A city employee blew the whistle on assistant city manager and human resources director Leslie Knight. She is accused of running a personal business using city staff, storing business materials at vacant city offices, illegally taking financial perks and retaliating against other city employees.

Richmond employee Stacie Plummer recently told fellow union members why she put together a long report, turning in her boss. “I’ve also faced retaliation and there was bullying before that. I could almost say bullying to the point where I had to whistleblow,” she said in a video posted on YouTube.

[worldnow id=8638970 width=480 height=360 type=video]

An investigation into those allegations found Knight improperly receiving $450 each month for a car allowance, while also using a city vehicle. A photo in the complaint showed a city-owned Toyota Prius parked in her driveway.

According to the report, Knight allegedly directed an employee to search and access the whistleblower’s email.

The report also found Knight, who owns a side business called Little Luxuries, was directing her employees to make decorative trinkets on city time, storing them in city offices. The city claims Knight didn’t make any money on them and that they were simply an effort to boost employee morale.

Vice Mayor Corky Booze said she offered him and other council members the gifts.

“It was kind of like a humanistic gesture for the people that she worked with,” Booze said.

[worldnow id=8637989 width=480 height=360 type=video]

Knight has not been suspended by her boss, City Manager Bill Lindsay, as of Friday. Lindsay told KPIX 5 that he needs to go over the report and make a determination later.

“Leslie Knight will reimburse the city. She’s going to make the city whole,” Lindsay said.

Knight did not respond to KPIX 5’s request for comment Friday.

(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

They are job titles that are becoming more elusive:

• Assistant City Manager
• Assistant to the City Manager
• Management Analyst

Once thought as a succession planning pathway for the next generation of city managers, generalist mid-manager positions are often hard to come by as local governments forgo filling these roles during times of budget uncertainty.  Alex McIntyre, the Menlo Park City Manager and former Lake Oswego City Manager, has shown a willingness and commitment to creating and empowering these roles in the organizations he manages.

The agenda will include two parts.  The first portion of the webinar will include tips from Alex on how current managers can create new employment opportunities for emerging leaders.  The second portion of the webinar will include feedback from Alex on what he looks for when he hires for entry level management positions.

ELGL will offer its first online webinar featuring Alex on March 15, 2013 at noon.  This event is limited to the first 20 respondents, with priority given to ELGL members.  Please RSVP to OregonELGL@gmail.com today to secure your spot in this webinar.

Agenda:

• Introduction of Alex McIntyre, City Manager, Menlo Park, California
• Part I: Creating Meaningful Opportunities for Next Generation Local Government Employees
• Learn how Alex has created employment opportunities in the organizations he has managed that promote local government professionalism.
• Part II:  So You Want to Be An Assistant to the City Manager (or Management Analyst…)
• Get the inside scoop on the knowledge, skills, and abilities that Alex looks for when he is hiring for entry level management positions.
• Questions & Answers
• Adjourn

Zapata is taking a $20,000 pay cut in order to give raises to the police chief and assistant city manager, according to The Daily Review. Those two workers will make $187,000 a year, according to the newspaper.

The choice to de-fund himself in order to pay his executives, Police Chief Sandra Spagnoli and Assistant City Manager Lianne Marshall, is “unusual,” according to a city manager expert.

“I would say it’s pretty rare,” said Kevin Duggan, West Coast regional director for the International City County Management Association. In fact, Zapata’s move is “very magnanimous,” according to Duggan.

Zapata hopes that Spagnoli and Marshall will not move onto other cities, thanks to their raises. San Leandro needs stability, the newspaper reported: Zapata is the city’s fourth city manager since 2009. And last month, two city executive employees left their posts to work in Dublin, the newspaper reported. San Jose is looking for a new police chief, too.

The City of Sidney (pop. 21,000) is conducting a national search for an experienced, proven, innovative individual for the position of Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director. The Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director serves as the chief staff aide to the City Manager and is responsible for managing the operations of the Public Works Group: consisting of Utilities Departments, Street Department, Engineering Department, Transportation Department, Fleet/Garage Department and Service Center. This person is also responsible for Administration of the Engineering Services contract and Solid Waste contract, provides input and managerial control over the City’s Capital Improvement Program.

The Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director directly supervises six employees, including four (4) Division Heads, and has indirect supervision of 59 regular other employees. The Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director is responsible for the preparation and administration of an $11 million operating and a capital improvement budget of several million dollars annually.

Assistant City Manager, City of South Pasadena, CA

The City of South Pasadena is seeking a dynamic, team-oriented individual who will work under minimal supervision. The Assistant City Manager will be responsible for managing staff in human resources and risk management, work proactively to recruit small businesses and provide support to existing local businesses and work with the executive management team to evaluate service delivery effectiveness and implement best practices to realize efficiencies in public service delivery.

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney I, Klickitat County

Public Works/Planning Coordinator, City of Lake Stevens

Records Coordinator, SNOCOM 911

Assistant Director of Finance, City of Olathe, KS

Budget Analyst, City of Olathe, KS

Performance Analyst, City of Olathe, KS

Assistant City Manager, City of Chandler, AZ

Economic Development Manager, City of Edina, MN

Senior Administrative Specialist, City of Tigard

Recreation Inventory Intern, City of Tigard

Chief Planner, City of Worcester, MA

Planning Director, City of Georgetown, TX

Transportation Intern, Martha’s Vineyard Commission

City Recorder, Shady Grove, OR

Director of Finance – Salem-Keizer Transit

Senior Assistant Attorney, METRO – Portland, OR

Administrative Specialist, METRO – Portland, OR

Senior Manager, Planning, Projects – Multnomah County, OR

Senior Planner, City of Newport News, VA

County Administrator, County of Middlesex, VA

Management Analyst, City of Ames, IA

Assistant City Manager – Public Works – City of League City, TX

Zoning Administrator, Fairfax County Department of Planning and Zoning

Chief Financial Officer, City of Stockton, California

Assistant Town Manager, City of Strasburg, VA

Director of Public Works, City of Strasburg, VA

Senior Administrative Specialist, City of Tigard, OR

Government Relations Manager, Washington County, OR

Human Resources Manager, Multnomah County, OR

Emergency Response Program Manager, Multnomah County, OR

Digital Marketing & Communications Officer, Global Partnerships – Seattle, WA

Community Affairs Program Specialist, The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland Inc

Associate Director, Strategic Communications, The Nature Conservancy – San Francisco, CA

The City of Maryville is seeking a career minded, qualified applicant to serve as the Assistant City Manager and aid the City Manager in providing the community with a broad range of public services. Under guidance from the City Manager, the Assistant will provide substantive and highly complex staff assistance to the City Manager in the development, implementation and administration of City programs and operations. This position will also plan and coordinate a variety of complex projects, namely the city’s Comprehensive Plan and the DREAM initiative for downtown revitalization. The Assistant will exercise functional supervision over Departmental Directors, management staff and employees of the City, focusing specifically on the Airport and Mozingo Lake & Golf departments. In addition to assisting the City Manager in providing highly complex staff assistance to the Mayor and City Council, the Assistant will also conduct studies and prepare reports on various City management problems and functional activities as directed.

]]> http://elgl.org/2012/03/26/job-posting-assistant-city-manager-7/ Mon, 26 Mar 2012 21:48:31 +0000 elgl http://elgl.org/2012/03/26/job-posting-assistant-city-manager-7/ Assistant City Manager, City of SeaTac

Under direction of the City Manager, provide operational coordination and assistance in areas as assigned.  Investigate concerns, identify issues, assess alternatives, provide information, coordinate resources, and facilitate solutions to assure maximum efficiency and effectiveness in meeting established goals and objections.  Supervise the City Clerk’s Office operations and coordinate with the Court Administrator in order to ensure ongoing communication between the Municipal Court and City Administration. Perform the duties of the City Manager in the absence of the Manager.

Submit a City of SeaTac application, resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position. The City accepts online applications only.  Visit http://www.ci.seatac.wa.us.  Click ’Employment’ then ’Job Opportunities’.  Open until filled.  First application review April 13, 2012.  EOE

Proven leadership skills in development of a high functioning organization with accountability standards and clear expectations built for all employees is a top priority. The successful candidate will demonstrate effective communication skills. The Assistant City Manager should also be able to listen, understand, and relate city policy and technical issues between city staff, city management, elected officials, the development community, and the citizens.

It is essential for the successful candidate to be an innovative leader, with the ability to lead change initiatives, including creating an intense commitment to openness and customer service. A dynamic and charismatic visionary leader who is highly results-oriented is desired.

The Assistant City Manager is an administrative management level class, which assists the City Manager in the overall operations of meeting the City’s established mission and goals. The incumbent is responsible for the day-to-day coordination and administration of assigned programs and departments. The Assistant City Manager acts for the City Manager in his or her absence. This class is distinguished from the next higher classification of City Manager, which serves as the Chief Executive Officer over all City departments and program activities.

Assistant City Manager, City of Santa Monica, CA

Management Intern, City of Villa Park, CA

City Manager/City Clerk, City of Lomita, CA

City Administrator / Supervisor, Selah, WA

Finance Analyst, Assistant, City of Seattle, WA

Financial Analyst – Capital & Grants, City of Auburn, WA

Salem-Keizer Transit – Director of Community Relations

Chief Financial Officer, Asotin County, WA

Associate Planner, Thurston County, WA

Senior Finance Specialist, Multnomah County, OR

Chief Financial Officer, Multnomah County, OR

City Manager, City of Kelso, WA

Budget & Management Analyst, Chesterfield County

The City of Coral Gables, Florida, The City Beautiful, a progressive, international, coastal and historic City is seeking a highly qualified professional who is inspired by interesting challenges of an established, but dynamic community for the position of Assistant City Manager for Operations.  The City has a population of 46,780 residents, has a vibrant downtown district and is home to the University of Miami.  It is proud to be ranked by Forbes.com ninth out of America’s Top 25 Towns to Live Well and America’s sixth most successful walkable suburb by the Wall Street Journal.

Coral Gables operates under a commission/manager form of government and is well known for its active and involved citizenry. Under the broad policy guidance of the City Manager this position serves as a key member of the City’s leadership team with direct responsibility for the effective implementation of City-wide strategic and operating initiatives and policies. Directs and oversees operations of the City of Coral Gables line functions, including the Public Works, Public Service, Police, Fire, Development Services, Parking, Parks & Recreation, Historic Resources, and Economic Sustainability Departments. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned professional at the forefront of their profession and who is committed to the highest level of customer service and community collaboration.

The ideal candidate must be able to think strategically and exercise considerable initiative and independent judgment. Must also be a creative thinker, a visionary leader and is a person who understands responsibility and accountability. The position requires strong organizational development skills, experience in developing policies and procedures. This is a highly visible position which demands excellent communication, presentation, negotiation and management skills

Qualifications:  Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, Engineering, Planning, Architecture, or related field.  Advanced degree and professional certificate(s) strongly preferred.

Minimum of eight (8) years progressively responsible relevant management experience, to include experience in a municipal or county governmental agency.

Salary and benefits package includes:  The annual salary range is $102,356.80-$140,545.60. Salary is negotiable depending on qualifications. Benefits include: vehicle allowance of $450 per month, medical, dental and life insurance, retirement plan, leave allowances, and more.

Deadline:  Open until filled.

To ensure consideration for this position, interested candidates should forward resume, cover letter and five references immediately, via e-mail, to HRD@coralgables.com or fax to 305-460-5518.

Fayetteville, NC (pop. 208,000) The City of Fayetteville is seeking dynamic local government professionals as candidates for an Assistant City Manager position. One of two ACM positions reporting directly to the City Manager, the vacancy was created by the resignation of an ACM who accepted a City Manager position in another state. The City of Fayetteville will celebrate its 250th anniversary in 2012 and is home to Fort Bragg, the Army’s headquarters for Airborne and Special Operations forces, and Pope Army Air Field. The City includes an historic downtown shopping area, numerous historic sites, seven museums, three colleges and universities, multiple entertainment venues, and award-winning golf courses. Fayetteville is conveniently located within two hours of hours of Myrtle Beach and other east coast beaches, as well as within close proximity to camping, fishing and hiking in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains. The Assistant City Manager will serve as an ambassador, facilitator and representative of the City Manager’s office. The successful candidate will have a commitment to teamwork and professionalism, outstanding supervisory, budgeting, and administrative skills, the interests of the entire community at heart, highly developed communications and listening skills and a demonstrated record of successfully managing and completing complex projects and assignments.

The successful candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, political science or a related field. A graduate degree in business, public administration or a related field is preferred, but not required. Ten years of progressively responsible municipal work experience, with three years service as a city manager, assistant city manager or the equivalent is required.

Starting salary range is $100,000 to $130,000 annually depending on qualifications, with an excellent fringe benefit package. Interested candidates should apply by March 23 to Heidi Voorhees at VoorheesAssociates.com/current-positions. For additional information contact Heidi Voorhees at HVoorhees@VAResume.com or at 847-580-4246.

The Assistant City Manager oversees and guides the activities of assigned City Departments, Divisions, and special projects to ensure they are in alignment with the policies and goals of the City Manager and City Council; provides administrative guidance to departments to ensure that goals and objectives are achieved in a timely and professional manner; provides the City Manager and the City Council with accurate information to support decision making and policy direction; and, serves as an agent of the City Manager in conflict and dispute resolution with various constituencies.  This position provides effective professional leadership in positioning the City to meet the community’s current and future needs.

Bend Assistant City Manager

Management Assistant (Internship), City of Fort Collins

West End Civic Affairs Advisor, Montrose County Colorado

Assistant City Manager, City of Victoria, Texas

Human Resource Specialist, Gloucester County

Finance Director, Davidson, NC

County Administrator, Fluvanna County, VA

]]> http://elgl.org/2012/01/26/job-posting-assistant-city-manager-2/ Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:03:44 +0000 elgl http://elgl.org/2012/01/26/job-posting-assistant-city-manager-2/ The City of Maricopa, Arizona is accepting applications for the position of Assistant City Manager.

Assistant City Manager

Under the direction of the City Manager, promotes Excellence Through People, coordinates activities of departments; supervises department heads; develops and administers policies, programs, and projects, serves as the City Manager’s chief assistant and as City Manager in his/her absence; performs related work as required. The preferred hiring salary will not exceed $103,570.

5:00 – 9:00 pm @ Lucky Lab Public House in Multnomah Village

Organizer: Jordan Wheeler, Assistant to the City Manager, Lake Oswego

11:45 am @ West Linn Public Library Community Room, 1595 Burns Street in West Linn

Organizer: Kathy Mollusky, City Recorder, West Linn

Employment

Apply online at www.norfolk.gov/jobs

Job Opening: Senior Legislative Analyst, King County, WA

Apply online at http://www.kingcounty.gov/jobs.aspx

Top News Articles

New York Times: Many Workers in Public Sector Retiring Sooner

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/us/more-public-sector-workers-are-retiring-sooner.html?_r=1&smid=tw-nytimes&seid=auto

The Oregonian: ’Up the Capitol Steps’ review: Barbara Roberts and her arduous, tenacious climb to the top

http://www.oregonlive.com/books/index.ssf/2011/12/up_the_capitol_steps_review_ba.html

1. Conference with Labor Negotiator

(Government Code Section 54957.6)

Agency Negotiator: City Manager Jose Antonio Ramirez

Employee Organizations: All Represented and Unrepresented City Employees.

Excerpted from Closed Session: October 18, 2011 City Council Meeting Agenda (Which was Canceled by the way-the Closed Session Part)

Have you noticed how Closed Sessions about Negotiating with the Employee Organizations are getting canceled: almost on a regular basis?

hmmmmm..….More on that later..but first let’s check into Delta Bravo Sierra Land.

Where will this little adventure end? You never know when it’s Delta Bravo Sierra Land!

There’s Strange..and then there’s Army Strange: courtesy of Damon Shackelford: furious scribbler of military cartoons. {He’s on Facebook too! and even has his own Comic Book!!!}

Help Give the Lil Guys and Gals and even better place to play!

In 2006 the city purchased the storm drain basin (4 lots) next to the park and filled it in with the intent of making it a park to service the ball park participants and their families. Since then, Lil Guys and Gals field has been a ball park used for many years by the residents of Livingston.

The Recreation Commission determined in 2011 to take on the park as a project. The commission wanted to involve the community and let them help bring this project to reality. By purchasing a stepping stone the community not only provides the financing for the park, but in turn places a personal monument in the park for years to come.

Stones will be sold until there are enough sales to cover the completion of the park. The Commission’s goal is Summer of 2012.

Once you have purchased a stone you will be called by the Recreation Department for an appointment to make/create your stone. 

If you are interested in creating a Memorial Stone and/or participating in one of the many work days that will take place to upgrade the park, call the Recreation Office at 394-8830 for more information.

And Don’t forget that Tri-Tip Dinner! Proceeds go to help the Park!

Breakfast with the VFW

The Livingston/Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast will be served on October 30, 2011, at the Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 1605 7^th Street, in Livingston. Adults can eat for $6.00, and the children under 12 for eat for $4.00. Breakfast consists of Pancakes, French Toast or Biscuits and Gravy; served with Eggs cooked to order, Hash Browns, Sausage or Ham and Coffee and Juice. Breakfast will be served from 8 am to 12 pm.

Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale
The next Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale will be held November 30 and December 1-2 , 2011. If you have anything to donate contact Denis or Sue Wells and let us know where and when you would like someone to pick the items up.

VETERANS DAY PARADE This November in Livingston

Mark your calendar! The Livingston/Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars #8327 and Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting the Annual Veterans Day Parade in the City of Livingston on November 11, 2011, at 11:00 am.

If you wish to have an entry in the parade, for an entry form contact Denis Wells at (209) 394-2059..

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CONTEST

Are you a 9^th through 12^th grade student?

Could you use a scholarship of up to $30,000 from the Veterans of Foreign Wars?

The Voice of Democracy Contest is an Audio Essay contest that gives the students who are enrolled in the 9^th through 12^th grade in a public, private or parochial school, or home study program, (excluding foreign exchange students, students older than 19 years, and former State Voice of Democracy winners) the opportunity to express their opinion in a three to five minute audio (cassette tape or CD) on the theme, ‘Is There Pride In Serving In Our Military?’.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate, Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

From the local level the winners will move on to District, State and then National, and there are prizes at each level.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000- $16,000 and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Essay and entry forms are due to the Post Commander, Denis Wells, no later than November 1, 2011.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or at www.vfw.org.

PATRIOT’S PEN CONTEST

The Patriot’s Pen Essay contest gives students who are enrolled in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades, in public, private, parochial school or home study program, the opportunity to express their opinion in a written essay of 300 to 400 words, on the patriotic theme ‘Are You Proud of Your Country?”.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate, Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

From the local level the winners will move on to District, State and then National, and prizes are awarded at all levels.

Annually, roughly 112,000, students from grades 6-8, enter to win one of several savings bonds totaling $1.2 million, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner.

Essay and entry forms are due to the Post Commander, Denis Wells, no later than November 1, 2011.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or on line at www.vfw.org.

NATIONAL YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST

Attention 9^th through 12^th grade students!

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars is the sponsoring the National Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate,Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

The winning artwork will be eligible for State competition, and from there, to the National competition, where the winning artists can receive scholarships of up to $10,000.

Entries are due by March 1, 2012. Students must have crafted their entries during the 2011-2012 school year – and this must be verified by a teacher’s signature on each entry form. If a student used the U.S. Flag in his or her work, the flag’s depiction must conform to the Flag Code.

Partial contest rules: Artwork must be on paper or canvas and must be 8 inches by 10 inches to 48 by 24 inches, not including mats. Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may be used. Digital art may be used, but must be on paper or canvas; no computer discs will be accepted. Do not frame entries. Submit canvas entries on stretcher frames. Other entries must be matted on white. Do not use color mats. In matting, use heavy paper to reinforce the back. Mounted and floating mats may also be used.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or on line at www.lavfw.org.

Donita "Sue" Wells
Ladies Auxiliary VFW 8327-13
Secretary Treasurer
1159 2nd Street — Livingston CA 95334-1204
(209) 394-2059 — Cell (209) 648-4668
Fax (209) 394-9199 — Email denisue@gvni.com

The 2011-2012 Draft Budget for the City of Livingston has been Published.

And you still have time to look it over before the Council “talks about it” in Open Session. The nice thing about a PDF file is the handy dandy search box at the top. Just type in what your interested in and the computer will find it for you. CLICK HERE to see it

If You’ve Been a Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Watcher

you’ve noticed this Brand Spankin’ New Addition to City Council Meeting Agendas:

CITIZEN COMMENTS – NOTE: Public Comment/Speaker Cards are now available on the back table of the City Council Chambers. Please fill out the appropriate card and submit to Meeting Recorder.

and some of your may be wondering “What the Heck?” and “Whose Idea Was This?”

And I can think of a few Recall Supporters whose very first reaction to the idea might well be “Card? You mean I have to fill out a stinkin Card if I want to say something during a Council Meeting?”

This could be fun!

You see…while the use of Comment Cards to “speed the process of Public Comments along and/or “give people who don’t like to speak in public” an alternative to “speaking publically” isn’t necessarily a violation of the Brown Act and/or the First Amendment, so long as EVERYBODY has to use them..

Using those cards to limit “who gets to talk about what and when” is a whole nuther ball game.

So is “letting friends/supporters” of Council Members have their say, but “forgetting” to let “the other side” have their say too. (oops! where did that card go! we bad!)

Which means…. all those other folks who have complained in the past about  other City Council persons “not wanting to listen to the people” will have to show up to the meetings in time to fill out those cards too!

Just like everybody else…

Come to think of it..Which could get real “interesting” come Prop 218 Hearing time

And the next Election Cycle

If You’ve Been a Regular City Council Meeting Agenda Watcher, You’ve also noticed

that negotiations with the City Employees Bargaining Units seem to be dragging on just a “tad”: matter of fact, Closed Sessions Items about this have been canceled at least twice.

Last year, Extensions of MOU’s (Memorandum of Understandings) with the vast majority of Employee Bargaining Units was adopted by a 5-0 vote of the City Council at the July 6, 2010 Council Meeting as the following Consent Calendar Items:

6. Resolution No. 2010-35, Approving an Extension of the Current Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Livingston and the City of Livingston Clerical Employees Association.

7. Resolution No. 2010-36, Approving an Extension of the Current Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Livingston and the City of Livingston Management and Confidential Employees Association.

8. Resolution No. 2010-37, Approving an Extension of the Current Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Livingston and the Livingston Police Officers’ Association.

9. Resolution No. 2910-38, Approving an Extension of the Current Memorandum of  Understanding Between the City of Livingston and the City of Livingston Public Works and Parks Employees Unit.

10. Resolution No. 2010-39, Approving an Extension of the Current Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Livingston and the Livingston Supervisory Employees Association.

11. Resolution No. 2010-40, Approving an Extension of the Current Understandings Between the City of Livingston and the City of Livingston Unrepresented Employees not Associated with any City Bargaining Union.

And If memory serves me correctly, nobody got a raise (or if they did, it wasn’t much of one – correct me if I’m wrong – Please)

Sooooooo….last year, it was all “done” by July…let’s see…July, August, September, October, November?, December?

And don’t try to tell me it’s because “we just hired a New City Manager” and a “New Assistant City Manager Either” either…

Unless the Council has had it’s collective head up a very dark place, they all knew the Fiscal Year ended on June 30th and they had an Acting City Manager who has been here way long enough to have at least gotten the process started!

Which Reminds Me

If you would like a “brief snapshot” of what has been on the City Council’s Plant for the past few months, you can go to my  2011 CITY COUNCIL Agendas and Meeting Minutes Page.

There, you will find links to Agendas, Draft Minutes, Staff Reports, Resolutions, Ordinances and other “back up documentation”. No…it’s not “everything-everything-everything, but it’s enough to give you a good idea about “where we’ve been” and where we might be going in the future.

Speaking of Agendas, on to the

REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING AGENDA

OCTOBER 18, 2011

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

6:45 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that the Livingston Redevelopment Agency will hold a Regular Meeting on October 18, 2011, in the City Council Chambers, 1416 “C” Street, Livingston, California. Persons with disabilities who may need assistance should contact the Deputy City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to this meeting at 394-8041, Ext. 121. Any writings or documents pertaining to an open session item provided to a majority of the members of the legislative body less than 72 hours prior to the meeting, shall be made available for public inspection at Livingston City Hall, 1416 “C” Street. The Regular Meeting will begin at 6:45 p.m. The agenda shall be as follows:

Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER Next Resolution Number: 2011-2

Roll Call.

Changes to the Agenda.

CITIZEN COMMENTS – NOTE: Public Comment/Speaker Cards are now available on the back table of the City Council Chambers. Please fill out the appropriate card and submit to Meeting Recorder.

This section of the agenda allows members of the public to address the Redevelopment Agency on any item NOT otherwise on the agenda. Members of the public, when recognized by the Chair, should come forward to the lectern, and identify themselves. Comments are normally limited to three (3) minutes. In accordance with State Open Meeting Laws, no action will be taken by the Redevelopment Agency this evening and all items will be referred to staff for follow up and a report. For items which are on the agenda this evening, members of the public will be provided an opportunity to address the Redevelopment Agency as each item is brought up for discussion.

PRESENTATIONS

1. City of Livingston Redevelopment Agency – Independent Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements June 30, 2011.

CONSENT CALENDAR

2. Approval of Minutes of Special Meeting of August 23, 2011.

ADJOURNMENT

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

OCTOBER 18, 2011

CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 P.M.

OPEN SESSION: 7:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that the City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on October 18, 2011, at the City Council Chambers, 1416 C Street, Livingston, California. Persons with disabilities who may need assistance should contact the Deputy City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to this meeting at (209) 394-8041, Ext. 121. Any writings or documents pertaining to an Open Session item provided to a majority of the members of the legislative body less than 72 hours prior to the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C Street. The Open Session will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Closed Session will be held in accordance with state law prior to the Open Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Closed Session will be held in the City of Livingston City Hall Conference Room located at 1416 C Street. The agenda shall be as follows:

Closed Session

1. Call to Order.

2. Roll Call.

CLOSED SESSION

A “Closed” or “Executive” Session of the City Council or the Livingston Redevelopment Agency may be held in accordance with state law which may include, but is not limited to, the following types of items: personnel matters, labor negotiations, security matters, providing instructions to real property negotiators, conference with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. The Closed Session will be held in the City Hall Conference Room located at 1416 C Street, Livingston, California. Any public comment on Closed Session items will be taken before the Closed Session. Any required announcements or discussion of Closed Session items or actions following the Closed Session will be made in the City Council Chambers, 1416 C Street, Livingston, California.

1. Conference with Labor Negotiator

(Government Code Section 54957.6)

Agency Negotiator: City Manager Jose Antonio Ramirez

Employee Organizations: All Represented and Unrepresented City Employees.

Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER Next Resolution Number: 2011-67

Next Ordinance Number: 598

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call.

Closed Session Announcements

Changes to the Agenda.

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS

1. City of Livingston – Independent Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements June 30, 2011 and City of Livingston Local Transportation Development Act Fund – Independent Auditor’s Report and Financial Statements June 30, 2011.

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Supervisor John Pedrozo Announcements and Reports.

City Staff Announcements and Reports.

City Manager Announcements and Reports.

City Council Members’ Announcements and Reports.

Mayor’s Announcements and Reports.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

CITIZEN COMMENTS – NOTE: Public Comment/Speaker Cards are now available on the back table of the City Council Chambers. Please fill out the appropriate card and submit to Meeting Recorder.

This section of the agenda allows members of the public to address the City Council on any item NOT otherwise on the agenda. Members of the public, when recognized by the Mayor, should come forward to the lectern, and identify themselves. Comments are normally limited to three (3) minutes. In accordance with State Open Meeting Laws, no action will be taken by the City Council this evening. For items which are on the agenda this evening members of the public will be provided an opportunity to address the City Council as each item is brought up for discussion.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine or non-controversial and will be enacted by one vote, unless separate action is requested by the City Manager or City Council Member. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council or City Manager request that specific items be removed.

2. Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 596 of the City Council of the City of Livingston Amending Livingston Municipal Code (LMC) Title 4, Chapter 2, Relating to Signage.

3. Waive the Second Reading and Adopt Ordinance No. 597 of the City Council of the City of Livingston Amending Livingston Municipal Code (LMC) 5-3-16-1 (A)(1) Setback Exceptions Concerning Small Doorway Covers.

4 Resolution Supporting the California Air Resources Board’s Leadership in Promoting Clean and Efficient Motor Vehicles, Energy Independence, Zero Emission Technologies and Improved Quality of Life in California.. it {Note from TheGardeningSnail – yep..I know you’ll also get the warrant register, meeting minutes, and TIGER Grant stuff if you click on this link..but hey…}

5. Approval of Minutes of Meeting Held on October 4, 2011.

6. Approval of Warrant Register Dated October 12, 2011.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS

7. Resolution Approving Submittal of a Grant Application to the Department of Transportation TIGER 3 Discretionary Grants. {Note from TheGardeningSnail: there was nothing in the Agenda Packet I downloaded over the weekend about this item…but I did find This, and This, And This from the Federal Register, that you might find interesting…I got Part 2 of the Agenda Packet downloaded on Tuesday…so if you go to Item 4 above and click on that, then go to page 67 of the PDF File…you’ll find it. I may have time later this week to break it up into it’s own individual page..but this is the best I can do at the moment.}

ADJOURNMENT

And there is also the

2011 CITY COUNCIL Agendas and Meeting Minutes

Police Chief Recruitment City of Livingston

2012-2012 City of Livingston Draft Budget

The “Mission of the Utility Rate Stakeholders Committee” Series

• February 15, 2011 Discussion: Utility Rate Stakeholders Committee
  • In Which the idea was first proposed for a Stakeholders Committee in which members would work with City Staff and Consultants
• April 05, 2011: Discussion of Utility Rate Stakeholder Committee Member Appointments
  • In which the people who would be working with City Staff and Consultants were chosen
• June 07, 2011 Discussion of Utility Rate Committee Meeting
  • In which it was revealed that the people who would be working with City Staff and Consultants already had their first “get together”. But the public was not invited.

The “Brief History of How We Got Into This Mess” Series

• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 1—1995 through 2002
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 2—2003 through 2007
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 3—January 2007 through February 2008
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 4— January 2008 through October 2008
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 5— October,2008 through June 2009
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 6— Some Background Information and a Brief Recap of What Happened Between 1995 and June 2009
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 7: Some Enterprise Funds Basics, Meeting Highlights: July 7, 2009 through December 01, and a City Council Agenda
• Who knows, I may actually get around to writing Part 8

A Few Letters, Sun-Star & and Mike McGuire Articles about Livingston Politics (and a few other things Worthy of Note) (The links here go all the way back to the 2008 Election Cycle)

The 1995 Water Rate Resolution (Do you see anything in there that says “Industrial”?)

California Department of Health Sept. 2010 Letter on Water System Funding

Well #15 Enforcement Letter & Staff Report

Well #15 Manganese Enforcement Letter Discussions

How They Voted in 2011 (Granted, it’s a Work in Process, but there are links to things there you might be interested in.)

How They Voted in 2010

How They Voted in 2009

How They Voted in 2008

How They Voted in 2007

How They Voted in 2006

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2010

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2009

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2008

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2007

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2006

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2005

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2004

2010-2011 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2009-2010 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2008-2009 Interim Reports Merced County Civil Grand Jury Postscript to FY2007/2008 Grand Jury’s Report On The City of Livingston

2007 2008 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2006-2007 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

After 35 years in and out of public service, Sen. Dianne Feinstein finally got something named after her — a skateboard park in the tiny Central Valley farming town of Orange Cove, about 20 miles outside Visalia. – DiFi’s the bomb in tiny Orange Cove / Central Valley town honors Dem senator for her generous attention

2009-2010 Fresno County Grand Jury Report #10 (Pgs. 181-187) and Sanger Herald

Records and interviews show the city spent lavishly on a park that today, 2 1/2 years after it opened, is hardly used. The park has, however, caught the attention of state auditors, who wonder why the city can’t account for some of the costs. – They Built A BMX Park And No One Came

Jose Antonio Ramirez, who was Orange Cove’s city manager from 2000 to 2003, and Alma Lopez-Guerra, who was in charge of the city’s day care center from 2001 to 2004, said they, too, were frustrated with Lopez’s grip on city government. They said their attempts at reform were met with resistance and they eventually resigned -  Ibid    

"I came across unethical activity and very unprofessional accounting practices, which were signs of corruption," Ortiz said. "City officials would violate city procedures, policies, municipal code and state law." – Ibid

In the end, the park cost about $800,000 to build — including the city’s share of about $300,000. One contractor who worked on the project and who has helped build other BMX parks said most comparable projects cost about $100,000. – Ibid

2009-2010 Fresno County Grand Jury Report #10 (Pgs. 181-187) and Sanger Herald

What do Skate Parks, Grand Jury Reports and a New City Manager / Assistant City Manager have in common?

It’s a whale of a tale to tell you lad. A whale of a tale  or two.  A tale that begins in the tiny town of Orange Cove: full of allegations of waste, fraud and just plain ole fashioned “dastardly doings” and “shady shenanigans”: replete with links to “famous names” like Senator Dianne Feinstein, comedian Paul Rodrigues (and his skateboarding son), and a few “not so famous names” like our own Brand New City Manager and Assistant-City-Manager-To-Be.

I’ll go into a few more details later. (You know what they say about “opening that can of worms”) But first…lets check in on Delta Bravo Sierra Land.

And there is much more to the story, and even more to come. You can find out about “what happened in between” by going to Delta Bravo Sierra Landyourself and looking around.

There’s Strange..and then there’s Army Strange: courtesy of Damon Shackelford: furious scribbler of military cartoons. {He’s on Facebook too! and even has his own Comic Book!!!}

Breakfast with the VFW

The Livingston/Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast will be served on October 30, 2011, at the Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 1605 7^th Street, in Livingston. Adults can eat for $6.00, and the children under 12 for eat for $4.00. Breakfast consists of Pancakes, French Toast or Biscuits and Gravy; served with Eggs cooked to order, Hash Browns, Sausage or Ham and Coffee and Juice. Breakfast will be served from 8 am to 12 pm.

Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale
The next Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale will be held November 30 and December 1-2 , 2011. If you have anything to donate contact Denis or Sue Wells and let us know where and when you would like someone to pick the items up.

VETERANS DAY PARADE This November in Livingston

Mark your calendar! The Livingston/Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars #8327 and Ladies Auxiliary will be hosting the Annual Veterans Day Parade in the City of Livingston on November 11, 2011, at 11:00 am.

If you wish to have an entry in the parade, for an entry form contact Denis Wells at (209) 394-2059..

VOICE OF DEMOCRACY CONTEST

Are you a 9^th through 12^th grade student?

Could you use a scholarship of up to $30,000 from the Veterans of Foreign Wars?

The Voice of Democracy Contest is an Audio Essay contest that gives the students who are enrolled in the 9^th through 12^th grade in a public, private or parochial school, or home study program, (excluding foreign exchange students, students older than 19 years, and former State Voice of Democracy winners) the opportunity to express their opinion in a three to five minute audio (cassette tape or CD) on the theme, ‘Is There Pride In Serving In Our Military?’.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate, Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

From the local level the winners will move on to District, State and then National, and there are prizes at each level.

The national first-place winner receives a $30,000 scholarship paid directly to the recipient’s American university, college or vocational/technical school. Other national scholarships range from $1,000- $16,000 and the first-place winner from each (State) VFW Department wins an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C.

Essay and entry forms are due to the Post Commander, Denis Wells, no later than November 1, 2011.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or at www.vfw.org.

PATRIOT’S PEN CONTEST

The Patriot’s Pen Essay contest gives students who are enrolled in the 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades, in public, private, parochial school or home study program, the opportunity to express their opinion in a written essay of 300 to 400 words, on the patriotic theme ‘Are You Proud of Your Country?”.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate, Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

From the local level the winners will move on to District, State and then National, and prizes are awarded at all levels.

Annually, roughly 112,000, students from grades 6-8, enter to win one of several savings bonds totaling $1.2 million, as well as an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C. for the National first place winner.

Essay and entry forms are due to the Post Commander, Denis Wells, no later than November 1, 2011.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or on line at www.vfw.org.

NATIONAL YOUNG AMERICAN CREATIVE PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST

Attention 9^th through 12^th grade students!

The Ladies Auxiliary to the Veterans of Foreign Wars is the sponsoring the National Young American Creative Patriotic Art Contest.

The first place winner at the local level (Livingston VFW) will be awarded $100, a ‘Liberty Jacket’ and a certificate: Second Place $75.00 and a Certificate, Third Place, $50.00 and a Certificate. All entries receive a Certificate of Participation.

The winning artwork will be eligible for State competition, and from there, to the National competition, where the winning artists can receive scholarships of up to $10,000.

Entries are due by March 1, 2012. Students must have crafted their entries during the 2011-2012 school year – and this must be verified by a teacher’s signature on each entry form. If a student used the U.S. Flag in his or her work, the flag’s depiction must conform to the Flag Code.

Partial contest rules: Artwork must be on paper or canvas and must be 8 inches by 10 inches to 48 by 24 inches, not including mats. Watercolor, pencil, pastel, charcoal, tempera, crayon, acrylic, pen-and-ink or oil may be used. Digital art may be used, but must be on paper or canvas; no computer discs will be accepted. Do not frame entries. Submit canvas entries on stretcher frames. Other entries must be matted on white. Do not use color mats. In matting, use heavy paper to reinforce the back. Mounted and floating mats may also be used.

Complete rules and entry forms can be obtained from Denis or Sue Wells at 394-2059 or on line at www.lavfw.org.

Donita "Sue" Wells
Ladies Auxiliary VFW 8327-13
Secretary Treasurer
1159 2nd Street — Livingston CA 95334-1204
(209) 394-2059 — Cell (209) 648-4668
Fax (209) 394-9199 — Email denisue@gvni.com

The 2011-2012 Draft Budget for the City of Livingston has been Published.

And you still have time to look it over before the Council “talks about it” in Open Session. The nice thing about a PDF file is the handy dandy search box at the top. Just type in what your interested in and the computer will find it for you. CLICK HERE to see it

Now…..I’m Going to Invoke the Story Teller’s License Here

To tell you just a little bit about a City Manager, a Chief Financial Officer, a “mismanaged Skate Park Project”, allegations of illegalities, and a Grand Jury Report.

And…as Story Teller (as opposed to “newsperson”) I am giving myself permission to ramble a tad. 

No…..I cant give you all of the “allegations and legal woes” involved (even though an anonymous friend or two has helped with the research over the weekend. OK…helped A LOT with the research). 

It’s just that: the more we dig, the more we find, which leads to even more digging and even more finding…..and we just gotta quite somewhere if we’re ever going to get this post done before the next Council Meeting takes place.

Ready? Here we go…

Once upon a time, there was a little town named Orange Cove and it’s Mayor: Victor Lopez, who was the Mayor for many years. Mayor Lopez had somewhat of an unsavory reputation among some people, but he also had the reputation for bringing in the “big bucks” with the help of “big friends” like Dianne Feinstein.

Along comes a City Manager named Jose Ramirez, who became the City Manager of Orange Cove from 2000 to 2003.  According to the tale, he ended up butting heads with the Mayor, who was pretty much used to doing what he (the mayor) wanted to do, when he wanted, and how he wanted. Mr. Ramirez eventually resigned because he was “frustrated with (the Mayor’s) grip on city government”.

Well…after Mr. Ramirez left Orange Cove, he went to Firebaugh and eventually from there to Livingston.

Then Along came Odilon Ortiz, who became the finance manager of Orange Cove from November 2005 until he was fired in June 2007. The City Manager at the time (Bill Little: now deceased) said Mr. Ortiz had “a bad attitude”. Mr. Ortiz claimed he was fired for pointing out issues of waste, mismanagement and outright fraud in the City’s Financial doings. Things like:

• city officials to ignoring normal contract bidding rules,
• being ordered to NOT issue 1099’s or W2′s for the Mayor’s Son Victor Jr.
• and a whole host of other things (one might consider sleazy, unsavory, and downright rude to the taxpayers who were ultimately footing the bill)

Mr. Ortiz sued the City of Orange Cove for retaliatory termination: (which didn’t turn out to well for Mr. Ortiz in the Courts of Legal Opinion).

However, a Grand Jury Investigation into the financing and building of the Dianne Feinstein BMX Park seems to bear out most  of the allegations of waste, fraud, mismanagement, and or ineptitude that Mr. Ortiz had been trying to bring to light…(and had been fired for doing so)

It ended up that Bill Little, the city manager and the man who allegedly told Ortiz NOT to issue 1099s or W2s for the Mayor’s son, Victor Lopez, Jr. was killed after leaving a City Council meeting when a big rig “crossed his path”,

Mayor, Victor Lopes ended up under investigation for threatening the current Police Chief and has been quoted as having said things like: “you don’t know what kind of people I have.  You better watch your back.”

Victor Lopez Jr., was arrested for a methadone operation and found in possession of a controlled substances when his house was raided. He was also arrested for a Parole Violation after he was witnessed "…..checking the layout of the police station, the timing of the gates, how long they stay open, which cars they believe to be police vehicles.".

David Lopez, the Mayor’s other son that Mr. Ortiz was told to keep quiet about in regards to earnings from the City, was arrested for assaulting his wife,.

The state of California refused to pay any of the $ 400,000 + grant money which had been previously awarded for the BMX park, due to discrepancies and irregularities in the expenses associated with its construction and operation and the Grand Jury told the City of Orange Cove to get it’s act together big time.

Mayor Lopez eventually lost his most recent election to a garbage truck driver in November 2010, and two of the city council members lost their seats as well.

However, though his connections with Paul Rodriguez (the comedian) , was able to secure a job as the Secretary of the California Latino Water Coalition (CLWC):(Some might find it interesting to note that Paul Rodriguez Jr. (the comedian’s son) is a Professional Skateboard/BMX competitor and that when Victor Lopez Jr (the Mayor’s son). was arrested, he (Victor Lopez Jr.) was renting the home of Paul Rodriguez Sr. (the comedian)

And, the Former City Manager of Orange Cove, Jose Ramirez has now chosen Former Orange Cove CFO Mr. Odilon Ortiz to be the next Chief Financial Officer of of Livingston.

Small World. Isn’t it? And now on to the

CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

OCTOBER 4, 2011

CLOSED SESSION: 6:00 P.M.

OPEN SESSION: 7:00 P.M.

Notice is hereby given that the City Council will hold a Regular Meeting on October 4, 2011, at the City Council Chambers, 1416 C Street, Livingston, California. Persons with disabilities who may need assistance should contact the Deputy City Clerk at least 24 hours prior to this meeting at (209) 394-8041, Ext. 121. Any writings or documents pertaining to an Open Session item provided to a majority of the members of the legislative body less than 72 hours prior to the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C Street. The Open Session will begin at 7:00 p.m. The Closed Session will be held in accordance with state law prior to the Open Session beginning at 6:00 p.m. The Closed Session will be held in the City of Livingston City Hall Conference Room located at 1416 C Street. The agenda shall be as follows:

Closed Session

1. Call to Order.

2. Roll Call.

CLOSED SESSION

A “Closed” or “Executive” Session of the City Council or the Livingston Redevelopment Agency may be held in accordance with state law which may include, but is not limited to, the following types of items: personnel matters, labor negotiations, security matters, providing instructions to real property negotiators, conference with legal counsel regarding pending litigation. The Closed Session will be held in the City Hall Conference Room located at 1416 C Street, Livingston, California. Any public comment on Closed Session items will be taken before the Closed Session. Any required announcements or discussion of Closed Session items or actions following the Closed Session will be made in the City Council Chambers, 1416 C Street, Livingston, California.

3. Public Employee Appointment

(Government Code Section 54957)

Title: Assistant City Manager/Finance Director

4. Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation

(Government Code Section 54956.9)

Number of Cases: One

5. Conference with Labor Negotiator

(Government Code Section 54957.6)

Agency Negotiator: City Manager Jose Antonio Ramirez

Employee Organizations: All Represented and Unrepresented City Employees.

Regular Meeting

CALL TO ORDER Next Resolution Number: 2011-65

Next Ordinance Number: 596

Pledge of Allegiance.

Roll Call.

Closed Session Announcements

Changes to the Agenda.

AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS, APPOINTMENTS AND PROCLAMATIONS

1. Presentation by Bob Kalman, Environmental Management Services (EMS), Water and Wastewater Collection Systems Services Provided to the City of Livingston by EMS.

GRANT ANNOUNCEMENTS

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REPORTS

Supervisor John Pedrozo Announcements and Reports.

City Staff Announcements and Reports.

City Manager Announcements and Reports.

City Council Members’ Announcements and Reports.

Mayor’s Announcements and Reports.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

2. Introduce and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Livingston Amending Livingston Municipal Code Title 4, Chapter 2, Relating to Signage.

3. Introduce and Waive the First Reading of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Livingston Amending Livingston Municipal Code (LMC) 5-3-16-1 (A) (1) Setback Exceptions, Concerning Small Doorway Covers.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

This section of the agenda allows members of the public to address the City Council on any item NOT otherwise on the agenda. Members of the public, when recognized by the Mayor, should come forward to the lectern, and identify themselves. Comments are normally limited to three (3) minutes. In accordance with State Open Meeting Laws, no action will be taken by the City Council this evening. For items which are on the agenda this evening members of the public will be provided an opportunity to address the City Council as each item is brought up for discussion.

CONSENT CALENDAR

Items on the Consent Calendar are considered routine or non-controversial and will be enacted by one vote, unless separate action is requested by the City Manager or City Council Member. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council or City Manager request that specific items be removed.

4. Resolution Rejecting All Bids for Cal Fire Station #96 Vertical Air Flow Exhaust Removal System and Authorizing the City Manager to Re-advertise for Bids.

5. Approval of Minutes Held on September 20, 2011 (Special Meeting).

6. Approval of Minutes Held on September 20, 2011 (Regular Meeting).

7. Approval of Warrant Register Dated September 28, 2011.

DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS

8. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Livingston Approving Employment Agreement Between the City of Livingston and Odilon Ortiz Jr. for his Employment as Assistant City Manager/Finance Director.

ADJOURNMENT

And don’t forget the

Police Chief Recruitment City of Livingston

2012-2012 City of Livingston Draft Budget

The “Mission of the Utility Rate Stakeholders Committee” Series

• February 15, 2011 Discussion: Utility Rate Stakeholders Committee
  • In Which the idea was first proposed for a Stakeholders Committee in which members would work with City Staff and Consultants
• April 05, 2011: Discussion of Utility Rate Stakeholder Committee Member Appointments
  • In which the people who would be working with City Staff and Consultants were chosen
• June 07, 2011 Discussion of Utility Rate Committee Meeting
  • In which it was revealed that the people who would be working with City Staff and Consultants already had their first “get together”. But the public was not invited.

The “Brief History of How We Got Into This Mess” Series

• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 1—1995 through 2002
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 2—2003 through 2007
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 3—January 2007 through February 2008
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 4— January 2008 through October 2008
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 5— October,2008 through June 2009
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 6— Some Background Information and a Brief Recap of What Happened Between 1995 and June 2009
• A Brief History of Time (Spent on “Fixing” Water, Waste Water, and Garbage Rates-and other related issues) Part 7: Some Enterprise Funds Basics, Meeting Highlights: July 7, 2009 through December 01, and a City Council Agenda
• Who knows, I may actually get around to writing Part 8

A Few Letters, Sun-Star & and Mike McGuire Articles about Livingston Politics (and a few other things Worthy of Note) (The links here go all the way back to the 2008 Election Cycle)

The 1995 Water Rate Resolution (Do you see anything in there that says “Industrial”?)

California Department of Health Sept. 2010 Letter on Water System Funding

Well #15 Enforcement Letter & Staff Report

Well #15 Manganese Enforcement Letter Discussions

How They Voted in 2011 (Granted, it’s a Work in Process, but there are links to things there you might be interested in.)

How They Voted in 2010

How They Voted in 2009

How They Voted in 2008

How They Voted in 2007

How They Voted in 2006

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2010

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2009

City Council Draft Meeting Minutes for 2008

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2007

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2006

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2005

City Council Meeting Minutes for 2004

2010-2011 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2009-2010 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2008-2009 Interim Reports Merced County Civil Grand Jury Postscript to FY2007/2008 Grand Jury’s Report On The City of Livingston

2007 2008 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

2006-2007 Merced County Grand Jury Final Report

Assistant City Manager Marie McKenna speaks about ordinance revisions

If there is snow on the sidewalks of the place you live and you don’t shovel and/or salt it within 24 hours, you will get a ticket. An $85 ticket.

The East Lansing Snow and Ice Removal Ordinance is being revised due to complaints of being too vague and unreasonable, said Assistant City Manager Marie McKenna at the University Student Commission meeting held Tuesday.

Currently, Section 38-127 of the ordinance proclaims that “No person having the care, either as owner or occupant of any house, building, or lot, shall permit any snow, ice, or rubbish … to remain upon the sidewalks in from of said house, building, or lot for longer than 24 hours; and when ice is formed on any sidewalk, the owner or occupant … shall within 12 hours after it has formed, cause the same to be removed or cause salt or other abrasive to be strewn thereon.”

In addition, Section 38-128 states that any person who violates this ordinance will be deemed responsible for a municipal civil infraction.

East Lansing resident Dane Marsack shovels to avoid fine

The ordinance has been in place for several decades, but the way it has been enforced has varied. In 2004, East Lansing had a particularly bad winter and the public called for greater enforcement. A press release said that the city would “no longer be issuing warnings for failure to clear snow and ice, but will immediately issue a ticket.”

However, complaints and questions arose over issuing tickets during holidays, snow amounts, the no-warning system, the cost of the ticket, the acceptable level of walkability, and the width of the area to be shoveled.

Two homes in East Lansing show the difference between following ordinance regulations, and an $85 ticket

Proposed revisions include writing a warning 12 hours after the conclusion of the most recent snow fall, writing a violation 12 hours after the warning, defining expectations and walkability, and providing  information about the ordinance, the process and the cost of abatement.

However, one component of the ordinance is certain to remain-the fine.

MSU’s liaison for the University Student Commission, Erin Carter, supports the current fee.

“If we lessen the amount residents have to pay for the ticket, it will lessen the likelihood of them actually abiding by and following the ordinance,” said Carter.

Currently, most apartment complex owners handle the snow and ice themselves, rather than the tenants. However, city officials want renters to make sure they read their lease agreement carefully upon signing, because not all landlords provide this service.

Worker for the Hidden Tree Apartments provides snow shoveling service for the tenants

Lindsay Bauman, a resident of The Village at Chandler Crossings apartments, says she is grateful for the apartment’s service.

“I am so fortunate that my apartment complex takes care of the snow and ice maintenance for the residents. As a college student, I don’t have time to shovel snow and ice on the sidewalks; I have a million other things I need to be doing. I can’t imagine living at an apartment that required me to do that work,” said Bauman.

The city commission wants to add an educational component to the ordinance revisions. They plan to add information about eco-friendly ways to salt the sidewalks, promote the idea of being a “good neighbor,” put a condensed version of the FAQ’s in the fall Dialog or a short piece that guides residents to the website, and send an information piece with tax bills.

Ordinance revisions won’t be adopted until next winter.  Current regulations are still being enforced, so make sure to both shovel and salt your walkways; you won’t be getting a warning this year.