History in the making

Tulelake, CA— For those that are unaware there is a movement going on called, “OCCUPY WALL STREET" taking place in New York City and to date in 26 cities across the USA.

I realize Tulelake is not a large city but it has to start somewhere and I decided to do my part by posting information on the TNT Blog for others to spread the word about OWS.

They have live cams of the events taking place in New York City and other cities across the USA. There are no leaders, they do things as a consensus of WE THE PEOPLE.

Where 99% of the people who are out of work and unemployed and being left out by the bailouts that took place with Wall Street and the banking industry. The 1% is not paying their fair share of taxes. It is people like you and me who are paying all the taxes. While those that occupy the top 1% pay little or nothing in income taxes.

This movement started and began on Sept 17 and they are now in day 24 of the peaceful protest. There have been arrests made mostly in New York. 14 people were arrested in Sacramento. There are events in Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco and other cities. There are protests from as far away from New York on the west coast of the USA. From Seattle, WA to Portland, OR and cities as mentioned of those in California.

It is my plan now to help to keep people informed as to what is going on. OWS is a peaceful non-violent movement standing up for the 99% of us. From teachers to janitors from all walks of life who are part of the 99% who are losing their houses due to the financial situation we are all up against. With wages going down and prices going up such as groceries and gas.

To get involved and get more information for yourself you can go to http://www.livestream.com/globalrevolution and live chat on MRIC. I will do my best to keep people informed on the TNT blog where comments can be posted and questions asked.

If you have access to a blog you can do the same thing I am trying to do by getting the word out about what is happening with OWS. I am doing my part all from a small town in California called Tulelake, CA with a population of 1000 people approximately. So if I can do my part you can do your part by getting the word out the same way I am from my little blog. If you do not have a blog you can get one for yourself and do the same thing.

Every form of communication is being used at the OWS and they are following all the laws of the cities where the movements are taking place. Where like in New York they cannot use microphones. So they are chanting and others in their groups chat to others what is being communicated. They are even using solar batteries for their live cams since there is no way to have access to power supplies. There is another web site where live chat twitter is being used http://www.adbusters.org/campaigns/occupywallstreet

This morning two people were arrested for just using their cameras in New York City and I will write more about that situation as more information becomes available.

James Garland of TNT
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: rocks4me@msn.com or tnt@cot.net

Lava Beds National Monument at the Tulelake Butte Valley Fair Grounds

Tulelake, CA— Our very own City Clerk; Joe Cordonier has had a second job as a tour guide for the Lava Beds National Monument. Where according to Joe Cordonier, “it is a pure joy to work with educated people that are dedicated to their jobs.” Joe Cordonier is spending his time at the fair at the Lava Beds National Monument booth. Along with other Lava Beds National Monument Forest workers and tour guides explaining about the Lava Beds National Monument and what it has to offer.

“The Lava Beds National Monument was established on November 21, 1925 to preserve the unique geological, natural, and historic features of the local landscape. Known as “The Land of Burnt-Out Fires”, the monument occupies over 46,000 acres on the northeast corner of Medicine Lake volcano. The landscape offers outstanding volcanic terrain, and more than 450 lava tube caves, the greatest concentration in North America.”

On display at the Lava Beds National Monument booth are replicas of Lava Tubes and other exhibits for children to get first hand knowledge of what exist out at the Lava Beds National Monument.

Jimi Yamaichi has built a miniature-constructed replica of a guard tower, which Jimi Yamaichi has donated. Jimi Yamaichi was interned at the Tule Lake segregation Center from 1943-1946. Jimi Yamaichi was one of the main carpenters at the center. He also constructed the concrete Jail that is still standing along Highway 139.

So while you are out and about at the 60th anniversary of the Tulelake Butte Valley Fair be sure and stop by Lava Beds National Monument booth and bring the kids to experience the displays at the Lava Beds National Monument booth. You won’t be disappointed in all the information about the Lava Beds National Monument.

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

Fairness to Elected Officials

Tulelake, CA— First on the agenda for the Tulelake City Council were the Job Descriptions for City Hall Administrative and Independent Contractor Finance Director. Where an item on the City Hall Administrative job description was brought to the attention of the council. Council member; Don McCloud pointed out that one of the items was a duplication of the item before it on the City Hall Administrative job description of duties. With the City Attorney not present no further action could be taken.

The city council discussed the issue of the request to have the City Clerk return to preparation of the duties of writing the agendas. However it was pointed out that those duties were taken away when the job duties of the City Clerk were reassigned in the last election. Mayor Randy Darrow mentioned that those duties couldn’t be changed until the next election in all fairness to the elected City Clerk; Joe Cordonier presently elected to that position.

Several suggestions were made but the present City Clerk pointed out there is more to writing the agendas then just typing them up. As the City Clerk mentioned it takes someone with the knowledge and experience to do it. The person in charge of those duties then can question when an agenda item has been worded properly or improperly as the case may be for the meeting agendas to be discussed and posted at City Hall.

The State Controllers Office has fined the City of Tulelake for reports not being filed in a timely manor for the 2009-2010 at the rate of $5,000 for 2009 and $6,000 for 2010. The fines were taken out by Siskiyou County under the state administrated Vehicle License Fees (VLF). Where the city would have received $27,000 but due to the fine of $6,000 FY 2010 only received $21,000 from the (VLF).

Another agenda item brought up by the Director of Public Works; Henry Ebinger was the restarting of the Recycling program. Where the cost involved could be taken care by the recycling program being self-sustaining. This time put in a different location than where it was located before. The Director of Public Works also requested the purchase of valves for ground level water tanks and that two new valves would be needed. The City approved the purchase in the amount of $1000.

A resolution was read about parking on Main Street and Handicap Parking on Main Street. Resolution 2011-06. And apparently the Tulelake Fair Grounds put up a fence on the City access. There was concern by the Chief of Police that people coming to the fair would want to park next to the fence. The Cheif of Police wanted to put up no parking signs on the outside of the fence to detour people from parking next to the fence. So there was discussion about restricted parking on G Street by resolution, with no parking on south side of G Street between Main Street and Park Street. No action was taken.

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

Layoffs and Furloughs in the near future…

Tulelake, CA— Does anyone really care that the Tulelake City Council approved a request to obtain the services of CPA, Charles Pillion for a maximum of 12 hours at $130.00 an hour to complete the audit statements; except for the outstanding loans. Or where the City had to come up with a $39,000 fee to pay SCORE LIABILITY by first paying $5,000 down with an additional $20,000 leaving a balance of $14,000 to be paid in two payments of $7000 in September and October.

Or now where the City Attorney has presented Job descriptions for a City Hall Administrator and Financial Director with these positions being described as AT WILL positions by the council. Where it was discussed the city no longer has a Financial Director and that the services could be done by removing some of the clerical duties of Kim Kaiser and others by creating a part time Accountant position to do the financial reports and summaries.

It was suggested to go back to an outside accounting firm as the city has done in the past. Some council members were not in favor of the larger financial director type position that was just dissolved. The City Attorney suggested the council seek proposals for the Financial Director position by looking at the possibility of an independent contractor.

Mayor Randy Darrow reminded all present, “that by council, the description means the ENTIRE COUNCIL and not just one or two council members." During the discussion a question came to mind. Who would do the agenda’s? There were many suggestions of how it could be done, but no firm answers to whom that person would be to do the agenda’s in the future.

City staffing during these times has become an issue. A motion was made to continue with Kim Kaiser as administrative assistant until the September 6th meeting. The council went into closed session with the City Attorney to discuss possible litigation about bad dept policy.

After the closed session what mainly took place was information that they will seek direction from Great Northern Lending. There was no comment from staff or council how to proceed and the City Attorney needed to have consultation with council about the policy that she is proposing.

The council discussed Layoff and Furlough Policy- the council stated that there would have to be some positions cut once the audit and budget are complete. City employees are one of the largest budget items and these costs will have to be addressed with the best interest of the city and the fairness to the employees.

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

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