UPDATE! June 16th 2011, 4:00 PM – The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for the Employment and Appointment of the City Manager. See the Special City Council Meeting Agenda at the bottom of this post. Note the 4:30 Start Time!
UPDATE! June 15th 2011, 8:25 PM - Will There Be An Announcement of a New City Manager This Coming Friday?
Councilperson Gurpal Samra gave the Report out of Closed Session at Tonight’s Special City Council Meeting. There will be a Special City Council Meeting this Friday at 4:30.
Although Council Person Samra he did not give specific details, I got the distinct impression that if everything went according to plan, there would be some kind of a major announcement at that meeting.
Given that the subject of Tonight’s Special City Council Meeting had to do with City Manager Appointment…..what else could it be?
UPDATE! The City Council Will Be Holding A special City Council Meeting on Wednesday, June 15th. See The Bottom of this Post For Details.
"The lady doth protest too much, methinks." Shakespeare‘s Hamlet, Act III, scene II.
“Always speak the truth-think before you speak-and write it down afterward.” – The Red Queen to Alice in Through the Looking Glass & What Alice Found There
“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” – Mark Twain.
Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It’s what separates us from the animals! . . . except the weasels. – Homer J. Simpson, The Simpsons, Boy Scoutz ‘N the Hood, 1F06
“Don’t pee on my leg and tell me it’s raining” – Judge Judy
Council Person Samra: First of all, when we started this session of the council, I think this council made a strong commitment to resolve our water quality issues and this is another step in achieving that goal….The purpose of this is there is a lot of people with a lot at stake on how we accomplish this, how we calculate the costs and everything….What I’m asking the Council,…is to basically do an advertisement for the Business Community, for the Educational Community, the School Districts… and Citizens at large that would want to participate in the early process to work with the city Staff and with our Consultant, to hear the issues, find the solutions, and have different ideas that we may not think of. That way, we all work on this together….Everybody, anybody can attend.
Mayor Pro-Tem Aguilar: Actually I think with this brought forward its just a way of getting residents involved being that this had been an issue prior the things that happened in our local Government and we just want to make sure that the doors are open. Residents feel and they know that they are part of this decision making.
Excerpted from February 15, 2011 Discussion: Utility Rate Stakeholders Committee (Emphasis mine)
Councilperson Vierra…… I didn’t hear a word that this meeting even happened until somebody told me halfway through the meeting.
When is the community going to know these meetings are being held and why was the first one kept a Secret? I don’t understand that.
…The the thing is – we had a Recall Election because we were told that transparency wasn’t there. We’re starting off at the very first Water Meeting – non-transparency.
Councilperson Samra: ..there was no discussion. It was just giving information about what the wells are and everything else. The next meeting we will have, we will publish. We haven’t had any dates set up yet…It was just so the people can have the information they can take with them, their binders and even I got to there at the tail end of it. I didn’t even attend the entire meeting.
Mayor Pro-Tem Aguilar: …Just like Council member Samra had mentioned, we did have our first meeting. …Just like any committee that starts together they kinda wanna have a feel for the members…We do have a set time…we hadda feel, a overview of what exactly we’re coming together for. Nothing was discussed other than what the binder contained. So there was really nothing to share, other than it’s just for us to meet each member..But yes, we are holding these meetings, Stakeholder meetings and they, its my understanding that they do not need to be open to the public.
Excerpted from: June 07, 2011 Discussion of Utility Rate Committee Meeting
Now That We’ve Had A Few Quotes. Let’s Add a Few Definitions.
(Courtesy of a few Online Dictionaries: You can click on the links to see where the definitions came from.)
- 1 (a): an act or condition of ignorant or imprudent deviation from a code of behavior
- 1 (b): an act involving an unintentional deviation from truth or accuracy <made an error in adding up the bill>
transitive verb
- (1): to blunder in the choice of <mistook her way in the dark>
- (2) a: to misunderstand the meaning or intention of : misinterpret <don’t mistake me, I mean exactly what I said>
- (2) b: to make a wrong judgment of the character or ability of
- (3) : to identify wrongly : confuse with another <I mistook him for his brother>
intransitive verb: to be wrong <you mistook when you thought I laughed at you — Thomas Hardy>
Nonsense; humbug. A deception; a swindle. To swindle;
- A sales tactic in which a bargain-priced item is used to attract customers who are then encouraged to purchase a more expensive similar item.
transitive verb: To swindle (a victim) by first winning his or her confidence; dupe.
A worthless preparation fraudulently peddled as a cure for many ills. Speech or writing intended to deceive; humbug.
- (1)or pluralweasel: any of various small slender active carnivorous mammals (genus Mustela of the family Mustelidae, the weasel family) that are able to prey on animals (as rabbits) larger than themselves, are mostly brown with white or yellowish underparts, and in northern forms turn white in winter — compare ermine 1a
- (3): a sneaky, untrustworthy, or insincere person
1. (n.) Malfunction of the brain on a given thought process, usually occurring during an important situation. Notes: Also: cranial flatulation, brain cloud, brain cramp
2. (pron.) When one conveniently forgets something just at the right moment when he or she is asked an important question. In the act of trying not to look stupid as one is they cover it up by indicating that they had a brain fart. Unlike a normal fart, these leave no revolting odor or any clue to their presence.
- Example: Bob: "What day of the week is it today, Fred?"Fred: "It’s chili day in the cafeteria!"Bob: "No!… I asked what day of the week!"Fred: "Oh, brain fart… It’s Friday
You Know where I’m going with this? You might be right. But before we get to that , A few announcements.
VFW Breakfast in June
The Livingston/Delhi Veterans of Foreign Wars and Ladies Auxiliary Breakfast will be served on June 26, 2011, at the Livingston Veterans Memorial Hall, located at 1605 7th 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.
If you need more information on the Breakfast, Family Hamburger Night, or if you would like to become a member of the Post or Auxiliary, contact Denis or Sue Wells at (209) 394-2059.
Family Hamburger Night Thursday June 30, 2011
Join us for the VFW Hamburger Night, Thursday June 30, 2011. Meals will be served from 6-8 pm at the Livingston Veterans Memorial Building, 1605 7th Street, in Livingston. The public is invited, and you do not have to be a member to attend.
You will be able to enjoy hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fish sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, hot dogs and chili. The sandwiches include your choice of homemade salads. Price ranges from $1.50 to 3.50 per meal. All proceeds go to help support our community programs.
If you need more information on any of our events, contact Denis or Sue Wells at (209) 394-2059 or visit our website at www.vfwlivingston.com.
RUMMAGE SALE
The Livingston/Delhi Ladies Auxiliary VFW #8327 will be holding a Gigantic Rummage Sale on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, August 3rd, 4th and 5th, at the Delhi Veterans Hall, Located at 9799 Stephens Street in Delhi. We have items too numerous to mention here, come by and see us. The sale hours will be 8-5 on Wednesday and Thursday and 8-4 on Friday. Everything on Friday will be $1.00 per bag (we furnish the bag) or half price if it is too big to fit in a bag. If you have any questions, please call Sue Wells at 394-2059. All proceeds from the sale will go to fund our many programs. All monies will stay within our own community.
Donita "Sue" Wells
Ladies Auxiliary Veterans of Foreign Wars
Secretary-Treasurer Auxiliary 8327
1159 2nd Street — Livingston CA 95334-1204
(209) 394-2059 — Cell (209) 648-4668
Fax (209) 394-9199 — Email denisue@gvni.com
Livingston 4th of July Festival
The following is courtesy of Julio Valadez, Chairman of the Livingston July 4th Committee.
After a one year absence, the Livingston 4th of July Festival and Fireworks show is back!
Due to lack of funding, the 2010 event was canceled at the last minute. As a result, a group of residents formed the committee but were unable to keep the much loved and most patriotic event alive last year due to such short notice. But this year after receiving an anonymous donation of $15K the event will go on. This event is well attended by local residents and surrounding communities and has had an attendance of up to 20,000.
The event will start at 1pm at Memorial Park with Entertainment, kiddie rides, and food and crafts booths and will end with the biggest Fireworks Show in the valley.
The committee is currently looking for anyone that would like to be part of the Entertainment. If you are a band, a dance group, or other type of entertainment group, and would like to participate, please call Julio Valadez at 209-277-1402.
If you are interested in being a vendor for this event applications can be picked up at City Hall or call David Blevins at 209-777-1223 and an application can be mailed to you.
Spaces are filled on a first come first serve basis. Booth Fees are $75.00 or $60.00 for Non-Profit groups. Health Permits are required for all Food Vendors. Application Deadlines are as follows: Food Booths June 13, 2011, all others due June 27, 2011.
You can also get more information and print vendor applications on the Committee’s website: www.livingston4thofjuly.com
Meetings of the Livingston 4th of July Committee will be Mondays @ 7pm: Geno’s Pizza in Livingston. (Except for Memorial Day) For more information, or to make a donation, you can contact the Committee Chair: Julio Valadez @ 209-277-1402 or jvaladez@livingston4thofjuly.com
Photo courtesy of the July 4th Committee
Tuesday, June 14th is Flag Day!
Seem like now a days some folks don’t care to much for our flag. Or our National Anthem either (‘specially with those nasty references to “rockets red glare” and “bombs bursting in air”. Sounds just a little too “militaristic” for some “modern sensibilities”.)
Makes a person wonder what they learned in History Class….
Well…not that most of the readers here need a refresher course in American History. But here’s a few things you might be interested in anyway.
First: A tribute to Old Glory by Johnnie Cash
Next: What the Pledge of Allegiance Means
Here’s, a little story about why a Poem written by a Lawyer became our National Anthem.
Finally: A Video Titled “Your Freedom’s Not Free”
Happy Birthday US Army!
“Two hundred and thirty-six years ago, the United States Army was established to defend our Nation. From the Revolutionary War to the current operations taking place around the world, our Soldiers remain Army Strong with a deep commitment to our core values and beliefs”.
For more on this article on the 236th Birthday of the United States Army, click on the link above.
To Open or Not To Open To The Public. Is That The Question?
Remember that much ballyhooed Utility Rate Committee?
You know. The One that had members appointed by the City Council and was supposed to usher in a New Era of Openness and Transparency in deciding Water, WasteWater and Sanitation Rates.
The one that it was OK to only have 5 or 6 people appointed to it. But there was no need to worry because people who wanted to would be free to come too.
That one.
There was a Meeting of that Utility Rate Committee a few days ago.
And a couple Council members practically fell all over themselves in a political tap dance while trying to explain away why the pubic was not invited and how they didn’t really have to invite the public anyway.
Oh..the difference between what they said in April, and what they said this June is stunning.
Did you get the memo? A phone call?
See an announcement on the City Website?
Or posted next to the doors at City Hall?
Did you even know about it beforehand?
Nope? Me neither.
And a couple Council members practically fell all over themselves in a political tap dance: trying to explain away why the pubic was not invited and how they didn’t really have to invite the public anyway.
The difference between what they said in April, and what they said so far this June is stunning.
A binder of information was handed out. But there was nothing to share? Are you kidding me?
How many of you out there just might want to know what information was included in that binder?
Wouldn’t you have wanted to hear the “overview of what exactly (they) were coming together for”?
I’m usually good at keeping track of the gist of conversations and I could swear that the message before that first meeting took place was: “Don’t worry. Even if you’re not appointed to the committee, you can come too because we want this to be as Open and Transparent as Humanly Possible”.
Now the message is “We don’t have to invite you because its an ad-hoc committee and you’re just gonna have to take our word for what we report out”?!?
Are you kidding me?
This is not an ad-hoc committee on coming up with Park and Street Names. This is an ad-hoc committee on Utility Rates!!!!!!!
And we, the people, were told we could come too.
Now, on to the
LIVINGSTON PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
JUNE 14, 2011 7:00P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 1416 C STREET, LIVINGSTON
Members of the public are advised that all pagers, cellular telephones and any other communication devices be put on vibrate mode or turned off during the Planning Commission meeting.
Call to Order: 7:00PM
Roll Call- Chairperson/Commissioners
Pledge of Allegiance
Item No.1- Consent Agenda
All matters listed under the Consent Agenda are considered routine by the Planning Commission and will be adopted by one action of the Commission unless any member of the Commission wishes to remove an item for separate consideration.
a. Action Minutes from the May 10, 2011, regular meeting.
Item No.2 – Public Comment
a. Members of the Audience- At this time, any person may comment on any item that is NOT on the Agenda. PLEASE STATE YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS FOR THE RECORD. While the Planning Commission encourages participation from the audience, no more than five (5) minutes are allowed per discussion item. Topics not considered urgency matters may be referred to City Staff and/or placed on the next agenda for consideration and/or action by the Planning Commission.
Item No.3- Public Hearings
a. Temporary Conditional Use Permit 2011-01, 4th of July Carnival. Review of a Temporary Conditional Use Permit for the 4th of July Carnival to be held on Park Street between Main and 4th Streets on Monday, July 4, 2011 from 12:00 noon unti110:30 p.m. Review will include generator locations and street closures.
b. LMC 5-3, Table 12 Wireless Communication Facilities; LMC 5-6-9 (F) Appeal Hearing; and LMC 5-6-10 (D) Appeal Hearing. On May 3, 2011 the City Council approved a Resolution of intent to amend; LMC 5-3 to amend Table 12, Permit Requirements for Wireless Communication Facilities; to amend LMC 5-6-9 (F) Appeal Hearing; to amend LMC 5-6-10 (D) Appeal Hearing, and other Title 5 sections dealing with Appeal Hearings. The Planning Commission is requested to conduct a public hearing on the items, determine General Plan Consistency and make recommendations to City Council.
Item No.4- Discussion and Possible Action Item
a. LMC 4-2 Sign Regulations. The Planning Commission will continue their discussion of the City’s Sign Ordinance in order to provide a recommendation to City Council. Public comment from the community, particularly on Commercial and Industrial signage is requested and public notices were hand-delivered by staff as directed. This item was continued from the regular Planning Commission meetings of April 12, 2011 and May 10,2011.
b. LMC 5-3 Table 3, Commercial Uses. Planning Commission discussion regarding a Resolution of intent concerning alcohol regulations in the Downtown Commercial District.
Item No.5- Reports
a. Planning Commission b. City Staff
c. City Attorney
Item No.6- Adjournment to regular meeting on July 12, 2011.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the Community Development Department at (209) 394-8041, Ext.112. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to this meeting.
Members of the public who have questions regarding any agenda item may comment on that item before and during consideration of that item when called upon by the Planning Commission Chairperson.
All actions of the Livingston Planning Commission can be appealed to the Livingston City Council by filing an appeal, in writing and paying the appropriate fees, with the City Clerk
1659587.1
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 15, 2011
CLOSED SESSION: 5:30 P.M.
Notice is hereby given that the City Council will hold a Special Meeting on June 15, 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 24 hours prior to the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C Street. The Special Meeting will begin at 5:30 p.m. Members of the public may address the City Council concerning any item described in this notice and agenda before consideration of that item. No City business other than that described in this notice and agenda shall be considered by the City Council.
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Changes to the Agenda.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
This section of the Special Meeting agenda allows members of the public to address the City Council on any item 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, the City Council is prohibited from taking action on any item not on the agenda.
Please note that under California Government Code section 54954.3(a) (The Brown Act), Special Meeting agendas need only provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the meeting agenda before or during consideration of the item. The public will have an opportunity to comment on matters not on the agenda at regularly scheduled Council Meetings.
CLOSED SESSION: (Adjourn to City Hall Conference Room)
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 required announcements or discussion of closed session items or actions will be done following the closed session.
1. Public Employee Appointment
(Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Manager
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator: City Attorney Jose M. Sanchez
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
SPECIAL MEETING
JUNE 17, 2011
CLOSED SESSION: 4:30 P.M.
Notice is hereby given that the City Council will hold a Special Meeting on June 17, 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 24 hours prior to the meeting shall be made available for public inspection at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C Street. The Special Meeting will begin at 4:30 p.m. Members of the public may address the City Council concerning any item described in this notice and agenda before consideration of that item. No City business other than that described in this notice and agenda shall be considered by the City Council.
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Pledge of Allegiance.
Roll Call.
Changes to the Agenda.
CITIZEN COMMENTS
This section of the Special Meeting agenda allows members of the public to address the City Council on any item 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, the City Council is prohibited from taking action on any item not on the agenda.
Please note that under California Government Code section 54954.3(a) (The Brown Act), Special Meeting agendas need only provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body concerning any item that has been described in the meeting agenda before or during consideration of the item. The public will have an opportunity to comment on matters not on the agenda at regularly scheduled Council Meetings.
CLOSED SESSION: (Adjourn to City Hall Conference Room)
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 required announcements or discussion of closed session items or actions will be done following the closed session.
1. Public Employee Appointment
(Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Manager
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator: City Attorney Jose M. Sanchez
Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
(Government Code Section 54957.6)
CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
3. Agreement for Employment of City Manager. The City Council will consider approval of an Agreement for the Employment and Appointment of the City Manager.
ADJOURNMENT
Thegardeningsnail's Weblog (because not every critter is hiding under a rock...) 
Well I am certainly happy to see that this council is being so “transparent”. Guess they didn’t think anyone would be interested in the Utility ad hoc committee eh? What is their problem. Now are they getting ready to hire a new City mngr? did they even do a search (legitimate) or are they just hiring one of their buddies? I notice that the special mtg tonight is CLOSED SESSION only. What else is new?? K