Question No. 3: What actions taken by the current council in the last two years do you agree with most and why? What actions do you disagree with most and why?

SANDRA PELLA:
Actions taken by the current city council in the past two years that I agree with most include:
1. I strongly support the current council’s decision to pursue negotiations with American Water in order to reduce operating and maintenance cost of the water treatment plant. Costs imposed by the operation of the water treatment plant, coupled with the impact of the recession, have adversely impacted Fillmore businesses, schools and households.
2. I agree with the current city council’s commitment to be openly transparent in all decision making policy.
3. I agree with the current council’s efforts to provide a streamlined budget that is user friendly, and for conducting budget workshops that encouraged more participation from the public.
4. I strongly commend the current city council for managing to balance the budget despite criticism for taking necessary actions in order to keep the City of Fillmore solvent.
5. I agree with the current city council’s endeavor to target every possible revenue source, and with supporting the Fillmore Chamber of Commerce as well as other local agencies, to promote filming and tourism. Just since July, filming in Fillmore has generated income in excess of last year’s entire revenues.
The action taken by the current city council in the past two years that I most disagree with most involves a recent decision not to censure Council Member Steve Conaway for violating the Brown Act. As an elected official of the City, every council member is held to a high standard of ethics. The other council members voted to admonish Council Member Conaway for his conduct, thereby being prudent in not expending City monies to pursue further action.

DOUGLAS TUCKER:
As stated at CONTINUED »

The members of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department will be wearing pink shirts for the month of October to join the effort to promote Breast Cancer Awareness.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. While most people are aware of breast cancer, many forget to take the steps to have a plan to detect the disease in its early stages and encourage others to do the same.

Statistics show that every 2 minutes there is a new diagnosis of breast cancer. Every 14 minutes a life is lost to the disease. Over 40,000 people will die this year; about 400 of them will be men. 85% of all those diagnosed have no family history. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer; the leading cause of death in women between ages 40 and 55.

The Firefighters of the Fillmore Volunteer Fire Department would like to remind every woman to have annual breast exams; to provide encouragement to those women who currently battle the disease; and remember those who have lost the battle with this disease.

Fillmore Unified School District

The Fillmore Unified School District (FUSD) Board Meeting began with a public hearing on the sufficiency of textbooks and instructional materials for the K-8 grade provision of standards-aligned and structured English immersion program for the 2012-2013 school year. Also on the agenda was a presentation of a reading event being held later this month for 3rd graders along with an update on Math and English test scores.

Jennifer Weir, Special Populations Coordinator will be partnering with nonprofit Right Road Kids President Paula Phillips, to host a Family Reading Celebration event for FUSD 3rd graders and their families. The event is made possible through a generous grant provided by Reading is Fundamental and Macy’s Department Stores. The grants ranged from $1,000 to $5,000, with Fillmore receiving $5,000, the highest amount. The goal of the grant is to motivate students about the importance of reading, empower families, encourage community support and promote partnerships with educators and parents. The motivational program’s focus is the importance of reading at home, parents/siblings reading to kids and parent classroom involvement. Students attending will receive Right Road Reading Packs, script for the Free Book Store, along with the entertaining programs and edible treats for everyone. The event will take place at Fillmore Middle School on October 23rd between 5:00-7:00 p.m. Fliers will be sent home with all FUSD 3rd graders and parents are encouraged to pre-register by Friday October 5th to assure their child and family members will receive the free materials. Parents or an adult family member must accompany their children. For more information contact Jennifer Weir at 805 524-8036 or jweir@fillmore.k12.ca.us

Although notice was given CONTINUED »

About six weeks ago I wrote an article about a young United States Marine and 2010 Fillmore High School Graduate, Corporal Jose A. Patino, who is now serving in Afghanistan. Corporal Patino contacted me regarding helping him obtain a Military Banner with his name to be displayed in his “Home Town” of Fillmore. Since the fund to help obtain the Banners was nearly depleted and Corporal Patino was in need of a full grant to purchase the Banner a call went out for assistance! I am happy to report that you, the Fillmore and Piru Communities, responded in a big way and to date $2,250 has been contributed!

If that amount of contribution isn't enough, each of those contributing have indicated that the monies they contributed, after purchasing Corporal Patino's Banner, should remain in the account to help purchase other Banners for currently serving members requesting a Banner! Those who contributed are: Steven and Sandra Butts, Adon and Delores Chavez (given in memory of their son Adrian), Jean and Harold Council, Victor and Patricia Westerberg, Debra Niederkorn, Dennis Beeghley and Fillmore Piru Citrus (Brian Edmonds, President).

Thank you to all of them for their contribution towards Corporal Patino's Banner and their generosity to allow the monies to remain in the account to help in the purchase of other Banners for Fillmore's and Piru's brave men and women currently serving. Your support of our own American Heroes is greatly appreciated! Soon Corporal Patino's and three others will have their Banners proudly displayed!

Marvin Villa Fuerte Enriquez, 21 of Rialto, was pronounced dead a the scene of a one-car accident in Piru, Sunday. Enriquez’ died of blunt-force trauma at 7:10 am near Center Street and Highway 126. His car left the Highway, landed on its side against an Edison pole. An air squad was called in but cancelled upon determination of death.

Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On 09/26/2012, at approximately 7:15 P.M. an alert anonymous citizen reported to the Fillmore Police Department a male juvenile subject vandalizing (Graffiti) several private properties, as well as property belonging to victims E.J. Harrison and Southern California Edison.

Officers from the Fillmore Police Department and Ventura County Sheriff’s Office arrived moments later and located the juvenile suspect, who was arrested for “Possession of Tools To Commit a Vandalism (Graffiti”) “Vandalism” and Felony “Possession of a Billy Club.” The 15-year-old juvenile was lodged in Juvenile Hall. Investigators from the Fillmore Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office estimate that this juvenile is possibly responsible for at least 35 other vandalisms committed during the past six months to one year.

Nature of Incident: Vandalism-Graffiti arrest
Report Number: RB#12-21697
Location: 400 Block Mountain View, Fillmore California
Date & Time: 09/26/2012 @ 7:15 PM
Unit Responsible: Fillmore Police Department & Ventura County Sheriff’s Office
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Juvenile Fillmore, Ca 15
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant David Lea
Media Release Date: September 27, 2012
Follow-Up Contact: Deputy Gene Torres (805) 524-2233
Approved by: Captain Monica McGrath

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

The September 25, 2012 Fillmore City Council Meeting began after an hours-worth of speakers addressed the Council on a variety of topics during the public comment section. There were numerous complaints about the political atmosphere in Fillmore, and comments on pie sales, graffiti cleanup, sidewalk sales and much more. The agenda items included approving a letter to the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), a proposal for the Council to go paperless, a committee to address the budget, City Manager recruitment, implementing a Code of Conduct and what action to take on a possible Brown Act violation. It was this last agenda item that created a great deal of finger pointing and accusations.

The fireworks began with a discussion on whether the Council should ask the staff to prepare pertinent information on establishing a Code of Conduct and Code of Ethics. Mayor Gayle Washburn began the discussion stating Fillmore is very divided and at this time the Council does not have a Code of Conduct. She went on to say that in the past there had been a Code of Conduct, but at the time it was abused and used to prevent some opinions from coming forward. She continued and then stated….”I’ve been personally attacked by another council member.” She then asked “Do we want to put it down on paper or can we trust that we will treat each other with respect?”

Council Member Steve Conaway responded, “…in 2008 the Council voted to repeal the Code of Conduct…I was the only council member to vote not to repeal the Code of Ethics.” He went on to say that he supported putting it on the agenda. To which Washburn responded, “…since you (Conaway) mention that (supporting a Code of Conduct) that gave you a license to violate it?” Conaway responded, “I don’t appreciate the little spin you put on that, and I do support it being brought back.” Washburn then accused Conaway of illegal conduct when during a recent council meeting Conaway stepped down from the dais and addressed the Council as a citizen, calling it a Brown Act violation.

The Brown Act is an act of the California State Legislature passed in 1953 that sets rules that apply to California city councils, county boards, and other local government bodies. It guarantees the public’s right to attend and participate in meetings and what can or can’t be disclosed from a closed sessions without the full agreement of the Council. Also, Council Member Jamey Brooks wanted everyone to understand the Council does not follow Robert’s Rule of Order, but follows Rosenberg’s Rule of Order. Both are rules for proper procedure in conducting meetings. Robert’s Rules of Order was first written in 1876 and is a bit complex. It has been revised numerous times with the eleventh revision in 2011. Rosenberg’s Rule of Order is a contemporary writing and simple enough for most people to understand.

Brooks went on to say that Conaway accused the mayor of trying to get former City Attorney Ted Schneider fired and stated, “You have been unethical every month” and to accuse the mayor of something like that is illegal. Brooks said he didn’t support a Code of Conduct, but he would be ethical.

Conaway recommended a vote to move forward with adding a Code of Ethics, to which Council Member Brian Sipes seconded, but it was then modified with a suggestion that new City Attorney Tiffany Israel bring some drafts of Codes of Ethics to the Council to review.

This was the first council meeting for the new City Attorney who lives in Orange County and has practiced law for 16 years after graduating from San Diego School of Law. In addition to Fillmore she also represents the City of Lawndale.

Israel explained that a Brown Act violation is disclosure of what was said during a closed session and that the Council may chose to wave keeping what was discussed private and allow the public to be informed. The Council then stated that there was a disclosure that was not waved and was published by the Fillmore Gazette, pertaining to the legal fee bids submitted by law firms applying for the City Attorney position.

Brooks then asked the City Attorney to ask each Council Member if they had released the information regarding the proposal on the City Attorney’s position, which she did. When asked council members Washburn, Brooks, Sipes and A. Eduardo Gonzalez responded No they had not. Council Member Steve Conaway was then asked and he responded, “This was all political drama for political purposes.” He refused to say yes or no and wanted no part of the political theatre.

Brooks than asked Israel what procedures can be taken if a council member violates a rule. To which she responded “Admonishment or censure.” Brooks than said he would like to take this to the next level, stating “He (Conaway) took it to a paper and had it published…this is not insignificant. I would like to see him banned from all closed sessions.” To which Washburn replied, “I don’t want to spend a lot of time on this. A verbal admonishment is enough.” Sipes said he agreed with Brooks and Gonzalez added, “I think an action requires consequences. I am very concerned about this and I think something should be done.” Washburn then asked, “Do you want to proceed with the censure?” It was then suggested that Attorney Julie Scott, who acted as Special Council and gave information on California Public Records Act and Freedom of Information Act to the Council at the request of resigning City Manager Yvonne Quiring, handle the legal proceedings. She was asked what her hourly rate was and was told $150 an hour. At this point former Council Member Patti Walker jetted up to the podium and volunteered to pay the first $500 in legal fees. Just after that, a city resident, David Weeks, addressed the council and asked why the Council would put out City money to continue with this. He asked if Fillmore was being sued and if not, then why should the City be spending the money on this? Another thing to consider is that Conaway vacates his Council seat in a little over a month, so what would be gained by the added expense?

At this point Brooks said “I wish to admonish Mr. Conaway for a Brown act violation.” A vote was taken with Sipes the only No vote.

Laurie Hernandez again addressed the Council and asked if the questions she had asked at the last council meeting were on that nights agenda and were they going to be answered. She then said, “The City deserves to have a City Manager who is qualified.” Israel responded to Hernandez by telling her a letter would be sent to her by former City Manager Yvonne Quiring to answer her questions. Hernandez than replied that she was told it would be on this meetings agenda and that the Council had agreed to it. Hernandez was again told that a letter would be sent to her to answer her questions.

Rick Neal, owner of a local business who is running for a council seat, addressed the Council with his concerns in hiring of a new city manager. He suggested the Council look for someone who has worked in a small town similar to Fillmore, is approachable, will interact with the community both socially and professionally, will hold themselves to the highest of standards. He also said they should be able to lead by example and hold their team to a similar standards, someone who is capable of training staff members and communicating the councils’ vision to them.

As the meeting progressed, Brooks, who sits on the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC), asked that the Council send a letter to VCTC along with Santa Paula Council Members who are also sending a letter requesting the VCTC reconsider the decision of divesting itself of administration from bus and transportation service. This change will affect the VISTA Route 126 service and the Fillmore and Santa Paula Dial-A-Ride and is scheduled to happen July 1, 2013. Brooks explained that the expected replacement system has union drivers which are paid at a much higher rate than what is being used now, which will be reflected in the cost of the fare/rates and he is not sure that Fillmore residents could afford the increase. Hwy 126 between Fillmore and Santa Paula has the highest participation in Ventura County and “we can not afford to lose that service” Brooks stated.

Also, the Film Commission has issued three film permits within the past two months; one is for the TV show “The Mentalist” which brought in $4,030 in General Fees and $7,425 in Public Safety Fees and a Lifetime project “Road Trip” by Michael Crawford which took out two permits, paying General Fees of $2,400 and $1,830 and Public Safety Fees of $4,500 and $1,650. Location scouts were also in town and are considering doing a Jeep commercial.

Leslie Klinchuch, with Chevron announced two future tours of the site cleanup and gave an update on the progress being made. Klinchuch said there was a great deal more concrete and underground pipe than expected and when that is completed the soil will be addressed. There will be two site tours on Thursday Oct 18th at 3:00pm and at 5:30pm. At 67 Telegraph Rd. Chevron and the Environmental Protection Agency will be there.

Raelene Chaney announced the holiday season is just around the corner and it’s time to order your Grad Nite Live Pies. She also informed the Council that Marie Calendars has raise their price and the pies are now $13 each. The number to order is 805 524-4909.