Financial Officer Terminated

Tulelake, CA— On August 9, 2010 the Director of Finance Candace Jefferies was terminated under (California Government Code Section 54957 (b) paragraph (2). A Closed Session was held with the following announcement: “Director of Finance Candace Jefferies will be terminated immediately.” Candace Jefferies was to turn in her keys and passwords for accounts at the conclusion of the meeting. She was to be given a two-week severance payout with the understanding she would be available by phone or in person during this two-week transition period.

The question comes to mind was this the right time to be terminating the Director of Finance: Candace Jefferies? Right in the middle of an Audit and outstanding loan balances? Where a Teleconference took place with Dave Wallace for an Audit update for the completion time frame of the loan balances on budget sheets of 2.5 million. Where a number of borrowers are not cooperating with the necessary documents. The audit is 92% complete with clean balances, except for the outstanding loans. The auditor stated that the city financial statement is partially correct and partially questionable. The city attorney and the loan committee are responsible to work out these documents.

A special meeting was held on August 15th, 2010 and requested by the former Director of Finance; Candace Jefferies to the reason/reasons for her termination on August 9, 2010 and to have an open meeting to the public and not a closed council session. The attorney stated that the termination was in accordance with policies and procedures and it is not specific to department heads. Candace Jefferies was an “at will employee” and can be terminated by vote of the City Council. Candace Jefferies requested copies of any correspondence or memo’s that were in her personal file. Where the City Attorney stated that Candace Jefferies was entitled to copies of any and all information in her personnel file. The City Attorney asked if Candace Jefferies wanted a revote and Candace Jefferies responded by stating, “No”.

The next item of discussion was the changing of the lock on City Hall. Councilmember Cordonier inquired as who ok’d the locks be changed, was it put to a bid and what was the cost? Councilmember McCloud stated that HE ordered the locks changed and that he did not bid it nor did HE consult with other city councilmembers. McCloud determined that it was an emergency situation. Once again Councilmember Cordorier stated he did not receive notification or a new key.

James Garland (T.N.T.)
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: tulelakenewtimes@cot.net

Turmoil in Tulelake

Tulelake, CA— In a small community the size of Tulelake you would think this many years in the making. That it would not be in such Turmoil. Even the informed are uniformed as to what is happening. Where certain members of the City Council make up their own rules and regulations as they go along. Where does one begin informing the Community of Tulelake? From discussing what to do about handicap ramps to how past bills are going to be paid.

In other developments with the city where there has been an on going situation regarding the status of the unpaid building inspector invoices and other aspects of Will Baley; building inspector for the city of Tulelake and his services. A motion was made to table this matter until the next regular meeting and to make payments of $500.00 every other week toward the building inspector past invoices that have not been paid.

There is also the use of credit cards where no action has been taken on this matter at the present time. Where credit cards are being used and yet the city of Tulelake is broke. Where training meetings are being attended with one meal provide by the city of Tulelake.

Where are the funds coming from when the City of Tulelake has no funds to cover these expenditures? One wonders just who is paying for them and where are these accounts. How can the City Council authorize the paying of bills, if there are no funds to pay them with? Then there are outstanding loans that have not been paid back to the city in the amount of 1.2 million dollars in question. Back loan payments that have yet to be received by the city. Where a closed-door session was held to have the City Attorney work with the loan committee and give them legal advice.

Where outstanding invoices were authorized for past due bills 10401-10412, ACC Environmental, Bear Technologies and PP and L for the February and March Invoices. Where the 09/10 Fiscal Year Audit has yet to be completed.

One has to ask again where are the funds to pay for all these expenditures? What accounts are they coming out of and is it legal? Stay tuned.

James Garland of TNT
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: tulelakenewtimes@cot.net

Tulelake City Council Meeting on July 22, 2011

Tulelake, Ca— The regular meeting for the Tulelake City Council was called at 9:12 A.M. on July 22, 2011. Approval of the minutes from July 5, and July 11, 2010 were approved. Anita Silva’s matter had been resolved and no action was taken. No action was taken in Caroline Perez matter.

A request for a handicap ramp where a motion was made to have Tony Ross and Henry Ebinger look into the feasibility of an asphalt handicap ramp in front of the Old Ernest Gilbeys store and place this matter on the August 1, 2011 agenda for an update and possible reading of an ordinance regarding this matter.

For the audit update discussion took place but no action was taken.

After discussion on the recurring bills a motion was made to authorize payment to Great Northern Corporation and Doug Adkins for the booster pump station project and to do whatever possible on other bills.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting at 10:35 A.M. Motion carried.

James Garland of TNT
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: tulelakenewtimes@cot.net