Senior Center Case: Settlement not Payoff..

CITY PAID $74.000.00 for

SCHWAB's STIFF NECK ATTITUDE

and he got a raise.

The way the press is covering the Senior Center Lawsuit Settlement is as if the people who brought suit were Paid Off and the Money was their only goal.

This is not true.

The Law Suit was a direct result of the City Manager and Corporation for Better Housing not doing what is required to have a development be accepted in a neighborhood where Zoning changes were allowed without Public Consideration.

The City Planning Department did not require a EIR...
The Plans were for 3 Story Buildings and a Higher Density
The Plans were to put the building closer to the adjoining Neighbors.
The Plans did not address fence and Noise Issues
The Plans did not address street and parking Issues.
The Plans did not agree with the already existing Barton Rd Plan where pre existing Senior Citizens Housing is Located and Public Transportation and Retail Facilities are available to Pedestrians.

Now, because the City and the Developer took such a stiff neck approach a group of citizens did bring them to Court.

The Court ruled that there needed to be an EIR... One was done...
But the EIR Done was to a Revised Plan...
Revisions: 2 Story Buildings not the Original 3
Defined Air Conditioners
Defined Fences and Parking and Street Accommodations

THE APPEAL:
Was in part because the Complainants are still concerned that Parking is not sufficient for the Residents of the Senior Apartments and the Senior Center. Which will result in the "Senior Center" being used only by Senior Apartment Residents. The lack of Parking for the "Public Park" and Restrooms for the "Public Park", amongst other issues.

In addition to the other Issues. The Legal Fees were to be "Split" by the parties as the court determined that both had a vested interest. This left a few citizens with a large legal fee which was a direct result of the City and Developer's bad actions. So settling on the LEGAL Fees is not a settlement with some sort of unreasonable or unproductive aim. IF the City and Developer had been better at their Jobs to begin with the Legal Fees would not have been incurred.

The issue of Parking remains on the table. It is not in the Court but it is on the minds of the Senior Citizens who live in GT and Use the Senior Center, and the Citizens who want to use the park. The issue of lack of public transportation and retail facilities is also a continued issue that new residents to the project will have to resolve for themselves if they move in without a car. So the Citizens who brought these things to the Court, did make changes that were not going to be made otherwise, and they have informed the Public of the remaining problems pending the development. They have "Settled" on getting done what they think they could get done not for their personal benefit but for the benefit of the Future Residents of the Senior Housing, and the Community. Side walk along Canal St. to the Retail area would be helpful for some able to walk on level ground.

Thank you... The Management of Tom Schwab cost the Project and city this money not the citizens group that brought the court case.

Official Complaint Filed.

Many folks not wanting to be identified who email the blog and no doubt the News Paper not associated with the blog... Grand Terrace City News... GTCN have often complained about harassment of one kind or another in Grand Terrace.

In this weeks GTCN we see a charge that the Sheriff's Deputy have for some reason targeted an employee of GT Lion Bill Judson. Judson's employee David Gearhart is apparently on probation for something. I can only find an old DUI type charge and a few minor traffic violations, listed in San Bernardino County. I do not pretend to say he is not on probation for something else.


SO... the statement that a Law Enforcement Officer is going to chase some one out of town, employee, or resident or not should rise concern of all citizens. EVEN IF someone is on probation, they have a right to exist and try to be law abiding... and employed. Employers willing to risk the hire of some one on probation should not be subjected to harassment either.

SO, if there is a PUBLIC RISK... make it known to the PUBLIC and the INDIVIDUALS. BUT, Cut the Harassment... and it would be interesting to know what the end goal is of the harassment?. Who targeted this person for the special treatment?...

Here we go again...

Read the following article and ask:

How much interest expense is the City of Grand Terrace paying to hold onto a 5 Million RDA Reserve Funds (Funded by Debt).

Do we really want the City of Grand Terrace to Be in Business of Development?
Are the Property Owners selling without being pressured, by the City, adversely affected by Zoning Limitations and Plan Requirements? Only to see those Codes and Zonning requiements changed by the City when it is their Prefered Contractor/Developer doing the development.

Were these prices offered toNon RDA Market? How much is the “Fair Market” Value of the property? No property purchased by the RDA should be a exclusive negotiation or back room deal.

Library? Haven't we heard that one before? Where is the Library they used to justify the threat of the use of Eminent Domain? How about free WiFi for the entire city… that would be less costly and used more. We don’t need a library to rent movies… We need a Youth Center/Tutorial Center for ages 13 to 18… or a Home Business Development Center. We don’t need a big building with some one’s name on it, filled with movies to rent. We need an after school center for Teens.

Grand Terrace scooping up land
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/22/2009 03:27:24 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - The city has big plans for Barton Road, even in the midst of a recession.
Officials are in the process of buying up property along the most heavily traveled thoroughfare in town.

The goal is to begin assembling land for future projects that could include a new library, commercial or medical buildings.

"We're concerned that Barton Road will just become piecemeal development," said Acting City Manager Steve Berry . "We're trying to assemble properties for developers to come in and build larger projects."

Last week, the City Council approved spending $360,000 to purchase a 14,162-square-foot parcel just west of City Hall. The property includes a vacant building that previously housed a Circle K and later a dental product manufacturer.

The council agreed to spend an additional $30,000 for escrow costs, environmental work, asbestos and lead-based paint testing, as well as to demolish the building.

The site would be good for a library or other civic use because it is only about 100 yards from City Hall, Berry said.

At Tuesday's meeting, the council will consider an agreement to buy another property about a mile to the west. City staff members have finished negotiations to buy a 19,032-square-foot vacant parcel on the north side of Barton just east of Vivienda Avenue.

The agreed-upon purchase price is nearly $200,000, but staff members are requesting that the council set aside a total of $215,000, which includes escrow costs and environmental work.
The revenue source for both purchases is city Redevelopment Agency funds. Even with the two purchases, the city still has about $5 million in redevelopment reserves, Berry said.

Berry recently met with Loma Linda Councilman Ovidiu Popescu about expanding that city's fiber-optic network into Grand Terrace.

Grand Terrace wants to attract medical facilities affiliated with Loma Linda University Medical Center and the Jerry L. Pettis Memorial Veterans Medical Center.

-stephen.wall@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3916

Housing Eleminet - RDA DEBT and the Economy

It has been predicted in this very blog that the City Council's and RDA's persistent drive to have housing prices and values increase beyond rational reason, and thus allowing financial institutions and Realtors take their cut of the false increase in value and amounts mortgaged, and the City being the RDA's cosigner for all the Debt they use to acquire property, even under threat of the use of Eminent Domain for Private Development Use... should all be in front of your mind when you read the city is going to have a public meeting on housing... or the Housing Element.

Here you have it friends.

The city needs to get out of the Realty Business, and the Development Business and if there is to Be a "Redevelopment" it should be RE development not NEW Development. Particularly when the RE development competes with existing businesses. NEVER should the city chase people off their land or homes so some one else can put it to "Better USE".

Now that is said, and one hopes this economy has chased them off the back of their high horse. What is appropriate actions for the City Council in aiding Grand Terrace Citizens and land owners in the economy. IT is called Sustainability..

The City Council could do some interesting things:

Bring back Agriculture: Allow small home flock of 6 chickens if you have a home with a back yard. Or allow a couple of small milk goats with the billy to be on Ag Reserve Zoned land. Promote the planting of food producing gardens and trees. Then have a local farmer's market where barter is part of the participation of the market place.

Make Maximum Speed Limit 35 mph in the entire city. This will allow for the reasonable use of Light Electric Vehicles to get around town. This will keep spending money in Grand Terrace. It will reduce the ware on the roads. It will reduce the cost of auto insurance. It will reduce the impact on the environment. It may provide additional business opportunities in GT for LEV sales, modifications and repair.

Audit and post public all payments and receipts of the City and City Staff Hours and Activities. The Public does want to know... The Public is just beaten down and is tired of asking. Historically the next action of the repressed public is not always a good one.

Job Development other than Retail and Drug and Alcohol Sales should be a priority. Light Manufacturing, and Making things. It is fiction that Retail Sales Tax is sufficient to run a sustainable city economy.

Have all homes designated as Businesses. Each being activated by a 40.00 first time fee and a 20.00 per year renewal. The city will provide a service for on line banking / sales and at point of sale or time of sale and payment will collect sales tax on all sales, including a service fee of .5 percent of sale. (This would be like a half cent city sales tax.)

The city should open all bids for local businesses and offer them a 5 percent premium to their bid if they are employers of GT Citizens and ALL must have a GT Business License prior to having a bid considered. All Businesses doing business in GT shall verify that all employees are Legal Citizens legally available to work in the USA.

The City should have a Day Labor Center in City Hall where Grand Terrace/ USA Citizens can be available for hire for day jobs within Grand Terrace.

The City should provide a bus stop for the RTA 215 line at the Barton Rd Off ramps N and S... connecting commuters to work via public transportation.

The City Should provide a early bus to RTA 25 route riders... so they can make connections and get to work on time.

The above buses should go to the Metro Link Station and the Bus Stations for connections.

Now if the City Council Members are yet a bit more self aware of the impact on their part in the Inflation / Financial / Failure and all related folly, they should look at what an Inflated Self Ego has done for a man many of them supported.

Note how many houses he has acquired.... draw your own conclusions of where we collectively as a Nation are headed. Why hasn't Bill just filed a change of address card to jail... save us all the blather of pity me... I am addicted to drugs... He knew what he was doing and he has used public funds to pay for his addiction. Nope. If your a druggie and an elected to office, go to jail directly to jail first... before a citizen goes to jail for the same violation.



Assessor Bill Postmus arrested
By Stacia Glenn on January 15, 2009 10:25 AM
San Bernardino County District Attorney investigators arrested Assessor Bill Postmus this morning on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia for unlawful use.

About 50 investigators and investigative technicians served search warrants at 10 locations in six cities, including San Bernardino , Highland , Apple Valley , Victorville, Rancho Cucamonga and Rancho Santa Margarita in Orange County .

"Evidence of narcotics violations" was discovered at his Rancho Cucamonga home, said DA spokeswoman Susan Mickey.
Lab tests are scheduled for the substances seized, officials said.
stacia.glenn@inlandnewspapers.com

DA investigators at Board of Supervisors, Assessor's Office
By Melissa Pinion Whitt on January 15, 2009 8:31 AM
The San Bernardino County District's Office has investigators at the offices of Assessor Bill Postmus and Supervisor Neil Derry's chief of staff this morning.

Derry confirmed receiving a courtesy call from District Attorney Michael A. Ramos, informing him that investigators were serving search warrants at the office of Jim Erwin, his top staffer.

Postmus has been under investigation following a grand jury report released last June that found he misused the power of his office, hiring under-qualified executive level staff while running a political shop out of it.

Adam Aleman, a longtime friend and his former assistant assessor, was later arrested for destroying and altering evidence sought by investigators.

Erwin is also a former assistant assessor of Postmus'. He and Postmus had a falling out more than a year ago, which led to Irwin leaving and receiving a large severance package.

Three investigators and a fourth county employee left Postmus' office around 9 a.m. One was carrying a box filled with manilla envelopes and a PC hard drive. They loaded the box into a car and swiftly drove off.

Postmus has announced he will not run for re-election. In a recent speech to the Board of Supervisors, Postmus acknowledged that he had had a drug addiction.

Postmus had been under scrutiny for allegations of drug abuse for nearly a year. Several sources close to the assessor have said he had battled a methamphetamine addiction, and had gone to rehab at least twice.

During his speech to the supervisors, Postmus did not discuss what sort of addiction he had.

george.watson@inlandnewspapers.com

Justification for Termination of Schwab/Berry

Schwab/Berry team have been clearly in violation of their employment contracts to manage the city to the benefit of the Citizens.

To allow a plan like the Original Senior Housing to be pushed upon the residents and community was their failure. It was their failure that the study of the impact was not done. It is their failure to assure that the Financial Plan asked for by Council Member Miller several time was not made available. and now because money is hard to get. GT has spent its 10 million and the Corp for Better Housing is not ready with money in hand as promised at the time of the loosie goosie contract.

Their failure was in not insisting that matching funds of our 10 million were put into an escrow account by Corporation for Better Housing to be used exclusively for this project once it was cleared by the court to go forth.

It is not the Citizens who brought suit who have delayed after delay of hearing dates... no... try not to shift the blame here. It is a fact that it is not the Citizens Group who have asked for delays and it is not the Citizens group who said oh heck go spend 10 million before the court issues are resolved.

So they hire now fire 5 people to "Save Money" and the following meeting there is a land deal, and travel junket for Council Members being paid for...

When they arrive in Private Jets maybe the citizens will wake up to their attitude as to who the Government benefits.

Spend on Junkets not City Employees and Services

After voting to terminate 5 city employees the City Councel Members are planning a trip to attend a Political Action Association which does not serve the interests of the Citizens but the interest of the City Manager and City Council Members and Developers who use Redevelopment Agencies to rip off Property owners and taxpayers.

Shame on them if they vote for this annual junket. Shame.

Shame on them for not providing a full accounting of time spent on party activities and planning inlcuding Grand Terrace Days, and the GT Gala which was a private party for only a few invited guests.

Shame on them for spending money on one day blow out events when year round services are being cut.

Shame on them for not insisting on an hourly account of where Steve Berry is and what he is doing in the service of the community of Grand Terrace, not the Riverside School District.

3. CONSENT CALENDAR
The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and noncontroversial. They will be acted upon by the Council at one time without discussion. Any Council Member, Staff Member, or Citizen may request removal of an item from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
A. Approve Check Register Dated January 13, 2009
B. Waive Full Reading of Ordinances on Agenda
C. Approval of 12-09-2008 & 01-06-2009 Minutes
D. 30th Anniversary Event Report and Approve all Community Related Expense Accounts to Begin 2009 with a Zero Balance
E. Authorization for Council Member Bea Cortes to attend the League of California Cities Community Services Policy Committee Meeting, January 21, 2009, in Sacramento , California
F. Authorization for Council Member Walt Stanckiewitz and Acting City Manager Steve Berry to Attend the League of California Cities, New Mayors and Council Members Academy, January 21-23, 2009, in Sacramento, California
G. Resolution Establishing a New 6:00 p.m. Start Time for Planning Commission Meetings
H. Resolution Approving Support for the Green Valley Initiative
I. Resolution of Intention to Vacate a Portion of Britton Way and Set a Public Hearing Date as Required by the Streets and Highways Code, State of California

J. Approve Purchase and Sale Agreement for the Redevelopment Agency Acquisition of 22747 Barton Road
K. Reject Liability Claim GTLC-08-13 ( Shively )
4. PUBLIC COMMENT
This is the opportunity for members of the public to comment on any items not appearing on the regular agenda. Because of restrictions contained in California Law, the City Council may not discuss or act on any item not on the agenda, but may briefly respond to statements made or ask a question for clarification. The Mayor may also request a brief response from staff to questions raised during public comment or may request a matter be agendized for a future meeting.
5. REPORTS
A. Committee Reports
1. Emergency Operations Committee
a. Minutes of November 4, 2008 & December 2, 2008
b. Accept Resignation of Emergency Operations Committee Member - Robert Stewart

Eliminate 2 for the same Price as 5

If the City Council ended the Contracts of the two City Managers they could save over 300.000.00. These two men seem to run the city as if it is to serve them. One has been on extended sick leave and is not comming back to work as City Manager, but as Assistant to City Manager... the Acting City Manager who was his Assistant City Manager, and the City Manger who is on leave is also going to assume the duty of the Finance Dept Manager who left. Now this is so he can have his entire income in place untill his sick leave runs out and his contract end date match.

We also learn that Steve Berry the Assistant City Manager, who is now the Acting City Manager, needs the assistance of the Recovering City Manger to handle the Work Load, has time to work for a Riverside Charity on City Time, Plan Private Parties for the City Staff and Friends of the Council. Gala. He gets a raise because of the added work, then they rehire or change the hire agreement with the Recovering City Manager to pay him additiona income.

There needs to be a job announcement made... Wanted City Manger for Small city Income 85,000 per year, and that would get a savings and keep child care and others employed. Lay off the Scwab/Berry scam team and let the clerks and staff run the city. The Staff has been doing the work anyway.

Up in Smoke...

The Grand Terrace Smoke Shop is trying to get public information out on the reason he has not moved to make way for the Owner of the property to Re Develop the property.

Hearing his side as presented should add additional questions to the issue.

When he signed the lease with the prior owner, was there a clause that said all leases would be null and void is property is sold. Just because he had a lease and thinks he extended it is not a lease with the new owner.

If the new owner said, hey you can stay but stay knowing that at anytime in the future I will be redeveloping the area and you'll have to move.... that is part of the stores new reality. Upon such notice the store owner should have been in move mode. Waiting it out to the last minute makes for bad business.

This is still a contract dispute and should be resolved between parties and the court if required but it is not I repeat NOT a City or Civic Issue.

There are other places to rent in Grand Terrace. The rents or lease may not be as cheep, but the cheep rent was due to the age of the building and the reality that the building was only a temporary location which was going to meet the wrecking ball sooner if not later.

Perhaps the old Doctor's Office on Barton Rd could house the Smoke Shop. Odd Idea... but too close to SDA Church I would bet. There are shops on La Cross in Colton that would give him Freeway Sign Visibility but these too may be short term if the 215 is expanded/improved. The old Tom's Lawn Mower Shop.

There is a high possibility that the shop owner is not looking to relocate, but to cash in and retire out of what ever he can get. Smoking and Smoke Shops pardon the Pun are like a Cancer on our Community. Many property owners will not lease to them as Smoking in the building permeates the other businesses.

Jobs in Grand Terrace or Colton

Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<technical support
Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<software/QA/DBA/etc
Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<legal/paralegal
Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<customer service
Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<business/mgmt
Jan 2 - Amicus Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<admin/office
Jan 2 - Amicus Attorney Software Support - (Grand Terrace, Ca.) <<accounting/finance
Dec 21 - Kitchen Helper - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<food/beverage/hospitality
Dec 21 - Part-Time Medication Aide Coordinator/Med Tech - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 21 - Medication Aide Coordinator/Med Tech - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 21 - Memory Care Director Specialist - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 15 - CONTACT MANAGER FARMERS INSURANCE - (Grand Terrace) <<admin/office
Dec 15 - Part-Time Resident Assistant - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 15 - Resident Assistant - (Grand Terrace, CA) <<healthcare
Jan 7 - Secretary/Office Helper Needed - (Colton) <<admin/office
Jan 6 - General Accounting/DMV Registration - (Colton, CA) <<accounting/finance
Jan 6 - Purchasing Manager - (Colton, CA) <<accounting/finance
Jan 5 - Residential House Cleaning Position - (Inland Empire/Colton) <<general labor
Jan 5 - Phlebotomist - (Colton, CA) <<healthcare
Jan 4 - Residential House Cleaning Position - (Inland Empire/Colton) <<general labor
Jan 4 - HAIRSTYLIST WANTED - (Colton) <<salon/spa/fitness
Jan 2 - Sales Rep. - (Colton) <<sales
Jan 2 - Photography / Digital Imaging - (Inland Empire) <<art/media/design
Dec 31 - MASSAGE THERAPIST - (Colton) <<salon/spa/fitness
Dec 31 - ESTHETICIAN WANTED !!! - (Colton) <<salon/spa/fitness
Dec 30 - Automotive Inspector - (Colton) <<general labor
Dec 29 - Part-Time Phlebotomist - (Colton, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 26 - Part-Time Medical Assistant - (Colton, CA) <<healthcare
Dec 24 - Window leak specialist wanted - (Colton) <<skilled trades/artisan
Dec 23 - TREE TRIMMING - BRANCH AND BRUSH REMOVAL - (COLTON) <<general labor
Dec 22 - Wanted carpenter and/or Handyman - (Colton) <<general labor
Dec 22 - SOCCER, BASKETBALL, TENNIS, ART Instructors needed $20-30/hr part-time - (Inland Empire) <<education/teaching
Dec 15 - Mechanic Needed....START IMMEDIATELY!!!! - (COLTON) <<skilled trades/artisan
Dec 15 - Mechanic needed.....START IMMEDIATELY!!!! - (COLTON) <<general labor
Dec 14 - i need someone to take care of my dog - (fontana/colton or near by cities) <<general labor
Dec 11 - Administrative Coordinator; Work in a FUN, Fast Paced Environment! - (Colton) <<admin/office
Dec 11 - Production Assistant Manager - (Colton,CA) <<manufacturing
Dec 11 - Quality Assurance Technician - (Colton, CA) <<general labor
Dec 11 - Supervisor/Lead Forklift - (Colton, CA) <<general labor
Dec 10 - Insurance Sales - (Colton, Ca) <<sales
Dec 10 - Sandwich and Coffee House - (Cooley Ranch/Colton) <<food/beverage/hospitality
Dec 9 - Book Keeper - (Colton) <<accounting/finance

It is time to Boycot Pasta Italia.

Let Pasta Italia, and All the Employers and Associations of the Yes Layoff Employers feel what it is like to axe 5 people 100 percent of their income.

When Council Member Miller asked if there was an alternative, none were provided... none were exposed as being considered...

How about renegotiation of all contracts including Schwab and Berry to begin with... they got increases on their word that the City was fine in the finance department...

Council Member Jim Miller is the only one who asked a question of what alternatives are there and like always the question was not answered.

How Layoffs are Reported in the Press

Grand Terrace's city layoffs cut into child care center
10:00 PM PST on Tuesday, January 6, 2009

By JULIE FARREN
The Press-Enterprise

Five employees with the city of Grand Terrace will lose their jobs as of Friday after the City Council approved layoffs Tuesday night.

The council voted 3-0 to eliminate the five positions, saving the city $205,000.

Councilman Jim Miller abstained and Councilwoman Bea Cortes was absent.

The child care center will reduce its staff by three employees -- a cook and two teacher's aides. A lead teacher and a teacher's aide will have their hours reduced by 14.5 and 6 hours, respectively.

The city also will lay off a maintenance supervisor in the Community Services Department and a planning secretary in the Community Economic and Redevelopment Department.

Acting City Manager Steve Berry said the city's budget is unbalanced by $194,000.

"It's a 9 percent reduction of our employees at City Hall and a 17 percent reduction of employees at the child care center," Berry said of the cuts.

Miller was the most vocal about the layoffs, saying that he would have liked to see the city's mid-year projections before having to make a decision that would affect five people's lives.

"We have not had a chance to review where other possible cuts could come except for employees," Miller said.

There are 23 full-time employees at City Hall and 17 full-time employees at the child care center.

Berry said there has been a loss of revenue over the past six months at the child care center because of a 23 percent decrease in the number of children attending.

Cathy Varela, the center's director of child care services, said it is a hard predicament to be in, having to reduce the number of employees. But she told the council that the job cuts will not affect the quality of care the children get at the center.

"The level of service will continue," Varela said. "The positions we're looking at to eliminate will mainly affect administrative staff."

One thing city officials didn't want to do was affect services to residents, so there will be no layoffs involving police or fire protection.

Reach Julie Farren at 951-368-9513 or jfarren@PE.com



Grand Terrace City Council OKs layoffs
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/06/2009 07:28:28 PM PST


GRAND TERRACE - Nine months ago, city officials were upbeat about the city's economic future.

"The city again remains in relatively good financial condition for the coming year," former Finance Director Larry Ronnow wrote in an April budget message to the City Council.

Despite having to dip into reserves to shore up a nearly $200,000 budget shortfall last year, officials predicted that rising sales-tax revenue would brighten the fiscal outlook.

What the city didn't anticipate was a deepening recession and an unprecedented housing market meltdown.

Responding to economic realities, the council Tuesday night voted 3-0 to lay off five employees.

The eliminated positions were a maintenance supervisor, a planning secretary, along with a cook and two teachers' assistants at the city-run child-care center.

The hours of another teacher's assistant and a teacher at the center will be reduced.

"We're cautiously optimistic for 2009, but we must be fiscally responsible," Mayor Maryetta Ferre said before the meeting. Ferre, along with Councilwoman Lee Ann Garcia and Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz, voted for the layoffs.

Councilwoman Bea Cortes was absent. Councilman Jim Miller abstained, saying that he wanted more detailed financial information before he would vote to lay off employees.

Three laid-off employees who are eligible to be reimbursed will have the city cover their health costs for the next 90 days.

After the layoffs, the city has 21 full-time employees and 15 full-time workers in the child-care center.

City officials expect to save $205,737 per year as a result of the cuts.

Services such as police and fire protection and library programs are not being cut, said acting City Manager Steve Berry.

Berry said the state's budget crisis is forcing the city to cut costs, but that he doesn't expect any more layoffs.

"I think we've cut pretty much to the bone," he said before the meeting.

California's budget deficit is projected to grow to nearly $42 billion by mid-2010, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's administration said in December. Local officials fear the state will take local money to balance the budget.

"We're doing this because we want to be fiscally sound," Berry said. "We have a very conservative city. The residents expect the budget to be balanced. I don't think they will accept too many years of red ink."

Pasta Boycott Called.

New Council Person who owns Pasta Italia... if people don't work in Grand Terrace who do you think will buy your pasta? Perhaps we should collectively show you what it will be like for the people you support cutting their jobs and income 100 percent, by a boycott of your Pasta Shop for a month or two. Or how ever long it takes the layed off people to find full employment.

Saving's Plan.. Saving their own Assets...

Terminate Steve Berry, and Tom Schwab and Cut all Insurance to City Council and City Council Associations, and Travel outside of City. If that is not enough have the staff starting with Management offer to reduce their income by 5 0r 10 percent... Some may be able to work for less... This should more than enough save the amount termination of 5 or 6 people.

If a head of a house brings home less food, does he not feed the children, the spouse or the grand parent? No they all eat less, and in history we have seen Mother's go without so that children can have more. This City Management has no such moral inclinations... they do not offer to renegotiate down their compensation contracts. They have not approached a unified staff meeting to see where cuts can be made. No they just sharpen the Axe and like cannibals it is any one by them that will make the sacrifice.

Shame on you Berry/Schwab... Shame.

Steve Berry Desires Layoff of Staff

Acting City Manager Steve Berry has made a recommendation to save 270.000 dollars that he Layoff or Terminate particular staff members. Included in this savings plan are Child Care Providers, Maintenance Manager, Planning Secretary. These are individuals who are serving our community and show up to work... it is a matter of cost savings.

Well, how about this... don't make 5 or 6 individuals suffer 100 percent loss of their income. Don't make Children in Day Care receive a higher child staff ratio. Don't reduce the actual services of the Maintenance Department. These jobs are done in Grand Terrace and Serve Grand Terrace Citizens.

On the other hand. Acting City Manager Steve Berry uses City Time to support his Riverside Interests. He has been given a raise recently, and has for some reason found his job so difficult that Former City Manger Tom Schwab who should be on Disability Payments not Staff has been hired back to help Steve Berry and maintain his income level.

What we have here is a City clearly in the service to Tom Schwab and Steve Berry. Asking them to find a way to save money is a farce.

Here is how money could be saved. Cut the Contract Payment to Acting City Manager, and Tom Schwab what ever his title is by 20 percent. Cut all Management Income Payments by 10 percent, Cut out all travel expense to League of California Cities, Cut out Memberships and all out of city expenses for associations and PAC's. Reduce all Stipends to City Council Members by 20 percent. Require actual travel expenses to be logged and accounted for by City Council Members and staff. Reports of meetings attended and people and topic of meeting during travel or the event should be required on trip reports or travel expense accounts.

Cut all staff time spent on planning Halloween Haunt, and other City Parties to zero. Let the Service Clubs and Citizens handle the entertainment. This time should be spent finding grants and funds for the city's long term use in service to the Citizens, or pulling weeds in the pocket park.

Cut all Birthday Gifts, and purchases of Lunches by all Staff Members. Unless there is a Public Meeting, and a trip report of who what where and why the lunch was in service to the citizens and required the expenditure.

Cut all purchases of Automobiles for the Staff use as personal vehicles. Cut all payments of Medical and Life Insurance for City Council Members, and Private Vehicles for Tom Schwab.

This is where I would start making the cuts... Dream on Citizens if you think the duo of Schwab/Berry will suggest making cuts in these areas. It is now clear why Tom is interested in taking on "Finance" when he "Returns" to work. This is where the bones of his management folly are hidden... if we dare to look.

Remember... every time the question of Child Care Center finances came up the Staff always said it pays for itself, money in and money out it is a "wash" as far as the city's finances. So what has changed? Has enrolment gone down? Or do they have a desire to have the Child Care Center found to be in violation of the staff / child ratio and then fall into violations so that it is closed, and turned into a parking lot for Fresh and Easy? One has to wonder when or if there was truth being told here. There are job listings for Sub Teachers and Aids for the Child Care Center... so what is up with that? Hire to Fire?

Only Council Member Miller is asking for an alternative... Other Council Members are "Trusting" Steve Berry to make the recommendations on who to Layoff.. or where the axe will fall. Notice his toes were clear of being amputated. Trust... no... not unless the other cuts come first, will I ever trust that it was required to terminate, layoff, fire people to "Save" money.

Grand Terrace Ethics... What a Sad Joke..

Grand Terrace NEEDS Ethics training

Grandpa,
Acting City Manager, Steve Berry says "We're held accountable to the public and need to act in a transparent manner." . Where are the documents reports and expenditures of his actions for the REEF Meetings, Halloween Haunt, Gala and GT Days.

The reports on-line are incomplete, as you stated earlier. The contributions to council’s campaigns, misuse of government money, i.e., lunches, gifts, bonuses, back room deals with developers.

Are they council members now claiming ignorance to ethics. How much is Harper charging us to teach our council members to be honest – just enough to not get caught. Can anyone take his class?

To think that "Our City Attorney" is giving the Ethics Class is also a sad joke. He has been part of the problem allowing the City Council and City Manager to block Citizen Questions and he fails to work for the Benefit of the Citizens but supports the Council and City Manager. He is not the City Attorney he is their Private Attorney paid for by the Citizens.

If the training was not required they would not sit for instruction. The question should be will it impact their conduct. It hasn't yet.


Grand Terrace to provide ethics training
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/02/2009 11:17:47 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - Using public office for personal financial gain. Holding meetings in secret. Taking gifts from people who contribute to your campaign. There are lots of no-nos for the state's elected officials.

City Council members and planning commissioners this month will take a course to learn the ins and outs of ethical behavior. Department heads are also invited to participate.

City Attorney John Harper will conduct the seminar, scheduled for 4 p.m. Jan. 27 at City Hall.
"It's a good refresher course for our council and Planning Commission on conflicts of interest and the Brown Act," said acting City Manager Steve Berry. "We're held accountable to the public and need to act in a transparent manner."

The training is mandated under Assembly Bill 1234, signed into law by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in 2005. It applies to local officials who receive compensation, salary, stipends or expense reimbursement. Training must be renewed every two years.

Councilman Walt Stanckiewitz, who was elected in November, said he is looking forward to the training.

"I'm going into it with my eyes wide open," said Stanckiewitz, who took office last month. "It's so new to me. I want to make sure I'm doing everything right."

Stanckiewitz, who owns La Pasta Italia restaurant on Barton Road , said City Clerk Brenda Mesa gave him a copy of a book on the Ralph M. Brown Act, the state's open-meetings law.
"I've gone through it cover to cover," Stanckiewitz said. "It will probably be nice to have someone also explaining it at the same time, to reconfirm this is what I think this says."
An open government expert said the ethics training law can only do so much to prevent wrongdoing by public officials.

"I think it depends entirely on the quality of the presentation and the diligence of the elected officials," said Terry Francke, general counsel and founder of Californians Aware, a nonprofit government accountability organization. "In other words, you can have some very diligent and well-intentioned officials but not a very good quality of instruction, or vice-versa."
Elected officials need to have the mind-set that they are going to be as open as possible with the public, Francke said.

"I think those that have to comply with the Brown Act (should) start with the point of view or spirit that says there must be a very, very good reason for keeping people ignorant or confused or uncertain about what we're doing," Francke said.

City to Axe From the Bottem of the Staff First.

Oh my... let's lay off the lowest paid individuals and give the "Acting City Manager" a raise while he works for other out of city Non Profits. Let's continue to pay the former City Manager while he is on sick leave and not Disability. Let's continue to send City Council Members on Trips to San Diego, and other places. Let's continue to pay the City Council Members a 200.00 gas stipend for "City" business without any records of how the money was spent in use of their own cars or where or with whom they met.

Heck, let's take away teachers from children... child care workers, they are not so important are they... They show up and earn their wages. They don't go work as a volunteer for other people. They don't spend city money and time having private parties.

The need for a maintenance manager was created by the Mayor and City Manager and Acting City Manager by their taking over the parkways and pocket parks and over planting the Islands in the streets and parkways along Barton Rd. Will we see the City Council in the heat or cold taking care of these plants that cause driving blind spots? Does the City Mayor know how to fix a sprinkler head? Perhaps she will personally clean the toilets at the parks.

How about a pay reduction of all Management Staff... No Manager in Grand Terrace should earn more than $75,000.00 which is well above the average income of Grand Terrace Citizens.

And having the idea the Former City Manager Tom Schwab will be returning to work as the Finance Manager give me a break... there is a screaming conflict of interest there...

Citizens Need to be alerted to how the City is thinking of making budget cuts... Cut the raises of the Management to the levels of reason, and if that is not enough for them to stay at work and be at work when they are supposed to be working for Grand Terrace, then they should find employment somewhere else. Has the point been made YET?

Who are these "Staff" members suggesting these particular folks are axed? I bet it is not comming from the Staff being Axed...

Grand Terrace council to weigh five layoffs
Stephen Wall, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/05/2009 07:51:26 PM PST

GRAND TERRACE - The City Council will have a special meeting tonight to consider laying off five employees.
Staff members are recommending cutting the full-time positions of maintenance supervisor and planning secretary and eliminating three positions in the city-run child-care center.
The hours of two other positions in the child-care center also would be reduced.
The city would save $205,737 per year with the layoffs and decreased work hours, according to a city report.
Officials say the layoffs are necessary because of the state budget crisis.
Like other cities, Grand Terrace fears that Sacramento might use local money to balance a budget shortfall that could exceed $40 billion in the next 18 months.
"Fiscally, we are in good shape," said acting City Manager Steve Berry. "We don't know what the state is going to do. If we don't do something now, it could be worse in a year or two."
City services such as police and fire protection are not being cut, Berry said.
The meeting is at 6 tonight in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 22795 Barton Road.