CC Min 1994-01-24 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

M/S: LA BERGE/GASPARINI APPROVE MOTION TO AUTHORIZE THE ISSUANCE OF SUBPOENAS AND SUBPOENAS DUCES TECUM TO GREAT WESTERN BANK AND ITS OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES OR AGENTS, TO COMPEL THE ATTENDANCE OF WITNESSES AND - THE PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS REGARDING THE COUNCIL INQUIRY IN RE COUNCIL MEMBERS SANFILIPO AND STEINFELD. Mayor Pro Tern Claire called upon the members of the audience who wished to speak to the issue of the motion on the floor. Joe Steinfeld, Main Street merchant, stated Councilman Greenalch's remarks were incredible and incorrect, and discussed the letter written by the City Attorney of October 21st, which he stated contained false charges against Councilwoman Steinfeld, and asked that he not be censored as he had a right to speak to the issues as he heard them. Mr. Steinfeld stated his opinion of the process, witnesses, false charges, the Council acting as a grand jury, etc. and would not respond to the Mayor Pro Tern's attempts to focus remarks on the issue before the Council. Mayor Pro Tern Claire described the purpose of the investigation and the request for subpoenas, and Mr. Jackson again explained the investigative process, Council compliance with the requirements of the Brown Act, and advised that a report will be issued. Mr. Steinfeld stated "once the smear comes out with no chance for cross examination, then you will make it public?" and continued asking questions of Mr. Jackson. When Mr. Steinfeld would not stop talking nor let anyone else talk, Mayor Pro Tern Claire, gaveled for quiet and advised Mr. Steinfeld that "your conduct is disturbing this proceeding and if you persist in your behavior I am going to order that you be taken into custody." MINUTE ORDER NO. 94-018 As a point of clarification, City Manager Everett advised that during public discussions people make comments, but it is quite unordinary for people to question the Council's legal counsel, and that this policy (all questions or comments must be directed to the Mayor or the Chair) was the general operating procedure at all meetings. Joe Steinfeld persisted in referring to the alleged "charges against Janet." In response to Mayor Pro Tern Claire's urging to stick to the issue before the Council, Mr. Steinfeld said let me read the charges, "Mr. lynch mob man." Mayor Pro Tern Claire again told Mr. Steinfeld to confine his comments to the issues before the Council and Mr. Steinfeld continued reading from the City Attorney's letter from October 21st in an attempt to refute Councilman Greenalch's statement that charges had not been made against his wife. Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTE BOOK NO. 52 January 24, 1994 Page No.1 08 Page 6