Posts Tagged ‘city manager scott barber’

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: THE GOOD, BAD & THE UGLY OF THE TRAILER BILL…MOSTLY UGLY..

Posted: July 9, 2012 in Uncategorized
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At the June 26th, 2012 City Council Meeting City Manager Scott Barber responded to the new passing of the ‘Trailer Bill” or as it is known AB 1484, enacted as a result to clarify and define language of Redevelopments inter-agency transfers and possibly padding the ROPS (Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule).   Barber inititated his comment by stating, ” I was going to say that I thought ‘The Trailer Bill’ was the good, bad and the ugly, you may have remembered that western movie, but spending more time reading through it,  I just think it’s all ugly.”  The California League of cities have come out with opposition for a less amended bill, that is there recommendation..  There are some concerns we should have in the budget trailer bill, one of them is a threat to local finances.  Now our understanding in first reading the bill made us think perhaps there would be some good for us with regards to our outstanding inter-agency loans, the ones that had been reconfirmed by our oversight board and sent to the Department of Finance.   It did appear that there would language in here for repayment of these loans.  However, the conditions which appear in the current version of the trailer bill, although they say ‘repayment’, the conditions that they create make ‘repayment’ very unlikely without exhausting other debts and then growth in tax increment to other taxing entities.  That does not look very favorable.  The trailer bill as it is written really takes the away the power and authority from the oversight board and really make their actions really meaniless.  It transfer a great deal of authority to the State Department of Finance.  It changes the department of finance role to where they have a huge amount of authority over county and cities regarding our finances. They have the ability to impose fines for what they consider non compliance on ROPS, and they have the ability to transfer sales tax and property taxes where they don’t believe successor agencies or oversite board have not acted appropriately.  I think in general we our better off right now, than we would be with the trailer bill as drafted, if it was adopted.

Greg fires back and states that the State Department of Finance is getting to much power, and will even get $22 million for legal council to take on the cities and the redevelopment agencies , which I would say is close to the amount he pays out to BB&K for overpriced legal advice?  Wouldn’t you say?  Under this trailer bill we will never receive a 100% repayment for ROPS.  Well maybe the City was not doing things right to begin with, as was padding the ROPS along with other cities.  Of course you’re not going to receive 100% repayment.  But didn’t we start out with $259 million in the original ROPS submission, but $21 million remaining in ROPS limbo.  The trailer bill was meant to stop these padded submission and bring in some surgical clarity and prevent city attorney’s from taking up the state’s time while arguing their case.  Priamos than referred to a legsislative analyist from where their response to the Trailer Bill was a word of caution as opposed to an endorsement. Greg in his convoluted way continued to make no sense at council and spinned in a draconian way every response made.  Primos’s take on the $10,000 per day fine for not turning your ROPS on time, was draconian… well, now the city knows how the constituents have felt with ‘draconian’ code enforcement fines that Priamos’s city attorney’s office have been enforcing toward the constituents of the the City of Riverside, as well as the ‘draconian’ ticket violation for street sweeping when the constituent already  pay for it.  Those Council people whe represent those wards such as Councilman Mike Gardner have addressed these issues as well in a ‘draconian way’.   We must then consider Priamo’s refusal to respond to public records request regarding his departments expenses when directed toward Best, Best & Krieger…’draconian’.  Why is he protecting Best, Best & Krieger?   According to Priamos, the overall evaluation of the Trailer Bill, it’s ‘draconian’!

Councilman Andy Melendrez asked the question if cities can actually file for bankruptcy?  Priamos stated, “yes, cities can file for bankrupticies”.  That was largely done to address the concerns of the unions (possibly for unsustainable union contracts which were not negotiated in the best interest of the ‘people’ as TMC understands).   Barber even said that we spoke with our lobbyist (I’m assuming the League of California Cities), to this passing of this legislation, and said, don’t expect changes.  Incidently, can the city afford to continue to hire a lobbyist?   Davis says “it is unfortunate, not a great way to run a business”?  Did he misspoke? Barber states that we spoke to our lobbyist this afternoon, don’t expect changes of this thing (the legislation) it is  going to be past.  Councilman and Mayor Pro Tempt, Paul Davis responded to this passing of the this trailer bill legislation, “It’s really unfortunate, it’s a great way to run a business”?   Really Paul..remember this is all about Redevelopment abuse and all need to take responsibility for it, but that never happen with our city or other cities at the local level.  Unfortunately , the State saw it differently with respect that local municipalities abused their power, and in response, have intervened with an ‘iron fist’ of authority, for even at local level, local arrogance and displays of entitlements has shown the need for the State’s drastic actions and as labeled by some city execs, ‘draconian ’.

The Trailor bill validates every thing that Vivian Moreno, Dvonne Pitruzzello and Raychelle Sterling has been saying for 2 years.  They were 100% right.  So I guess that makes them really smart!  TMC would imagine that this would conincide with the cities new award, of the ‘The Most Intelligent City”.  Again, City management will try to portray them as if they had no idea what they were talking about.

RIVERSIDE FORGOTTEN…CHINA TOWN FROM MT. RUBIDOUX.  BROCKTON AVENUE RUNS LEFT TO RIGHT, WHERE IT INTERSECTS WITH TEQUESQUITE AVENUE. (CIRCA 1912)

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S MOST “SLANDEROUS” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY, THEN UNBLOCKED.  I GUESS YOU CANNOT DO THAT ACCORDING TO ACLU.  PROUDLY RATED ONE STAR (POSSIBLY DOWN TO ZERO FROM OUR LAST ACCOUNTS) OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..  TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR GOOD REASON, AND PROSSIBLY POSSIBLY ON FILE WITH THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S POTENTIAL SLAPP SUIT LIST, FOR GOOD REASON… WE WILL HAVE TO ASK GREGORY ABOUT THAT ONE ( OUR PEOPLE WILL HAVE TO CONTACT HIS PEOPLE)… AGAIN, THANK-YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!   COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY SPHALL SPELL CHECKERS!  EMAIL ANONYMOUSLY WITH YOUR DIRT OR CONTACT US BY THE FOLLOWING EMAIL ADDRESS! CONTRIBUTORS WILL ALWAYS BE PROTECTED… YES, WE EXPECT THE JAIL TIME FOR THAT ONE…  THIRTYMILESCORRUPTION@HOTMAIL.COM 

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: TMC BLOG SITE BLOCKED BY CITY AND COUNCILMAN THINKS DISCRIMINATION IS FUNNY…

Posted: April 3, 2012 in Uncategorized
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NOT AGAIN…WEREN’T THOSE TWO HERE LAST WEEK?

CITY OF RIVERSIDE PUBLIC UTILITIES DEPARTMENT PROPOSED ADOPTION OF THE NEW PURPLE PIPE  WATER RULES AND RATES

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING- TOMORROW – April 6, 2012 at 8:30 a.m., Public Utilities Board Room – 3901 Orange Street

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Article XIIID of the California Constitution, RPU is proposing to adopt the following increases to the City’s Water Rates, for water service to the parcel for which you are shown as record owner directly liable to pay such rate.

(1) A monthly recycled water charge based on meter size to all water rates of approximately $2.00 for residential and non-residential customers with meter sizes from 5/8” to 3/4”, effective May 1, 2012 (except for WA-2, WA-5, WA-8, and WA-10 rates). A monthly recycled water charge for other meters, ranging from $3.34 to $333.34, will be levied and will be dependent on the size of the meter.

(2) An increase to the monthly recycled water charge based on meter size to all water rates of approximately $2.00 for residential and non-residential customers with meter sizes from 5/8” to 3/4”, effective May 1, 2013 (except for WA-2, WA-5, WA-8 and WA-10 rates). An increase to the recycled water monthly charge for other meters, ranging from $3.34 to $333.34, will be levied and will be dependent on the size of the meter.

UPDATE:04/05/2012: A LITTLE POT? STAY IN YOUR SEAT GREGORY, NOT CANNABIS:  Joel Udayke, The Flowerloft, formerly downtown Riverside, indicated an RPD officer arrived to his new place of business to investigate the ownership of a pot.  The very professional officer was taken to the pot after he described it, shown the pot which had the business name on it.  Asked a few questions and was satisfied it was owned by Mr. Udayke.  Joel asked him who called you to come in?  He stated that the call came in from the City.  Joel and the City have been at odds since given a 3 day notice to leave his Main Street address, which to this day remains empty.

As many residents know, it is difficult reach an officer quickly in some instances, for them to be sent out questionable scavenger hunts.  Isn’t it enough that their professionialism is questioned by city officials in city chambers to bring them to the level of ‘bouncers’ at City Council Meetings?  TMC responds, ‘unforgiveable’.

UPDATE:04/04/2012: AWARDS:   The City of Riverside issued a press release announcing that they are the recepient of the Certificate of Achievment for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) of the US and Canada for it’s comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR).

The question of awards and how they are persceived has been brought to the forefront since the City of Bell and their financial problems, like Riverside, Bell also received the same award in 2005.  Not only did Bell receive this distinquished award in 2005, but in 2008 as well.   Mayer Hoffman McCann pointed out in this article that accounting statements are only as good as the information that accountants and auditors are given. The auditing process might be perfect, but the results could be wildly of whack if they’re using doctored information.  Further, Joe Crivelli, the firm’s spokesman, told the Orange County Register: “When the client wants to hide something, they can. If there’s fraud going on, they’re not going to be suddenly up-front and honest.”  You may ask what relevancy do awards serve? or do they have any value?  The answer is yes, as in the City of Bell’s both awards were submitted as part of a bond prospectus, which is provided to investors deciding whether to purchase slices of municipal debt.  Awards utilized iin this manner give prospective investors the perception that their money is safe, and the risk is low.

                                

Incidently, GOFA appears to be a lobbying group according this article, whereby they are working to introduce a bill to congress to ease restriction on tax exempt municipal bonds.  In addition, the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers also awarded the City of Bell Outstanding Financial Reporting in 2006.

Incidently, again, the California Society of Municipal Finance Officers also awarded the City of Montebello Outstanding Financial Reporting in 2008.

Even Hercules, California, according to this October 22, 2010 memorandum, recieved the Certificate of Achievment for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) for their 2008/2009 CAFR.

City of Riverside’s City Manager responded to the award in his blog by stating the following:

Second, I am also very proud to share with you that the City of Riverside has received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) for our comprehensive annual financial report (CAFR). According to GFOA, the Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. Also, I think it is important to know that our CAFR was judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of GFOA’s program, including demonstrating a constructive “spirit of full disclosure” to clearly communicate Riverside’s financial story.

I hope that both of these recognitions assure all of our citizens that highly respected, independent organizations have reviewed our financial standing and reporting practices, and they have both given us high marks.

TMC WEB SITE BLOCKED:

TMC blocked at the Riverside Downtown Library.  According to public comment speaker Errol Koschewitz mentioned that at the county library the site is not blocked.  A local resident tried to access the TMC blog site, and observed an “access denied” notice on the screen.  A librarian said the denial came at the city level.  This in lieu of repeated request by Rebecca Ludwig, requesting that porn sites be blocked from library sites.  But because it is public tax payer funded,  it would be violating the law if the city did so.  But it appears poltical blog sites can be blocked, but porn sites not… ACLU getting involved?  Evidently, government entities cannot censor or ban political blogs based on what is written in them.  Who in the city ordered this?  Is the city being set up for more liability at the expense of the taxpayer.  If it wasn’t for unecessary legal liabilities, our city would definitely have the $4 million for Tequesquite Park.  Many in the community are at odds, not understanding why the city is practicing Banana Republic Politics..  Will castles made of sand eventually fall into the sea?

UPDATE:04/04/2012: WE RECEIVED WORD THAT THE BLOCK HAS BEEN RELEASED, AND TMC SITE IS NOW VIEWABLE.  THANK-YOU CITY OF RIVERSIDE!

Former Assistant Deputy Attorney Raychele Sterling fired upon Gregory Priamos’s City Attorney’s Office regarding the language of public work performance evaluations sheets, and how these sheets were not reviewed by the city attorney’s office and can place the city in liability.  This is existing under current interum public works director Thomas Boyd.  This performance evalutaion is a ‘lottery  ticket’ for outside employment attorneys with regard to discrimination suits.

CLICK THIS LINK TO VIEW THE TOM BOYD SPECIAL

 After, her three minutes, City Council Steve Adams was laughing.  Sterling blasted at Adams, “Do you think discrimination is funny”?  He answered back, “Yehh”.  This response should not be overlooked and should be a reality check for the community, and especially those we inherently place in office to represent us.  But the community is to blame, when less than 20% of the Riverside population vote this is what you get.  The other 80% remain ‘apathetic’, but apathy has no friends in this political world.  A true vote of the people, not a perception, has the ability to make real change, and change cannot happen without 100% involvement by the community.

CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS VIEWING OF 04/03/2012 CITY COUNCIL FOOTAGE, AT PUBLIC COMMENT

This is lieu of the many cases of litigation with discrimination being involved.  One current case is Police Officer Sgt. Valmont Graham indicating discrimination by his department.  Sterling’s premise is that there are many items not attended to that sets the road to unecessary and costly litigation.

Self Appointed Citizen Auditor Vivian Moreno blast Councilman Rusty Bailey with this statement, ‘I just want you to know, that I know”..  Also brought to their attention the disproportinate amounts community business chambers receive.  The Greater Riverside Chamber received in excess of $5 million over 10 years, while the Hispanic Chamber received about $41,000.00, the Indian/Asian Chamber received about $2,600.00, and the African American Chamber received $355.00

City Councilman Andy Melendrez explains the difference between Indian culture and Spanish Culture to Councilwoman Nancy Hart, regarding the original construction of the Trujillo Adobe.

No sign of former finance director Paul Sundeen and no word from Congressman Ken Calvert with regard to a request to investigate sewer bond fraud.  Ken Calvert remains on public notice.

Late in the week we received are public records for the actual cost of the six fire stations which will be used for collateral for the new Tequesquite Park.  First, the construction cost correlate to the economic arena of the date they were built.  The cost were as follows:

  1. Fire Station #3 (Magnolia Center) was built in 1962……..$132,049.72
  2. Fire Station #4 (University) was built in 1963………………..$67,501.89
  3. Fire Station #2 (Arlington) was built in 1971………………. $253,782.15
  4. Fire Station #8 (La Sierra) was built in 1977…………………$315,717.81
  5. Fire Station #11 (Orangecrest) was built in 1991…………$1,101,063.00
  6. Fire Station #12 (La Sierra South) was built in 1996…..$2,359,854.27

The total cost considering the economic cost for those dates is $4,229,968.70, although the current economic value is not known at this time.  There is also related capital improvement cost for three of the stations above. The records attained were the result of a public records act request.

Regarding item # 14 Mayor Loveridge’s Campaign to promote, attract and retain individuals and families to live in Riverside. I’m glad they are acknowledging this, this is multi concern issue with regarding many residents leaving the city.  First looking at encouraging new families to move into the City of Riverside, the city needs to look at the family they already have here.  They (city) have ripped off low income housing,  They ripped off the schools and left them grossly underfunded with your redevelopment program.  Maybe if we were funding our schools and redoing our downtown library instead of building a hotel we would have a nice place for some people to live.  You have put us in the worst financial crisis of the history of Riverside.  You have raised our utility bills.  You want us to pay the purple pipe (new water reclamation program).  You sick code enforcement on us.  You ticket us to death.  We can’t have friends or family over to visit on Wednesdays in our neighborhood, because there is no place to legally park.  You are going to increase our sewer fees. You want access to our property taxes with an increase to the storm drain water compliance system CSA 152  from $2.83 to $10.00.  No, we are still in America..but where are we going?

The City of Riverside has spent $230,000.00 to hire a private detective to tail former assistant deputy attorney Raychele Sterling and her children and hire a law firm to investigate themselves in the name of descency,  or was it really retaliation and/or for the purpose of intimidation?  Other fired employee’s have received the same treatment of tactical retaliation and intimidation in the name of ‘client control’.  Former fired public works contractor Sean Gill may have been another victim of this expensive taxpayer paid intimidation tactic.

CITY MANAGER’S SCOTT BARBER’S BLOG SITE UP AND RUNNING!  TMC APPLAUDS CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER FOR STRIVING TO BRING TRANSPERANCY TO THE PUBLIC REGARDING CITY ISSUES.

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S MOST “SLANDEROUS” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!  RATED ONE STAR OUT OF FIVE IN TERMS OF COMMUNITY APPROVAL RATINGS..TEMPORARILY BLOCKED BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AT PUBLIC ACCESS SITES WITHIN THE CITY.  TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, AND PROSSIBLY POSSIBLY ON FILE WITH THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S POTENTIAL SLAPP SUIT LIST… WE WILL HAVE TO ASK GREGORY ABOUT THAT ONE… AGAIN, THANK-YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY SPELL CHECKERS!  EMAIL ANONYMOUSLY WITH YOUR DIRT OR FOR CONTACT!   THIRTYMILESCORRUPTION@HOTMAIL.COM 

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY: TMC CONTINUES TO SUPPORT JOHN CHIANG’S AUDITING TEAM! AGAIN..

Posted: March 27, 2012 in Uncategorized
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 MR. CHIANG,…MR. CHIANG!  OK, SLOWLY TELL HIM AGAIN ABOUT THE FIRE STATIONS, JUST LEAVE OUT THE MONEY PART..

Don’t miss next weeks City Council Tuesday, April 3, 2012.  Let the fireworks begin, don’t forget to bring your popcorn and peanuts…

THE BIG ISSUE LAST WEEK WAS THE ISSUANCE OF A $4 MILLION DOLLAR FROM PINNACLE FINANCING, AND USING SIX FIRE STATIONS FOR COLATERAL.  THERE ASSESSED VALUE ACCORDING TO THE CITY IS $4MILLION DOLLARS.  ONE OF THE FIRE STATIONS, THE CAYNON CREST FIRE STATION #14 ALONE WAS VALUED AND COSTED THE TAXPAYER $4,812,684.00 ACCORDING TO CITY RECORDS.  THE DETAILS CAN BE SEEN IN LAST WEEKS BLOG POSTING BELOW. WELL IT APPEARS THAT IT ‘S ONLY BEGINNING.  LAST WEEK, STATE CONTROLLER JOHN CHIANG’S OFFICE SAYS THAT THE CITY IMPROPERLY CLAIMED ANIMAL SERVICES REIMBURSEMENTS THEREFORE OWING THE STATE THE SUM OF $500,239.00 

CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY IS HERE,  CLICK ON THIS LINK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CURRENT CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEMS.  

Afternoon session, Item #2 Seizing Our Destiny/ Economic Development Plan with regards to an overview of foreclosure conditions and programs to address the foreclosure crisis.  It’s great to see the city finally addressing the problem that they have been in denial about.

Closed session, Item #6 Existing Litigation of the Bonaminio Family against the City of Riverside.

Closed session, Item #7 Conference with Labor Negotiators representing City Employees.

Evening session, Item # 14 Mayor Loveridge’s Campaign to promote, attract and retain individuals and families to live in Riverside.  I’m glad they are acknowledging this, this is multi concern issue with regarding many residents leaving the city.

Evening session, Item #26 City of Riveriside takes control of Municipal Parking Facilities.  The city now has the right to control rules, conditions and rates to parking.

Evening session, Item #27 Adoption of the draft recognized obligation payment schedule for the fomer redevelopment agency.  Funding for the obligations will come from bond funds, cash on hand and from the Redevelopment Property Tax Trust Fund (RPTF).

Evening session, Item #38 the City Council as Successor Agency to the former defunct Redeveloment Agency, the City of Riverside is now responsible for winding down the affairs of the Agency which includes disposition of assets and properties.

WEEKLY UPDATE:

LAST WEEK, SELF APPOINTED CITIZEN AUDITOR VIVIAN MORENO GIVES CITY COUNCIL A MATH LESSON IN MUNICIPAL FINANCING 101, AT EVENING COUNCIL SESSION.

 THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE IS OVER $35 MILLION IN RED CURRENT YEAR TO DATE IN THE GENERAL FUND.  IN THE ENTERPRISE FUND (UTILITIES) CURRENT YEAR TO DATE WE ARE OVER $15 MILLION IN THE RED.  THE CITIES EXPENSES ARE MORE THAN THE REVENUE’S BROUGHT IN. SHE REFERRED TO TWO CURRENT DOCUMENTS ONE FROM THE GENERAL FUND AND THE OTHE FROM THE ENTERPRISE FUND.

  

At times these wars have led to acrimonious exchanges between the two sides; at other times the exchanges have been more genteel. There have even been recent attempts at truces and fudges. But an end to the Math Wars is not in sight nor, I believe, should it be because the essential issues are too important and the essential positions of the two sides are so far from each other that what is needed is victory for one side, not a pale compromise that, in the long run, would not be good for anyone.   – Anthony Ralston

AFTERNOON COUNCIL SESSION:

THE ISSUE OF PINNACLE FINANCING:

Regarding the $4 million loan for Tequesquite Park, Councilman Mike Gardner ask City Attorney Gregory Priamos if he needs to recuse himself since his fathers property is across the street from the planned Tequesquite Park.  If this is true, would Councilman Gardner have had to recuse himself from other issues of Tequesquite Park of which he voted on?

Self Appointed Citizen Auditor Vivian Moreno question the documentation for Tequesquite Park which states that the six fire stations are equal to the $4 million.  “That can’t possibly be right, these six stations have to be worth over $50 million”!  “If you divide $4 million by the 6 fire stations you get $666,666.66.  Your telling me that a fire station is only worth $666,666.66”?   She went on to inform the council that first payment of $233,557.52 is due March 15, 2012 and second one of $233,557.52 is due September 15.  She mentioned that last year in March 2011 the city of riverside accidently comingled the general fund with money from Redevelopment, and actually believed the city did this because there was no money in the general fund.   If there is absolutely no money in March in the general fund, how can we pay $233,557.52   She said that in September 2011 we only had $9 million dollars in the general fund.  It takes 13 to 16 million a month to run this city and we are already negative $4 million.  My concern is when we get this park funded, it will also cost $400,000.00 to cut the grass ( the yearly cost to maintain the park), and if we have to lay off 12 police officers to fund this I think this would be a disgrace to Officer Ryan Bonaminio’s name.

DOCUMENT REFLECTING COMINGLING OF STATE REDEVELOPMENT FUNDS WITH THE CITY’S GENERAL FUND.

City of Riverside Mayoral Candidate, Dvonne Pitruzzello said, “There is something very wrong here.  I’m not sure if you see it,  at least Pinnacle relalized the risk of loaning $4million.  Of course they wanted to have properties of exceptionality.  At least Pinnacle could see the risk with the city by requesting six fire stations for a 4million loan. Why can’t we do a $15 million dollar loan as we do with our developer, Mark Rubin.  We are $4.4 billion in debt over 30 years, all you have to do is read the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) Ms. Graham, you will see it, add up all the bonds and add up all the debt.  You can see we cannot afford this.  By doing this we will risk our police officers.  Because of the lack of revenue, she said that Councilman Adams stated a couple of weeks ago, that if we were to call for a police officer, if we needed one, they won’t be available”.

CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S TOTAL AGGREGATE DEBT WHICH TOTALS TO $4.4 BILLION

Just as the previous speakers, I’m concerned we putting to much collateral for $4 million.  You are placing six firestations at risk because of our financial status.

You have grossly undervalued those firestations.  You have $4 billion in debt, but you vote yes when you don’t know what your voting on because you don’t read the back up for these issues.

After the vote 7-0 Andy Melendrez asked Assisstant Finance Director Bret Mason about the $4 billion dollars in debt mentioned by public comment speakers, and asked for an explanation from assistant finance director Scott Bret.  Does the council continue to be oblivious to these figures whereby citizens are aware those figures from public records?  Mr. Mason answers Councilman question of the specifics of that $4 billion dollar number by stating,’ it’s  the number that is touted’.  The 4 billion debt number is a number that is the sum total of all payments due over 30 years from Redevelopment and the General Fund, I can’t confirm the number, but it is a ‘high number like that”, referring to the $4.4 million debt.  The city has never defaulted on a payment, and the city has a good credit rating.

According Assistant Finance Director Scott Catlett, it appears that public property such as fire stations are not worth as much to banks when used as collateral. It looks as if they look at the ‘insured value”.   It would therefore appear to be bad deal, because banks view the properties as a ‘re-use value’ based on a third party appraisal, which answers the question of why the assessed value of the six stations came to only $4 million.  It would appear to be a bad deal all around, why would the city get into a bad deal and risk our fire stations?  Maybe the answer is they voted first and asked the questions later.  It seems to me this can be interpreted the same way as going to a pawn shop.  You have a diamond ring worth $10,000.00, but the pawn shop owner is only willing to give you $2,000.00 that instance.

If we don’t pass for the $4 million loan, we will have to use our General Fund, this is because of the Redevelopment, we therefore now are utilizing the General Funds for such items as code etc.

PUBLIC SPEAKING:

“Oh, Seriously”!  Rebecca Ludwig almost receives a police escort for going over the 3 minute mark.. Ms. Ludwig also uses a walker.. The last time a public speaker was physically removed was back in 2005 when Marjorie Van Pole when she complained on the reduction in public comment time from 5 minutes to 3 minutes.

              

TMC would like to recommend to City Attorney Gregory Priamos a trap door scenerio to be installed in front of the podium.  If public comment speakers know ahead of time that the bottom will fall out from them 5 seconds after the 3 minute mark, we believe there would be full compliance with the rule.  The trap door can be connected to a timer, therefore an unruly public speaker that does fall cannot blame anybody up on the dais for pressing the button.

“First of all, I have brought my timer, because I have no intention in seeing our police officers used for any other purpose than public safety, I will not allow them to resort to being ‘bouncers” if I exceed the time”.. I think that the two officers are to professional to be use in this manner.

I will like to help Bret Mason know what that really big number, if you don’t actually know what that number is,  it is in the CAFR.  If you don’t know what it is, I can help.  Bret Mason if you need help looking at the CAFR, I would be more than happy to sit down and help you.  By the way Councilman Chris Mac Arthur, your aid called us ‘idiots’, and by far we are not ‘idiots’, we are helping you.

EVENING COUNCIL SESSION:

Former Deputy City of Riverside Attorney Raychele Sterling commented on the Human Resource Department.  I’m going to be an advocate for those employees because of the horrible work environment they are working in, this department is completely out of control.  I don’t know if the council is aware, that Former City Manager Brad Hudson hired a private detective to follow me.  He used the tax dollars your hard working constituents to follow the mommy in the minivan, spy on my 8 year old daughter, spy on my 4 year autistic daughter while I took her to the doctor,  just to placate his complete paranoia.  This is what your constituents payed thousand of dollars for, and this continues to go on.  Unfortunatley for the detective that was tailing me, I probably was pretty boring, and not nearly as exciting as Brad and his buddy’s would be, because I don’t go to strip clubs, I don’t go to bars, and get so drunk that I crash city vehicles and step out of vehicle wetting my pants.  Councilman Bailey, how would you feel as a father if some creep was following you, or following Judy and your beautiful girls.. This goes on and it continues to go on.  Your Human Resource Department is non existent.  You are waisting your constituents money, because you have paranoid people in management.  They are a liability to you. You have employees right now that continue to experience discrimination and retaliation  Mr. Barber is aware of this, I know he’s been advised.   Mr. Barber used to be a good man, I used to have alot of respect for him, because he once told me that he would never ever mistreat his staff, the way that Brad Hudson mistreated the employees of this city, I don’t know where that man went, but in my book I call that a hypocrite.  You need to spend your money on other things rather than tailing mommy’s in minivans.

Truth Publication Editor, Salvador Santana spoke regarding an un named group of people who have been in violation of public comment speaking rules.  He made mention that this group is consistently showing a great lack of respect for the dais and other speakers, and to him it looks like a conspiracy.  He stated that this group is provokingly go over the 3 minute rule.  Having disrespect for the mayor and the chief of police.  Stated that, “it is interesting to observe that those rule breakers have an anti-establishment agenda attacking the government and the police department no matter what”.   Quoted Councilman Paul Davis, and state he declared to the Truth Publication On line, “I do agree, some of the speakers at City Council are getting out of control, I believe in freedom of speech, but when the disrespect the rules of decorum they are going to far”.  Lets speak about the good side once in a while.

TICKETING BUSINESS’S ON STREET SWEEPING WEDNESDAY:

Last Wednesday was infamous street sweeping day in our local neighborhood.  A landscaper had just finished his work and was loading up his truck, then I saw the parking nazi park behind him.  They continued to pack up there truck not paying any real attention, I believe since they were doing nothing wrong.  In the vehicle the parking nazi had already began to write them a ticket.  She came out of the car and handed it to one of the two landscapers.  No warning, she clearly saw they were a business, but still gave them a ticket.  Did not want to get to close to this activity, did not want to chance getting a ticket for ‘loitering’.  This is a true indication that Riverside continues not to be business friendly.  I would have to warn business’s such as FedEx, UPS, Sears Repair Service, Plumbers probably the US Postal truck to be aware that you will receive a ticket even if you are in our neigborhood for delivery or called upon legitimately by a resident for services.  The PE reports of residents trying to move their vehicles from the street before the street sweeper arrived, don’t bother you’ll get one anyway.  In Dan Bersteins article the street sweeper runs a stop sign, in our neighborhood the street sweeper followed the law and stopped before going ahead.  I also noticed the street sweeper now going slower.  In our neighborhood the street sweeper with the parking nazi in tow is more of a bi-monthly annoyance, than a service benefit.

   

Ahh, A welcome sign to the city of Riverside…

UPDATE ON STREETSWEEPING:04/04/2012: I’m embarrassed to say that this time the landscaper made arrangements with the homeowner to park his vehicle in the driveway so he wouldn’t be ticketed again.  I’ve also made mention to FedEx, UPS, Pool Cleaners, Sears and other landscapers etc. that they will be ticketed on certain street sweeping days.  This day the street sweeper went down our street three times, once on our side, and twice on the opposite side, with the parking nazi trailing closely behind.

UPDATE ON STREETSWEEPING:04/19/2012: The same landscaper decided that is was just to much trouble to come into the area on Wednesday’s taking another chance of being ticketed, he made arrangements with the owner to come on Thursday’s.  Good job City of Riverside, was is worth the $41 dollars for bad publicity?

JUST FOR LAUGHS!!!!!!!!!!

CITY COUNCIL UPDATE: 8:30 PM:

CITY COUNCIL DISTURBANCE: ALTERCATION BETWEEN A CAMERMAN AND TRUTH PUBLICATION EDITOR SALVADOR SANTANA ENDING WITH THE TWO PHYSICALLY ESCORTED OUT OF COUNCIL CHAMBER, TO BE INTERVIEWED BY RIVERSIDE POLICE OFFICERS.   INITIALLY THERE WAS AN ATTEMPT TO REACH TOWARD THE PHOTOGRAPHER, THE PHOTOGRAPHER RETRIEVED BACK.  THER WAS SECOND ATTEMPT BY SANTANA TO GRAB THE CAMERA FROM THE CAMERAMAN, WHAT ENSUED THEN WAS A STRUGGLE.  WITNESSES STATE SEEING SANTANA MAKING A REMARK TOWARD THE CAMERAMAN AFTER HIS PUBLIC SPEAKING.  NO MISDEMEANOR ASSAULT CHARGES WERE FILED BY THE CAMERAMAN OR THE RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT AGAINST SANTANA.   EARLIER SANTANA SPOKE AT THE PODIUM REGARDING HIS CONCERN OF CITY FINANCES, EVEN GOING TO THE HOME OF ASSISTANT FINANCE DIRECTOR BRET MASON AT 3:00 IN THE MORNING JUST TO DISCUSS THS ISSUE.  I CAN’T SEE THAT HAPPENING AT 3:00 IN THE MORNING, THIS IS A BIT DISTURBING TO ME, BUT THAT’S WHAT HE SAID.  NO COMMENT HAS YET BEEN ATTAINED FROM MASON REGARDING THIS EARLY MORNING VISIT.  DURING THE COOL DOWN PERIOD, SANTANA WAS SEEN SPEAKING TO COUNCILMAN GARDNER, THEN SEEN SPEAKING WITH COUNCILMAN ANDY MELENDREZ FOR A SUSTAINABLE TIME IN THE ENCLOSED CITY HALL AREA.  ONE POLICE OFFICER WAS SEEN SPEAKING AT LENGTH TO SOME ONE IN CHARGE REGARDING THIS ISSUE FROM A CELL PHONE.  SOURCES STATE SANTANA HAS A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH CHIEF OF POLICE SERGIO DIAZ.  TWO WEEKS AGO, COUNCIL CHAMBERS ALSO SAW THE OUTBURST OF BEHAVIOR BY THE CHIEF OF POLICE SERGIO DIAZ TOWARD SOME PUBLIC COMMENT SPEAKERS, CALLING THEM EPITAPHS SUCH AS “HORRIBLE”, “DISRESPECTFUL”, “YOU HATE THE POLICE” AND “I DON’T LIKE YOU.”  ACCORDING TO HIS BLOG SIT, THE TRUTH PUBLICATION, SANTANA CLAIMS BEING ESCORTED BY POLICE OFFICERS TO HIS HOME ON ACCOUNT OF BEING HARASSED.  MOST OF THE TIME SANTANA WAS WITH AN OFFICER, OR TALKING WITH ONE OF THE COUNCILMEN; DURING THIS TIME NO INDICATION OF HARASSMENT OR SHOUTING BY ANY INDIVIDUALS WERE OBSERVED.

 

FORMER CITY OF RIVERSIDE DEPUTY ATTORNEY RAYCHELE STERLING THROUGH PUBLIC RECORDS REQUEST ACT FINDS CITY OF RIVERSIDE SPENT $88,000.00 FOR A PRIVATE DETECTIVE TO TAIL HER AND HER CHILDREN.  IN ADDITION TO THE $150,000.00 SPENT BY FORMER CITY MANAGER BRAD HUDSON TO A LAW FIRM TO INVESTIGATE HIMSELF, FOR A TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF $230,000.00   STERLING REFERS TO THOSE IN CHARGE, COUNCIL AND MAYOR,  AS THE “BOBBLE HEAD BRIGADE”.

COUNCILMAN AND MAYORAL CANDIDATE ANDY MELENDEZ’S MISUNDERSTANDING OF THE SERAF PAYMENT OF $3.4 MILLION REMOVAL FROM THE LOW INCOME HOUSING FUND BECOMES EVIDENT.  A FINDING WAS MADE, BUT NO REPORTABLE DOCUMENTATION OF A JUSTIFICATION WAS EVIDENT FOR THE APPROVED TRANSFER.

MAYORAL CANDIDATE TO REQUEST PUBLIC RECORDS IN CONNECTION TO THE OFFICE OF CITY ATTORNEY EXPENDITURES.  ALLEGATIONS HAVE BEEN RAISED OF NEGLIGENT SPENDING AND BEHAVIOR, SUCH AS PRIAMOS USING HIS SECRETORY TO DECORATE HIS HOME, PLAYING GOLF WITH HIS SUPERVISORS AND FORMER POLICE CHIEF RUSSELL LEACH AND FORMER EMPLOYEE KATHY GONZALEZ.  QUESTIONS REGARDING HER POSITION AS ASSISTANT CITY ATTORNEY AT THE TIME OF HER DEATH, BUT RECEIVING THE MAXIMUM ON THE PAYSCALE OF $120,000.00 ASSOCIATED WITH THE TITLE OF DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY.  THE QUESTION POSED TOWARD CITY ATTORNEY GREGORY PRIAMOS WAS DOES HE KNOW THE MEANING OF THE TERM, ‘INSURANCE FRAUD’?

TMC WELCOMES NEWEST BLOGGER TO THE COMMUNITY, CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER.  BARBER RECOMMENDS TO THE COUNCIL TO PLACE A BLOG FOR THE COMMUNITY TO ASK QUESTIONS.  QUESTIONS ABOUND OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF INTEROFFICE DATING AS RUMORED OF BARBER WITHOUT A LOVE CONTRACT.

NO SIGHT OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PAUL SUNDEEN THIS WEEK.

THE CASE OF SGT. VALMONT GRAHAM HAS BEEN RUMORED TO HAVE BEEN SETTLED OUT OF COURT.  CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE RICHARD ROTH, ALSO HIRED TO REPRESENT THE CITY AGAINST GRAHAM’S ALLEGATIONS OF RACISM WITH THE RIVERSIDE POLICE DEPARTMENT.  INCIDENTLY ENDORSED BY MAYOR LOVERIDGE.   CINDY ROTH, PRESIDENT/CEO OF THE GREATER RIVERSIDE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS ALSO INCIDENTLY SUPPORTED WITH FINANCIAL DONATIONS BY THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE.

LA ENDS RED LIGHT CAMERA’S! CBS INVESTIGATION FOUND ACCIDENTS WENT UP.  COUNCILMAN STATES FINES WERE EXCESSIVE.  THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE CONTINUES TO ENDORSE AND SUPPORT A RED LIGHT PROGRAM IN LIEU OF THE EXPENSE AND STUDIES OF NO BENEFIT.

TMC ENDORSES DVONNE PITRUZZELLO FOR CITY OF RIVERSIDE MAYOR

TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S MOST “SLANDEROUS” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!   TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, AND PROSSIBLY POSSIBLY ON FILE WITH THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE’S POTENTIAL SLAPP SUIT LIST… WE WILL HAVE TO ASK GREGORY ABOUT THAT ONE… AGAIN, THANK-YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY SPELL CHECKERS!  EMAIL ANONYMOUSLY WITH YOUR DIRT OR FOR CONTACT!   THIRTYMILESCORRUPTION@HOTMAIL.COM 

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: TMC CONTINUES TO REQUEST A FORENSIC AUDIT OF THE CURRENT CITY HALL BOOKS!

Posted: December 12, 2011 in Uncategorized
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Now that City Manager Scott Barber has been chosen, City Council will be voting on his base pay  of $280,500.00. (Item #33).  What will the new year bring? More of the same? Hopefully he’s familar with municipal financing and can have greater imput with the Chief Financial Officer Paul Sundeen.  Regardless, the citizens of the City of Riverside deserve more, and one way to began the New Year 2012 would be to call for a forensic audit of the city hall books.  This will assure balanced numbers and clear possible discrepancies of the general ledger books.

Why they try, I don’t even know, but the city will consider another franchise license for another ambulance service.  Of course it will be shot down, after the usual city theatre.  Alpha Ambulance just doesn’t have a chance for a fair consideration.  Months ago, Mission Ambulance was also denied a franchise license, the monopoly game continues. Denials may continue, and the friendship with AMR’s Peter Hubbard (Riverside Police Commisioner Ret.) with the Fire Chief Steve Earley, City Attorney Greg Priamos and many of the City Council such as Steve Adams.  Does this friendly love fest insinuate conflict of interest?  (Item #4).

UPDATE:12/13/2011: WHAT A SURPRISE!  CITY COUNCILS VOTES TO DENY FRANCHISE LICENSE TO ALPHA AMBULANCE BY A VOTE OF SIX TO ONE.   APPARENTLY ALPHA AMBULANCE’S PRESENTATION WAS DONE DURING PUBLIC COMMENT, INSTEAD OF THE CITY PROVIDING A SET PRESENTATION TIME.  WHY WOULD AMBULANCE EXPEND THE EFFORT.  BUT WHAT WE DO HAVE IS A PATTERN OF DENIALS WHICH MAY INFER A VIOLATION OF ANTITRUST LAWS.  BUT FOR THE TIME BEING THE CITY HAS THE EDGE, AND AS CHARLEY SHEEN SAYS, “WINNING”.

11:25 PM on 12/12/2011 PE story Riverside: City’s ambulance service may exceed authority.

The City Council has allowed their friend Mr. AMR to cloud their judgement on doing what is right. If you recall several months ago, Mission Ambulance proved their is an absolute need for another provider, and they were denied. If you read previous articles you’ll see how absolutely crazy this story is: 1) Mr. AMR is best friends with the City Attorney 2) Mr. AMR does give the council members a lot of money for their campaigns. 3) Mr. AMR is best friends with the Fire Chief 4) Mr. AMR does give the Fire Department 1.4mm 5) This is a Pay-to-Play city 6) No cities do not have the right to limit non-emergency transportation 7) Yes it is a conflict of interest that the Fire Chief is best friends with Mr. AMR, receives 1.4mm, and is responsible for denying applications. 8) Yes it is a violation of the Federal Anti-Kickback statue. Receives money in exchange for exclusivity is by definition a violation of the act. 9) AMR doesn’t care because the fines they’d have to pay on the violation is pennies compared to what they make in the City. 10) Yes it is true that AMR receives 40% of amount billed. What receiving 40% of $5,000 isn’t enough? Besides, it is the County’s responsibility to create a contract that is a win-win. It is NOT the City’s responsibility to take on that burden. So, just to clarify your comment Mr. Bigdawg86, the citizens and patients that receive healthcare in the City of Riverside are responsible for the other 60% that AMR cannot collect in all other cities??? C’mon…Really? 11) So does the City Attorney, Mr. AMR’s goooooood friend, know more about the EMS laws than the State EMS agency? The answer is no, he only knows what Mr. AMR tells him, and that goes for the rest of the council as well. All you have to do is listen to them, they are saying what Mr. AMR tells them say, oh ya and that also comes with a check from AMR, Mr. AMR, or EMS Corp. There are many ways to hide campaign contributions and they seem to be the best at it. 12) Does anyone else see this scandal is the size of Bell??? If you really get down and dirty and look at true numbers, you’ll see a HUGE story here.  – Commenter named “Come On…Really” on PE.

Councilman Paul Davis recommends the council authorization of $18,400.00 for obligatory promisses made to outside programs.  Paul opted out of using $50,000.00 specifically appropriated for a Council Assistant, and instead thought he could spend as he pleased for the community.  This wasn’ so.  The drama begun when former city manager Brad Hudson stated he could do that, but then retracted, and said he couldn’t without council approval. This incidently includes $8,000.00 to go to Paul’s wife May for the yearly Lunar Fest.  (item 34a).

The City of Riverside continues to terrorize the residents with more amendments to rules.  At some point, the City of Riverside needs to inform the community that they belong to Homeowners Association without voting rights. (Item 36).

Another change order, and would think Tom Boyd’s Public Works Department would finally get it right.  Yes, and this time it’s for $1,680,051.75… or is this a game the contractor plays with the city in order to get more money?  More delays more money? This is the fourth grade seperation project, you would think Tom would get the kinks out by the experience of the prior three and save the taxpayer some money by now.  But this is the same Tom Boyd who paved a residential street, then shortly later had to dig it up and repave it at taxpayer expense.  If he worked for the private sector wouldn’t he get fired? Because if this was the private sector, he would have lossed huge amounts of private sector money and be directly accountable for. (Item 52).

WHO WILL BE HIDING BEHIND THE COMPUTER NEXT WHEN THE AUDITOR COMES ASKING QUESTIONS? CHECK BACK WEEKLY…THAT IS, EVERY CITY COUNCIL TUESDAY! WE’LL EVEN PROVIDE THE DIRECT LINK SO YOU CAN CHECK THE CURRENT CITY COUNCIL AGENDA. CALL YOUR LOCAL ELECTED COUNCIL PERSON AND THE MAYOR AND REQUEST THAT A FORENSIC AUDIT BE DONE BY STATE CONTROLLER JOHN CHIANG OF THE CITY HALL BOOKS. 

HAVE THERE BEEN MORE PROCEDURAL GLITCHES OR RED FLAGS THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE ATTENTION OF INTERUM CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER THAT HAVE YET TO BE MENTION SINCE HUDSON SKIPPED TOWN?    TMC RECOMMENDS THAT SCOTT WITH THE HELP OF THE REST OF CITY COUNCIL REQUEST A FORENSIC AUDIT!  IT’S EASY, I EVEN LOOKED UP THE NUMBER FOR YOU, 916-445-2636, ASK FOR JOHN.  BY THE WAY, HE’S EXPECTING YOUR CALL…  IF THERE IS NOTHING TO HIDE, THE NUMBERS WILL ALWAYS COME UP RIGHT! 

KEEP CONNECTED WITH TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S MOST “SLANDEROUS” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!   TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, AND THAT’S ALL WE’RE GOING TO SAY ABOUT THAT ONE… AGAIN, THANK-YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY SPELL CHECKERS!  EMAIL ANONYMOUSLY WITH YOUR DIRT!  THIRTYMILESCORRUPTION@HOTMAIL.COM

CITY OF RIVERSIDE: MISSAPPROPRIATION? QUESTIONS TO FERRET OUT!

Posted: October 17, 2011 in Uncategorized
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THE PRESS ENTERPRISE IS REPORTING THAT CITY OFFICIALS ARE EXAMINING HOW MONEY BUDGETED OR APPROPRIATED FOR COUNCIL ASSISTANTS, ALSO KNOWN AS LEGISLATIVE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES,  IS BEING SPENT.   QUESTIONS AROSE AFTER THE REVIEW OF HOW ONE COUNCILMAN USED THESE FUNDS.   IN 2010 THE LEGISLATIVE FIELD REPRESENTIVE’S POSITION BECAME FULL TIME WITH A SALARY RANGING UP TO $52,000.00 WITH BENEFITS.   AT ONE TIME THIS POSITION WAS PART TIME AND CONTRACTUAL, THEN BECAME FULL TIME AND SALARIED.  THE DETAILS OF HOW MANY COUNCIL PEOPLE UTILIZED AN ASSISTANT, AND THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE ASSISTANT POSITION OVER THE YEARS APPEARS HAZY AND NOT QUITE DOCUMENTED.  A BIG JOB FOR INTERIUM CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER WHO IS TRYING TO HASH IT OUT THE QUESTIONS, OR AS HE STATES “FERRET OUT”.  THIS WHOLE MESS CAME TO THE FOREFRONT BECAUSE THESE MONIES WERE ACTUALLY BUDGETED AND APPROPRIATED FOR THESE LEGISLATIVE FIELD REPRESENTATIVES ONLY.  WELL COUNCILMAN PAUL DAVIS UTILIZED THESE FUNDS FOR OTHER PURPOSES.  DON’T GET ME WRONG, INSTEAD OF PAUL USING THE $50,000.00 FOR AN  ASSISTANT,  HE FELT THESE FUNDS WOULD BE BETTER SPENT IN THE COMMUNITY,  AFTERALL IT IS THERE MONEY.  THE ONLY PROBLEM WAS THAT THESE FUNDS WERE ALLOCATED FOR ONE PURPOSE, AND ONE PURPOSE ONLY, FOR USE ON AN ASSISTANT.  OF COURSE, WE HAVE ALL HEARD THIS QUOTATION,
INGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE FOR BREAKING THE LAW.  SINCE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND EXECUTIVE PERSONEL ARE HELD TO A HIGHER STANDARD, THEY SHOULD KNOW BETTER, OTHERWISE THIS WOULD BE A VIOLATION. DAVIS STATED THAT FORMER CITY MANAGER BRAD HUDSON TOLD HIM HE COULD USE THESE FUNDS TO HIRE AN ASSISTANT OR USE THE MONEY FOR THE COMMUNITY.  BUT APPARENTLY WHAT HUDSON DIDN’T TELL DAVIS, WAS THAT THE FUNDS CAN ONLY BE APPROVED ON A ONE-TIME BASIS THROUGH THE CITY MANAGERS OFFICE, OTHERWISE TO REGULARLY SHIFT THESE FUND FROM THEIR BUDGETED OR ALLOCATED PURPOSE REQUIRES A COUNCIL VOTE.  THIS GOT ME THINKING, IT IS WELL KNOWN OF THE TENSE WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN FORMER CITY MANAGER BRAD HUDSON AND COUNICLMAN PAUL DAVIS.  FURTHER, IT WAS ALSO WELL KNOWN OF HUDSON’S ALLEGED INSUBORDINATION TOWARD DAVIS.  THE QUESTION IS, WAS COUNCILMAN DAVIS SET UP?  AFTERALL, IT WAS HUDSON’S JOB TO SERVE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE COUNICIL PEOPLE.  REGARDLESS, ALL SEASONED COUNCIL PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW BY NOW IF YOU VOTE FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR A PARTICULAR AGENDA ITEM, IT MUST BE FOR THAT ITEM AND THAT ITEM ONLY, TO DO ANYTHING OTHERWISE WOULD BE MISSAPPROPRIATION.   THIS HOT TOPIC IS NOT OVER YET, IT HAS BEEN SENT OVER TO DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FOR MORE HASHING OUT, OR AS INTERIUM CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER STATES, THESE ARE QUESTIONS “TO FERRET OUT”.  THE QUESTION OF MISSAPPROPRIATION SHOULD NOT TAKE LONG FOR A SEASONED INTERIUM CITY MANAGER SCOTT BARBER, UNLESS IT’S HUNTING SEASON.  ARE THERE MORE PROCEDURAL GLITCHES OR RED FLAGS THAT HAVE RECEIVED THE ATTENTION OF BARBER THAT HAVE YET TO BE MENTION SINCE HUDSON SKIPPED TOWN?    TMC RECOMMENDS THAT SCOTT REQUEST A FORENSIC AUDIT!  IT’S EASY, I EVEN LOOKED UP THE NUMBER FOR YOU, 916-445-2636, ASK FOR JOHN, OR BETTER YET, BRING IN CITIZEN AUDITOR VIVIAN MORENO IN, SHE WILL FIGURE IT OUT.

UPDATE: 10/18/2011: THE PRESS ENTERPRISE, DAN BERSTEIN, HAD THIS TO SAY ABOUT FERRETS AND THE DEEPER PHILOSPHICAL QUESTIONS WHICH NEED TO BE FERRET OUT…

UPDATE:10/20/2011: PRESS ENTERPRISE OPINION: COUNCIL SPOILS

UPDATE:12/08/2011: NO DISCRETIONARY SPENDING FOR CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS! WHEN FUNDS ARE SET ASIDE FOR A PARTICULAR USE, THEY ARE NOT MEANT TO BE USED FOR ANYTHING OTHER THAN THAT, AND THAT SHOULD BE A GIVEN… TMC BELIEVES THAT ASSISTANTS SHOULD NOT EVEN BE USED.  CITY STAFF SHOULD BE UTILIZED.  THE QUESTION IS, WAS FORMER BRAD HUDSON GIVING BAD ADVICE, OR FURTHER, WAS CITY ATTORNEY GREG PRIAMOS NEGLIGENT IN PROVIDING PROPER AND CORRECTED ADVICE?

KEEP CONNECTED WITH TMC, RATED RIVERSIDE’S MOST “SLANDEROUS” AND MEZZSPELLED, “MISSPELLED” AND “OPINIONATED” BLOG SITE!   TMC IS NOW EXCLUSIVELY ON FILE WITH THE COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE’S DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE, AND THAT’S ALL WE’RE GOING TO SAY ABOUT THAT ONE… AGAIN, THANK-YOU COMMUNITY OF RIVERSIDE AND THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE EMPLOYEE’S FOR YOUR SUPPORT!  COMMENTS ALWAYS WELCOMED, ESPECIALLY SPELL CHECKERS!  EMAIL ANONYMOUSLY WITH YOUR DIRT!  THIRTYMILESCORRUPTION@HOTMAIL.COM

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