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

Are you bored in Tulelake?

Tulelake, CA— Why do you complain about being bored? There are many things a person can do without getting into trouble. You can spend time at the library. You can volunteer your time for a local non-profit organization, I am sure they would love to have you.

You can start a teen club and meet and discuss what you would like Tulelake to have that will give you something to do. Like working towards having a Teen Center. You can bring your ideas up at City Council Meetings by getting on the agenda to discuss what your group would like the city to do to help you achieve the goals of having a teen center.

You can have fundraisers: car washes, bake sales, and raffles, etc. You can approach local businesses with your ideas and what your goals are for a teen center. Write letters to people you think might be able to help you with your goals.

Locate a sponsor or a mentor that is willing to help you to get organized as a teen group working toward the goals of having a teen center in Tulelake. Find a place where you can meet like the Tulelake Library or the Family Resource Center.

These are just a few ideas for you to keep from being so bored. The rest is up to you to make a difference. Get organized. Nothing happens over night. What are you waiting for? All it takes is one person, who becomes two, then three and then four and the rest is history...

James Garland of TNT
Tulelake New Times
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email: tnt@cot.net

Use of Veterans Park for Community Wellness Week

Tulelake, CA— Use of Veterans Park for Community Wellness Week was brought before the City Council for approval. A request for Mountain Valley Health Center to use Veterans Park on August 18th for Community Wellness Week was approved by the City Council.

In other matters Resolution 11-04, which authorizes the transfer of EDBG Revolving Loan funds to the Booster Pump Station Project where the motion was carried by the City Council. A bid was accepted from Horizon Erectors for $277,608.00 base bid, not including additive alternatives, for the booster station project. Where the mayor was authorized to sign the Horizon Erector contract.

The City Council authorized the purchase of a Rosette Stone Spanish program for the police department for approximately $1,000.00 from the police grant. Motion carried.

The City Council went into closed session to confer with their labor negotiators. Mayor Darrow announced that no action was taken. A motion was made to not reduce City Hall hours. Motion Carried. Update on the Audit progress where discussion took place but no action was taken. Approval of the bills was made to authorize payment for items discussed. A city resolution item was withdrawn. That was the end of July 5th meeting.

“The floor was given to Lorraine Fine, Siskiyou County Librarian at Tulelake to discuss the MOU submitted by Siskiyou County for fiscal year 2011/2012. Ms. Fine disclosed her opinions on what should be modified within the MOU and her concerns with the sustainability of the Library now that Siskiyou County is requesting Tulelake to take control of the operation of the Library. She explained that the Vestal organization has offered to help the libraries pay for the majority of the cost to purchase the self-checkout machines the County is requiring each library to obtain.

One of her suggestions was to ask Modoc County to once again provide some economic support, also discussed were estimated annual operating costs and income from handling of fines, lost/damaged books, room rental and fundraising. The Council suggested Ms. Fine re-word the MOU as discussed and to co-ordinate with the Director of Finance to put together a budget proposal for the Library Operation for the current Fiscal Year and present it to the Council before the end of July."

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

Does Tulelake have a Gang Problem?

Tulelake, CA— People say Tulelake has a gang problem and others say they are just wanna be gangsters. So which is it? Does Tulelake in fact have a gang problem? Well myself personally have seen the signs on the walls, by the tagging and the destruction to park property.

I have heard about gangs who gang up on people because they think they belong to a rival gang. Are there actually gangs in Tulelake, like the gangs that exist, say like in Redding or further south? From what I recall about a year ago there was a gang activity program put on by the Gang enforcement agencies for all the students that attend Tulelake High School.

Is it so obvious that people have to fight over who wears what color, whether it be blue or red, or red or blue, in order to feel important as to what color represents which gang. Or is there more than one gang(s)?

What I would like to know does Tulelake really have a gang problem? And if Tulelake does, then I would like to see people step up and send me more information. So, I can do an in-depth article on the Gang activity in Tulelake. It can be done anonymously by sending an email to tnt@cot.net and let me hear what you think and what you have to say when it comes to the existence of Gangs in Tulelake. Do we have gangs or not in Tulelake?

James Garland of TNT
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com
Email for Gang information: tnt@cot.net

Medicine Lake Traditional Spiritual Gathering

Modoc National Forest USDA Forest Service

Tuelake,CA--

News Release

For Immediate Release: July 18, 2011

Contact: Barbara Torres, 530-233-8713



Medicine Lake Traditional Spiritual Gathering

Medicine Campground, one of four lakeside campgrounds at Medicine Lake, will be closed to the public July 21-25, 2011, for the Medicine Lake Traditional Spiritual Gathering hosted by the Ajumawi, Atwamsini, Itsatewi Bands of the Pit River Tribe. The campground is closed by Forest Service Permit and is authorized under Federal Regulations (36 CFR261.53 Special Closures*).

Hemlock, Hogue, Headquarters Campgrounds and all dispersed campsites will remain open to the public during the Gathering. Please call the Doublehead Ranger Station to inquire about road access 530-667-8605 or visit the Modoc National Forest website, as some dispersed campsites may still be inaccessible due to late season snows.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding of this campground closure.

*36 CFR 261.53 Special closures. (g) The privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes. Closure to protect the privacy of tribal activities for traditional and cultural purposes must be requested by an Indian tribe; is subject to approval by the Forest Service; shall be temporary; and shall affect the smallest practicable area for the minimum period necessary for activities of the requesting Indian tribe.

For additional information contact Allie Houser, Recreation Officer,

Doublehead Ranger District, 530-667-8611

Barbara Torres Public Affairs Specialist

Modoc National Forest

530-233-8713

bltorres@fs.fed.us

James Garland of TNT
Tulelake New Times
Blog: tulelakenewtimes.blogspot.com