CITY OF LA HABRA HEIGHTS

 

MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF

 

THE LA HABRA HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL

 

SEPTEMBER 20, 2005

 

 

CLOSED SESSION

 

The City Council finds, based on advice from legal counsel, that discussion in open session will prejudice the position of the local agency in litigation.

 

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL

 

·       Anticipated Litigation

 

·       Personnel

 

A.    PUBLIC EMPLOYEE RECRUITMENT AND APPOINTMENT

 

Interim City Manager

 

B.     CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR

 

City Negotiator: City Attorney, Sandra Levin

                    Unrepresented employee: City Manager

 

C.     PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

 

Title: City Manager

 

            Mayor Douglas stated that this is a Special City Council Meeting of September 20, 2005 and we are going into Closed Session and will return for normal Opening Ceremonies.

 

            City Attorney Levin noted that we are recessing to Closed Session pursuant to the Code Sections listed in the Agenda, at 6:42 p.m.

OPENING CEREMONIES

 

1.              CALL MEETING TO ORDER

 

Mayor Douglas stated that they have returned from Closed Session and called to order the Special City Council Meeting of September 20, 2005 at 7:24 p.m. in the Multi Purpose Room at 1245 Hacienda Road. He asked the City Attorney if there was anything to report.

 

City Attorney Levin answered that there was no reportable action taken and we will return to Closed Session after regular business.

 

2.              ROLL CALL

 

Members present: Mayor Douglas, Mayor Pro Tem Millsap, Councilmembers Bergman, Carroll and Klein. Also present: City Manager Hendrickson and City Attorney Levin.

 

3.              FLAG SALUTE

 

Mayor Douglas led the flag salute.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MATTERS ON THE AGENDA

 

            Stephen Blagden, Citron Road, spoke that City Manager Hendrickson has been an asset to the City. He mentioned several problems that keep occurring in different areas because Staff does not follow the General Plan. New employees follow how things have been done in the past. Strong leadership is needed to change those patterns. He stated that the hard work on the Ordinances will be wasted unless you embrace them and insist that they are followed.

 

            Mayor Douglas closed the Public Comment.

 

NEW BUSINESS

 

            Announcement and Discussion of City Manager’s future retirement.

 

            Mayor Douglas reported that the City Manager Hendrickson is going to be retiring and we are still discussing how to continue some of the major projects that he has been involved with. Mayor Douglas commented that he handled his service to the City with breadth and skill that we have rarely seen and has been very beneficial. He has made many good management changes in the City. It is with regret that we see him retiring.

 

            John Hendrickson commented he has enjoyed the time he has had here. He stated that he is looking forward to helping in the transition especially in some critical issues that he thinks are important to La Habra Heights. He stated that he is particularly interested in moving forward with conclusions on the Fire facilities and possibly City Hall. Mr. Hendrickson commented that he will prepare outlines of some issues that the Council and the Interim City Manager need to address. Mr. Hendrickson noted that this is a wonderful City and it would be nice if everyone could get along a little better. He stated that opinions in the Heights differ and that is to be expected. He felt that the Staff has worked hard.

 

            Mayor Douglas commented that John is very familiar with the housing issues and the facilities issues and we anticipate that he will be able to focus on such issues and not have to bother with the every day issues in the next few months. He will be able to answer questions the interim City Manager will have.

 

            Commissioner Carroll added his thanks to Mr. Hendrickson for his years of service and noted that it had been a pleasure to work with him.

 

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

 

            Mayor Douglas asked if there would be any reports.

 

            City Attorney Levin stated that it looks like we won’t have any.

 

            Mayor Douglas explained that Council would go back to Closed Session and return when they are done. Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:35 p.m.

 

            Mayor Douglas reconvened the Council meeting from Closed Session at 10:55 p.m. He stated that no reportable actions were taken.

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

 

            There were no Council Comments.

 

CONTINUED PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS ON THE AGENDA AND NOT ON THE AGENDA

 

            Mayor Douglas noted that there are no public to make comments.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

            Mayor Douglas adjourned the City Council Meeting at 10:56 p.m. to Special Council Meeting of September 27, 2005.

 

            ATTEST:

 

 

 

            ___________________________________

            CITY CLERK, JAMES RUTH