The new City Treasurer Shannon Godfrey, and new City Clerk Nancy Blendermann-Meyer.

New council members sworn into office.

Councilmember Steve Conaway retires from serving the citizens of Fillmore. Conaway was instrumental in mandating the waste water treatment plant, skatepark and maintaining a balanced budget from 2004-08 along with numerous other activities. Fighting back tears Conaway said, “I’d like to thank the citizens of Fillmore… it’s been a great honor.”

The December 11, 2012 Fillmore City Council Meeting was mostly ceremonial as three Council Members were thanked for their service to Fillmore and three newly elected Council Members, along with a new City Clerk and City Treasurer, were sworn in. Also presented was good news from the Film Commission and discussion of items to be put on the next agenda.

The Council Chamber was packed to capacity as friends and family came to welcome the new Council Members and thank the vacating Council Members Steve Conaway, Jamey Brooks, Gayle Washburn and City Clerk Clay Westling for their service to Fillmore. Each of these individuals has donated their time and effort on the Council and doing various other functions over the years. Conaway was instrumental in mandating the waste water treatment plant, skatepark and maintaining a balanced budget from 2004-08 along with numerous other activities. Fighting back tears Conaway said, “I’d like to thank the citizens of Fillmore… it’s been a great honor.” Brooks, who served as Mayor Pro Tem for two years and worked on a number of committees stated, “I wish the new leadership well” and went on to say the Westling had asked that he not receive a proclamation but Brooks did it anyway. Westling stated, “I’m not sure, I’ll do something in Fillmore, but I’m not sure what.” Washburn who has served on numerous committees and task forces stated, “I’ve really enjoyed sitting on the City Council and I hope the new Council Members enjoy their time on the Council.”

Westling then did his final duty as City Clerk and swore in his replacement, Nancy Blendermann-Meyer, who then swore in the new Council Members Rick Neal, Manuel Minjares, and Douglas Tucker along with the new City Treasurer Shannon Godfrey. Neal, Tucker and Minjares then took their seats at the dias and began their duties by nominating a Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem. Rick Neal was nominated for Mayor with four Yes votes and one No vote by Council Member Brian Sipes. Then Minjares was nominated for Mayor Pro Tem with four Yes votes and again Sipes the only No vote. The next task was where each member sat at the dias. It was decided that the three new Council Members would sit in the center with Sipes to their left and Council Member A. Eduardo Gonzalez to their right.

Once the seating was agreed upon the new council began their duties and voted to extend the full-time Community Service Supervisor and Facility Maintenance Worker positions until June 28, 2013 and to make the necessary budget adjustments. Gonzalez asked what the adjustments would be, to which Finance Director Glenda Jay responded that any adjustments would add to the deficit and that the position of Community Service Supervisor is also support service to the Veteran Memorial Building, who are in the transition of going out on their own, but that has not been finalized.

The new Council discussed what should be put on the next Council Meeting’s agenda. First item suggested was which members will take over the committee duties of the outgoing council members. Next, Tucker suggested the Council revisit the Code of Ethics and consideration of a goal session to discuss and define the goals of 2013. Neal asked for discussions on returning the term of Mayor back to one year as it had been previously. The new Council seemed to be comfortable in their new positions and ready to tackle the challenges Fillmore is facing.

There was some great news. Catherine Frias with the Fillmore Film Commission reported that things are “wonderful” with filming in Fillmore. Frias informed the Council that in just the past four months $88,567 in revenue had been generated and the highest amount ever received. She attributes it to the Palm Trees being removed and stated that one film manager has offered to pay for the removal of the last two Palm Trees, but she would like to hear from concerned citizens on that proposal first. Frias also said meetings with merchants have taken place to discuss compensation and what to expect; adding that some in the movie industry will try to take advantage, while others are fair and very professional.

Acting City Manager Rigo Landeros announced the Fire & Sheriff Department’s Toy Drive will be held on Sunday, December 16th at the Sespe Fire Station between 5-7:30 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy worth $10 or donate $10 and receive a chicken dinner. The toy handout will be held on December 19th.