1979 ADJ MTG MIN JUL 30 - Laserfiche WebLink

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A83 Planning Planning Director Gonzales explained the function of his department and the need for additional personnel due -to the growth factor of the City and -the volume of new development. Mr. Gonzales reported that he had requested two additional persons, one being a Planning Assistant, -the other being a Planning Aide, however, the City Manager had deleted -the Planning Assistant. Discussion followed. Mr. Gonzales continued explaining that he currently has a Planning Assistant, but that he had asked for an additional Planning Assistant as well as a Planning Aide. Mr. Gonzales said at -this -time, after reviewing the matter, he feels -the department could better benefit with a Planning Associate rather than the requested additional Planning Assistant due -to -the practical experience the Associate would be required to have. At -this time, Councilman Temby stated he would like to know how many new positions are included in this budget and where are the funds coming from. Councilman Temby stated presently he counts 19 new positions. Finance Director Helsley stated he would secure this information. Q At this time Mayor Gonzales interrupted -the discussion of -the Planning Budget and asked -that Mr. Samuel Wells, Attorney for City Manager Calabrese Q be given an opportunity to -address the Council. PERSONNEL: City Manager Mr. Samuel Wells, for the firm of Silver, Wells, and Kreisler, 11661 San Vicente Boulevard, Los Angeles, California, addressed the Council. Mr. Wells explained the reason he is present tonight is because he received a letter from City Attorney Edwards -telling him that in regards -to the request made for continuance of -the hearing set for August 7, on dismisal of -the City Manager, -that the Council would meet tonight and that I should be present at this time if I wished to address the Council. Mr. Wells stated if you are going to conduct a fair hearing and follow -the intent of -the citizens who adopted the ordinance under which we are operating, you must provide an opportunity for the City Manager, once charges are brought against him with respect to his conduct in office -to defend himself. Mr. Wells said -the way -the matter is setup right now, -there is no possible way he or any other attorney could defend against the vague and nebulous statements used in -the resolution of intention -to remove the City Manager. Mr. Wells explained that it has been at least a week since he wrote -the City requesting specifics as to what the City Manager is being charged with. Mr. Wells continued, -the City Manager as well as the citizens have a right -to know exactly what the charges are and unless you -the Council, have specific incidents brought forth, there is no way he can properly defend his client, Mr. Calabrese. Mr. Wells stated he would like a response as to whether or not he will be provided with a statement of reasons, in order that he might know how to proceed. Mayor Gonzales stated that he felt Mr. Wells' request was reasonable and further -that he has previously given his opinion that -the hearing set for August 7 should be continued -to a different date, in as much, as -the 7-th is the date for -the regular City Council meeting. Mayor Gonzales further stated that if Mr. Calabrese is -to truly have a fair hearing, the City Council should not sit as both judge and jury, but -tbat he favored obtaining an impartial third party or a hearing officer. JUL 9 0 1979