Thank You Fullerton

Thank you to Fullerton voters as well as my family, friends, and supporters who helped make this possible!

Stay tuned for more information.

OC Register Endorses Sebourn, Paden for Fullerton Council

Editorial: Paden, Sebourn for Fullerton Council

ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

Published: Oct. 15, 2014 Updated: 5:14 p.m.

Fullerton is recovering from a largely negative bout in the public limelight. A high-profile prosecution for police brutality cast shame on city governance, prompting a recall of three council members and engaging the city in questions of oversight for law enforcement.

The resulting scrutiny bore fruit: Fullerton became a pioneer in using police body cameras and is pondering a civilian review board. Yet, residents are now facing another important election, one that will no doubt greatly influence how the city engages a whole range of issues: Homelessness, infrastructure, pensions, development and more.

To continue the city on its positive path, the Register recommends the mayor pro tem, Greg Sebourn, and challenger Sean Paden for City Council.

Read more...

http://www.ocregister.com/articles/sebourn-638666-city-paden.html 

Sean Paden, JD

Greg Sebourn, PLS

Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association Endorses Sebourn Council

This week the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association joins the Lincoln Club and Atlas PAC with their endorsement of Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council.

I am thankful that the HJTA supports my longstanding commitment to keeping taxes low in Fullerton.  The endorsement will certainly lend visibility to the fragile state of Prop 13 and the necessity to protect the future of our aging population to live within their means.

Each of us as renters or property owners benefits directly by keeping the increase of property taxes to a sustainable rate of 2%.  Don't buy into the "split role" nonsense.  Any change to Prop 13 threatens our economic future.

HJTA was founded in 1978 to protect future generations from property tax spiking.  To learn more about the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association, please go to http://www.hjta.org/.

Lincoln Club Endorses Sebourn for Council

This week the Lincoln Club of Orange County announced their endorsement of Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council!

While I am very grateful to the Lincoln Club for their support I think it is important to share a little about the Lincoln Cub of OC.

They were founded in 1963 with the mission  of 

"...limiting government to those legitimate functions that least intrude on the economy and the individual lives of its citizens while providing a strong defense securing individual liberties.

These principles are paramount: government may only act with the consent of the governed and ought to do only that which the people cannot do for themselves; political freedom cannot survive without the economic freedoms afforded by low taxes and free enterprise; and government conducted in accordance with these principles will result in economic growth and individual liberty for all citizens."

I am humbled and thankful to have the support of the Lincoln Club of Orange County.

If you would like learn more about the Lincoln Club, please visit http://lincolnclub.org/.

September Money Bomb!!

Please donate to Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council 2014!

Every $5 that you donate pays for one election sign.  

Every dollar counts!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE 

$5

$25

$99

$250

$1,000

$5,000 

August Money Bomb - Donate Today!

Please donate to Greg Sebourn for Fullerton City Council 2014!

Every $5 that you donate pays for one election sign.  

Every dollar counts!

CLICK HERE TO DONATE 

$5

$25

$99

$250

$1,000

$5,000 

NO MORE RUBBER STAMPS

Today I received the following email that deserves about a moment of  scrutiny:

Dear Fullerton Mentally Ill Homeless Task Force and FriendsLast night the Fullerton City Council met until the bars closed this morning to deliberate the Multi-Service Year-Round Homeless Shelter being proposed by the County, under the leadership of Supervisor Shawn Nelson, for 301 S. St College Blvd. , Fullerton . 

Passion ran high in the packed chambers where a mixed group of opponents and proponents listened for hours and gave testimony for even more hours. 

Councilmembers Sebourn and Mayor Whittaker seemed determined to prevent the Multi-Jurisdictional Agreement (MJA) language from being added to the State required SB 2 Zoning designation.  This zoning is required by the State to make sure that all cities take some responsibility for their homeless residents.  

Councilmembers Flory, Fitzgerald and Chaffee prevailed with the logic that the County can open a shelter there without permission of the City, and the MJA gives the City the best tool for having a voice in how such a shelter is run. The Second vote of the night was going to be over approval of a draft MJA that included specific responses to the concerns raised by the school and neighbors.  After hours of testimony this item was tabled to accommodate additional specificity requested by Councilmember Chaffee and the City Council to the concerns expressed.  Fullerton staff did a great job putting together a comprehensive presentation, that a number of us participated in, to explain where we are, and how we got here. The final meeting to approve this MJA between the County and City will occur on Tuesday, June 18. 

By that time hopefully the school’s concerns can be more completely answered, and the other concerns expressed can be more comprehensively addressed. 

The challenge for the County laid out by Karen Roper at 1:30am to the City Council, is how to get specific answers to questions that were intended for the non-profit provider to determine in a “design and build” phase, BEFORE the Request for Proposals is sent out.  (since the County wanted to wait to issue the RFP until after they acquired the property.)  SO there are additional steps that will have to be taken to bring this all home.  Hopefully, they are surmountable!! A special thanks to so many of you who attended last night’s meeting, and others who could not be there but wrote letters to the City Council supporting the shelter. 

Sincerelyrusty 

Rusty Kennedy, Executive Director  

OC Human Relations

1300 S. Grand, Bldg BSanta Ana, CA 92705 

714-567-7470fax 714-567-7474 

www.ochumanrelations.org

Rusty Kennedy believes that the multi-jurisdictional agreement (MJA) is a REQUIREMENT under Senate Bill 2 (SB2).  However, the City's attorney, Jeff Goldfarb of Rutan & Tucker, repeatedly made it clear that the MJA was not REQUIRED (shall) but that it was permissible (may) under SB2.  So, while zoning constraints must be identified and codified for shelters, multi-jurisdictional agreements do not need to be codified in the City's municipal code with an ordinance.  It was also made clear by the City's attorney and city staff that the County did not need the MJA in order to proceed with their plans for a shelter anywhere in any city.

Further, since the County can build a shelter anyplace they wish, how much leverage does a city actually have when negotiating the terms of a MJA?  NONE.  So why waste the ink giving the perception that there is a negotiated agreement when in fact there is not?  FALSE SENSE OF SECURITY.

The MJA was a pre-packaged document created without any input from the Fullerton City Council and designed to make residents feel as if the City had a voice or some control over the project.  

NO MORE RUBBER STAMPS.

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

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

　

Please RSVP to ElectBruceWhitaker@live.com

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

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!  

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.

Click HERE for the Agenda!

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.

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.

Council Meeting Tuesday July 17

Do you know what's on the agenda?

Review the agenda HERE.

Show up.  Be heard.

City Council Meeting July 3rd

The July 3rd City Council meeting agenda is available.  Click HERE to view!

Yes, that means a meeting on Monday as well as Tuesday!

July 3, 6:30PM, City Council Chambers, 303 W. Commonwealth Avenue


1. MAYOR PRO TEM / VICE CHAIR SELECTION
 The City Council / Successor Agency /  Public Financing Authority / Housing
 Authority selects a member to fill the Mayor Pro Tem / Vice Chair vacancy.
 Recommendation by the Office of the City Clerk:
 Pleasure of the City Council for appointment of Mayor Pro Tem / Vice Chair.

2.  WATER UTILITY COLLECTION OF IN-LIEU FRANCHISE FEE AND PROPERTY TAX CHARGE
 Consider reduction in current Water Utility  rates in regards to collection of the ten percent of gross water sales, which the City transferred to the general fund in-lieu of franchise fees and property taxes prior to May 1, 2012.  
 Recommendation by the Engineering Department:
 Pleasure of the Council; direct staff accordingly.

City Council Special Meeting Scheduled for July 2nd

1. DECLARATION OF JUNE 5, 2012 MUNICIPAL ELECTION RESULTS
The City of Fullerton held a Municipal Election on June 5, 2012 to consider the recall of three Members of the City Council and vote for replacement candidates should any of the recalls succeed. The Orange County Registrar of Voters has certified the results of the June 5, 2012 election.

Recommendation by the City Clerk’s Office: Adopt Resolution No. 2012-57.

RESOLUTION NO. 2012-57 – A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FULLERTON, CALIFORNIA, RECITING THE FACT OF THE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON JUNE 5, 2012, DECLARING THE RESULT AND SUCH MATTER AS REQUIRED BY LAW

ADJOURNMENT – The next special City Council / Successor Agency / Public Financing Authority / Housing Authority meeting is July 3, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California. The next regular City Council / Successor Agency closed session meeting is July 17, 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 July 17, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber, 303 West Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton, California.

Taking Office

"So when do you take office?"  That seems to be the big question on many people's minds.

It's needlessly convoluted so stay with me.

Thursday morning, June 28, at or about 9:00AM, a City Council meeting was to be held in the Council Chambers to accept the results of the recall election.  However, the City Manager reports that recalled council member Dick Jones backed out.  Mayor Quirk-Silva and Member Bruce Whitaker were willing to be there.

As of this morning, Mayor Quirk-Silva was planning on calling for a special meeting on Monday morning, July 2nd, at 9:00AM.  I have been told by City Manager Felz and City Attorney Jones that recalled council member Pat McKinley has promised to participate.  According to City Manager Felz, Mr. McKinley has planned to be out of town this week for perhaps several months.

Regardless of whether the July 2nd meeting occurs, I have been told that Mayor Quirk-Silva will have a meeting Tuesday night.  This would be a normal meeting but it had been canceled due to the July 4th celebration on the following day.  So, if Monday's meeting is canceled, perhaps Tuesday's meeting will result in the new council being able to act.

If Monday's and Tuesday's meetings fail to have a quorum and seat the new council, I have asked City Attorney Jones to take the matter before a judge on July 5th.  If that does not happen, I am preparing to take the matter before a judge on July 6th myself.

July 17 is tentatively scheduled to be the first regular City Council meeting though will be largely ceremonial including public ceremonial swearing in of the new members.  There may be an item or two that will be addressed but I don't know what those will be.

As we approach this tumultuous transition in Fullerton's governance, I reflect upon President George Washington's Farewell Address and the elegance with which he stepped down.  With quiet dignity and gentle words of wisdom, he stepped aside to allow someone else, John Adams, to preside over the United States.  It is too bad that some of the recalled council members appear to have neither dignity nor wisdom to do what is right.

Council Member-Elect

Now that I am finally getting caught up on emails and phone calls, I want to express my gratitude to my supporters and the voters of Fullerton who cast their ballots for me to be your newest City Council Member.

You walked the precincts, made phone calls, spoke with your friends, made t-shirts, wore t-shirts (I have a few left if you would like one), and donated your time, money, and energy to help me win!  You represented me when I could not be everywhere all the time.

You cast your vote for me.  You believe in my vision of open, honest, and transparent government.

Thank you!

I have a deep and profound respect for the public trust that has been placed upon my shoulders which I do not take lightly.  To the voters who voted for Jane, Rick, or Paula, I hope we can find common ground from which we can work.  As your council member, I represent all of Fullerton.  Let's make the most of it - Fullerton is OUR home. 

Sincerely,

Greg Sebourn

June Money Bomb - Support Reform

With just one week left to get out the vote and share my message with voters, I need you help!

This is your last pre-election opportunity to support reform that makes sense.

Please donate today!

Preview of Tonight's City Council Meeting - What's in it, what's not

Tonight's City Council Agenda is spectacularly huge.  There are 23 items on is and that doesn't include the study session for the Task Force On Homelessness and Mental Health Services or the Closed Session conferences with legal counsel.  One of the countless law suits alone could cost Fullerton taxpayers more than $10-million and no one was killed.  Indeed, it is a strange world we live in.

I'm not sure what to expect for the Task Force's study session and the agenda is void of information.

The Consent Calendar is where we often see expensive plans put quietly in motion and tonight is no different.  The 15 items consist of General Plan update, legal contracts, labor contracts, insurance report with recommendations from staff, November's general election, Successor Agency debt update (more on this in a moment), Measure M funding, custodial services contract, agreement with Brea for sewer replacement, rezoning, property acquisition, sewer lining, Chapman Ave (at Fox Fullerton) right-turn lane, and the Walnut/Lincoln sewer replacement.

All told, these represent $647,106,698 in spending.  Of that, $641,969,234 is from the Redevelopment Agency's debt courtesy of the City Council.  That leaves $5,137,464 in new expenditures/allocations.  And where is this buried?  The Consent Calendar.

There are Public Hearings on four items.  
Agenda item 16 is the OCTA Bike Share Pilot Project.  This is a 66-month trial run to see if people will use bikes dispensed from an automated bike rack like a vending machine.  The staff report claims huge success in major metropolitan cities like Boston, Chicago, and Mexico City.

Item 17 proposes the use of tax dollars to subsidize a low-income apartment building proposed for 345 East Commonwealth, dubbed the Alexander Senior Housing Project.  Besides the issue of using public funds for private housing, there remain discrepancies in the City's numbers.  The Joint Powers Authority that the City wants to partner with has approved $14,000,000 while the City seems to think they will get $14,500,000.  I have repeatedly brought this up and City staff just shrug.  I oppose the project for several reasons including substandard parking, zoning, and open space, as well as the use of public funds for private development.  Deals like this are bad for taxpayers and ultimately bad for the real estate market.  It gives one developer, The Richman Group or TRG, an unfair advantage by giving them $14,000,000 and numerous development concessions as noted above. And TRG has little to no risk.

Item 18 is the tow franchise and repeal of a chapter from the municipal code.  This is the by-product of the Fullerton Police Department's failed attempt last year to ramrod a contract through to Anaheim/Fullerton Towing and To' and Mo' Towing.  Last year you may recall that the FPD compiled and reported to the Council the nitty-gritty details of employees who worked for the other responding tow companies.  Most saw the report for what it was, cheap shots to justify keeping a 40-year contract in place.  The FPD then pushed through a commercial truck route law that punished tow operators on City streets.  Everything the FPD has had to do with towing seems to be under a dark cloud of cronyism and special favors.

Item 19 is the proposed revised budget that was continued from the last meeting.  City Staff were ordered to return with a balanced budget.  Although the balance sheet works, the premise behind the more than rosy numbers is questionable.  For example, the budget assumes the City will receive $20,000 in outdoor dining fees for restaurants with patios in the public right of way, like Florentine's bar on the northeast corner of Commonwealth and Harbor except Florentine's won't be paying a dime for their use of the sidewalk.  Ask the council members being recalled why.  The budget also shows a "potential revenue from citywide fee study" with $50,000 generated.  Since when does a study in and of itself generate tax revenue?  Then there are the so-called cuts or savings.  Staff assume that there will be a $260,000 reduction in contract costs for legal services, graffiti, animal control, and custodial service.  The proposed custodial contract is $16,430 less than the current contract which allocated $425,801 to cleaning City Hall.  Strange how we can get the contract workers to take a 4% cut but not our own employees.  There are several other glaring issues that should have been addressed but weren't.

And finally, Regular Business...
Item 20 is All the Arts for All the Kids Heart Project.  This allows those big decorated hearts to be placed all around town without going through the permit process.

Item 21 tackles the skate park and its operations.  It asks that the Skate Park Ad Hoc Committee pick up the slack and help with cleaning and maintaining the park.  That's a first and not a bad suggestion if their are community members interested in taking on that role.  I'm glad to see it opening up again (pending approval by the Council).  there is an estimated $50,000 cost to make some much needed upgrades and maintenance.

Item 22 is the Boys & Girls Club lease agreement.  The deal looks a little shady.  The City asked the Club to lease the facility in exchange for a $1,000,000 contribution.  The Club will purchase their own furniture and computers ($300,000) and will pay the remaining $700,000 in monthly payments of $3,333.33.  At that rate, it will take the Club 17.5 years to make their "contribution" to the City.  In the mean time, Park Dwelling Funds will be used to backfill the shortfall.  I like the Boys & Girls Club but this creative financing is not good.

Outdoor dining is last on the list as item 23.  Aside from playing with the numbers, one of the proposed price lists uses type of beverage served.  No alcohol means you will pay $0.30/SQFT, beer and wine will cost you $0.60SQFT, and full liquor means you get saddled with a $0.90SQFT cost to use the public's right-of-way.  As noted above, Florentine's seems to be immune to these taxes despite his outrageous encroachment onto public property for the consumption of alcohol.

So what's missing?  WATER RATES!!!  Why aren't they being adjusted?  

There is a lot to cover tonight and I hope you come out and speak.  Speak from your heart and be heard.