02-04-2000 - Special Meeting - Minutes•
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
WEST COVINA CITY COUNCIL
AND
WEST COVINA REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FEBRUARY 4, 2000
The special meeting of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency was called to order by
Mayor Kathy Howard at 4:18 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 1444 W. Garvey
Avenue, West Covina.
ROLL CALL City Council
Mayor Howard, Mayor Pro Tem Melendez, Councilmembers
Herfert, Touhey
Absent: Councilmember Wong
Redevelopment Agency_
Chairman Howard, Vice Chairman Melendez, Agency Members
Herfert, Touhey
Absent: Agency Member Wong
Others Present: Hobbs, Fields, Buchanan, Martyn, Clark, Wills
Mayor Howard announced that there would be no public broadcast and no tape of this meeting.
Prepared Statement by Mayor Howard
"I hereby request that the following statement be entered
into the minutes of this meeting verbatim:
I am present at this meeting in protest, without waiver, to
inform those in attendance that this meeting is illegal and a
blatant abuse, betrayal and misuse of the office entrusted to this
council by the voters and citizens of West Covina.
The actions of members of this council who are willing to
go to any means to attain political or petty personal agendas is the
conspicuous purpose of this meeting---------------- political
retribution against those perceived to be disloyal or unwilling to
participate with them in these agendas.
I urge the members of this council to reflect on the
ramifications this meeting will undoubtedly have on the reputation
of our city and the confidence of its residents in their
government...
Please, adjourn this meeting before the scandal of this
action results in irreputable damage."
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA
Mayor Howard called to the podium the following individuals
who had submitted speaker cards:
Shirley Hanson Shirley Hanson, West Covina, urged the Council to terminate the
current City Attorney, noting her disapproval of the City
Attorney's handling of the Moe the Chimp case.
Roxanne Phillips Roxanne Phillips, West Covina, expressed her support in
terminating the City Attorney, citing how the City Attorney
Council Minutes of 2/4/00
I
is
Cookie Nance
Francis Nelson
Mary Ellen Kensel
interfered with the City Prosecutor's court case against the St.
James and LaDonna Davis (Moe the Chimp).
Cookie Nance, 1236 W. Eckerman, expressed her support in
terminating the City Attorney.
Francis Nelson, 1049 E. Casad Avenue, profanely supported the
City Attorney's termination.
Mary Ellen Kensel, West Covina, spoke in favor of terminating
the City Attorney and returning Moe the Chimp to the Davis's.
At this point, a disruption occurred between two members of the audience and Mayor Howard
directed Police Officers to remove them from the Chambers.
Richard Jennings Richard Jennings, 1616 E. Greenville Drive, voiced his concern
and distaste for this type of meeting. He urged the Council to get
on a proper level of conducting the City's business. In addition,
he warned Mayor Pro Tem Melendez of a recall if the
City's/Agency's legal counsels were terminated.
Royce Wilson Royce Wilson, 530 Montezuma Way, urged the Council/Agency
to handle personnel matters properly.
Lollie Bergman Lollie Bergman, West Covina, questioned the reason for calling
this meeting when two members were to be out of town. She
spoke in opposition to the termination of the City. Attorney,
stating that Ms. Martyn has always put the City first, above and
beyond her firm.
Mayor Howard read a statement citing a violation of the Brown Act by the other members
present.
Betsy Martyn Betsy Martyn, City Attorney, spoke in defense of herself, noting
that she had no problem with the Council terminating her, but felt
that the citizens should know that she had done nothing wrong
and worked only in the best interest of the city.
Mayor Pro Tem Melendez Mayor Pro Tem Melendez read a statement expressing his
dissatisfaction with Ms. Martyn's performance, noting
inappropriate legal judgment on a number of issues. He
expressed the need to confer with all Councilmembers before
making critical decisions.
Colleen Janssen Colleen Janssen, 224 N. Sunkist, urged Council to look at the
City's relationships with independent contractors. She cited her
treatment by some Councilmembers when she was working for
the City under contract.
Councilmember Touhey Councilmember Touhey spoke in favor of terminating the City
Attorney and defended the method by which the meeting was
called.
Further discussion A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the legitimacy of the
meeting, with Mayor Howard noting that she was not given 24
hour written notice of the meeting as required by the Brown Act.
She also mentioned that those persons upon whom charges are
alleged, must receive 24-hour written notice of the proposed
closed session.
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•
Motion Motion by Melendez and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the
meeting to Monday, February 7, 2000 at 4 p.m. No vote was
taken on this motion.
RECESS Mayor Howard called a recess at 5:07 p.m. The meeting
reconvened at 5:23 p.m. with all members present except
Councilmember Wong.
City Manager Hobbs City Manager Hobbs suggested that Council retain outside legal
counsel to advise Council on handling this sensitive issue.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to adjourn to closed
session on Monday, February 7, 2000, at 6:00 p.m. No vote was
taken on this motion.
Mayor Howard Mayor Howard suggested seeking legal advice over the weekend.
Motion Motion by Touhey and seconded by Herfert to adjourn the
meeting at 5:40 p.m. with direction for the City Manager to
contact Colin Lennard immediately for advice on preparing the
proper legal notices for a closed session on personnel matters.
Motion carried 3-1 with Mayor Howard vo ing no.
M or Kat yn oward
ATTEST.
City Clerk Janet Berr
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