Former FUSD Board Member Dave Wilde raised questions of bullying and harassment by “two council members [who] had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences”. Wilde read an open statement during public forum at Tuesday’s council meeting.

The Fillmore City Council received some strong and direct wording during the public comments at their January 26, 2016 meeting. A former Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Member addressed the Council stating, "Good evening, my name is Dave Wilde and I have lived in Fillmore for approximately 40 years. Two weeks ago I would have told anyone who would listen that Fillmore has two outstanding citizens. Both are well respected and popular members of this community. One is seated in this room, the other is Rigo Landeros. I'd known Rigo since he was 14 years old. He was a former student of mine and played high school football for me. His death is both a troubling and confusing loss to both me and this community. In the short time after his death I've heard some rumors that are very alarming. The most alarming is that two council members had issues with Rigo and that both resorted to harassment and bullying to resolve their differences. If that is true, I am deeply concerned about the lack of leadership and conflict resolution skills that two of our community leaders exhibit. This lack of skill should not be tolerated because of the potential affects it could have on others in Fillmore. This community has a lot of questions about Rigo's death and what drove him to do what he did. They deserve an explanation. I spent four years on the school board and during that time I felt we had made and were making some serious mistakes. A board colleague and myself fought hard for 15 months to stop the direction we (the district) but failed until a third member joined our position. During the election process that followed, both my colleague and myself admitted we felt mistakes were made, but were glad to announce that a new superintendent was hired, positive changes were finally underway. It is hard to admit you had made mistakes and we both knew that we would be seen not as two individuals, but as a group of five. We were all equally to blame. If these rumors of bullying and harassment are true, this council, as a group of five, needs to reflect and take ownership for addressing the questions this community has in regard to Rigo's death. It is what we should expect from our civic leaders."

The meeting began with two Proclamations. The first was presented to Laura Bartels, for outstanding leadership in her efforts in the donation of 700 new winter coats during the holiday season for those in need in the community. Bartels started the coat drive several years ago, and also volunteers for the Santa Clarita Valley Legal Aid. Bartels responded, "It's a real community effort" saying a special thanks to Max Pina, Rigo Landeros and others.

Next to receive a Proclamation was Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Ventura County in recognition of National Mentors Month. Mentor Amelia Aparicio spoke of the value of mentoring and importance it plays in reaching a child's potential, "There are 147 mentors at Fillmore High School who volunteer a minimum of one hour per week and some three time per week....the youngest mentored is 6 years old and goes up to 18 years...we give them (the mentors) different resources...to let them know what's available in our community."

A Comprehensive Annual Financial Report on the City's finances was presented by Charles De Simoni CPA and Scott W. Manno CPA, CGMA with Rogers Anderson Melody & Scoll, LLP. "It's important that the public have an understanding of the process," Simoni explained. To test for internal controls entails the accountants scour through council minutes reviewing appropriation reports to assure the public that the city is in compliance with regulations and money is being spent properly. The process takes three months to compile.

In new business the Council addressed preparing a response to a FEMA Map Revision. Roxanne C. Hughes, PE with Willdan Engineering addressed the Council on the revised model of the Santa Clara River asking for public input regarding the flood mapping. Mayor Diane McCall asked if the Heritage Valley Levy had been accredited. Hughes responded, "It's not accredited yet, it is being worked on."

Other new business was the increase on assessments for eight sub-zones within the Landscape and Lighting District No 2. There are 24 zones with 8 operating in a deficit requiring a ballot process to approve levy increases. Cost have increased 2-3% each year in lighting, water and landscape maintenance. Ballots will be mailed out the first week in February to start the 45 day ballot time period and will be tabulated to complete the process at the March 22nd Council meeting.

Questions were asked through emails and directly to the city if there were too many trees planted. Council Member Douglas Tucker responded that city planning requires the planting of trees, but that a developer planted extra trees for the aesthetic value and was suppose to remove them. But, the developer is no longer involved.
Some have questioned extending the recycled water lines and upgrading to more efficient lamps in the fixtures such as LED. Council agreed to consider such things.

The last of new business was disbanding the Sheriff's Contract Negotiating Ad-Hoc Committee. When discussed, Mayor ProTem Carrie Broggie stated "It's a done deal." To which Tucker responded, "Actually it's not." A vote was taken with McCall, Broggie and Council Member Manuel Minjares voting "Yes" and Tucker only "No" vote (Council Member Rick Neal was not in attendance).

During final comments City Manager David Rowlands commented on the good relationship between FUSD and the City adding that there is now a Fillmore High School Water Polo Team and thanked all those involved in the tribute to Fire Chief Rigo Landeros.

Minjares commented of a problem between the City Council and City Staff. McCall added that the City Council should be included in the staff training sessions. Broggie agreed that the training sessions could improve the Council and staff relationship.