:21:34,305
place, and there are other signs around of an absence of attention to

3542
04:21:34,525 --> 04:21:37,965
beautification. And it's, and it's on the rise. I'm, I'm hearing from multiple people.

3543
04:21:38,545 --> 04:21:42,405
and, um, so I'm just like to ask that staff not only redouble

3544
04:21:42,885 --> 04:21:46,805
their efforts, but but when these things are visible, please to address

3545
04:21:47,285 --> 04:21:51,285
them. Uh, and not, I mean, I know that they, they address our concerns when they're

3546
04:21:51,485 --> 04:21:55,245
brought to attention, but some of these things are really obvious that, you know, with regard to like dead trees

3547
04:21:55,525 --> 04:21:59,445
and so forth. So please redouble efforts to, to get these things fixed. Second, second

3548
04:21:59,755 --> 04:22:03,605
left. Any questions or anything? I mean, concern. All right. That

3549
04:22:03,805 --> 04:22:07,665
passes. Uh, next council request. Anybody else? That's it. Okay. Thank you. Uh,

3550
04:22:07,885 --> 04:22:10,785
councilman gutierrez never can look up the trees on sunset, too,

3551
04:22:12,025 --> 04:22:12,535
by don norte.

3552
04:22:16,315 --> 04:22:19,795
okay. Uh, now city council comments council,

3553
04:22:20,545 --> 04:22:24,355
uh, let's go ahead with, uh, councilwoman diaz. Thank you, madam mayor. I just want

3554
04:22:24,645 --> 04:22:28,645
to congratulate our latest moee. We have some

3555
04:22:28,845 --> 04:22:32,845
officers that were promoted. We have some management in dispatch that were promoted, some jailers,

3556
04:22:33,245 --> 04:22:37,085
some, some new, um, cadets. And I just, I just wanna congratulate them

3557
04:22:37,525 --> 04:22:41,485
again and, um, welcome councilman gutierrez.

3558
04:22:42,345 --> 04:22:46,145
yes, I I'll join, um, councilwoman diaz and

3559
04:22:46,475 --> 04:22:50,405
also congratulating, uh, the men and women who were promoted and, and the

3560
04:22:50,565 --> 04:22:53,565
success they continue to do in our community that our police officers and our firefighters.

3561
04:22:55,105 --> 04:22:58,905
um, also, um, I want, I wanted to also, uh,

3562
04:23:00,195 --> 04:23:03,885
acknowledge and celebrate, uh, african american history month.

3563
04:23:04,285 --> 04:23:08,205
I think it's a special a month that honors the

3564
04:23:08,405 --> 04:23:11,665
legacy of, of, of very important people like dr. King.

3565
04:23:13,225 --> 04:23:16,765
and I remember doc one of growing up, I think one of my,

3566
04:23:17,265 --> 04:23:21,265
uh, inspirations growing up was, uh, dr. King. And I think his,

3567
04:23:21,665 --> 04:23:25,445
his speech went, uh, you know, he, he had a dream

3568
04:23:25,755 --> 04:23:29,605
that one day his four little children will one day, uh, grow up in a society

3569
04:23:30,015 --> 04:23:33,725
where they would not be judged by the color of their skin, but rather by the content of their character.

3570
04:23:34,905 --> 04:23:38,765
and those are words that, uh, uh, have always inspired me. And, and so

3571
04:23:38,925 --> 04:23:42,885
I just wanted to honor his legacy. And also, uh, and that's

3572
04:23:43,125 --> 04:23:46,985
it. Thank you. Uh, councilman ru. Yeah. Uh, and I wanna follow, um,

3573
04:23:47,765 --> 04:23:51,555
councilwoman diaz regarding the monday, the promotion

3574
04:23:52,685 --> 04:23:56,635
ceremony. Okay. The, okay. Um, the event that

3575
04:23:57,105 --> 04:24:01,025
we have, our, I want to thank our pre chief okay. And

3576
04:24:01,245 --> 04:24:04,805
have a leadership. Now we hire additional five police officer,

3577
04:24:05,715 --> 04:24:09,405
they wo in that day. And then we see the five young person

3578
04:24:10,265 --> 04:24:14,265
and plus, okay, we have a jailer, okay? We have a big

3579
04:24:14,985 --> 04:24:18,605
strong jailer, okay? Promoted supervisor. We have a dispatchers

3580
04:24:19,395 --> 04:24:23,355
promotion and that new hire and we fill it up, okay?

3581
04:24:23,745 --> 04:24:27,165
and, uh, this is something so important for public safety. I think this is something,

3582
04:24:27,905 --> 04:24:31,805
uh, represent the city. We continue, okay. To improve our city.

3583
04:24:32,185 --> 04:24:36,165
and I want to thank our chief, okay? With a strong leadership. Continue

3584
04:24:36,325 --> 04:24:40,165
to add. Okay? We know we have some retiree, but continue to

3585
04:24:40,365 --> 04:24:43,675
get this. Okay? And he told me we have another five

3586
04:24:44,385 --> 04:24:48,285
or six okay. Under in the academy. So they will come out

3587
04:24:48,485 --> 04:24:52,195
and serve our cd two. So just like we can see, okay.

3588
04:24:52,805 --> 04:24:56,445
continue to improve our public safety agency. And another thing is,

3589
04:24:56,995 --> 04:25:00,785
okay, fire department, I think they're doing the excellent job and,

3590
04:25:01,005 --> 04:25:05,005
uh, we promised them we are going to build their station. We are going to build their station.

3591
04:25:05,435 --> 04:25:09,405
okay, thank you. Um, thank you. If you did register

3592
04:25:09,565 --> 04:25:13,515
for couples connect, I will see you there. Uh, next week. I know it's

3593
04:25:13,805 --> 04:25:17,085
halfway full. Uh, even though it's a couple, each individual

3594
04:25:17,855 --> 04:25:21,685
needs to register, um, dinners provided we need, we capped it

3595
04:25:22,105 --> 04:25:25,845
at a certain amount, but that would be fun, engaging, and there's hands-on activities

3596
04:25:26,425 --> 04:25:30,305
and, um, you'll get something out of that. Consider it a date night if you like. Um,

3597
04:25:30,665 --> 04:25:34,445
but you know, it's gonna strengthen the relationship in the community. So I look forward to seeing those

3598
04:25:35,335 --> 04:25:38,805
there next week. Other than that, um, I know it's a late night

3599
04:25:39,985 --> 04:25:42,365
at your bedtime story today, so we'll meeting adjourn.