Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Who monkeyed with the agenda?

'Tis a good question.

At the October 2, 2012 meeting, just prior to the adjournment, Council Member Doug Chaffee moved to agendize discussing the position of the chief of police in the next open meeting.  Up to that time all discussions regarding the position have taken place behind closed doors during the closed session meetings.

Mayor Sharon Quirk-Silva, who is running against Assembly Member Chris Norby, said she would only go along with Chaffee's motion if it was to discuss the matter and not vote on it.

It bears repeating.  The Mayor said she would approve agendizing the discussion of the position so long as there was no vote taken.  Council Member Chaffee said, "well then why don't we just have a general discussion on the topic."

It was the clearly stated direction from the Mayor to City Manager Joe Felz to place on the agenda a public discussion regarding the position of chief of police.

If I sound like a broken record, play back the City's video at about 4:05:00.  

With this clear direction given, why did the item get agendized with the following language:
During the Staff / Council Communications portion of the October 2, 2012 City Council meeting, staff received direction to agendize City Council discussion regarding entering into negotiations with Acting Chief Hughes for the position of Chief of Police. Recommendation by the City Manager’s Office: Pleasure of the City Council.
Who came up with that?  Who decided that the discussion was "regarding entering into negotiations with Acting Chief Hughes"?

The Mayor agreed to agendize discussing the position but was reluctant to do so until after the election.  Chaffee responded, "then why don't we just have a general discussion on the topic...?"

The Mayor replied, "I can support having a conversation about it, agendizing it for our next meeting, October 16th, but not committing to a vote until the second meeting in November.  Then I think that way we are moving something forward as far as specifics but we're not voting on it, so I could support that.  Is that clear enough?"

"Yes" said Chaffee.

So again I ask, why does the City Council agenda state that the item is a discussion regarding entering into negotiations?

Shouldn't we be discussing terms and conditions?

Since Council Member Chaffee wants to discuss the position publicly, shouldn't the Council discuss what the terms of employment would be for the position?

Or is Fullerton so desperate to hire a police chief that the Council should select a chief before figuring out what the terms should be?  This would be a first.

The agenda memo says that the position has been pending for several reasons, specifically: "further consideration of the position classification; the conclusion of several reports regarding the status of the Fullerton Police Department; and the potential consideration of an informal analysis by the Orange County Sheriff Department."

With those unanswered questions lingering, why would the Council discuss directing the City Manager to begin negotiating with anyone?

And back to my initial question, who misunderstood the "clear" direction from the Mayor and monkeyed with the agenda?

Friday, October 5, 2012

Eduardo "Ed" Alcaraz


I would like to honor a friend who was called home to heaven on Friday September 21 by adjourning this meeting in memory of Eduardo “Ed” Alcaraz, Sr. who was many things to many people. 

He was a husband to his wife and soul mate Julie.  He was a kind and generous father who loved to dote upon his children: Sydney - a college freshman; Hailey - a junior at Troy; Eduardo Jr. - a freshman at Troy; and Joseph - a 6th grader at Hermosa.

Ed was the sort of man other men aspire to be.  Humble, loving, and kind.  Patient, witty, and tempered. 

Ed was the Treasurer of Boy Scout Troop 97 where he always led by example.  It’s no surprise that those who knew Ed would describe him as Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean, and Reverent for he was truly a Scout at heart and that is the Scout Law.  Ed lived the Scout Oath and the Scout Law everyday.

Ed was an engineer and team leader at Beckman Instruments in Brea.

He loved to cook, BBQ, smoke meat, and host parties.  He really loved to host his well known Lakers parties.  

Ed was a Science and Math Olympiad Coach for Beechwood Elementary School as well as an engaged and thoughtful parishioner at Saint Angela Merici in Brea

Ed will be dearly missed.  Please pray for Ed, Julie, and their four children that they may know peace.

There is a vigil and viewing this Friday, October 5, at 7PM and Ed’s funeral is Saturday, October 6, 9:30AM.  Both services will be held at St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 585 S. Walnut Ave. in Brea.  A burial procession will follow to Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Cypress and a Reception at the Garden Buffet BBQ and Seafood in Artesia. See details below.

God bless you Ed.  Good night my friend.

_____________________________


VIGIL/VIEWING -  Friday, October 5, 7:00PM

FUNERAL SERVICE/MASS & BURIAL - Saturday, October 6, 9:30AM
                Location of vigil & funeral services: St. Angela Merici Catholic Church, 585 S. Walnut Avenue, Brea, 92821, Tel. 714.529.1821

BURIAL - immediately following Funeral Mass. Official escort will be available for the funeral procession to the burial site:
                Forest Lawn Memorial Park4471 Lincoln AvenueCypress, 90630, Tel. 714.484.2028

RECEPTION -  (maps distributed at burial ceremony)
                Garden Buffet BBQ & Seafood, 11746 South Street, Artesia, 90701, Tel: 562.924.2882

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Go Fly A Kite! The Wit and Wisdom of Ben Franklin



Date/Time

Date(s) - 10/04/2012
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm

Location

The Muckenthaler

Go Fly a Kite! The Wit and Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin

Thursday . October 4 . 7:30 PM
$10 Non-member . $5 Member

The one-man show, “Go Fly a Kite,” is the brainchild of JTL Productions. Enjoy the witty sayings, odd stories, risqué comments, and controversial statements of one of the greatest, naughtiest, and most admired statesmen of all time: Ben Franklin. This performance is a must see not only for history buffs, but also for everyone who likes a good laugh.


Monday, October 1, 2012

Council Meeting and Study Session

Please join me Tuesday, October 2, at the Fullerton Public Library Main Branch for a Study Session on affordable housing followed by the regularly scheduled council meeting.

Click HERE for the City's page with more information.


CITY OF FULLERTON
CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
OCTOBER 2, 2012 - 4:00 P.M.
Fullerton Library Conference Center
353 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, California

CITY OF FULLERTON
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CLOSED SESSION AGENDA
OCTOBER 2, 2012 - 5:00 P.M.
Council Chamber
303 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, California

CITY OF FULLERTON
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY /
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
OCTOBER 2, 2012 - 6:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
303 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, California


Thursday, September 27, 2012

Thievery or Smart Governance?

"Let's re-purpose the fruits of our crime!"
Last year when I was a member of the City of Fullerton's Water Rate Study Ad Hoc Committee I hoped to end the illegal water tax (done!).  I also hoped to take the money overcharged to rate payers from the General Fund and put it back in the Water Fund where it was intended to be spent.  This would help offset and suspend any immediate need to raise rates for infrastructure investment.  This seemed like the smart thing to do.

However, after many thoughtful discussions and meetings with community members, ratepayer advocates, and tax fighters I realized the error in keeping the money.  From an ethics point of view, it is wrong to keep something that was taken through deception.  It's also wrong to hang onto something that is not yours without the consent of the owner.  

In this case, the City took ratepayers' money and told them it was needed to fund the water system.  The City then raised water rates repeatedly while skimming 10% to cover rising pension costs and personnel benefits.  According to the City's own records 70% of the skimmed funds were spent on police and fire salaries and benefits.  About 10% covered other staff salaries and benefits with the remainder being spent on subsidizing other departments, like Parks & Recreation.  That's the simple but ugly truth.  

None of the skimmed funds were spent laying new pipelines, treating contaminated water, or building reservoirs.  

If your employee (think city council) had been overcharging your customers (think ratepayers) to prop up the employee's retirement benefits and pay for office supplies for their side business, wouldn't  you fire the employee (think recall election) and give your customers a refund equal to the amount which they were over charged?  What if...after getting caught the employee concocted a scheme to keep the money or at least most of it?  What if they were convinced that they could do more good with it than your customers could?  Would you really tell your employee to just hang on to the cash and use it more wisely?  Look at it this way, after discovering your child took a cookie out of the cookie jar without your permission, would you let them eat it or maybe give it to the dog?  Or would you make them put it back where they got it?

Opponents of the refund would like you to believe that a refund would drain the reserves and bankrupt the City.  While the burden would be great, this assumes that the City would not cut expenditures in other areas and would instead simply raid the reserves much like the previous administrations continuous raids of the Water Fund since 1970.  

A refund of $7,000,000 is not an insurmountable figure to overcome but it will require a change in the way we do business.  Also, let's consider how much money a "typical" ratepayer can expect to be refunded given that City staff had assumed that the refund was going to be $2,500,000 and not the full $7,000,000.  The difference is due to the "costs" which staff attempted to lay on the Water Fund but which the current council rejected.

Staff had calculated that a "typical" water ratepayer could expect a refund of around $45 per meter.  That figure assumes the refund is $2.5 million, not $7-million.  Ratepayers can expect to receive $120 to $170 each for their portion of the $7-million refund depending on how much they were actually over charged.

While I appreciate the notion of reinvesting the ill-gotten revenue, I believe the ratepayers should have a say in the matter.  Perhaps allowing them to opt out of receiving a refund is more appropriate.  I am open to considering how to manage the refund process but absolutely reject the notion that the City of Fullerton, the same agency that created this mess, should simply keep the money.  

Friday, September 14, 2012

198 Years Ago Today - The Battle of Baltimore



At the Battle of Baltimore Francis Scott Key watched as the United States Army fought off a Brittish invasion by land and sea.  Key, inspired by the defense of Fort McHenry, wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner".


 O! say can you see by the dawn’s early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight’s last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O’er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets’ red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe’s haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o’er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning’s first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
’Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle’s confusion,
A home and a country, should leave us no more?
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps’ pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave,
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war’s desolation.
Blest with vict’ry and peace, may the Heav’n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation!
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: “In God is our trust;”
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!






Sunday, September 9, 2012

Whitaker for City Council



Join us!
Fundraiser to re-elect

Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Whitaker
                             to Fullerton City Council 2012

Where: The Matador Cantina

in historic downtown Fullerton

111 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832

Just North of Commonwealth on the West side of Harbor

Parking and entrance in rear

When: September 10th, Monday evening @ 6:00 pm

for excellent cocktails and delicious appetizers


$25 Supporter

$100 Patron
$250 Sponsor
*there is no maximum contribution limit for City Council
 


or Linda @ 714-981-7303


Unable to join us? Please mail contributions to :
Elect Bruce Whitaker 2012
P.O. Box # 1444
                                     Fullerton, CA 92836

Bruce Whitaker Campaign Committee - ID #1330388

Thursday, September 6, 2012

L.A. Gangbanger Busted in Fullerton, Two Escape


Story and photos by Jeanne Hoffa/FullertonStories.com –
An L.A. gang member was caught and arrested after a homeowner found him and another man in his backyard  Wednesday in North Fullerton.  The homeowner called police from the 2900 block of Lantana Avenue  after he saw the two men, who were wearing  gloves, lifting his barbeque. The suspects saw him and scaled his back fence, initiating a two hour manhunt  that included a helicopter search by [Huntington Beach]  PD.
Two blocks away, Detective Chris Wren caught  23-year-old Undra Anthony Williams III as he ran from the east alley of the Rolling Hills Manor Apartments on Rolling Hills Drive.  Wren pointed his gun in William’s face and told him to get on the ground. Williams complied, and he was arrested.  Meanwhile  more than a dozen police units set up a perimiter and began a house to house hunt for William’s cohort.  

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

CalSTRS Fails

Press Release from State Controller John Chiang


SACRAMENTO – State Controller John Chiang today released his review of the California State Teachers' Retirement System's (CalSTRS) ability to detect and prevent pension spiking. The review found CalSTRS does not adequately audit more than 1,900 reporting entities (including school districts), has missed opportunities to reduce instances of suspicious or unjustified salary increases and also failed to adequately use existing electronic systems designed to identify cases of pension spiking. It also includes recommendations to address each of those shortcomings.


"Starting with more rigorous auditing and better use of existing technology, CalSTRS must fortify its ability and resolve to crack down on those seeking unjust enrichment at the expense of their fellow educators and taxpayers," said Chiang. "These recommendations aimed at strengthening CalSTRS' anti-spiking efforts will complement the recently-enacted pension reform package and shut down this form of public theft." 

The review specifically examined the electronic methods that CalSTRS uses to detect and prevent pension payments based on unusually large or excessive final compensation amounts, the auditing processes the system uses to oversee the state's school districts, and the efforts conducted by its newly-formed Comprehensive Review Unit during the review period of July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011. The scope of the review was expanded to include records from three school districts, one community college district and one county office of education.

The review found that the CalSTRS audit program did not adequately detect or deter pension spiking. Although more than 1,900 agencies are a part of CalSTRS, the pension plan averages only 40 audits a year. During the review, CalSTRS was implementing a new stand-alone Compensation Review Unit charged with specifically detecting pension-spiking activity, which should result in more audits. However, the Controller said more auditors are needed to provide adequate oversight of the reporting by districts to CalSTRS.

The review evaluated pay increases granted prior to retirement to determine whether they were adequately approved, justified and documented. A geographically diverse sample of five local education reporting agencies was chosen: Pajaro Valley Unified School District in Santa Cruz County, the San Francisco and San Diego unified school districts, Foothill-De Anza Community College District in Santa Clara County, and the Los Angeles County Office of Education. Two of the five, or 40 percent, lacked documentation to justify pay increases granted to their employees immediately prior to retirement, such as board or executive approval or written performance evaluations. 

For example, at the San Francisco Unified School District, one executive received a 26% pay increase six months prior to retirement, and another executive received a 20% increase one year prior to retirement. The district was unable to provide any documentation supporting those raises.

After similar and repeated requests were made to the San Diego Unified School District, officials ultimately responded that documentation supporting raises was missing from their files.

CalSTRS uses a system that electronically identifies instances in which an employee's monthly pay increase exceeds a certain percentage, or in which an employee's "special compensation" exceeds a specific dollar amount in one year. However, the review found that during the period evaluated, CalSTRS did not review, verify or follow up on pay increases that were flagged by the system. The Controller urges CalSTRS to review all of the cases that were flagged by the system, require the agencies to provide adequate documentation supporting those increases and better determine if the pay increase thresholds are appropriate to detect pension spiking. 

The findings and recommendations from this review will be presented at the September meeting of the CalSTRS Audit and Risk Management Committee. The Controller also plans to perform a similar review of pension-spiking prevention measures at the state's largest pension system, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Whitaker for Council


Join us!
Fundraiser to re-elect

Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Whitaker
                             to Fullerton City Council 2012

Where: The Matador Cantina

in historic downtown Fullerton

111 N. Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832
Just North of Commonwealth on the West side of Harbor
Parking and entrance in rear

When: September 10th, Monday evening @ 6:00 pm

for excellent cocktails and delicious appetizers

$25 Supporter
$100 Patron
$250 Sponsor
*there is no maximum contribution limit for City Council
 


or Linda @ 714-981-7303
Unable to join us? Please mail contributions to :
Elect Bruce Whitaker 2012
P.O. Box # 1444
                                     Fullerton, CA 92836

Bruce Whitaker Campaign Committee - ID #1330388

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Fullerton City Council Special Meeting Tonight


The only thing special about tonight's meeting is that the agenda contains all of the items we have been trying to get to for several weeks but have not.

Click HERE to read tonight's agenda.

As always, speak up and be heard!  

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

Fullerton City Council Meeting Tonight

Among the many topics being discussed is the final report from Michael Gennaco's law firm, the Office of Independent Review, as well as what to do with the money that the City over charged water rate payers.  You were over charged about $7-million over the last 3 years and almost $25-million since Prop 218 was enacted.

You can read tonight's agenda HERE.

Speak up and be heard!

Expect a long meeting- there is much work to be done.

Friday, August 3, 2012

City Council Meeting Tuesday Night

Fullerton City Council Meeting August 7, 2012 at 6:30PM at City Hall, 303 W. Commonwealth Ave

The Agenda has some big-ticket items that you should be aware of.  Among them is the massive issue of water rates and determining what costs should be appropriately charged to the Water Fund.  

There are a total of 27 items on the agenda and I hope to hear you speak about them.  Your voice matters so please speak up.


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Concert in the Park - Tonight


Join me at the Fullerton Sports Complex on Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30PM.  This is a great family-friendly event with music, food, and fun.  I hope to see you there!
==================================================

The Fullerton Parks and Recreation Department’spopular outdoor summer concert series returns in July 2012. Bring your family and friends to enjoy a night of music under the stars! While food will be available for purchase, concert-goers are welcome to bring a picnic supper to enjoy, as well as lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
The Fullerton Museum Center leads a FREE family arts & crafts booth featuring a different craft each week. Call (714) 738-6545 for more information.

July 11 to August 15, 2012
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Fullerton Sports Complex – 560 E. Silver Pine 
(off Bastanchury between Brea Blvd. and Harbor Blvd.)

Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Parking is available in the Sports Complex parking lot. Overflow parking is available at the EV Free Church parking structure (located at Brea Blvd and Bastanchury Rd). Shuttle service is provided between the Sports Complex and the EV Free parking structure from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Band Line-up for 2012
  • August 1 – The Ravelers (Variety)
  • August 8 – The Stoney B Blues Band (Southern Blues)
  • August 15 – Deke Dickerson and the Eccofonics (Rockabilly)
Sponsors:  Thank you to our Title Sponsor East Fullerton Dental Care
Further information about the concerts may be obtained by calling the Parks and Recreation Department’s Information Hotline at (714) 738-3167, or the Fullerton Museum Center at (714) 738-6545. Persons requiring special accommodations to attend the concerts are asked to notify the department staff prior to coming to the sports complex. Parking for the disabled will be available at the site.

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Fear Mongering, Part 2

I never thought my previous post on the title subject would lead to a second post on the issue but I think perhaps now would be a good time to do so.

If you recall, I mentioned that fear is used as a means of control.

As an elected council member my fear is limited to making a poor decision that has unforeseen and negative consequences.  I fear that I will wake up on a Wednesday morning to find out that the previous night's decision would have a drastic negative impact.  But decide, I must; that is what your elected officials must do.

So with each decision, with each blog post, with each public appearance, I run the risk of saying or doing something that will have a negative impact and that, to some degree, makes me fearful.

However, I must keep a level head and remind myself and those around me that I am human and inclined to act as such.  "Be humble" I say to myself.

And if I should say too much, stumble or miss a step, the press is there to remind me of who I represent.  While we can certainly argue the role of the press and the various biases that each media outlet may have, it is of the utmost importance that all of us remember the role of the press.  In my opinion and that of many, the press serves the people equally as much as government itself.  The modern press is able to tell the public that which government would rather not share.

Sometimes the government (an all encompassing term which could include public employees, elected and appointed officials, etc.) makes an embarrassing mistake, like when Fullerton police officers mistakenly raided the wrong house.  Sometimes government withholds information because of ongoing investigations, like when the Fullerton Police Department refused to release the video of police confronting Kelly Thomas on July 5th.  In these two examples the public by and large knew of the incidents' occurrence and even some details.  However, it takes a complete disclosure of the evidence to paint an accurate picture of the events.  Since former Fullerton Police officers have certain rights of appeal with respect to their employment, I will not comment further on that case.

In both cases, though, the press had a specific role to play in sharing information with the public.  While the press can request information all day every day, it takes the government (again a broad term) to provide the press with the information.  We have the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution that guarantees that the press can operate without interference from government.

But what about when a government has information which the public would take great interest in if the press knew of its existence and were to report it.  What if the government chose not to release it or even make its existence known?  This is where the importance of an elected representative can make all of the difference.  Having officials willing to open their doors to the press and the media and allow for complete, and sometimes even embarrassing, transparency is in my opinion the only way to ensure an honest government that places the citizens first.  Fear of the truth is power to some and terror to others.
"The basis of our governments being the opinion of the people, the very first object should be to keep that right; and were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter. But I should mean that every man should receive those papers and be capable of reading them." --Thomas Jefferson to Edward Carrington, 1787.

Friday, July 20, 2012

Special Meeting Called for July 24th




The Agenda:

5:00PM
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Council  /  Successor Agency  will hear public comments on matters appearing on the  Closed
Session agenda.

RECESS to Closed Session
CLOSED SESSION

1. QUARTERLY LITIGATION UPDATES:
CONFERENCE WITH  LEGAL COUNSEL  – EXISTING LITIGATION Per Government Code Section 54956.9(a)
Name of Case: Frederick Ron Thomas v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2012-00581299-CU-PO-CJC

Name of Case: Hanson, et al. v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2008-00102055-CU-EI-CJC

Name of Case: Ernest Benefiel v. City of Fullerton, et al.
Case Number: SACV12-202-JVS

Name of Case: Catherine Sobieski v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00459515

Name of Case: Brooke Minter v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00512267

Name of Case: Vickie Scott v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00495959

Name of Case: Stanley Goering v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00518204

Name of Case: Leon Lester Gray v. City of Fullerton, et al.
Case Number: 30-201100505234

Name of Case: Harriet Heninger, et al. v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00506572

Name of Case: Clara Atkins v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2012 00550335

Name of Case: Daniel Komaromi v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2011 00495715

Name of Case: Mark Walker v. City of Fullerton, et al.
Case Number: 8:12-CV-00949-AG

Name of Case: Andre Wendell v. City of Fullerton, et al.
Case Number: 30-2011 00572073

Name of Case: Scott Williams, guardian ad litem for Allison Williams, a minor v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2012 00579867

Name of Case: Melinda Glover v. City of Fullerton
Case Number: 30-2012 00580366

2. PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT Per Government Code Section 54957.1(a)(5)
Title: Chief of Police

3. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL  – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Per
Government Code Section 54956.9(b)
Significant Exposure to Litigation: Two casesFullerton City Council / Successor Agency Agenda

ADJOURNMENT
The next  special City Council  / Successor Agency / Public Financing Authority meeting  is July 24, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California.The public may inspect any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Council / Agency / Authority regarding any item on this agenda at the City Clerk’s Office located at 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California and the Fullerton Main Branch Library Information Counter located at 353 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California during normal business hours.  The City will also post such writings and documents on the City’s website at www.cityofffullerton.com.


CITY OF FULLERTON
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY /
PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY /
HOUSING AUTHORITY
SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
JULY 24, 2012 - 6:30 P.M.
Council Chamber
303 West Commonwealth Avenue
Fullerton, California
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
INVOCATION
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
PUBLIC COMMENTS
City Council  will hear public comments on matters appearing on the Special Meeting agenda as it
considers each agenda item.

REGULAR BUSINESS
1. 2010 TAXABLE TAX ALLOCATION HOUSING BOND PROCEEDS
On July 17, 2012, City Council directed staff to agendize a  discussion of the 2012 Taxable Tax Allocation Housing Bond issue.  The Bond  proceeds were  intended to improve or increase the supply of low and moderate income housing in the City.
Recommendation by the Housing Successor Agenda:
1. Direct staff to complete requirements of AB 1484 and hold a housing study session, followed by a regular item to review affordable housing options in the City,
including options to defease bond funds.
2. Keep  freeze in place for  all potential bond funded housing  programs until
completion of  AB 1484  requirements and then provide direction on all options
related to the 2010 Taxable Tax Allocation Housing Bond.

2. PENSION AND OTHER POST EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT LIABILITIES
Discussion of the City’s pension and Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) liabilities.
Recommendation by the Human Resources Department:
Should the City Council determine to proceed with an independent analysis, direct staff regarding scope of analysis, formalize agreement and appropriate funds from Group Insurance Fund to pay for study.  

3. AUTHORIZED COMMUNICATION ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON
Policy discussion regarding authorized communication on behalf of the City.
Recommendation by the Human Resources Department:
City Council discussion.

4. DRAFT ORDINANCE - HIRING OF POLICE CHIEF
At the July 17, 2012 meeting, City Council directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance related to City Council appointment of the Chief of Police.
Recommendation by the City Manager:
Review draft ordnance and provide direction to staff.

5. PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST
City Council directed staff to agendize a discussion of a recent public records request.
Recommendation by the City Manager:
Pleasure of the City Council.

6. APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL ADVISORY BODIES
City Council is scheduled to consider appointments to regional advisory bodies at its August 7, 2012 meeting.  In the interim, City Council may wish to consider the status of those currently named to serve on the various outside boards and commissions.
Recommendation by the City Manager:

Confirm resignations / terminations of current representatives to regional advisory
bodies.

CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY / STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
City Council may ask a question for clarification, make a brief announcement, make a brief report on his / her activities, request a report from staff at a subsequent meeting concerning any matter or take action to direct staff to place a matter of business on a future agenda.


ADJOURNMENT

The next City Council / Successor Agency closed session meeting is August 7, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. in
the Council Chamber, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California.

The next regular City Council / Successor Agency / Public Financing Authority meeting is August 7, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California.


The City will rebroadcast this City Council / Successor Agency / Public Financing Authority meeting on Time
Warner Cable Channel 3 at 6:00 p.m. the Wednesday and Sunday immediately following the meeting.  The public may access meeting rebroadcasts on demand at www.cityoffullerton.com.

Greg Sebourn

The Beauty of a Storm

The Beauty of a Storm
Orange County, Ca.

My Grandma - A Eulogy

LET'S TALK ABOUT 1914 FOR A MOMENT.



FOR STARTERS, GRANDMA WAS BORN TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1914 IN HER FAMILY'S ATWOOD RANCH HOUSE.



IT IS WORTH NOTING THOSE ALSO BORN IN 1914:

JACK LALANNE

JOE DIMAGGIO

DANNY THOMAS



AND WHO DIED IN 1914:

JOHN MUIR, THE FAMOUS NATURALIST FOR WHICH NUMEROUS ROADS, PARKS, HOTELS, AND NATURE RESERVES ARE NAMED.



IT IS ALSO WORTH NOTING THAT IN 1914 WOODROW WILSON SIGNS MOTHER'S DAY PROCLAMATION AND BABE RUTH MAKES HIS MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT WITH THE RED SOX. MOTHER'S DAY AND BASEBALL- TWO OF MY FAVORITES!! (PERHAPS HER NICKNAME "BABE" CAME FROM BABE RUTH???)



GRANDMA WAS BORN INTO A PERIOD OF TIME FILLED WITH TURMOIL. IN JUNE OF 1914 ARCHDUKE FRANZS FERDINAND WAS ASSASSINATED. WITHIN ONE MONTH WORLD WAR I RAGED ACROSS EUROPE. TWO DAYS AFTER HER BIRTH HOWEVER, GERMAN AND BRITISH TROOPS INTERRUPTED WWI TO CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS. (PERHAPS THEY PAUSE KNOWING THAT A GREAT WOMAN WAS BORNE) WORLD WAR I CONTINUED UNTIL THE TREATY OF VERSAILLES IN 1919.



ALTHOUGH SHE WAS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD, SHE SAW THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS CREATED AND THE 19TH AMENDMENT WAS APPROVED BY THE U.S. CONGRESS GUARANTEEING THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN TO VOTE.



SHE LIVED THROUGH MANY NOTABLE EVENTS. LIKE THE 1933 LONG BEACH EARTHQUAKE OR WHEN ATWOOD FLOODED ALONG WITH MOST OF ORANGE COUNTY IN 1938 AND THE FLOOD-WATERS CLAIMED MORE THAN 50 PEOPLE, 43 OF WHICH WERE FROM ATWOOD! ALL OF THIS DURING A TIME THAT WE READ ABOUT IN SCHOOL AND KNOWN AS "THE GREAT DEPRESSION". SOMEWHERE IN ALL OF THAT SHE FOUND THE LOVE OF HER LIFE, GRANDPA LEO, GRADUATED HIGH SCHOOL, GOT MARRIED, AND HAD KIDS!



THEN THERE WAS WORLD WAR II. FROM PEARL HARBOR TO HIROSHIMA, GRANDMA WAS RAISING MY UNCLE BOB AND MOM ARLINE. WITH AIR-RAID SIRENS AND BLACKOUTS SHE WAS A WIFE AND MOTHER. WHAT A TIME TO RAISE CHILDREN! I BET GRANDMA'S PARENTS WERE ABEL TO TELL HER A THING OR TWO ABOUT RAISING KIDS IN WARTIME.



GRANDMA WAS THERE WHEN THE BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA HELD THEIR 3RD ANNUAL NATIONAL JAMBOREE IN 1953. SHE SAW AIRBASES OPEN IN '42 AND CLOSE IN '99. SHE WATCHED WALTER KNOTT START UP HIS BERRY FARM AND WALT DISNEY TURN ORANGE GROVES AND STRAWBERRY PATCHES INTO DISNEYLAND!



SHE SAW THE HORSE AND CARRIAGE FADE AWAY INTO HISTORY AND SPACE TRAVEL EXPLODE BEFORE HER WITH THE FIRST LUNAR LANDING. JUST IMAGINE HOW MUCH TECHNOLOGY HAS CHANGED OVER THE LAST 100 YEARS. FROM TUBE RECTIFIERS TO SUPERCONDUCTORS; FROM TRANS-ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CABLES TO SATELLITE TV.



SHE SAW MORE IN HER 93 YEARS THAN MOST OF US WILL EVER READ ABOUT, LET ALONE LIVE THROUGH!



OF THOSE 93 YEARS IT IS MY HONOR TO HAVE BEEN HER GRANDSON FOR 35 OF THEM. SHE WAS MY MOTHER WHEN MOM HAD TO WORK. SHE WIPED MY NOSE AND PUT FOOD IN MY MOUTH. SHE LET ME PLAY WITH GRANDPA EVEN THOUGH SHE NEEDED HIM TO TAKE HER TO THE STORE. SHE WAS MY GRANDMA AND I WILL MISS HER IMMENSELY.



JUST LOOK AROUND THIS ROOM; SHE DID THIS. SHE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR BRINGING SO MANY GOOD PEOPLE INTO THIS WORLD AND TOGETHER TODAY. THIS IS HER LEGACY.



A Dedication To My Loving Wife, Stacey. Thank you for all you do for me!

Brad Paisley - I Thought I Loved You Then


I remember trying not to stare the night that I first met you
You had me mesmerized
3 weeks later in the front porch light taking 45 min to kiss you goodnight
I hadn’t told you yet but I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I remember taking you back to right where I first met you
You were so surprised
There were people around
But I didn’t care I got down on one knee right there
And once again I thought I loved you then

Chorus
Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Like a river meets the sea
Stronger than it’s ever been
We’ve come so far since that day
And I thought I loved you then.

I can just see you with a baby on the way
I can just see you when your hair is turning gray
What I can’t see is how I’m ever gonna love you more
But I’ve said that before.

Now you’re my whole life now you’re my whole world
I just can’t believe the way I feel about you girl
Well look back some day at this moment that we’re in
And I'll look at you and say I thought I loved you then
And I thought I loved you then...