It’s déjà vu all over again for Twentynine Palms City Council. Approving a contract for a new city manager in Twentynine Palms — it felt so nice, they’re doing it twice. Dan Stork explains why…
In a special meeting on April 30, the Twentynine Palms City Council approved a contract for Joe Guzetta to serve as the new permanent City Manager. On May 7, former Council Member Steve Spear made a written charge that the Council violated the state’s public meeting law—the Brown Act—in two respects. Spear claimed that the approval was done in closed session, and that contract approval in a special meeting was improper. Patrick Munoz, legal counsel for the city, replied to Spear on May 9. In that reply, Munoz stated that Spear was incorrect with regard to the facts on the first count, and incorrect with regard to his interpretation of the law on the second count. However, Munoz went on to write “…in order to err on the side of caution, and to ensure that not even the perception of a Brown Act violation might exist, staff is recommending to the City Council that it treat the agreement approved on April 30 as void, and reconsider its April 30 action.” Munoz added, “Notably, Mr. Guzetta specifically concurs that this is the best approach as it is his desire to ensure there is not even the perception of any issue related to his employment.” The contract that will be presented on May 14 differs from its predecessor on in its effective date—May 14—and Guzetta’s starting date as City Manager—June 3.
