(Updated 2/3 to show meeting adjourned by board action)
Last night’s Morongo Valley Community Services District special meeting had an overwhelming turnout of 95 impassioned attendees to weigh in on two items on the agenda that quickly turned convoluted and collectively hostile due to various unsubstantiated rumors.
Beginning with 21 Morongo Valley residents speaking at public comment, attendees lovingly though unnecessarily defended Fire Chief James Brakebill for his work in the community, claiming his job was being “threatened” by board members under assumptions he was going to be “fired;” likely due to attendees misunderstanding his performance evaluation in closed session on the agenda. Board members assured attendees Brakebill was never in any danger of losing his job or had concerns of his performance and praised him repeatedly and with solidarity.
To soothe the misinformed ire of attendees, Board President Jennifer Henning decided to “spoil the surprise” when she announced Brakebill would, in fact, be receiving a proclamation of appreciation in weeks to come.
Board members however voiced concerns about Brakebill’s choosing to wait until the public could weigh in further before he signed the agreement for new legal counsel under his other role of General Manager, for fear he would be costing the District “hundreds of dollars.” Brakebill admitted he felt’ uncomfortable,” but assured attendees he wanted to eventually sign with more time and consideration. Majority board members re-memorialized their vote in favor of new legal counsel with Best, Best, and Krieger.
Attendees erupted repeatedly regarding the other agenda item discussed, where any agreement, document or matter of business that has been approved by the MVCSD Board of Directors, by a majority vote, may be executed by either the MVCSD General Manager or the MVCSD Board of Directors President. Even though this is within board members legal right, attendees, many who admitted to have never attended a meeting previously, viewed it as “illegal” and a “takeover.”
Director Christina Gorke brought a motion to hold any contracts until the next regular meeting, which was voted against by majority Board members.
Calm was briefly restored after a short break, when the board members under attack from attendees engaged with queries from those who would speak calmly, clearly, and without interruption, which lasted mere minutes before attendees flared up again. To conclude the 3-hour meeting, President Henning made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Vice President Emory.
