Meeting: City Council Regular Meeting

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Event transcript
	No worries at all.	00:00:00
	All right. Good evening, everybody. It is January 14, 2000.	00:00:02
	And 26.	00:00:06
	I'm Mayor Zach Stratton. We're going to open this.	00:00:09
	Vineyard City Council meeting it is.	00:00:12
	6.	00:00:14
	We're going to start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm going to ask Council Member Wood to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,	00:00:15
	after which Tim Blackburn will give us an invocation.	00:00:19
	I pledge allegiance to.	00:00:31
	The flag of the United States of America.	00:00:36
	And to the Republic for which it stands.	00:00:39
	One nation under God.	00:00:42
	Individual with liberty and justice for all.	00:00:44
	Yeah, perfect.	00:00:53
	Our Father in heaven.	00:00:57
	We are very grateful to be here tonight.	00:00:59
	On this occasion and.	00:01:02
	We thank thee for the opportunity.	00:01:04
	To live in a free nation.	00:01:07
	We are grateful for.	00:01:09
	This new year.	00:01:11
	When we will.	00:01:13
	Celebrate the.	00:01:14
	Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation.	00:01:16
	And we are grateful to be here, part of it, enjoying the freedoms that we do.	00:01:21
	We thank thee to.	00:01:26
	Live in this state and in this community.	00:01:28
	And to enjoy again.	00:01:32
	There's similar freedoms and privileges.	00:01:34
	That those before us have enjoyed.	00:01:38
	Father in heaven we are.	00:01:41
	Grateful for the staff and employees of this community and the work that they have done in the past and.	00:01:43
	We pray for this new City Council and mayor that.	00:01:49
	They will be wise and.	00:01:53
	In their decisions in the future.	00:01:56
	We pray that they will be uplifted and strengthened by this community. We.	00:01:59
	Know that there will be differences of opinions on occasion.	00:02:04
	And we pray that we might be able to resolve those differences to the benefit.	00:02:07
	Of the greater community, always.	00:02:12
	With peace and.	00:02:14
	And joy, we hope to have a community here, Father in heaven, that.	00:02:16
	Our children and grandchildren can live in and be raised.	00:02:20
	Be educated.	00:02:24
	Feel safe. We're thankful for the first responders who.	00:02:25
	Protect.	00:02:30
	This community and respond to.	00:02:31
	Urgent matters.	00:02:33
	We pray for them to be safe and watched over in their work.	00:02:35
	We are.	00:02:39
	Grateful for those upon whose shoulders we now stand.	00:02:41
	For those who've come before us.	00:02:45
	In this great community.	00:02:48
	Those who helped to tame the land.	00:02:50
	And make it such that it would be productive.	00:02:53
	And we pray that we will always remember them as well as we go forward in a newer community.	00:02:55
	Being able to build upon that.	00:03:01
	And make us stronger and.	00:03:03
	And a place that we can all call home.	00:03:05
	These things we humbly pray and thank Thee for.	00:03:07
	In the name of Jesus Christ.	00:03:10
	Amen. Amen.	00:03:12
	And thank you so much, Tim. We really appreciate that prayer.	00:03:15
	A lot of good wisdom and.	00:03:19
	Very grateful for inviting our.	00:03:22
	Our creator to help us through this process.	00:03:25
	The first business item we have on the agenda tonight is 2.1. We are going to actually need to move this.	00:03:28
	The intent of 2.1 is moving forward and we are going to try to have our City Council meetings. I'd like to have them Tuesday	00:03:35
	evenings.	00:03:38
	I think that that will help.	00:03:42
	Members of the community be able to get it's a little bit easier to come on a Tuesday night and then also work with staff to make	00:03:43
	sure that the agendas are.	00:03:47
	Are going to be trying to get the best we can the intent is to get the agendas published Friday by end of day me and Tony have	00:03:51
	talked about that making sure that we can make that happen but Tony do you kind of want to walk us through this process would that	00:03:55
	be OK kind of what.	00:04:00
	We need to do here.	00:04:04
	Yeah. Before we dive into that, can I make a point?	00:04:06
	Clarification. Sure.	00:04:10
	I think we can pass this today.	00:04:14
	Looking at the.	00:04:16
	Current ordinance.	00:04:17
	There's.	00:04:18
	Passage in there that allows us to amend the regular meeting schedule by resolution at anytime.	00:04:19
	And that's what I would.	00:04:24
	Just point out before we come forward with that. Oh, OK.	00:04:27
	Yeah, I, I mean, I, I know in in looking at it.	00:04:30
	Previously it.	00:04:33
	My understanding was that there was an ordinance that was drafted up.	00:04:34
	To amend Title 3.	00:04:37
	To then allow us to pass the resolution to.	00:04:39
	Then amend the.	00:04:43
	Already passed meeting schedule.	00:04:44
	But I would.	00:04:48
	I am not the legal expert. Sounds good.	00:04:49
	I am. If council feels comfortable, I'd like to probably just pass this and then if we need to do a cleanup.	00:04:53
	In the next meeting we can do that.	00:04:58
	Would you all feel comfortable with that?	00:05:00
	I would just propose one edit. There's a meeting on there for.	00:05:02
	January 13th that we just removed that since that's already passed. OK, awesome.	00:05:05
	Thank you.	00:05:09
	Thank you for that.	00:05:09
	Can could we also talk about working sessions? Do we want to put in that if we're going to be?	00:05:10
	Doing working sessions or.	00:05:16
	Like next week.	00:05:19
	Or do we want to hold off because we're only meeting every other week right now?	00:05:21
	Yeah, I think.	00:05:24
	My intent was we would do work sessions as needed.	00:05:25
	And not necessarily put them on the on the calendar in a permanent.	00:05:29
	Since no votes are taking place, correct. Yeah, because that work sessions, I think that.	00:05:33
	We've talked about the intent of work sessions, you know, holding them in a.	00:05:37
	You have different format that's more comfortable for everybody.	00:05:41
	OK, so.	00:05:44
	OK, that sounds good.	00:05:46
	Already with that can I get a motion?	00:05:49
	Yeah, I move.	00:05:51
	So let's see, I can make a motion, right? I make a motion.	00:05:54
	I move to continue this.	00:05:58
	Yeah, I was gonna say, I know, I'm sorry. The sample motion was to continue so.	00:05:59
	I would I would I make a motion to pass?	00:06:03
	Or approve amendment.	00:06:07
	2026 New York City Council Meeting Schedule Resolution 2026.	00:06:10
	Dash 01.	00:06:15
	As written with the change.	00:06:17
	From uh.	00:06:19
	As rider.	00:06:20
	Do I have a second?	00:06:23
	Do I have a second there?	00:06:24
	A second awesome all in favor.	00:06:26
	Aye.	00:06:28
	Great. Thank you. Just to make sure, since that one was a resolution, if you would do that by rolling individually, roll by roll	00:06:29
	call? OK, let's start over. We'll start off with Ezra on this side, aye.	00:06:33
	Aye aye, Jake, aye.	00:06:37
	Hi, awesome. Sounds good.	00:06:40
	Resolution passes.	00:06:42
	OK. Next on the agenda is going to be 2.2, jumping into the independent audit. So a little background on this history, the	00:06:44
	previous Council.	00:06:49
	Issued an independent audit to come in and really look at.	00:06:56
	Specifically, city operations and city.	00:07:01
	And financial, financial controls that we have going on in the city.	00:07:05
	And it they came back with 92 pages of.	00:07:09
	Information.	00:07:12
	And as I was thinking about it.	00:07:13
	All over the last month of how to best tackle this and ensure that we are having.	00:07:17
	Proper oversight and.	00:07:22
	Good governance.	00:07:24
	I felt strong that.	00:07:25
	That the best way to do this was to appoint a subcommittee that would really dive into this.	00:07:27
	With two members so we could follow the open.	00:07:33
	The grammar, Not the grandma. The open medium. Yeah, the open meeting laws.	00:07:36
	And allow us to really dig into that and and.	00:07:42
	Have.	00:07:45
	Help the taxpayers feel that.	00:07:46
	That we take this seriously and we are. We are.	00:07:48
	In an effort of good governance.	00:07:51
	To making sure that we are.	00:07:53
	Making fat big fact based decisions and moving forward in that direction.	00:07:55
	That that we do that.	00:08:01
	That is kind of where my head's at with that there. So I wanted to put this on the agenda today and just have a discussion about	00:08:03
	it.	00:08:06
	Specifically the scope.	00:08:10
	And uh.	00:08:12
	The time I'd like to.	00:08:13
	As you can see in the RDA meeting, we're going to pass one similar for the RDA.	00:08:14
	Because there are there is some.	00:08:18
	Some stuff in here in the RDA.	00:08:20
	As well.	00:08:22
	So I felt it appropriate to talk about in Council meeting.	00:08:23
	Get a subcommittee going, then one also for the RDA.	00:08:25
	Because there's kind of two different.	00:08:28
	There's findings and.	00:08:30
	Different things.	00:08:33
	Things again. So anyways, open up to discussion from Council.	00:08:34
	And.	00:08:38
	Go from there So.	00:08:39
	Parker, do you have anything you'd like to start, maybe start on this end?	00:08:41
	Sure, I just start.	00:08:46
	Thoughts. Yeah. Thoughts yeah, Give your thoughts and.	00:08:47
	And all the above, so be great.	00:08:49
	To be clear, I'm a big.	00:08:52
	Supporter of having the.	00:08:54
	Is the appropriate term working group.	00:08:57
	For that, sure.	00:08:59
	Submitted Subcommittee.	00:09:00
	As far as my personal intent.	00:09:03
	With reviewing.	00:09:06
	The audit findings.	00:09:07
	I don't think that the discussion is about personalities. I don't think the discussion.	00:09:09
	Is about assigning blame. I think that it would be wrong for us to try to go back and do that. I think ultimately what it really	00:09:14
	is about.	00:09:18
	Is systems and controls.	00:09:21
	And that dictates the outcomes that we've seen as a city.	00:09:24
	So I think we as a City Council.	00:09:27
	Must fulfill our responsibility.	00:09:30
	To provide effective oversight on behalf of the residents and the taxpayers.	00:09:32
	In short, independent audits exist.	00:09:38
	To not be a political document.	00:09:41
	But to be and not be a personal critique.	00:09:44
	But they identify risk. They identify weaknesses.	00:09:47
	And in that.	00:09:50
	It shows us where we can, as a government, establish better controls and systems.	00:09:52
	To not minimize or be defensive, but to ask.	00:09:57
	Are we actually fixing the problems?	00:10:02
	So I'm in support of.	00:10:05
	Working groups.	00:10:08
	Go Team.	00:10:09
	Awesome. Thanks.	00:10:11
	Jake, you want to speak to that? Anything like to add to that go down the line here.	00:10:12
	I'm very passionate about this.	00:10:17
	This is a very narrow audit.	00:10:22
	And everything we chose to look at came back.	00:10:25
	Extremely bad.	00:10:28
	And I want to prepare the Vineyard citizens.	00:10:29
	There's a very large part that we have not even looked at.	00:10:32
	And from all the people that have come in.	00:10:36
	And, umm.	00:10:39
	Brought forth, these were the only points that the previous Council would allow us to investigate.	00:10:39
	There are many, many more points.	00:10:46
	That we did not have.	00:10:48
	The political power, but I do want to commend.	00:10:51
	The previous council.	00:10:54
	Especially Councilman Brett Clausen for pushing.	00:10:56
	In the very last second of last year to make it independent.	00:11:01
	In order to get my vote.	00:11:06
	I said it's got it's got to be this and and we went through those seven items that were the easy.	00:11:08
	Easy things to pick off.	00:11:14
	And find.	00:11:17
	Again I echo.	00:11:20
	Councilman.	00:11:22
	You know.	00:11:24
	This is not to to attack anyone, individual or department, head or leadership at that time.	00:11:26
	It's just more of to make the citizens familiar.	00:11:31
	Or understand what what did happen and also.	00:11:35
	Be able to widen the scope.	00:11:39
	On that and and go where where it leads us.	00:11:40
	I do think that the recommendations.	00:11:44
	In meeting with the auditor that went through this.	00:11:46
	Are really good.	00:11:49
	But like I said.	00:11:51
	The one thing though, that I would.	00:11:53
	Caution, citizens, is that.	00:11:55
	All of this spending was voted on and approved.	00:11:58
	So it's going to be extremely hard.	00:12:01
	We're not claiming wrongdoing in any of this. We're just.	00:12:04
	Because the way in which agendas were appropriate.	00:12:08
	Improved very high level and very broad.	00:12:11
	The scope of what was given to the department heads of that time.	00:12:15
	Was very generalized.	00:12:19
	Travel. You can define that as anything.	00:12:21
	Economic development, you can define that as anything.	00:12:24
	Miscellaneous. You can define that as anything and so putting those into those categories.	00:12:27
	Allows for.	00:12:32
	The ability for them to do that.	00:12:34
	Even though the citizens.	00:12:37
	Might not agree with it.	00:12:40
	But I think.	00:12:42
	Above and beyond that.	00:12:43
	With this change in power.	00:12:45
	I would never give the same power to Mayor Stratton.	00:12:47
	I There are many citizens that did not have the power, including Mr. Stratton.	00:12:52
	That went to try to get the Ledger that couldn't get access to the Ledger even while running as a candidate.	00:12:58
	And so we do not have the safeguards in place.	00:13:04
	For the average citizen to be able to hold.	00:13:07
	Our government accountable.	00:13:10
	In a meeting with.	00:13:13
	Auditor Tina Cannon at The State.	00:13:15
	Any citizen at anytime should be able to walk into the door.	00:13:18
	And say I want the complete Ledger and have access to that.	00:13:21
	Had that been followed from the beginning, we would have found this problem two years ago.	00:13:24
	And millions of dollars would have not been.	00:13:30
	Wasted and so.	00:13:32
	Putting in those policies, but also.	00:13:35
	For the opposition, for those that didn't vote for the.	00:13:37
	The incoming.	00:13:40
	They should be empowered now and we should be an example to them, and so I want this audit committee to go back and look into the.	00:13:42
	Policies that are in place to say.	00:13:49
	Is this?	00:13:51
	Going to safeguard someone without.	00:13:53
	Power or authority to be able to investigate and hold their government accountable, not just look into the past.	00:13:55
	But look into.	00:14:03
	What stymied the ability to have this come forward sooner? If that makes sense. So.	00:14:05
	I completely.	00:14:10
	Agree with the.	00:14:11
	Subcommittee for review and.	00:14:14
	Support that effort.	00:14:17
	Thanks, Councilman Hobley.	00:14:19
	Councilman Wood, Yeah, just to echo.	00:14:21
	Parker and Jake, you had audits. Pretty troubling when it comes to.	00:14:24
	Shared cards, shared gas cards, missing receipts, I think we have obligation to put in.	00:14:28
	On the best practices. So I think that this committee.	00:14:33
	Intent is to do that, the auditor said. There's a lot of.	00:14:37
	So it's hard to break the law. It's hard to break rules when the rules aren't written.	00:14:41
	Right. So we have a lot of rice.	00:14:44
	A lot of rules to write a lot of stuff to.	00:14:46
	Look into like Jake said, the scope of the audit was not even that.	00:14:48
	Broad. It wasn't very narrow, so they might.	00:14:53
	You know, might have a.	00:14:55
	Other situations we have to look in other areas to find what rules we need to write, what things we need to investigate as well,	00:14:57
	so I support this.	00:15:00
	Going forward.	00:15:04
	Awesome.	00:15:05
	Thanks.	00:15:06
	Councilman Larry.	00:15:06
	Thank you.	00:15:07
	There is just so much in this report.	00:15:09
	I mean so over 100 pages thereabouts and there are 7 main headers.	00:15:11
	And under each heading, there must have been, you know, 8 or 10 or 11.	00:15:15
	Different findings.	00:15:19
	Under each of those with with.	00:15:21
	Each of those with a half dozen, you know, sub points things we need to work on.	00:15:22
	The vast majority of them are basically record keeping.	00:15:27
	And and and also procedural procedures, sitting up and so forth and.	00:15:30
	And I think we'll be busy for the next year just working on these things practically.	00:15:34
	But.	00:15:39
	But I do believe that we do want to be open.	00:15:40
	To the idea if the subcommittee were to find other issues to to pursue that we want to pursue them.	00:15:43
	And this is a side note and not going to side, just the main note really we the city owes a great deal of gratitude to.	00:15:48
	Brett Clawson and and looking this forward. Thank you, Brett.	00:15:53
	This is really really.	00:15:57
	I mean it.	00:15:59
	It's a mountain to have to have to handle but.	00:16:00
	At least we know we have it now. Thank you.	00:16:02
	So I would I would support that.	00:16:05
	And I would I support we go forward with that and and research them and and.	00:16:07
	I would suggest that that the majority of the points would be taken taken care of by a subcommittee.	00:16:11
	From this council, but there Chapter 5, the Redevelopment Agency, issues all but one of those.	00:16:16
	It sub points there.	00:16:23
	Probably better handled by a subcommittee in the.	00:16:25
	By the Redevelopment Agency Board.	00:16:29
	Yeah, yeah. We're going to address that in the RDA meeting.	00:16:30
	Late this evening, so thank you.	00:16:34
	Awesome, Ezra.	00:16:38
	Yeah, I just have one.	00:16:40
	Rather than I.	00:16:45
	Most of your guys comments about.	00:16:47
	Kind of the limited scope of this audit.	00:16:49
	And one of the things as I was looking at the contract independent auditor.	00:16:51
	Is that we?	00:16:55
	Not only appointed them to do the audit, but to also help us set up a formal audit committee.	00:16:56
	One thing that's recommended for large organizations?	00:17:01
	Our organization reached that status last year.	00:17:04
	Is to have a formal audit committee.	00:17:07
	And.	00:17:09
	The consultant and independent auditor actually agreed to help set that up.	00:17:10
	And provide training and have.	00:17:14
	That formal committee that can then look at.	00:17:17
	Not only just this limited scope of this audit, but to look at any problems in the city, anything when identifying any processes.	00:17:19
	That we can improve.	00:17:26
	And.	00:17:27
	Formal process and also check the box on.	00:17:29
	One of the state requirements or through the state recommendations.	00:17:32
	They'll send a list every year of recommendations.	00:17:36
	That local government should have, and having a formal audit committee is one of those.	00:17:38
	So I would.	00:17:42
	Recommend that we.	00:17:44
	We established that in addition to this.	00:17:45
	Or perhaps we established that to then.	00:17:48
	And set up a separate subcommittee that can look specifically at this audit and then we have.	00:17:51
	You know, other people looking at.	00:17:56
	Fulfill that requirement and then.	00:17:59
	For sure.	00:18:04
	And those services are paid for as well, So I think we should.	00:18:05
	Definitely take advantage for sure.	00:18:08
	Yeah. So that was that was paid for in the original.	00:18:09
	The original go around.	00:18:12
	OK.	00:18:13
	Is there extra money, Brett, to set up that committee? I thought he spent the money on just the actual audit.	00:18:17
	You can come. Yeah. Come on up, Brett. Yeah. Thank you.	00:18:24
	The what it was is the consulting to set it up and I think the the vision for the audit committee would be staff and citizens on	00:18:28
	citizens on a volunteer basis that that was the that was my understanding of.	00:18:34
	Of how that was supposed of the contract.	00:18:41
	So we've already paid for that.	00:18:42
	For the for the consulting on getting it set up the audit committee, yeah.	00:18:44
	Yeah, but the but the committee itself is is independent.	00:18:48
	Within the city, it has nothing to do with the right.	00:18:52
	With the consultant once.	00:18:54
	Once we're set up.	00:18:56
	I think we could. There wouldn't be anything barring.	00:18:57
	Any of us from serving on that committee as well. I think you would just probably be, yeah.	00:19:00
	OK. So the subcommittee could possibly lead that effort in involve the consultant and we've expanded, expand as we need to.	00:19:04
	For sure.	00:19:11
	No, I think that that's really cute. One of the things that I want to make sure that we're doing is getting buying from the	00:19:12
	community. I know that in our community we have a lot of subject matter experts, professionals in various fields that really can	00:19:16
	help us. And they've reached out to me, reach out to other members of council, I'm sure as well with the desire to help.	00:19:21
	And and get involved and. So I think that that would definitely be in line with the intent and.	00:19:26
	Kind of where my head is at.	00:19:31
	For this subcommittee.	00:19:33
	To to do that and thank you guys for and Brett for the.	00:19:34
	Heads up on that that they're willing to.	00:19:37
	Do training and stuff like that because I think that is.	00:19:39
	The more professional help that we can get and the more.	00:19:42
	Just oversight. I think it's just going to just turn out better for everybody involved, so.	00:19:45
	Just a point of order, we don't have to name those.	00:19:50
	Citizens and individuals tonight, you hold the authority to add them and adjust as necessary. You're just authorizing the	00:19:52
	subcommittee and those that are leading it tonight, and we can add as necessary.	00:19:57
	Yes, correct.	00:20:02
	OK, so in that the the people I was thinking about working on this so.	00:20:04
	One of the benefits we have moving to six person council is I don't have a vote and so I can, I can.	00:20:07
	Three of us can be together. So I was thinking I would share the subcommittee and I'd have.	00:20:11
	Councilman.	00:20:16
	I'd have Parker and Jake hold away, help us out with that so.	00:20:17
	That's where I was thinking on this specific subcommittee.	00:20:21
	So any other comments before we?	00:20:24
	Move on to the next item.	00:20:28
	Yeah.	00:20:29
	I just had a comment about.	00:20:31
	Actually, I think it's probably fine.	00:20:37
	Never mind. OK.	00:20:38
	Awesome. Umm.	00:20:40
	Any emotion? Yeah. Can I have a motion?	00:20:41
	For that, please, I move. We approve the formation of the subcommittees.	00:20:44
	As presented by the mayor.	00:20:47
	Second. OK, awesome.	00:20:49
	All in favor.	00:20:52
	Hi, OK, awesome.	00:20:55
	Motion passes. Just to clarify, who did I have as the second for that?	00:20:57
	Jacob Wood.	00:21:01
	Thank you, Sir.	00:21:02
	All righty. Moving on to another subcommittee that wanted to put together.	00:21:03
	As we have, as I've gone through the last.	00:21:08
	Probably.	00:21:12
	One of the great things that Mayor Fulmer did to me or did for the city and really for me.	00:21:14
	Is she was very, very open and very, very kind in her.	00:21:20
	And helped me out a ton of my onboarding process.	00:21:24
	And that was it was.	00:21:28
	Great to work alongside her.	00:21:29
	And staff and so forth and kind of really started.	00:21:31
	Yeah, probably November 10th or so.	00:21:36
	So it's really is good to kind of get caught to speed and so forth.	00:21:39
	As we're going through the onboarding process and so forth.	00:21:43
	And I was getting to know the staff and the different members of the city.	00:21:47
	I felt that.	00:21:52
	It was.	00:21:53
	Because the elections results were what they were.	00:21:54
	And uh.	00:21:57
	There is.	00:21:58
	Really a mandate from the the citizens to.	00:22:03
	To change some things.	00:22:05
	I felt that appropriate to.	00:22:07
	Appoint another subcommittee.	00:22:09
	And in a private and professional way, meet with members of staff and and see where they're at.	00:22:10
	And have conversations with them.	00:22:15
	And.	00:22:18
	Kind of where where?	00:22:19
	What what their appetite is for staying around and, and all that stuff. So.	00:22:23
	That is.	00:22:28
	Where I'm.	00:22:29
	Kind of we're going with on this second subcommittee. I really.	00:22:30
	One of the things I want to do.	00:22:33
	And is make this as collaborators.	00:22:34
	As possible.	00:22:37
	But at the same time we need to respect.	00:22:38
	The the privacy and the professional desires of staff.	00:22:40
	In an appropriate way.	00:22:45
	And so that's kind of where I was noodling and thinking about this subcommittee as well to kind of go through and, and have those	00:22:47
	conversations and, and just have.	00:22:51
	Really organizational alignment, I think that.	00:22:56
	Any well run organization, one of the keys is making sure that there's alignment.	00:22:59
	And.	00:23:04
	Get helping the staff get aligned with the direction that we'd like to go and.	00:23:05
	Just having good conversations with that.	00:23:09
	So that is that's kind of where I am on this second subcommittee, so.	00:23:12
	Maybe I'll start.	00:23:18
	That's just we can start again with Parker.	00:23:20
	And just any thoughts or?	00:23:22
	Comments about that?	00:23:24
	That agenda item 2.3.	00:23:26
	Yeah, I think that that's probably.	00:23:29
	Pretty straightforward.	00:23:31
	Practice so as we're not.	00:23:32
	Bringing.	00:23:35
	People out to council meetings without notice or conversation ahead of time. I think that's a good way for City Council members or	00:23:36
	mayor to collect information and.	00:23:41
	Really determine I guess.	00:23:48
	Best course of action with each individual on an individual basis.	00:23:49
	Jacob, you want to go or Jake?	00:23:56
	This is a really hard one.	00:23:58
	You're balancing 2 separate things.	00:24:00
	You're balancing.	00:24:03
	The feelings of.	00:24:04
	Staff members.	00:24:05
	Their privacy.	00:24:07
	Their incredible service to our city over many years and the great things that they did.	00:24:09
	And wanting to focus in on all the all the positive things.	00:24:15
	While also.	00:24:19
	Looking at the direction of where the city is, but also looking at.	00:24:20
	What's occurred?	00:24:24
	I know in the audit we're only looking at certain things.	00:24:26
	But it's how many years it took to be able to find these things when they were.	00:24:29
	When they were there.	00:24:34
	These things were not.	00:24:36
	Hidden in a vacuum.	00:24:39
	It took many staff members and it makes me feel bad.	00:24:41
	To be able to facilitate the hiding of what happened.	00:24:45
	It wasn't illegal.	00:24:49
	But it made it very difficult for us to find or get access to the Ledger.	00:24:50
	Many of you know publicly I've already told you.	00:24:56
	There are 12 fake social media accounts that were created to target me.	00:24:59
	Four of which were created by staff.	00:25:03
	I would never publicly humiliate them.	00:25:06
	Whether whatever they did to me or my family.	00:25:09
	But changes should occur and we should handle those in a.	00:25:12
	Correct way.	00:25:16
	If those staff members disagree.	00:25:17
	With those decisions and they want to make it public.	00:25:19
	I have no problem and we should be as transparent as possible with them.	00:25:23
	During that process, because the citizens have a right to know.	00:25:27
	But also.	00:25:31
	People make mistakes in life.	00:25:32
	And they deserve to move forward on that.	00:25:34
	And there's also staff members with the new direction of the council of where they want to go, that they were great, they worked	00:25:37
	for a really long time and the.	00:25:41
	Or council might feel that they need to go a different direction and so I believe holding those conversations in private.	00:25:45
	I believe asking them do they want to reapply, do they want to go through the process, do they don't asking them taking many weeks	00:25:53
	to go through that make sure that if they don't want to be here, if they don't want to go in that new direction, we get that.	00:25:59
	I would also point out that we have a.	00:26:06
	I mean the audit, but also many things happen where our staff is too political.	00:26:08
	During the campaign, 22 staff members, according to Councilman Cameron.	00:26:14
	Came out politically against the way this staff was or this direction was going to go.	00:26:19
	And that's OK, They have that right.	00:26:23
	But then they also have that right to say hey.	00:26:26
	Maybe they shouldn't be here if the new direction where the new Council is going to go.	00:26:29
	Right. I know there was a grandma on that and they they took their free time to to be able to go through and do that. But that	00:26:33
	means that the new council and mayor.	00:26:37
	Have the right to go in that direction if they don't agree with us.	00:26:42
	Right.	00:26:45
	OK, I think those discussions need to happen.	00:26:49
	In private and I'm and I've been appraised.	00:26:52
	Of Mayor Stratton's conversations.	00:26:56
	With them almost daily and following.	00:26:58
	You know Council of how that is up and I would just say our HR department has done a fantastic.	00:27:01
	Job and I couldn't be more.	00:27:07
	So yeah, I do support the subcommittee.	00:27:11
	OK, awesome.	00:27:12
	I'm going to actually jump over to Ezra. I don't feel like I'm picking on you. I haven't go last every time, so go ahead.	00:27:14
	Now that's fine.	00:27:21
	It's certainly there there. There have been some.	00:27:23
	Some troubling.	00:27:27
	Decisions made by.	00:27:28
	By staff as far as.	00:27:30
	Political activity goes.	00:27:31
	The fake social media accounts are completely inappropriate and I.	00:27:34
	I feel.	00:27:40
	Really bad that that happened like that. That's completely inappropriate and.	00:27:42
	Definitely should not be happening.	00:27:47
	Ever.	00:27:50
	One thing I do want to.	00:27:51
	Kind of hopefully.	00:27:55
	Make note of is.	00:27:58
	That.	00:28:01
	I would I would love to be apprised of the.	00:28:04
	The process as as this thing is going along.	00:28:08
	I do really want to.	00:28:11
	Support.	00:28:13
	The Council's efforts, I'm not here to.	00:28:15
	Hinder the work of the city in general.	00:28:18
	And I would.	00:28:20
	Love to help, support and.	00:28:22
	Hopefully prevent some of the the missteps of.	00:28:25
	You know, we don't have legal counsel right now.	00:28:29
	There, there's just a lot of things that.	00:28:31
	That I feel like I could contribute.	00:28:33
	If I.	00:28:36
	Could be involved, even though, you know, I recognize that I would probably not be appointed to the subcommittee, but.	00:28:38
	I would love to at least be apprised of the decisions that.	00:28:44
	Are being considered being made and hopefully I would love to just be able to offer some of the advice behind.	00:28:47
	Behind closed doors, I guess, or.	00:28:53
	Kind of in the.	00:28:55
	While respecting staff privacy as well in these decisions.	00:28:59
	But I definitely understand if it's going to take some time for you.	00:29:03
	For me to be brought into those conversations, but I just want a voice that I'm happy to help support.	00:29:07
	I would love to to make sure these decisions are.	00:29:13
	Are being made openly as as much as possible.	00:29:16
	While recognizing the the need to have.	00:29:20
	Closed sessions and discussions in that.	00:29:22
	Manner you know I'm gonna.	00:29:24
	Mention something real quick. I really appreciate that, Ezra.	00:29:27
	You're in a unique situation that being the former city manager and kind of have a lot of context and.	00:29:30
	As we go through and talk with staff, it's it's always.	00:29:35
	I try to.	00:29:38
	In a professional.	00:29:39
	Way that protects privacy of staff and allowed them to make.	00:29:40
	What's really what's in the best decisions for them and their family?	00:29:44
	In a non public.	00:29:46
	Way as best you can.	00:29:49
	I think it's real important to get.	00:29:51
	There's much insight, so I really appreciate your offer on that and I'm.	00:29:52
	We'll definitely be taking you up on that. I think so.	00:29:55
	I'll pass it to Councilman Larae.	00:29:58
	Yeah, sure. I support the idea of having a subcommittee meet with the staff and and help them determine what they want to do and.	00:30:02
	Help them achieve their goals.	00:30:10
	I would volunteer as soon as such a subcommittee.	00:30:12
	And Audrey said with with with Councilman Air as well.	00:30:15
	OK, awesome.	00:30:18
	Yeah, and nothing really to add. I do support it. I think that you know, like.	00:30:21
	Others have said now.	00:30:26
	We have some great staff. We also have some staff that engage in.	00:30:27
	Political conversations and I think forming a subcommittee.	00:30:30
	Rio Vallier and see if we can get better alignment going forward is completely.	00:30:33
	Appropriate, OK.	00:30:37
	Just a point of order, sure.	00:30:39
	We cannot.	00:30:42
	Turn and make the staff be aligned with us. So I like your comment.	00:30:45
	As we're being, maybe.	00:30:50
	I don't know if you're going to call yourself a minority or whatever, but like.	00:30:51
	You want.	00:30:55
	A staff that is apolitical, that doesn't even care where it says.	00:30:55
	Run that way.	00:31:01
	And literally when there's a change.	00:31:02
	And they say run the other way.	00:31:04
	That's their job and I know it's so hard.	00:31:06
	For 20.	00:31:09
	Plus years I've worked for public surplus. We're in auction service. I do it nationally, so I'm I always show up when.	00:31:10
	Things are being sold where bad things are happening. Could you imagine? Like they're always buying these cars? Chicago, inner	00:31:19
	city Chicago is.	00:31:22
	The biggest one?	00:31:26
	And it is so hard for staff to recognize that, hey, I serve at the behest of one way.	00:31:28
	And it's hard for me to not form an opinion.	00:31:33
	And stay that apolitical. So I.	00:31:36
	I think that's one of the things that we.	00:31:38
	We need to ensure that do they have a confidence to be able to speak up and say something that we would.	00:31:40
	Disagree with and.	00:31:47
	In a way.	00:31:48
	Would they feel comfortable going in in?	00:31:50
	I mean, do they need to go to social media to shout it or could they feel comfortable within their jobs to be able to do that?	00:31:52
	And we need to tone it down.	00:31:58
	In a setting but also allow.	00:32:01
	I think I've got the point across, but we want them.	00:32:04
	To represent all citizens.	00:32:07
	And especially when they go to get documents.	00:32:10
	Reports hold people accountable. It's not.	00:32:13
	But this might be bad for the mayor to know, You know, the mayor might not want this out. Sorry. Mayor needs to get out, you know?	00:32:18
	Yeah.	00:32:22
	And and so I want that subcommittee not only on the audit to review that, but also of.	00:32:25
	Of the.	00:32:32
	Staff.	00:32:33
	That is not negotiable. It's our rights as a constitution to be able to do that.	00:32:34
	And you know.	00:32:39
	To to for them to petition their government and hold us accountable and do.	00:32:41
	Citizens have.	00:32:46
	Those tools.	00:32:48
	So that it's not such a long drawn out process as it's been.	00:32:50
	So.	00:32:54
	Awesome. Thank you.	00:32:56
	Anything else before we?	00:32:58
	Move on to the next item.	00:33:00
	You all good on that?	00:33:02
	OK, sorry is is this going to include appointed like?	00:33:03
	Boards.	00:33:07
	Councils as well or?	00:33:08
	Just the staff.	00:33:09
	No, I think what I'd like to start. That's a great question, Ezra. I think I'd like to start just with staff.	00:33:10
	For the first little bit and then we'll just kind of.	00:33:16
	I think that that.	00:33:19
	That would be appropriate to start there.	00:33:19
	So that's that's what I'm.	00:33:23
	Sensing I don't mind opening it up to.	00:33:24
	Boards as well.	00:33:27
	Like reevaluating boards.	00:33:29
	That might not align. I mean there.	00:33:30
	I mean.	00:33:34
	In my experience.	00:33:34
	You know, obviously there's a change in election and there's many boards.	00:33:36
	That we have within the city that need reappointment to align with the values and goals that you're going.	00:33:40
	Towards and I think it's.	00:33:46
	I have no problem stopping that.	00:33:47
	I think you. I think you don't need to.	00:33:50
	Up identify which boards at this time and I think the subcommittee can work with you Mayor, and we authorize them to look at that	00:33:52
	and.	00:33:56
	I don't need reason why we need to come back to that.	00:34:01
	Yeah, I believe we.	00:34:04
	Greatly benefited by a diversity.	00:34:06
	Diversity of opinions.	00:34:08
	Right. And we.	00:34:09
	That we can choose from the best, from whatever's there, from the whole whole gamut.	00:34:10
	Right, OK.	00:34:15
	OK, anything else on?	00:34:18
	On that.	00:34:19
	So it sounds like.	00:34:20
	Include boards as well.	00:34:23
	I would like to. I would like to.	00:34:25
	I would like to have the the subcommittee start with staff right focus, I think the first.	00:34:27
	To in fairness to all parties involved and I think that that's would be my intent to to really start.	00:34:32
	So, umm.	00:34:39
	Do I have anything else on that before we ask for a motion?	00:34:41
	On that, OK.	00:34:46
	Can I ask for a motion on?	00:34:47
	On that agenda item 2.3.	00:34:49
	Oh sorry, let me the the.	00:34:53
	Before I'd say that before we do the motion, I am my intent on this and I would like to, Sir, I was thinking we could have Jacob	00:34:55
	Wood and David Larae.	00:34:58
	Help with on that one.	00:35:02
	So, umm.	00:35:03
	Can I get a motion on that one?	00:35:06
	Yeah, I moved to approve the formation of subcommittee as presented by the Mayor.	00:35:09
	Can I get a second?	00:35:13
	2nd.	00:35:15
	OK, all in favor.	00:35:16
	Aye, OK, awesome.	00:35:18
	Awesome, awesome.	00:35:21
	Is this roll call?	00:35:25
	No, no, I just, I just didn't vote yet.	00:35:26
	I'll I'll go. I thank you.	00:35:31
	OK, awesome.	00:35:34
	All righty, let's jump down to the consent item 3.1 approval to.	00:35:36
	Approval of the December 10th.	00:35:41
	2025 City Council minutes.	00:35:43
	Can I get a motion on that please?	00:35:46
	I move to approve the consent items.	00:35:48
	As presented.	00:35:51
	2nd.	00:35:54
	All in favor.	00:35:55
	Aye.	00:35:58
	OK. I'm going to call a little bit of audible here. Is there do we have any public comments where?	00:35:59
	We are going to need to go into a closed session. We have some people to interview for the new city attorney position.	00:36:05
	But that might take a minute.	00:36:12
	And I didn't want to have everyone just wait if you wanted. Do we have any?	00:36:14
	Public comments. Do I need to?	00:36:20
	Motion Public Comment No, it looks like we just do that.	00:36:22
	OK. All right. Is anybody that would like to do we have any public comments today?	00:36:25
	Yes.	00:36:29
	Let's.	00:36:30
	OK.	00:36:32
	Come on up.	00:36:34
	Well, it looks like we had three hands. Is it just three hands? Anybody else?	00:36:35
	OK, awesome.	00:36:39
	And when you come, please state your name.	00:36:41
	For the record.	00:36:43
	Hi, my name is Kimberly Olson. I live in Lakefront.	00:36:45
	And just as a little background, I've talked to all of you guys separately, so you know who I am. I work in government accounting.	00:36:49
	And so I.	00:36:56
	What's really important to me in life is that I can look myself in the mirror.	00:36:59
	And know that I did my part, that I stood up for what I felt was right and so.	00:37:03
	There's a couple things that I really felt like I needed to come and say today.	00:37:08
	Because I felt like it was important that they needed to be said.	00:37:12
	First of all, really quick, just to address a couple things that I heard.	00:37:15
	Council member Holdaway, I was in a meeting with you where they discussed.	00:37:20
	Citizens being able to come and get a copy of the Ledger.	00:37:24
	And.	00:37:27
	Seth was there and you were told that that's not true. So citizens are provided with the transparency website that.	00:37:30
	Yes, there were issues with everything being reported, but there's a lot of protected information.	00:37:37
	Such as late fees being charged to residents.	00:37:42
	There's youth on the youth council. You can't put that. You can't just give that to citizens and.	00:37:45
	In our case, we don't have that because we contract out police, but undercover officers. There's all these things that that's why	00:37:50
	your recorder is going to go through and redact that. It's going to make sure that information that needs to say private and safe	00:37:55
	does, and it's not just in the hands for everybody.	00:38:00
	And I think we can agree with those couple, like we don't want those out. Like that's not fair to our youth. That's not, and I'm	00:38:06
	happy.	00:38:09
	I'm happy to sit down with the state auditor with you again, and we'll have Seth come perfect.	00:38:13
	Perfect.	00:38:17
	But I mean, I've done.	00:38:19
	Transparency for 14 years, and there's a reason why you can't just put the Ledger out there.	00:38:20
	And then meeting with Seth.	00:38:27
	When he said the Ledger was made public, right, David?	00:38:28
	Should we let?	00:38:31
	Yes, I welcome.	00:38:33
	And that anyone that wanted access to it should get access. OK, we can sit down with that because I I am.	00:38:34
	I am positive it would be great to have Seth. Thank you. Yes, OK. And then also.	00:38:39
	I don't disagree with.	00:38:46
	Any staff that created a fake Facebook to harass anybody, I agree that's wrong. That's not OK.	00:38:48
	But the very nature of a staff position is to be.	00:38:54
	Nonpartisan. So I also agree with if you do have staff that are partisan, that needs to be dealt with.	00:38:57
	But I was brought to meet.	00:39:05
	A lot of staff sitting by the side with my backup with Jake Holdaway.	00:39:07
	And I did have.	00:39:12
	Some really positive experiences with staff. I have actually attended several like UMM.	00:39:14
	Professional conferences with some of our staff.	00:39:19
	That.	00:39:23
	They were very engaged on learning and being their very best.	00:39:24
	For the city of Vineyard.	00:39:28
	And.	00:39:31
	Sorry.	00:39:40
	No.	00:39:46
	Sorry.	00:39:49
	Thank you. I work with.	00:39:55
	Government employees all day, every day. It's my full time job.	00:39:57
	And I would say 60% of them hate their job.	00:40:01
	And they do it for one reason or the other, because it's.	00:40:05
	All that's available or whatnot, and.	00:40:08
	And I just wanted to say.	00:40:10
	On public record and before you.	00:40:12
	That the Vineyard staff that I had the honor of knowing.	00:40:17
	Loved Vineyard.	00:40:20
	And so.	00:40:22
	I think it's unique to get professional people that also love what they do and love their city.	00:40:25
	And so I just wanted to get up here and say.	00:40:31
	And say that today.	00:40:35
	That I have had that experience and I want you to have the opportunity.	00:40:37
	Have that experience and if you do receive pushback and if you do receive.	00:40:41
	People don't want to do their job and people don't want to change direction and people are giving you grief.	00:40:45
	By all means.	00:40:49
	I'm not saying you just put up with whatever.	00:40:51
	But I am saying that give them the opportunity to show you the people that they are because you've got some really, really good	00:40:54
	humans.	00:40:57
	On your staff and I don't want you.	00:41:00
	I don't want to lose some good ones.	00:41:05
	Because of social media fighting.	00:41:08
	That's what I'm asking and then I was just asked to read 1.	00:41:10
	One thing from someone who couldn't be here, which is council member, Mccumber stated.	00:41:13
	On a Vineyard Facebook page that appointments require reapportionment. Reappointment.	00:41:17
	However, under the.	00:41:21
	Under Utah municipal law, appointed positions do not expire and do not require reappointment.	00:41:23
	Unless 1A statue establishes a term.	00:41:29
	To the municipal code creates a fixed appointment cycle or three. The appointment was explicitly made for a term.	00:41:31
	For cities.	00:41:38
	Of vineyards classification department heads, including the city engineer.	00:41:39
	Or at will appointments, not term limited offices this means.	00:41:43
	They remain in position until they resign or they're formally removed by the governing body, you guys.	00:41:49
	Accordingly, these appointments did not do not legally expire and there is no requirement to reapply. No positions were posted.	00:41:54
	Declining to reapply is therefore not a voluntary departure.	00:42:01
	Councilmember Holdaway.	00:42:06
	He noted that no votes were taken and that.	00:42:08
	That employees chose not to reapply.	00:42:12
	And they just did not want.	00:42:17
	Departures framed as voluntary or part of a normal process because it's not the process. It is still your will to make. It is	00:42:19
	still your decision. We just want to be clear.	00:42:23
	What the process is?	00:42:29
	And Council Member Mccumber, you you did note that the individuals were informed in advance.	00:42:33
	That their positions would be discussed publicly. I appreciate you guys deciding to go into closed session because I agree there's	00:42:39
	no need to embarrass people. There's no.	00:42:43
	So this reflects the reversal of the process.	00:42:48
	Council member Larae stated that.	00:42:52
	Mayor Stratton was acting based on his experience as a CEO.	00:42:54
	And was doing his best and cited precedent, though no documented policy or record has been identified. So if.	00:42:58
	If there is.	00:43:04
	That'd be great.	00:43:05
	To here.	00:43:07
	So.	00:43:08
	So.	00:43:14
	A resignation is not voluntary.	00:43:18
	If leadership actions make the termination appear inevitable.	00:43:20
	Even in the absence of a formal firing. So based on public statements, it appears that.	00:43:24
	Either.	00:43:29
	I mean, you guys are brand new, so.	00:43:31
	That there is a learning curve and I respect that and I.	00:43:33
	And I would.	00:43:35
	Say everybody.	00:43:36
	Give each other grace.	00:43:38
	We're all doing our best, right?	00:43:39
	But.	00:43:43
	We just would like to make sure that if you guys decide.	00:43:46
	To dismiss staff.	00:43:50
	That it is done.	00:43:51
	Through you tell municipal code 1.	00:43:53
	And #2.	00:43:55
	That it's done based on your experience and not anybody else's. That's what I would ask of you.	00:43:58
	So the question that.	00:44:05
	Was was raised that.	00:44:08
	That citizens would like to know were employees asked.	00:44:10
	To asked or encouraged to resign.	00:44:13
	Did any positions have a defined term requiring reappointments?	00:44:15
	Did any employee resign independently without being approached?	00:44:20
	And were any employees removed from duties or sent home?	00:44:23
	And were any of the internal notices issued? If not?	00:44:27
	Is this the first time you guys have?	00:44:31
	Reviewed this issue.	00:44:33
	And that's it.	00:44:35
	Thank you. Appreciate that.	00:44:36
	Thanks, Kim.	00:44:38
	Kim, thank you so much.	00:44:38
	We had a couple.	00:44:42
	Any other hands?	00:44:43
	Let's do.	00:44:46
	Race to the front. Yeah, just get in line.	00:44:49
	Yeah.	00:44:50
	Whoever wants to come next, come.	00:44:52
	Come on up.	00:44:55
	Dennis Frank with the Cascade neighborhood.	00:45:00
	Congratulations Mayor Stratton and to the city.	00:45:03
	Incoming City Council members, we appreciate.	00:45:06
	You and all that you will be doing.	00:45:09
	I passed by.	00:45:12
	Every day and at night, especially the lights at the Connector Rd. the State Road 167 and Main St. in Vineyard.	00:45:15
	It doesn't seem like the intersection.	00:45:23
	Lights for the pedestrians are on.	00:45:25
	It's a very dark now that the Christmas tree lights.	00:45:28
	Tree lights are down.	00:45:32
	It's a very dark area. If somebody couldn't have a peek at that and find out if this.	00:45:33
	State needs to do that. Make sure they're on or if that city.	00:45:38
	A couple of kudos.	00:45:42
	Last week I attended the.	00:45:46
	Planning meeting and afterwards talked with Naseem about a stop sign in Cascade neighborhood that was turned.	00:45:49
	180° of prankster.	00:45:56
	Did that and Naseem said I'll, I'll take care of that next day. It was taken care of. Thank you.	00:45:58
	The same.	00:46:04
	Last night.	00:46:06
	There was some suspicious activity going on.	00:46:08
	In our Cascade neighborhood there was.	00:46:11
	A car that my neighbor and I were saying.	00:46:13
	Or truck? Whose truck is that? We didn't know whose truck it was, and last night there was a lot of activity around that truck.	00:46:16
	With about.	00:46:23
	Three other cars.	00:46:24
	They're all white cars.	00:46:26
	There are about 8 people out there and moving things around from truck to truck and.	00:46:28
	And then finally when they.	00:46:33
	I happen to be watching.	00:46:35
	Episode of The Rookie.	00:46:36
	And that didn't help but.	00:46:38
	Once they started looking at the, you know, messing around at the license plate, I said it's time to call a share.	00:46:42
	So I called the Sheriff's Office saying that there was some suspicious stuff going on.	00:46:48
	And uh.	00:46:52
	As always happens after you make that call, then the car started leaving.	00:46:53
	And when the sheriff did roll by within 5 minutes?	00:46:58
	There was one couple that was still out there and I.	00:47:02
	Felt safe enough at that point.	00:47:05
	To go out and ask what they were doing at that time.	00:47:07
	And it was a new neighbor that we didn't know.	00:47:10
	Young college student that was selling his truck.	00:47:14
	And it was 10:30 at night.	00:47:18
	Going on to 11:00.	00:47:19
	But the sheriff?	00:47:21
	Was very, very appreciative of having the sheriff out there and he mentioned that he was also going around.	00:47:24
	Checking garage doors that were open.	00:47:31
	And letting the residents know.	00:47:34
	That they were open so they closed them so nothing happens to their belongings and appreciate that from the sheriff's.	00:47:37
	That.	00:47:43
	They protect and serve.	00:47:44
	Thank you very much.	00:47:45
	Appreciate it.	00:47:47
	We had one over here.	00:47:49
	Oh, is that Sarah?	00:47:50
	Sorry, I can't see you there. So I think you're kind of in the.	00:47:53
	Come on up.	00:47:56
	And then we just had one. Was it?	00:48:00
	Dari, OK. So we'll go to you after that. Thanks.	00:48:01
	Sarah Cameron, Vineyard resident.	00:48:05
	I have a lot of things.	00:48:09
	What I'd like to say today.	00:48:10
	I posted at my resignation.	00:48:12
	My frustration with what I was witnessing.	00:48:15
	In the campaign.	00:48:17
	I was very clear.	00:48:18
	To a few of you.	00:48:19
	That some of the things that you were campaigning on were outright lies and you campaigned on it anyway.	00:48:22
	So for the public record, I want people to understand.	00:48:27
	That there were a lot of things spoken that weren't true and you continue to speak them anyway. And that's really.	00:48:31
	Really frustrating to me.	00:48:37
	And Jake, you just mentioned that I said something about 22 staff members that didn't align politically. You posted I never first	00:48:39
	of 22.	00:48:43
	Quotes coming from staff. No I didn't. Don't ever put words in my mouth again. You've done that to me so many times and one of the	00:48:48
	reasons why we have this.	00:48:53
	Disconnect in Vineyard.	00:48:58
	Is because you continually humiliate, humiliated and lied about staff over and over and over again and they were trying to defend	00:49:00
	themselves. So for a public record they can. I want to.	00:49:06
	It's my turn, It's my turn. Let's get. I want people to understand that what's happening here.	00:49:12
	Is not.	00:49:18
	What you profess it to be.	00:49:19
	That's all I have to say and I wish you the best of luck and you just.	00:49:21
	Lost some really, really valuable employees that would have worked really hard for you.	00:49:24
	Thank you, Sir. Appreciate it.	00:49:29
	Let's jump over here.	00:49:31
	To.	00:49:32
	While she's coming up, I want to let you know I did receive an e-mail from another resident that couldn't make it tonight that	00:49:34
	would ask to have some.	00:49:37
	Some comments written to the record.	00:49:40
	So if that's OK, I'm just going to go ahead and do that after.	00:49:42
	Yeah, that's.	00:49:45
	That's in order.	00:49:46
	Thank you, Dario.	00:49:49
	OK, hi, my name is Daria Evans. I am a villa.	00:49:52
	Vineyard resident.	00:49:56
	I'm going to go in a totally different direction.	00:49:58
	I walked Vineyard.	00:50:01
	Trail Tuesday afternoon about 3:00.	00:50:03
	And I was smiling.	00:50:06
	And smiling and I was just so happy to be out there.	00:50:08
	And people were smiling at me. They were enjoying the trail, they were enjoying the beauty and the quietness of.	00:50:12
	The lake.	00:50:19
	It was. It was just really.	00:50:20
	I need experience.	00:50:23
	And I was thinking as I was walking along.	00:50:24
	And looking.	00:50:27
	At the homes and looking at the condos and looking at the apartments.	00:50:29
	I was thinking.	00:50:34
	Oh, if we could make this a more family friendly.	00:50:35
	Area.	00:50:42
	In the way that.	00:50:44
	Develop the future development comes if we could have.	00:50:46
	Not have.	00:50:50
	The developers lease everything.	00:50:51
	Give residents an opportunity to buy, build equity that they'll want to stay, be able to have a baby not in their bedroom, but in	00:50:53
	another bedroom.	00:50:58
	Make it.	00:51:04
	More family oriented.	00:51:05
	Unfortunately, we have a lot of transient.	00:51:08
	Students and young couples and I would love to have them stay if we could have.	00:51:12
	The new developments.	00:51:18
	Be more family friendly. It would just be wonderful.	00:51:20
	And I also want to.	00:51:24
	Thank Vineyard City for putting out that year in review.	00:51:26
	On social media, that was great to see all the things that had happened in the year in review. I appreciated that.	00:51:30
	Thank you. Oh, and also.	00:51:37
	I really liked the supplemental independent audit. I agree with this independent auditor, Mr. Harding.	00:51:39
	He really spelled out some great ways to.	00:51:47
	Make accountability and transparency.	00:51:51
	Crystal clear.	00:51:54
	Thank you.	00:51:55
	Awesome. Thank you so much, Daria.	00:51:56
	OK, any more public comments?	00:51:58
	OK.	00:52:01
	I want to end it on a super positive note. Chris Brownwaff formerly was on the Planning Commission for a few years. Work duties	00:52:05
	got very busy so I had to step back.	00:52:10
	I'm very excited.	00:52:15
	You know, new leadership is always exciting new direction for the city. I have the chance of my professional capacity I've.	00:52:17
	Worked with many of you.	00:52:23
	People on staff here.	00:52:25
	Some who may be leaving, some who are staying. I've always been impressed just by everybody works really well together. Everybody	00:52:27
	seems to, you know, have good intent to to do what's right for Vineyard. There's obviously been issues.	00:52:33
	In the past and and wherever people lie politically.	00:52:40
	New leadership, you can come in and set whatever the new path is. So I think expectations are really high.	00:52:44
	I think on your council I've followed a lot of the election very closely. I've talked to many of you.	00:52:50
	I think there's good change that's going to come.	00:52:56
	Just some.	00:52:59
	I'd like to give some of you I've worked with.	00:53:00
	You're in the rare situation of you do have Ezra who?	00:53:04
	He formerly was with Vineyard. But that administrative experience is what I've seen is where many councils, they don't have the	00:53:07
	bureaucracy experience of how does government work, the bureaucracy work. So I think between the experience you have with with	00:53:12
	Ezra.	00:53:16
	Jacob, the load he's carried the last few years that have many conversations with him and then many of you that have been engaged,	00:53:21
	you can call some unique change that cities I think struggle with some of the issues that come with new leadership and you	00:53:26
	shouldn't have them and then the growth Vineyard has.	00:53:31
	The the next decade, you know it's going to be one of the biggest cities in Utah County. So you not just on privacy, not just on	00:53:38
	transparency, community development.	00:53:42
	You're going to be able to build more than.	00:53:46
	You know, most cities would dream of doing and this is a dream job for even city employees to be able to build the type of stuff	00:53:48
	here.	00:53:51
	So I just wish you the best of luck of what's going to come. And I think anything I can do and these citizens can do to help, we'd	00:53:55
	love to engage and participate and bring our talents.	00:54:00
	To assist. So good luck.	00:54:05
	Thanks, Chris. Appreciate it. Thanks, Chris.	00:54:07
	A net yes please.	00:54:10
	Please please please.	00:54:13
	David Pierce from the Cascade neighborhood.	00:54:15
	I have a just have a.	00:54:19
	Couple of questions.	00:54:20
	About.	00:54:22
	The appointment.	00:54:24
	Of city.	00:54:25
	Of counsel for the city.	00:54:26
	Just.	00:54:28
	I wrote them down.	00:54:31
	Was the job publicly posted?	00:54:33
	Just curious about that.	00:54:36
	Was there some sort of?	00:54:40
	Competitive.	00:54:43
	Procedure. Umm.	00:54:45
	And if there wasn't, that's fine, I would just.	00:54:46
	You know, kind of like to know that.	00:54:49
	And.	00:54:52
	Umm, since the former.	00:54:53
	City.	00:54:59
	Has left.	00:55:00
	Who wrote?	00:55:04
	I'm just wondering.	00:55:05
	Who drafted the contract?	00:55:06
	For the new city attorney.	00:55:08
	Again, I'm just.	00:55:13
	Curious about that.	00:55:14
	Making some notes as.	00:55:15
	As the meeting was going on.	00:55:17
	And we'll.	00:55:25
	Will the pay and benefits be public information and.	00:55:29
	And will that be posted?	00:55:32
	Or.	00:55:35
	Will the public know that before?	00:55:36
	The hiring or.	00:55:40
	Before it's official.	00:55:43
	Just curious.	00:55:44
	So thank you.	00:55:46
	Thank you, David.	00:55:47
	Any other comments?	00:55:50
	OK, awesome. Thank you so much.	00:55:53
	Well, we are now going to enter Oh.	00:55:55
	Tony, you had the the one that wanted to be read.	00:56:00
	That's yes. Let's see, It was an e-mail from Kaden Roden.	00:56:02
	Who? Let's see one.	00:56:09
	Make sure these questions got asked.	00:56:11
	How do you plan to replace the staff?	00:56:14
	Has funding been reallocated?	00:56:16
	What will the cost be to taxpayers?	00:56:19
	What services will we lose?	00:56:21
	Will statutory requirements be met?	00:56:23
	Do you plan to fire more people?	00:56:25
	And have rates gone up for these employee positions?	00:56:27
	And that was.	00:56:31
	Just the the questions he wanted to make sure were.	00:56:31
	On the record during comments. Appreciate it.	00:56:34
	OK. Thank you so much.	00:56:36
	All righty, we're going to move now to go to.	00:56:39
	With no other public comments, we're going to.	00:56:43
	Jump into a.	00:56:44
	A closed session.	00:56:45
	I believe one of the applicants for city attorneys here. Do we need to?	00:56:47
	Call him in.	00:56:51
	How does it work to have him come in to the closed session? Sure. With that one, it doesn't necessarily have to be like a public	00:56:52
	invite, but I mean, since we've said it, you're more than welcome to bring him in typically with the closed sessions like that	00:56:57
	about personnel if there's.	00:57:02
	Personnel that you want to speak to that are that are part of that discussion, you can invite them into the closed session.	00:57:06
	OK, sounds good.	00:57:11
	Awesome. Can I get a motion to go into the real quick? If we're going to be talking about the city attorney appointment, we should	00:57:13
	table that item as well for the closed session?	00:57:17
	OK. It'll just allow us to discuss it. OK, awesome. Thank you.	00:57:22
	Thank you.	00:57:26
	The point of order, do we mind?	00:57:26
	Giving context as to why we're in this.	00:57:29
	The situation.	00:57:31
	I'd love the citizens to kind of understand a little bit.	00:57:33
	Yeah. Do you want to walk it?	00:57:35
	I mean, just on Friday at 2:00 we got an e-mail that Jamie up and quit.	00:57:36
	In the e-mail.	00:57:41
	There was completely false information about staff being fired.	00:57:42
	No staff have been fired.	00:57:46
	So it was kind of out of the blue that he would claim something.	00:57:48
	Or even verify it with the mayor.	00:57:52
	There were other inaccuracies. There will be more after I come out of the closed door session that I would like to put on the	00:57:54
	public record.	00:57:57
	This is not.	00:58:00
	The first time that Jamie has lied and lied to other council members.	00:58:01
	I feel horrible for Councilman Cameron to get.	00:58:06
	Bad information.	00:58:09
	From.	00:58:11
	And it makes me feel bad. And we will make those documents public.	00:58:13
	But it's just misinformation and I just wanted to make sure people knew. So because of that, we are an emergency situation where	00:58:17
	we.	00:58:21
	Have to act quickly. In most situations you would.	00:58:24
	Post it, take a couple of weeks. Interview meant.	00:58:28
	Many different staff members to be able to go through and do that.	00:58:31
	But we need legal counsel immediately, so.	00:58:34
	Yeah, just wanted to make sure people understood.	00:58:38
	Thank you.	00:58:41
	Thank you for that.	00:58:42
	Awesome, can I get a motion to go into the closed?	00:58:43
	Meeting so moved.	00:58:48
	All in favor actually for that one, if I could have you state.	00:58:50
	Councilmember Larry, if I can have you state.	00:58:54
	As you have done a sample, motion the date, time and reason 4.	00:58:56
	The closed session.	00:59:01
	OK, I move to go into closed session today, January 14, 2026 at.	00:59:05
	7:03 PM.	00:59:11
	The City Council chambers for the discussion about the character.	00:59:13
	Special.	00:59:16
	Or physical or mental health of an individual.	00:59:17
	Awesome, Excellent. Thanks.	00:59:21
	Do I have a? Do I have a second?	00:59:22
	I'll second.	00:59:25
	Awesome. All in favor.	00:59:26
	Aye, and I'm sorry, I know it's the first time. So I know you asked me to interrupt for things like this with that one, if we	00:59:28
	could do a roll call.	00:59:32
	OK, roll call on this one. OK, let's start over here, Ezra.	00:59:35
	Aye, aye.	00:59:38
	Aye, aye.	00:59:40
	Aye, OK, awesome.	00:59:42
	Sounds good. We'll do that. I think that will probably be.	00:59:44
	I don't know a minute, so thank you guys.	00:59:48
	And the string is X.	00:59:52
	OK, now we're good.	00:59:59
	To our live and streaming OK?	01:00:00
	Thank you to.	01:00:02
	Reenter open meeting.	01:00:04
	Yes, go ahead and and.	01:00:07
	RE announced that we're opening the meeting.	01:00:08
	OK, we are.	01:00:10
	Left the closed session we are reentering.	01:00:12
	City Council meeting.	01:00:15
	Do we need to do that by emotion or are we just good to go? Nope, you're good to go. OK, awesome. So.	01:00:16
	Jake, you, you wanted to say a couple things.	01:00:21
	Yeah.	01:00:26
	Sorry, let me.	01:00:27
	That was just for the click share for the.	01:00:28
	To share internally in the room, if you have like a president, I think it's important that under that the citizens understand	01:00:32
	that.	01:00:35
	This was.	01:00:38
	Thrust on us.	01:00:40
	Our previous city attorney.	01:00:42
	Gave notice.	01:00:45
	After the election.	01:00:47
	To everyone on the Council at that time, minus me.	01:00:48
	But and then he gave a 30 day notice.	01:00:54
	That was supposed to go until the end of the month.	01:00:58
	And Friday afternoon.	01:01:01
	There was an e-mail he sent his resignation in there.	01:01:04
	And there's I've already mentioned there's a lot of false statements that are in there.	01:01:07
	So this was not.	01:01:11
	A planned event. It's an emergency event.	01:01:14
	Because of that state code.	01:01:17
	Called the state auditor.	01:01:18
	And we can suspend procurement law to appoint somebody.	01:01:20
	On an interim basis to be able to fill the spot.	01:01:25
	To be able to do that.	01:01:28
	And so I think, Jamie, I think you're gonna explain kind of.	01:01:29
	Situation we're going to go through.	01:01:33
	But one thing.	01:01:35
	That I I want to say is.	01:01:36
	Over the course of two years.	01:01:46
	Our attorney has given false public statements.	01:01:48
	Multiple times.	01:01:53
	In written document.	01:01:55
	And.	01:01:57
	One of them, the first.	01:02:01
	Is.	01:02:04
	Talking falsely accusing.	01:02:06
	That a group of citizens impersonated a state employee.	01:02:09
	He was corrected immediately, within 24 hours.	01:02:14
	Within three to six months later during the state hearing.	01:02:17
	Repeated that.	01:02:22
	Knowing.	01:02:24
	And already been corrected but used that during the state grandma hearing.	01:02:25
	Upon taking office.	01:02:30
	I showed him the emails and corrected the record and I'm grateful that Chris Bramwell came here today.	01:02:31
	To talk about how much.	01:02:37
	Chris Bradmore was that?	01:02:38
	Citizen that was on that Zoom call helping.	01:02:40
	There's been many citizens that had helped us with our city attorney.	01:02:42
	The second thing.	01:02:47
	That is is troubling.	01:02:48
	Is about a year and a half ago in these fake accounts started to target my family.	01:02:50
	I went to Jamie about that.	01:02:56
	To find out, we went to the.	01:02:58
	Attorney General as well at that time.	01:03:00
	Nothing was against the law.	01:03:03
	However.	01:03:06
	Now knowing that they are city staff.	01:03:07
	I was going into meetings to look at.	01:03:10
	Travel to Disneyland and credit cards and.	01:03:14
	A lot of different things that were happening.	01:03:18
	And those same city staff were going out to social media.	01:03:20
	To attack me.	01:03:25
	Right after the meeting, within weeks.	01:03:27
	Telling Jamie about this.	01:03:29
	And then in a very key moment.	01:03:32
	Jamie sent an e-mail out to all staff.	01:03:34
	Saying that this was unfounded.	01:03:37
	He had never met with any of the witnesses involved.	01:03:40
	He had never interviewed any citizens.	01:03:44
	Or taken any evidence but took.	01:03:46
	The time.	01:03:48
	To write something that he knew was false.	01:03:49
	This is the second thing.	01:03:55
	There's other things that our previous attorney has done.	01:03:57
	And so I think I'd ask that the citizens of Vineyard.	01:04:01
	Give us time.	01:04:05
	To be able to go through the record of what has and has not happened.	01:04:07
	And I would give grace to the.	01:04:11
	Previous City Council because they were told things and they.	01:04:14
	Fervently believe them to be true.	01:04:17
	So that's where we're at.	01:04:21
	Awesome.	01:04:26
	Parker.	01:04:27
	Can I park?	01:04:28
	All right, all right.	01:04:30
	David, you asked some questions earlier. I'm going to.	01:04:32
	Try to answer all of them.	01:04:35
	That you brought up.	01:04:37
	And.	01:04:38
	Kind of share with with everyone the process that we're.	01:04:39
	Entering into.	01:04:43
	So.	01:04:44
	To answer your previous questions, no.	01:04:46
	Public notice hasn't been given yet.	01:04:49
	For a position.	01:04:51
	Contracts haven't been negotiated or created yet.	01:04:53
	The competitive process has.	01:04:57
	Yet to begin, but is about to and I'll detail that in just a moment.	01:05:00
	And you asked about transparency of compensation, so when that is?	01:05:04
	Done. That will be.	01:05:08
	Budgeted accounted for, shared on Transparent UT just like any other.	01:05:10
	Position or what we have now with the city attorney.	01:05:13
	So.	01:05:16
	The uh.	01:05:17
	We're going to, I think, have.	01:05:20
	Deliberation or share our.	01:05:21
	You know, opinions and thoughts here real quick.	01:05:24
	But because the city has been left without a city attorney.	01:05:26
	Very abruptly.	01:05:29
	In a moment, I will.	01:05:31
	Motion to essentially authorize the mayor.	01:05:33
	To negotiate an agreement.	01:05:36
	For.	01:05:39
	Temporary.	01:05:41
	Representation.	01:05:43
	And we will also.	01:05:44
	Then notice the position.	01:05:47
	And go through the competitive hiring process.	01:05:49
	For a full time.	01:05:52
	City Attorney.	01:05:53
	Can I ask am I allowed to take questions if there are more questions and I believe and then we will be posting the.	01:05:57
	Position, correct, Correct. So I said that we'll go through the formal hiring process, the position will be posted, we'll accept	01:06:03
	applications, we will meet and interview these people.	01:06:08
	So I don't want anyone to think that that we're trying to push somebody into a position that's simply not true.	01:06:14
	But we are trying to make sure that.	01:06:20
	Zach in the city has legal representation in the meantime as a stopgap.	01:06:22
	And then move to hire a full time position.	01:06:27
	Anything over from this side of the?	01:06:32
	Over here, Ezra.	01:06:34
	Now that I think that sums it up pretty well, I know.	01:06:38
	The the law firm that we're going to.	01:06:42
	Enlist as temporary as possible will.	01:06:44
	We want our goal is to post.	01:06:48
	To create a position of a full time city attorney.	01:06:49
	As soon as possible, just given the amount of work that.	01:06:54
	We anticipate over the year it makes sense as our city has grown to.	01:06:57
	To move in that direction and so.	01:07:02
	Yeah, this temporary appointment will help.	01:07:04
	Fill our need for.	01:07:07
	That interim time.	01:07:08
	Thank you.	01:07:09
	OK. Anything else from you guys, we all good.	01:07:11
	OK, can I ask for a motion?	01:07:13
	I move to a point.	01:07:16
	Deer Valley Law Firm to represent and counsel the city.	01:07:18
	And authorized the mayor to negotiate and sign an agreement with them.	01:07:22
	Awesome.	01:07:26
	I second that motion.	01:07:28
	OK. Do we need to do this by roll call Tony, or is this?	01:07:29
	Let's just do roll call on the roll call.	01:07:34
	Or Ezra.	01:07:36
	Aye, aye, aye.	01:07:37
	Aye, aye. OK. Motion carries, Mayor.	01:07:39
	Just just as a point of order roll call. Generally you would.	01:07:43
	You would announce each by name OK, so that they can.	01:07:47
	Vote by their.	01:07:50
	Thank you. Do I need to?	01:07:51
	Should we redo that or?	01:07:52
	I mean I I kept track of it, but maybe in the future I'll make sure to write down though in the action minutes.	01:07:54
	Appreciate your patience as I learn how to do this.	01:07:59
	So OK.	01:08:02
	That is all we have for the City Council meeting, I believe.	01:08:05
	No other items.	01:08:09
	Can I?	01:08:10
	I move to adjourn.	01:08:12
	Move to adjourn. OK, awesome.	01:08:13
	Second, second. OK, all in favor.	01:08:15
	Hi.	01:08:18
	All righty, let's get started right away into the RDA meeting.	01:08:21
	Is that, do we like 2 minutes? Give 2 minutes. OK, we'll get this switched over. All right, We'll let Jake hold the way. Hit the	01:08:24
	restroom again. So go ahead, Jake.	01:08:27

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Event transcript
	No worries at all.	00:00:00
	All right. Good evening, everybody. It is January 14, 2000.	00:00:02
	And 26.	00:00:06
	I'm Mayor Zach Stratton. We're going to open this.	00:00:09
	Vineyard City Council meeting it is.	00:00:12
	6.	00:00:14
	We're going to start with the Pledge of Allegiance. I'm going to ask Council Member Wood to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance,	00:00:15
	after which Tim Blackburn will give us an invocation.	00:00:19
	I pledge allegiance to.	00:00:31
	The flag of the United States of America.	00:00:36
	And to the Republic for which it stands.	00:00:39
	One nation under God.	00:00:42
	Individual with liberty and justice for all.	00:00:44
	Yeah, perfect.	00:00:53
	Our Father in heaven.	00:00:57
	We are very grateful to be here tonight.	00:00:59
	On this occasion and.	00:01:02
	We thank thee for the opportunity.	00:01:04
	To live in a free nation.	00:01:07
	We are grateful for.	00:01:09
	This new year.	00:01:11
	When we will.	00:01:13
	Celebrate the.	00:01:14
	Commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of this great nation.	00:01:16
	And we are grateful to be here, part of it, enjoying the freedoms that we do.	00:01:21
	We thank thee to.	00:01:26
	Live in this state and in this community.	00:01:28
	And to enjoy again.	00:01:32
	There's similar freedoms and privileges.	00:01:34
	That those before us have enjoyed.	00:01:38
	Father in heaven we are.	00:01:41
	Grateful for the staff and employees of this community and the work that they have done in the past and.	00:01:43
	We pray for this new City Council and mayor that.	00:01:49
	They will be wise and.	00:01:53
	In their decisions in the future.	00:01:56
	We pray that they will be uplifted and strengthened by this community. We.	00:01:59
	Know that there will be differences of opinions on occasion.	00:02:04
	And we pray that we might be able to resolve those differences to the benefit.	00:02:07
	Of the greater community, always.	00:02:12
	With peace and.	00:02:14
	And joy, we hope to have a community here, Father in heaven, that.	00:02:16
	Our children and grandchildren can live in and be raised.	00:02:20
	Be educated.	00:02:24
	Feel safe. We're thankful for the first responders who.	00:02:25
	Protect.	00:02:30
	This community and respond to.	00:02:31
	Urgent matters.	00:02:33
	We pray for them to be safe and watched over in their work.	00:02:35
	We are.	00:02:39
	Grateful for those upon whose shoulders we now stand.	00:02:41
	For those who've come before us.	00:02:45
	In this great community.	00:02:48
	Those who helped to tame the land.	00:02:50
	And make it such that it would be productive.	00:02:53
	And we pray that we will always remember them as well as we go forward in a newer community.	00:02:55
	Being able to build upon that.	00:03:01
	And make us stronger and.	00:03:03
	And a place that we can all call home.	00:03:05
	These things we humbly pray and thank Thee for.	00:03:07
	In the name of Jesus Christ.	00:03:10
	Amen. Amen.	00:03:12
	And thank you so much, Tim. We really appreciate that prayer.	00:03:15
	A lot of good wisdom and.	00:03:19
	Very grateful for inviting our.	00:03:22
	Our creator to help us through this process.	00:03:25
	The first business item we have on the agenda tonight is 2.1. We are going to actually need to move this.	00:03:28
	The intent of 2.1 is moving forward and we are going to try to have our City Council meetings. I'd like to have them Tuesday	00:03:35
	evenings.	00:03:38
	I think that that will help.	00:03:42
	Members of the community be able to get it's a little bit easier to come on a Tuesday night and then also work with staff to make	00:03:43
	sure that the agendas are.	00:03:47
	Are going to be trying to get the best we can the intent is to get the agendas published Friday by end of day me and Tony have	00:03:51
	talked about that making sure that we can make that happen but Tony do you kind of want to walk us through this process would that	00:03:55
	be OK kind of what.	00:04:00
	We need to do here.	00:04:04
	Yeah. Before we dive into that, can I make a point?	00:04:06
	Clarification. Sure.	00:04:10
	I think we can pass this today.	00:04:14
	Looking at the.	00:04:16
	Current ordinance.	00:04:17
	There's.	00:04:18
	Passage in there that allows us to amend the regular meeting schedule by resolution at anytime.	00:04:19
	And that's what I would.	00:04:24
	Just point out before we come forward with that. Oh, OK.	00:04:27
	Yeah, I, I mean, I, I know in in looking at it.	00:04:30
	Previously it.	00:04:33
	My understanding was that there was an ordinance that was drafted up.	00:04:34
	To amend Title 3.	00:04:37
	To then allow us to pass the resolution to.	00:04:39
	Then amend the.	00:04:43
	Already passed meeting schedule.	00:04:44
	But I would.	00:04:48
	I am not the legal expert. Sounds good.	00:04:49
	I am. If council feels comfortable, I'd like to probably just pass this and then if we need to do a cleanup.	00:04:53
	In the next meeting we can do that.	00:04:58
	Would you all feel comfortable with that?	00:05:00
	I would just propose one edit. There's a meeting on there for.	00:05:02
	January 13th that we just removed that since that's already passed. OK, awesome.	00:05:05
	Thank you.	00:05:09
	Thank you for that.	00:05:09
	Can could we also talk about working sessions? Do we want to put in that if we're going to be?	00:05:10
	Doing working sessions or.	00:05:16
	Like next week.	00:05:19
	Or do we want to hold off because we're only meeting every other week right now?	00:05:21
	Yeah, I think.	00:05:24
	My intent was we would do work sessions as needed.	00:05:25
	And not necessarily put them on the on the calendar in a permanent.	00:05:29
	Since no votes are taking place, correct. Yeah, because that work sessions, I think that.	00:05:33
	We've talked about the intent of work sessions, you know, holding them in a.	00:05:37
	You have different format that's more comfortable for everybody.	00:05:41
	OK, so.	00:05:44
	OK, that sounds good.	00:05:46
	Already with that can I get a motion?	00:05:49
	Yeah, I move.	00:05:51
	So let's see, I can make a motion, right? I make a motion.	00:05:54
	I move to continue this.	00:05:58
	Yeah, I was gonna say, I know, I'm sorry. The sample motion was to continue so.	00:05:59
	I would I would I make a motion to pass?	00:06:03
	Or approve amendment.	00:06:07
	2026 New York City Council Meeting Schedule Resolution 2026.	00:06:10
	Dash 01.	00:06:15
	As written with the change.	00:06:17
	From uh.	00:06:19
	As rider.	00:06:20
	Do I have a second?	00:06:23
	Do I have a second there?	00:06:24
	A second awesome all in favor.	00:06:26
	Aye.	00:06:28
	Great. Thank you. Just to make sure, since that one was a resolution, if you would do that by rolling individually, roll by roll	00:06:29
	call? OK, let's start over. We'll start off with Ezra on this side, aye.	00:06:33
	Aye aye, Jake, aye.	00:06:37
	Hi, awesome. Sounds good.	00:06:40
	Resolution passes.	00:06:42
	OK. Next on the agenda is going to be 2.2, jumping into the independent audit. So a little background on this history, the	00:06:44
	previous Council.	00:06:49
	Issued an independent audit to come in and really look at.	00:06:56
	Specifically, city operations and city.	00:07:01
	And financial, financial controls that we have going on in the city.	00:07:05
	And it they came back with 92 pages of.	00:07:09
	Information.	00:07:12
	And as I was thinking about it.	00:07:13
	All over the last month of how to best tackle this and ensure that we are having.	00:07:17
	Proper oversight and.	00:07:22
	Good governance.	00:07:24
	I felt strong that.	00:07:25
	That the best way to do this was to appoint a subcommittee that would really dive into this.	00:07:27
	With two members so we could follow the open.	00:07:33
	The grammar, Not the grandma. The open medium. Yeah, the open meeting laws.	00:07:36
	And allow us to really dig into that and and.	00:07:42
	Have.	00:07:45
	Help the taxpayers feel that.	00:07:46
	That we take this seriously and we are. We are.	00:07:48
	In an effort of good governance.	00:07:51
	To making sure that we are.	00:07:53
	Making fat big fact based decisions and moving forward in that direction.	00:07:55
	That that we do that.	00:08:01
	That is kind of where my head's at with that there. So I wanted to put this on the agenda today and just have a discussion about	00:08:03
	it.	00:08:06
	Specifically the scope.	00:08:10
	And uh.	00:08:12
	The time I'd like to.	00:08:13
	As you can see in the RDA meeting, we're going to pass one similar for the RDA.	00:08:14
	Because there are there is some.	00:08:18
	Some stuff in here in the RDA.	00:08:20
	As well.	00:08:22
	So I felt it appropriate to talk about in Council meeting.	00:08:23
	Get a subcommittee going, then one also for the RDA.	00:08:25
	Because there's kind of two different.	00:08:28
	There's findings and.	00:08:30
	Different things.	00:08:33
	Things again. So anyways, open up to discussion from Council.	00:08:34
	And.	00:08:38
	Go from there So.	00:08:39
	Parker, do you have anything you'd like to start, maybe start on this end?	00:08:41
	Sure, I just start.	00:08:46
	Thoughts. Yeah. Thoughts yeah, Give your thoughts and.	00:08:47
	And all the above, so be great.	00:08:49
	To be clear, I'm a big.	00:08:52
	Supporter of having the.	00:08:54
	Is the appropriate term working group.	00:08:57
	For that, sure.	00:08:59
	Submitted Subcommittee.	00:09:00
	As far as my personal intent.	00:09:03
	With reviewing.	00:09:06
	The audit findings.	00:09:07
	I don't think that the discussion is about personalities. I don't think the discussion.	00:09:09
	Is about assigning blame. I think that it would be wrong for us to try to go back and do that. I think ultimately what it really	00:09:14
	is about.	00:09:18
	Is systems and controls.	00:09:21
	And that dictates the outcomes that we've seen as a city.	00:09:24
	So I think we as a City Council.	00:09:27
	Must fulfill our responsibility.	00:09:30
	To provide effective oversight on behalf of the residents and the taxpayers.	00:09:32
	In short, independent audits exist.	00:09:38
	To not be a political document.	00:09:41
	But to be and not be a personal critique.	00:09:44
	But they identify risk. They identify weaknesses.	00:09:47
	And in that.	00:09:50
	It shows us where we can, as a government, establish better controls and systems.	00:09:52
	To not minimize or be defensive, but to ask.	00:09:57
	Are we actually fixing the problems?	00:10:02
	So I'm in support of.	00:10:05
	Working groups.	00:10:08
	Go Team.	00:10:09
	Awesome. Thanks.	00:10:11
	Jake, you want to speak to that? Anything like to add to that go down the line here.	00:10:12
	I'm very passionate about this.	00:10:17
	This is a very narrow audit.	00:10:22
	And everything we chose to look at came back.	00:10:25
	Extremely bad.	00:10:28
	And I want to prepare the Vineyard citizens.	00:10:29
	There's a very large part that we have not even looked at.	00:10:32
	And from all the people that have come in.	00:10:36
	And, umm.	00:10:39
	Brought forth, these were the only points that the previous Council would allow us to investigate.	00:10:39
	There are many, many more points.	00:10:46
	That we did not have.	00:10:48
	The political power, but I do want to commend.	00:10:51
	The previous council.	00:10:54
	Especially Councilman Brett Clausen for pushing.	00:10:56
	In the very last second of last year to make it independent.	00:11:01
	In order to get my vote.	00:11:06
	I said it's got it's got to be this and and we went through those seven items that were the easy.	00:11:08
	Easy things to pick off.	00:11:14
	And find.	00:11:17
	Again I echo.	00:11:20
	Councilman.	00:11:22
	You know.	00:11:24
	This is not to to attack anyone, individual or department, head or leadership at that time.	00:11:26
	It's just more of to make the citizens familiar.	00:11:31
	Or understand what what did happen and also.	00:11:35
	Be able to widen the scope.	00:11:39
	On that and and go where where it leads us.	00:11:40
	I do think that the recommendations.	00:11:44
	In meeting with the auditor that went through this.	00:11:46
	Are really good.	00:11:49
	But like I said.	00:11:51
	The one thing though, that I would.	00:11:53
	Caution, citizens, is that.	00:11:55
	All of this spending was voted on and approved.	00:11:58
	So it's going to be extremely hard.	00:12:01
	We're not claiming wrongdoing in any of this. We're just.	00:12:04
	Because the way in which agendas were appropriate.	00:12:08
	Improved very high level and very broad.	00:12:11
	The scope of what was given to the department heads of that time.	00:12:15
	Was very generalized.	00:12:19
	Travel. You can define that as anything.	00:12:21
	Economic development, you can define that as anything.	00:12:24
	Miscellaneous. You can define that as anything and so putting those into those categories.	00:12:27
	Allows for.	00:12:32
	The ability for them to do that.	00:12:34
	Even though the citizens.	00:12:37
	Might not agree with it.	00:12:40
	But I think.	00:12:42
	Above and beyond that.	00:12:43
	With this change in power.	00:12:45
	I would never give the same power to Mayor Stratton.	00:12:47
	I There are many citizens that did not have the power, including Mr. Stratton.	00:12:52
	That went to try to get the Ledger that couldn't get access to the Ledger even while running as a candidate.	00:12:58
	And so we do not have the safeguards in place.	00:13:04
	For the average citizen to be able to hold.	00:13:07
	Our government accountable.	00:13:10
	In a meeting with.	00:13:13
	Auditor Tina Cannon at The State.	00:13:15
	Any citizen at anytime should be able to walk into the door.	00:13:18
	And say I want the complete Ledger and have access to that.	00:13:21
	Had that been followed from the beginning, we would have found this problem two years ago.	00:13:24
	And millions of dollars would have not been.	00:13:30
	Wasted and so.	00:13:32
	Putting in those policies, but also.	00:13:35
	For the opposition, for those that didn't vote for the.	00:13:37
	The incoming.	00:13:40
	They should be empowered now and we should be an example to them, and so I want this audit committee to go back and look into the.	00:13:42
	Policies that are in place to say.	00:13:49
	Is this?	00:13:51
	Going to safeguard someone without.	00:13:53
	Power or authority to be able to investigate and hold their government accountable, not just look into the past.	00:13:55
	But look into.	00:14:03
	What stymied the ability to have this come forward sooner? If that makes sense. So.	00:14:05
	I completely.	00:14:10
	Agree with the.	00:14:11
	Subcommittee for review and.	00:14:14
	Support that effort.	00:14:17
	Thanks, Councilman Hobley.	00:14:19
	Councilman Wood, Yeah, just to echo.	00:14:21
	Parker and Jake, you had audits. Pretty troubling when it comes to.	00:14:24
	Shared cards, shared gas cards, missing receipts, I think we have obligation to put in.	00:14:28
	On the best practices. So I think that this committee.	00:14:33
	Intent is to do that, the auditor said. There's a lot of.	00:14:37
	So it's hard to break the law. It's hard to break rules when the rules aren't written.	00:14:41
	Right. So we have a lot of rice.	00:14:44
	A lot of rules to write a lot of stuff to.	00:14:46
	Look into like Jake said, the scope of the audit was not even that.	00:14:48
	Broad. It wasn't very narrow, so they might.	00:14:53
	You know, might have a.	00:14:55
	Other situations we have to look in other areas to find what rules we need to write, what things we need to investigate as well,	00:14:57
	so I support this.	00:15:00
	Going forward.	00:15:04
	Awesome.	00:15:05
	Thanks.	00:15:06
	Councilman Larry.	00:15:06
	Thank you.	00:15:07
	There is just so much in this report.	00:15:09
	I mean so over 100 pages thereabouts and there are 7 main headers.	00:15:11
	And under each heading, there must have been, you know, 8 or 10 or 11.	00:15:15
	Different findings.	00:15:19
	Under each of those with with.	00:15:21
	Each of those with a half dozen, you know, sub points things we need to work on.	00:15:22
	The vast majority of them are basically record keeping.	00:15:27
	And and and also procedural procedures, sitting up and so forth and.	00:15:30
	And I think we'll be busy for the next year just working on these things practically.	00:15:34
	But.	00:15:39
	But I do believe that we do want to be open.	00:15:40
	To the idea if the subcommittee were to find other issues to to pursue that we want to pursue them.	00:15:43
	And this is a side note and not going to side, just the main note really we the city owes a great deal of gratitude to.	00:15:48
	Brett Clawson and and looking this forward. Thank you, Brett.	00:15:53
	This is really really.	00:15:57
	I mean it.	00:15:59
	It's a mountain to have to have to handle but.	00:16:00
	At least we know we have it now. Thank you.	00:16:02
	So I would I would support that.	00:16:05
	And I would I support we go forward with that and and research them and and.	00:16:07
	I would suggest that that the majority of the points would be taken taken care of by a subcommittee.	00:16:11
	From this council, but there Chapter 5, the Redevelopment Agency, issues all but one of those.	00:16:16
	It sub points there.	00:16:23
	Probably better handled by a subcommittee in the.	00:16:25
	By the Redevelopment Agency Board.	00:16:29
	Yeah, yeah. We're going to address that in the RDA meeting.	00:16:30
	Late this evening, so thank you.	00:16:34
	Awesome, Ezra.	00:16:38
	Yeah, I just have one.	00:16:40
	Rather than I.	00:16:45
	Most of your guys comments about.	00:16:47
	Kind of the limited scope of this audit.	00:16:49
	And one of the things as I was looking at the contract independent auditor.	00:16:51
	Is that we?	00:16:55
	Not only appointed them to do the audit, but to also help us set up a formal audit committee.	00:16:56
	One thing that's recommended for large organizations?	00:17:01
	Our organization reached that status last year.	00:17:04
	Is to have a formal audit committee.	00:17:07
	And.	00:17:09
	The consultant and independent auditor actually agreed to help set that up.	00:17:10
	And provide training and have.	00:17:14
	That formal committee that can then look at.	00:17:17
	Not only just this limited scope of this audit, but to look at any problems in the city, anything when identifying any processes.	00:17:19
	That we can improve.	00:17:26
	And.	00:17:27
	Formal process and also check the box on.	00:17:29
	One of the state requirements or through the state recommendations.	00:17:32
	They'll send a list every year of recommendations.	00:17:36
	That local government should have, and having a formal audit committee is one of those.	00:17:38
	So I would.	00:17:42
	Recommend that we.	00:17:44
	We established that in addition to this.	00:17:45
	Or perhaps we established that to then.	00:17:48
	And set up a separate subcommittee that can look specifically at this audit and then we have.	00:17:51
	You know, other people looking at.	00:17:56
	Fulfill that requirement and then.	00:17:59
	For sure.	00:18:04
	And those services are paid for as well, So I think we should.	00:18:05
	Definitely take advantage for sure.	00:18:08
	Yeah. So that was that was paid for in the original.	00:18:09
	The original go around.	00:18:12
	OK.	00:18:13
	Is there extra money, Brett, to set up that committee? I thought he spent the money on just the actual audit.	00:18:17
	You can come. Yeah. Come on up, Brett. Yeah. Thank you.	00:18:24
	The what it was is the consulting to set it up and I think the the vision for the audit committee would be staff and citizens on	00:18:28
	citizens on a volunteer basis that that was the that was my understanding of.	00:18:34
	Of how that was supposed of the contract.	00:18:41
	So we've already paid for that.	00:18:42
	For the for the consulting on getting it set up the audit committee, yeah.	00:18:44
	Yeah, but the but the committee itself is is independent.	00:18:48
	Within the city, it has nothing to do with the right.	00:18:52
	With the consultant once.	00:18:54
	Once we're set up.	00:18:56
	I think we could. There wouldn't be anything barring.	00:18:57
	Any of us from serving on that committee as well. I think you would just probably be, yeah.	00:19:00
	OK. So the subcommittee could possibly lead that effort in involve the consultant and we've expanded, expand as we need to.	00:19:04
	For sure.	00:19:11
	No, I think that that's really cute. One of the things that I want to make sure that we're doing is getting buying from the	00:19:12
	community. I know that in our community we have a lot of subject matter experts, professionals in various fields that really can	00:19:16
	help us. And they've reached out to me, reach out to other members of council, I'm sure as well with the desire to help.	00:19:21
	And and get involved and. So I think that that would definitely be in line with the intent and.	00:19:26
	Kind of where my head is at.	00:19:31
	For this subcommittee.	00:19:33
	To to do that and thank you guys for and Brett for the.	00:19:34
	Heads up on that that they're willing to.	00:19:37
	Do training and stuff like that because I think that is.	00:19:39
	The more professional help that we can get and the more.	00:19:42
	Just oversight. I think it's just going to just turn out better for everybody involved, so.	00:19:45
	Just a point of order, we don't have to name those.	00:19:50
	Citizens and individuals tonight, you hold the authority to add them and adjust as necessary. You're just authorizing the	00:19:52
	subcommittee and those that are leading it tonight, and we can add as necessary.	00:19:57
	Yes, correct.	00:20:02
	OK, so in that the the people I was thinking about working on this so.	00:20:04
	One of the benefits we have moving to six person council is I don't have a vote and so I can, I can.	00:20:07
	Three of us can be together. So I was thinking I would share the subcommittee and I'd have.	00:20:11
	Councilman.	00:20:16
	I'd have Parker and Jake hold away, help us out with that so.	00:20:17
	That's where I was thinking on this specific subcommittee.	00:20:21
	So any other comments before we?	00:20:24
	Move on to the next item.	00:20:28
	Yeah.	00:20:29
	I just had a comment about.	00:20:31
	Actually, I think it's probably fine.	00:20:37
	Never mind. OK.	00:20:38
	Awesome. Umm.	00:20:40
	Any emotion? Yeah. Can I have a motion?	00:20:41
	For that, please, I move. We approve the formation of the subcommittees.	00:20:44
	As presented by the mayor.	00:20:47
	Second. OK, awesome.	00:20:49
	All in favor.	00:20:52
	Hi, OK, awesome.	00:20:55
	Motion passes. Just to clarify, who did I have as the second for that?	00:20:57
	Jacob Wood.	00:21:01
	Thank you, Sir.	00:21:02
	All righty. Moving on to another subcommittee that wanted to put together.	00:21:03
	As we have, as I've gone through the last.	00:21:08
	Probably.	00:21:12
	One of the great things that Mayor Fulmer did to me or did for the city and really for me.	00:21:14
	Is she was very, very open and very, very kind in her.	00:21:20
	And helped me out a ton of my onboarding process.	00:21:24
	And that was it was.	00:21:28
	Great to work alongside her.	00:21:29
	And staff and so forth and kind of really started.	00:21:31
	Yeah, probably November 10th or so.	00:21:36
	So it's really is good to kind of get caught to speed and so forth.	00:21:39
	As we're going through the onboarding process and so forth.	00:21:43
	And I was getting to know the staff and the different members of the city.	00:21:47
	I felt that.	00:21:52
	It was.	00:21:53
	Because the elections results were what they were.	00:21:54
	And uh.	00:21:57
	There is.	00:21:58
	Really a mandate from the the citizens to.	00:22:03
	To change some things.	00:22:05
	I felt that appropriate to.	00:22:07
	Appoint another subcommittee.	00:22:09
	And in a private and professional way, meet with members of staff and and see where they're at.	00:22:10
	And have conversations with them.	00:22:15
	And.	00:22:18
	Kind of where where?	00:22:19
	What what their appetite is for staying around and, and all that stuff. So.	00:22:23
	That is.	00:22:28
	Where I'm.	00:22:29
	Kind of we're going with on this second subcommittee. I really.	00:22:30
	One of the things I want to do.	00:22:33
	And is make this as collaborators.	00:22:34
	As possible.	00:22:37
	But at the same time we need to respect.	00:22:38
	The the privacy and the professional desires of staff.	00:22:40
	In an appropriate way.	00:22:45
	And so that's kind of where I was noodling and thinking about this subcommittee as well to kind of go through and, and have those	00:22:47
	conversations and, and just have.	00:22:51
	Really organizational alignment, I think that.	00:22:56
	Any well run organization, one of the keys is making sure that there's alignment.	00:22:59
	And.	00:23:04
	Get helping the staff get aligned with the direction that we'd like to go and.	00:23:05
	Just having good conversations with that.	00:23:09
	So that is that's kind of where I am on this second subcommittee, so.	00:23:12
	Maybe I'll start.	00:23:18
	That's just we can start again with Parker.	00:23:20
	And just any thoughts or?	00:23:22
	Comments about that?	00:23:24
	That agenda item 2.3.	00:23:26
	Yeah, I think that that's probably.	00:23:29
	Pretty straightforward.	00:23:31
	Practice so as we're not.	00:23:32
	Bringing.	00:23:35
	People out to council meetings without notice or conversation ahead of time. I think that's a good way for City Council members or	00:23:36
	mayor to collect information and.	00:23:41
	Really determine I guess.	00:23:48
	Best course of action with each individual on an individual basis.	00:23:49
	Jacob, you want to go or Jake?	00:23:56
	This is a really hard one.	00:23:58
	You're balancing 2 separate things.	00:24:00
	You're balancing.	00:24:03
	The feelings of.	00:24:04
	Staff members.	00:24:05
	Their privacy.	00:24:07
	Their incredible service to our city over many years and the great things that they did.	00:24:09
	And wanting to focus in on all the all the positive things.	00:24:15
	While also.	00:24:19
	Looking at the direction of where the city is, but also looking at.	00:24:20
	What's occurred?	00:24:24
	I know in the audit we're only looking at certain things.	00:24:26
	But it's how many years it took to be able to find these things when they were.	00:24:29
	When they were there.	00:24:34
	These things were not.	00:24:36
	Hidden in a vacuum.	00:24:39
	It took many staff members and it makes me feel bad.	00:24:41
	To be able to facilitate the hiding of what happened.	00:24:45
	It wasn't illegal.	00:24:49
	But it made it very difficult for us to find or get access to the Ledger.	00:24:50
	Many of you know publicly I've already told you.	00:24:56
	There are 12 fake social media accounts that were created to target me.	00:24:59
	Four of which were created by staff.	00:25:03
	I would never publicly humiliate them.	00:25:06
	Whether whatever they did to me or my family.	00:25:09
	But changes should occur and we should handle those in a.	00:25:12
	Correct way.	00:25:16
	If those staff members disagree.	00:25:17
	With those decisions and they want to make it public.	00:25:19
	I have no problem and we should be as transparent as possible with them.	00:25:23
	During that process, because the citizens have a right to know.	00:25:27
	But also.	00:25:31
	People make mistakes in life.	00:25:32
	And they deserve to move forward on that.	00:25:34
	And there's also staff members with the new direction of the council of where they want to go, that they were great, they worked	00:25:37
	for a really long time and the.	00:25:41
	Or council might feel that they need to go a different direction and so I believe holding those conversations in private.	00:25:45
	I believe asking them do they want to reapply, do they want to go through the process, do they don't asking them taking many weeks	00:25:53
	to go through that make sure that if they don't want to be here, if they don't want to go in that new direction, we get that.	00:25:59
	I would also point out that we have a.	00:26:06
	I mean the audit, but also many things happen where our staff is too political.	00:26:08
	During the campaign, 22 staff members, according to Councilman Cameron.	00:26:14
	Came out politically against the way this staff was or this direction was going to go.	00:26:19
	And that's OK, They have that right.	00:26:23
	But then they also have that right to say hey.	00:26:26
	Maybe they shouldn't be here if the new direction where the new Council is going to go.	00:26:29
	Right. I know there was a grandma on that and they they took their free time to to be able to go through and do that. But that	00:26:33
	means that the new council and mayor.	00:26:37
	Have the right to go in that direction if they don't agree with us.	00:26:42
	Right.	00:26:45
	OK, I think those discussions need to happen.	00:26:49
	In private and I'm and I've been appraised.	00:26:52
	Of Mayor Stratton's conversations.	00:26:56
	With them almost daily and following.	00:26:58
	You know Council of how that is up and I would just say our HR department has done a fantastic.	00:27:01
	Job and I couldn't be more.	00:27:07
	So yeah, I do support the subcommittee.	00:27:11
	OK, awesome.	00:27:12
	I'm going to actually jump over to Ezra. I don't feel like I'm picking on you. I haven't go last every time, so go ahead.	00:27:14
	Now that's fine.	00:27:21
	It's certainly there there. There have been some.	00:27:23
	Some troubling.	00:27:27
	Decisions made by.	00:27:28
	By staff as far as.	00:27:30
	Political activity goes.	00:27:31
	The fake social media accounts are completely inappropriate and I.	00:27:34
	I feel.	00:27:40
	Really bad that that happened like that. That's completely inappropriate and.	00:27:42
	Definitely should not be happening.	00:27:47
	Ever.	00:27:50
	One thing I do want to.	00:27:51
	Kind of hopefully.	00:27:55
	Make note of is.	00:27:58
	That.	00:28:01
	I would I would love to be apprised of the.	00:28:04
	The process as as this thing is going along.	00:28:08
	I do really want to.	00:28:11
	Support.	00:28:13
	The Council's efforts, I'm not here to.	00:28:15
	Hinder the work of the city in general.	00:28:18
	And I would.	00:28:20
	Love to help, support and.	00:28:22
	Hopefully prevent some of the the missteps of.	00:28:25
	You know, we don't have legal counsel right now.	00:28:29
	There, there's just a lot of things that.	00:28:31
	That I feel like I could contribute.	00:28:33
	If I.	00:28:36
	Could be involved, even though, you know, I recognize that I would probably not be appointed to the subcommittee, but.	00:28:38
	I would love to at least be apprised of the decisions that.	00:28:44
	Are being considered being made and hopefully I would love to just be able to offer some of the advice behind.	00:28:47
	Behind closed doors, I guess, or.	00:28:53
	Kind of in the.	00:28:55
	While respecting staff privacy as well in these decisions.	00:28:59
	But I definitely understand if it's going to take some time for you.	00:29:03
	For me to be brought into those conversations, but I just want a voice that I'm happy to help support.	00:29:07
	I would love to to make sure these decisions are.	00:29:13
	Are being made openly as as much as possible.	00:29:16
	While recognizing the the need to have.	00:29:20
	Closed sessions and discussions in that.	00:29:22
	Manner you know I'm gonna.	00:29:24
	Mention something real quick. I really appreciate that, Ezra.	00:29:27
	You're in a unique situation that being the former city manager and kind of have a lot of context and.	00:29:30
	As we go through and talk with staff, it's it's always.	00:29:35
	I try to.	00:29:38
	In a professional.	00:29:39
	Way that protects privacy of staff and allowed them to make.	00:29:40
	What's really what's in the best decisions for them and their family?	00:29:44
	In a non public.	00:29:46
	Way as best you can.	00:29:49
	I think it's real important to get.	00:29:51
	There's much insight, so I really appreciate your offer on that and I'm.	00:29:52
	We'll definitely be taking you up on that. I think so.	00:29:55
	I'll pass it to Councilman Larae.	00:29:58
	Yeah, sure. I support the idea of having a subcommittee meet with the staff and and help them determine what they want to do and.	00:30:02
	Help them achieve their goals.	00:30:10
	I would volunteer as soon as such a subcommittee.	00:30:12
	And Audrey said with with with Councilman Air as well.	00:30:15
	OK, awesome.	00:30:18
	Yeah, and nothing really to add. I do support it. I think that you know, like.	00:30:21
	Others have said now.	00:30:26
	We have some great staff. We also have some staff that engage in.	00:30:27
	Political conversations and I think forming a subcommittee.	00:30:30
	Rio Vallier and see if we can get better alignment going forward is completely.	00:30:33
	Appropriate, OK.	00:30:37
	Just a point of order, sure.	00:30:39
	We cannot.	00:30:42
	Turn and make the staff be aligned with us. So I like your comment.	00:30:45
	As we're being, maybe.	00:30:50
	I don't know if you're going to call yourself a minority or whatever, but like.	00:30:51
	You want.	00:30:55
	A staff that is apolitical, that doesn't even care where it says.	00:30:55
	Run that way.	00:31:01
	And literally when there's a change.	00:31:02
	And they say run the other way.	00:31:04
	That's their job and I know it's so hard.	00:31:06
	For 20.	00:31:09
	Plus years I've worked for public surplus. We're in auction service. I do it nationally, so I'm I always show up when.	00:31:10
	Things are being sold where bad things are happening. Could you imagine? Like they're always buying these cars? Chicago, inner	00:31:19
	city Chicago is.	00:31:22
	The biggest one?	00:31:26
	And it is so hard for staff to recognize that, hey, I serve at the behest of one way.	00:31:28
	And it's hard for me to not form an opinion.	00:31:33
	And stay that apolitical. So I.	00:31:36
	I think that's one of the things that we.	00:31:38
	We need to ensure that do they have a confidence to be able to speak up and say something that we would.	00:31:40
	Disagree with and.	00:31:47
	In a way.	00:31:48
	Would they feel comfortable going in in?	00:31:50
	I mean, do they need to go to social media to shout it or could they feel comfortable within their jobs to be able to do that?	00:31:52
	And we need to tone it down.	00:31:58
	In a setting but also allow.	00:32:01
	I think I've got the point across, but we want them.	00:32:04
	To represent all citizens.	00:32:07
	And especially when they go to get documents.	00:32:10
	Reports hold people accountable. It's not.	00:32:13
	But this might be bad for the mayor to know, You know, the mayor might not want this out. Sorry. Mayor needs to get out, you know?	00:32:18
	Yeah.	00:32:22
	And and so I want that subcommittee not only on the audit to review that, but also of.	00:32:25
	Of the.	00:32:32
	Staff.	00:32:33
	That is not negotiable. It's our rights as a constitution to be able to do that.	00:32:34
	And you know.	00:32:39
	To to for them to petition their government and hold us accountable and do.	00:32:41
	Citizens have.	00:32:46
	Those tools.	00:32:48
	So that it's not such a long drawn out process as it's been.	00:32:50
	So.	00:32:54
	Awesome. Thank you.	00:32:56
	Anything else before we?	00:32:58
	Move on to the next item.	00:33:00
	You all good on that?	00:33:02
	OK, sorry is is this going to include appointed like?	00:33:03
	Boards.	00:33:07
	Councils as well or?	00:33:08
	Just the staff.	00:33:09
	No, I think what I'd like to start. That's a great question, Ezra. I think I'd like to start just with staff.	00:33:10
	For the first little bit and then we'll just kind of.	00:33:16
	I think that that.	00:33:19
	That would be appropriate to start there.	00:33:19
	So that's that's what I'm.	00:33:23
	Sensing I don't mind opening it up to.	00:33:24
	Boards as well.	00:33:27
	Like reevaluating boards.	00:33:29
	That might not align. I mean there.	00:33:30
	I mean.	00:33:34
	In my experience.	00:33:34
	You know, obviously there's a change in election and there's many boards.	00:33:36
	That we have within the city that need reappointment to align with the values and goals that you're going.	00:33:40
	Towards and I think it's.	00:33:46
	I have no problem stopping that.	00:33:47
	I think you. I think you don't need to.	00:33:50
	Up identify which boards at this time and I think the subcommittee can work with you Mayor, and we authorize them to look at that	00:33:52
	and.	00:33:56
	I don't need reason why we need to come back to that.	00:34:01
	Yeah, I believe we.	00:34:04
	Greatly benefited by a diversity.	00:34:06
	Diversity of opinions.	00:34:08
	Right. And we.	00:34:09
	That we can choose from the best, from whatever's there, from the whole whole gamut.	00:34:10
	Right, OK.	00:34:15
	OK, anything else on?	00:34:18
	On that.	00:34:19
	So it sounds like.	00:34:20
	Include boards as well.	00:34:23
	I would like to. I would like to.	00:34:25
	I would like to have the the subcommittee start with staff right focus, I think the first.	00:34:27
	To in fairness to all parties involved and I think that that's would be my intent to to really start.	00:34:32
	So, umm.	00:34:39
	Do I have anything else on that before we ask for a motion?	00:34:41
	On that, OK.	00:34:46
	Can I ask for a motion on?	00:34:47
	On that agenda item 2.3.	00:34:49
	Oh sorry, let me the the.	00:34:53
	Before I'd say that before we do the motion, I am my intent on this and I would like to, Sir, I was thinking we could have Jacob	00:34:55
	Wood and David Larae.	00:34:58
	Help with on that one.	00:35:02
	So, umm.	00:35:03
	Can I get a motion on that one?	00:35:06
	Yeah, I moved to approve the formation of subcommittee as presented by the Mayor.	00:35:09
	Can I get a second?	00:35:13
	2nd.	00:35:15
	OK, all in favor.	00:35:16
	Aye, OK, awesome.	00:35:18
	Awesome, awesome.	00:35:21
	Is this roll call?	00:35:25
	No, no, I just, I just didn't vote yet.	00:35:26
	I'll I'll go. I thank you.	00:35:31
	OK, awesome.	00:35:34
	All righty, let's jump down to the consent item 3.1 approval to.	00:35:36
	Approval of the December 10th.	00:35:41
	2025 City Council minutes.	00:35:43
	Can I get a motion on that please?	00:35:46
	I move to approve the consent items.	00:35:48
	As presented.	00:35:51
	2nd.	00:35:54
	All in favor.	00:35:55
	Aye.	00:35:58
	OK. I'm going to call a little bit of audible here. Is there do we have any public comments where?	00:35:59
	We are going to need to go into a closed session. We have some people to interview for the new city attorney position.	00:36:05
	But that might take a minute.	00:36:12
	And I didn't want to have everyone just wait if you wanted. Do we have any?	00:36:14
	Public comments. Do I need to?	00:36:20
	Motion Public Comment No, it looks like we just do that.	00:36:22
	OK. All right. Is anybody that would like to do we have any public comments today?	00:36:25
	Yes.	00:36:29
	Let's.	00:36:30
	OK.	00:36:32
	Come on up.	00:36:34
	Well, it looks like we had three hands. Is it just three hands? Anybody else?	00:36:35
	OK, awesome.	00:36:39
	And when you come, please state your name.	00:36:41
	For the record.	00:36:43
	Hi, my name is Kimberly Olson. I live in Lakefront.	00:36:45
	And just as a little background, I've talked to all of you guys separately, so you know who I am. I work in government accounting.	00:36:49
	And so I.	00:36:56
	What's really important to me in life is that I can look myself in the mirror.	00:36:59
	And know that I did my part, that I stood up for what I felt was right and so.	00:37:03
	There's a couple things that I really felt like I needed to come and say today.	00:37:08
	Because I felt like it was important that they needed to be said.	00:37:12
	First of all, really quick, just to address a couple things that I heard.	00:37:15
	Council member Holdaway, I was in a meeting with you where they discussed.	00:37:20
	Citizens being able to come and get a copy of the Ledger.	00:37:24
	And.	00:37:27
	Seth was there and you were told that that's not true. So citizens are provided with the transparency website that.	00:37:30
	Yes, there were issues with everything being reported, but there's a lot of protected information.	00:37:37
	Such as late fees being charged to residents.	00:37:42
	There's youth on the youth council. You can't put that. You can't just give that to citizens and.	00:37:45
	In our case, we don't have that because we contract out police, but undercover officers. There's all these things that that's why	00:37:50
	your recorder is going to go through and redact that. It's going to make sure that information that needs to say private and safe	00:37:55
	does, and it's not just in the hands for everybody.	00:38:00
	And I think we can agree with those couple, like we don't want those out. Like that's not fair to our youth. That's not, and I'm	00:38:06
	happy.	00:38:09
	I'm happy to sit down with the state auditor with you again, and we'll have Seth come perfect.	00:38:13
	Perfect.	00:38:17
	But I mean, I've done.	00:38:19
	Transparency for 14 years, and there's a reason why you can't just put the Ledger out there.	00:38:20
	And then meeting with Seth.	00:38:27
	When he said the Ledger was made public, right, David?	00:38:28
	Should we let?	00:38:31
	Yes, I welcome.	00:38:33
	And that anyone that wanted access to it should get access. OK, we can sit down with that because I I am.	00:38:34
	I am positive it would be great to have Seth. Thank you. Yes, OK. And then also.	00:38:39
	I don't disagree with.	00:38:46
	Any staff that created a fake Facebook to harass anybody, I agree that's wrong. That's not OK.	00:38:48
	But the very nature of a staff position is to be.	00:38:54
	Nonpartisan. So I also agree with if you do have staff that are partisan, that needs to be dealt with.	00:38:57
	But I was brought to meet.	00:39:05
	A lot of staff sitting by the side with my backup with Jake Holdaway.	00:39:07
	And I did have.	00:39:12
	Some really positive experiences with staff. I have actually attended several like UMM.	00:39:14
	Professional conferences with some of our staff.	00:39:19
	That.	00:39:23
	They were very engaged on learning and being their very best.	00:39:24
	For the city of Vineyard.	00:39:28
	And.	00:39:31
	Sorry.	00:39:40
	No.	00:39:46
	Sorry.	00:39:49
	Thank you. I work with.	00:39:55
	Government employees all day, every day. It's my full time job.	00:39:57
	And I would say 60% of them hate their job.	00:40:01
	And they do it for one reason or the other, because it's.	00:40:05
	All that's available or whatnot, and.	00:40:08
	And I just wanted to say.	00:40:10
	On public record and before you.	00:40:12
	That the Vineyard staff that I had the honor of knowing.	00:40:17
	Loved Vineyard.	00:40:20
	And so.	00:40:22
	I think it's unique to get professional people that also love what they do and love their city.	00:40:25
	And so I just wanted to get up here and say.	00:40:31
	And say that today.	00:40:35
	That I have had that experience and I want you to have the opportunity.	00:40:37
	Have that experience and if you do receive pushback and if you do receive.	00:40:41
	People don't want to do their job and people don't want to change direction and people are giving you grief.	00:40:45
	By all means.	00:40:49
	I'm not saying you just put up with whatever.	00:40:51
	But I am saying that give them the opportunity to show you the people that they are because you've got some really, really good	00:40:54
	humans.	00:40:57
	On your staff and I don't want you.	00:41:00
	I don't want to lose some good ones.	00:41:05
	Because of social media fighting.	00:41:08
	That's what I'm asking and then I was just asked to read 1.	00:41:10
	One thing from someone who couldn't be here, which is council member, Mccumber stated.	00:41:13
	On a Vineyard Facebook page that appointments require reapportionment. Reappointment.	00:41:17
	However, under the.	00:41:21
	Under Utah municipal law, appointed positions do not expire and do not require reappointment.	00:41:23
	Unless 1A statue establishes a term.	00:41:29
	To the municipal code creates a fixed appointment cycle or three. The appointment was explicitly made for a term.	00:41:31
	For cities.	00:41:38
	Of vineyards classification department heads, including the city engineer.	00:41:39
	Or at will appointments, not term limited offices this means.	00:41:43
	They remain in position until they resign or they're formally removed by the governing body, you guys.	00:41:49
	Accordingly, these appointments did not do not legally expire and there is no requirement to reapply. No positions were posted.	00:41:54
	Declining to reapply is therefore not a voluntary departure.	00:42:01
	Councilmember Holdaway.	00:42:06
	He noted that no votes were taken and that.	00:42:08
	That employees chose not to reapply.	00:42:12
	And they just did not want.	00:42:17
	Departures framed as voluntary or part of a normal process because it's not the process. It is still your will to make. It is	00:42:19
	still your decision. We just want to be clear.	00:42:23
	What the process is?	00:42:29
	And Council Member Mccumber, you you did note that the individuals were informed in advance.	00:42:33
	That their positions would be discussed publicly. I appreciate you guys deciding to go into closed session because I agree there's	00:42:39
	no need to embarrass people. There's no.	00:42:43
	So this reflects the reversal of the process.	00:42:48
	Council member Larae stated that.	00:42:52
	Mayor Stratton was acting based on his experience as a CEO.	00:42:54
	And was doing his best and cited precedent, though no documented policy or record has been identified. So if.	00:42:58
	If there is.	00:43:04
	That'd be great.	00:43:05
	To here.	00:43:07
	So.	00:43:08
	So.	00:43:14
	A resignation is not voluntary.	00:43:18
	If leadership actions make the termination appear inevitable.	00:43:20
	Even in the absence of a formal firing. So based on public statements, it appears that.	00:43:24
	Either.	00:43:29
	I mean, you guys are brand new, so.	00:43:31
	That there is a learning curve and I respect that and I.	00:43:33
	And I would.	00:43:35
	Say everybody.	00:43:36
	Give each other grace.	00:43:38
	We're all doing our best, right?	00:43:39
	But.	00:43:43
	We just would like to make sure that if you guys decide.	00:43:46
	To dismiss staff.	00:43:50
	That it is done.	00:43:51
	Through you tell municipal code 1.	00:43:53
	And #2.	00:43:55
	That it's done based on your experience and not anybody else's. That's what I would ask of you.	00:43:58
	So the question that.	00:44:05
	Was was raised that.	00:44:08
	That citizens would like to know were employees asked.	00:44:10
	To asked or encouraged to resign.	00:44:13
	Did any positions have a defined term requiring reappointments?	00:44:15
	Did any employee resign independently without being approached?	00:44:20
	And were any employees removed from duties or sent home?	00:44:23
	And were any of the internal notices issued? If not?	00:44:27
	Is this the first time you guys have?	00:44:31
	Reviewed this issue.	00:44:33
	And that's it.	00:44:35
	Thank you. Appreciate that.	00:44:36
	Thanks, Kim.	00:44:38
	Kim, thank you so much.	00:44:38
	We had a couple.	00:44:42
	Any other hands?	00:44:43
	Let's do.	00:44:46
	Race to the front. Yeah, just get in line.	00:44:49
	Yeah.	00:44:50
	Whoever wants to come next, come.	00:44:52
	Come on up.	00:44:55
	Dennis Frank with the Cascade neighborhood.	00:45:00
	Congratulations Mayor Stratton and to the city.	00:45:03
	Incoming City Council members, we appreciate.	00:45:06
	You and all that you will be doing.	00:45:09
	I passed by.	00:45:12
	Every day and at night, especially the lights at the Connector Rd. the State Road 167 and Main St. in Vineyard.	00:45:15
	It doesn't seem like the intersection.	00:45:23
	Lights for the pedestrians are on.	00:45:25
	It's a very dark now that the Christmas tree lights.	00:45:28
	Tree lights are down.	00:45:32
	It's a very dark area. If somebody couldn't have a peek at that and find out if this.	00:45:33
	State needs to do that. Make sure they're on or if that city.	00:45:38
	A couple of kudos.	00:45:42
	Last week I attended the.	00:45:46
	Planning meeting and afterwards talked with Naseem about a stop sign in Cascade neighborhood that was turned.	00:45:49
	180° of prankster.	00:45:56
	Did that and Naseem said I'll, I'll take care of that next day. It was taken care of. Thank you.	00:45:58
	The same.	00:46:04
	Last night.	00:46:06
	There was some suspicious activity going on.	00:46:08
	In our Cascade neighborhood there was.	00:46:11
	A car that my neighbor and I were saying.	00:46:13
	Or truck? Whose truck is that? We didn't know whose truck it was, and last night there was a lot of activity around that truck.	00:46:16
	With about.	00:46:23
	Three other cars.	00:46:24
	They're all white cars.	00:46:26
	There are about 8 people out there and moving things around from truck to truck and.	00:46:28
	And then finally when they.	00:46:33
	I happen to be watching.	00:46:35
	Episode of The Rookie.	00:46:36
	And that didn't help but.	00:46:38
	Once they started looking at the, you know, messing around at the license plate, I said it's time to call a share.	00:46:42
	So I called the Sheriff's Office saying that there was some suspicious stuff going on.	00:46:48
	And uh.	00:46:52
	As always happens after you make that call, then the car started leaving.	00:46:53
	And when the sheriff did roll by within 5 minutes?	00:46:58
	There was one couple that was still out there and I.	00:47:02
	Felt safe enough at that point.	00:47:05
	To go out and ask what they were doing at that time.	00:47:07
	And it was a new neighbor that we didn't know.	00:47:10
	Young college student that was selling his truck.	00:47:14
	And it was 10:30 at night.	00:47:18
	Going on to 11:00.	00:47:19
	But the sheriff?	00:47:21
	Was very, very appreciative of having the sheriff out there and he mentioned that he was also going around.	00:47:24
	Checking garage doors that were open.	00:47:31
	And letting the residents know.	00:47:34
	That they were open so they closed them so nothing happens to their belongings and appreciate that from the sheriff's.	00:47:37
	That.	00:47:43
	They protect and serve.	00:47:44
	Thank you very much.	00:47:45
	Appreciate it.	00:47:47
	We had one over here.	00:47:49
	Oh, is that Sarah?	00:47:50
	Sorry, I can't see you there. So I think you're kind of in the.	00:47:53
	Come on up.	00:47:56
	And then we just had one. Was it?	00:48:00
	Dari, OK. So we'll go to you after that. Thanks.	00:48:01
	Sarah Cameron, Vineyard resident.	00:48:05
	I have a lot of things.	00:48:09
	What I'd like to say today.	00:48:10
	I posted at my resignation.	00:48:12
	My frustration with what I was witnessing.	00:48:15
	In the campaign.	00:48:17
	I was very clear.	00:48:18
	To a few of you.	00:48:19
	That some of the things that you were campaigning on were outright lies and you campaigned on it anyway.	00:48:22
	So for the public record, I want people to understand.	00:48:27
	That there were a lot of things spoken that weren't true and you continue to speak them anyway. And that's really.	00:48:31
	Really frustrating to me.	00:48:37
	And Jake, you just mentioned that I said something about 22 staff members that didn't align politically. You posted I never first	00:48:39
	of 22.	00:48:43
	Quotes coming from staff. No I didn't. Don't ever put words in my mouth again. You've done that to me so many times and one of the	00:48:48
	reasons why we have this.	00:48:53
	Disconnect in Vineyard.	00:48:58
	Is because you continually humiliate, humiliated and lied about staff over and over and over again and they were trying to defend	00:49:00
	themselves. So for a public record they can. I want to.	00:49:06
	It's my turn, It's my turn. Let's get. I want people to understand that what's happening here.	00:49:12
	Is not.	00:49:18
	What you profess it to be.	00:49:19
	That's all I have to say and I wish you the best of luck and you just.	00:49:21
	Lost some really, really valuable employees that would have worked really hard for you.	00:49:24
	Thank you, Sir. Appreciate it.	00:49:29
	Let's jump over here.	00:49:31
	To.	00:49:32
	While she's coming up, I want to let you know I did receive an e-mail from another resident that couldn't make it tonight that	00:49:34
	would ask to have some.	00:49:37
	Some comments written to the record.	00:49:40
	So if that's OK, I'm just going to go ahead and do that after.	00:49:42
	Yeah, that's.	00:49:45
	That's in order.	00:49:46
	Thank you, Dario.	00:49:49
	OK, hi, my name is Daria Evans. I am a villa.	00:49:52
	Vineyard resident.	00:49:56
	I'm going to go in a totally different direction.	00:49:58
	I walked Vineyard.	00:50:01
	Trail Tuesday afternoon about 3:00.	00:50:03
	And I was smiling.	00:50:06
	And smiling and I was just so happy to be out there.	00:50:08
	And people were smiling at me. They were enjoying the trail, they were enjoying the beauty and the quietness of.	00:50:12
	The lake.	00:50:19
	It was. It was just really.	00:50:20
	I need experience.	00:50:23
	And I was thinking as I was walking along.	00:50:24
	And looking.	00:50:27
	At the homes and looking at the condos and looking at the apartments.	00:50:29
	I was thinking.	00:50:34
	Oh, if we could make this a more family friendly.	00:50:35
	Area.	00:50:42
	In the way that.	00:50:44
	Develop the future development comes if we could have.	00:50:46
	Not have.	00:50:50
	The developers lease everything.	00:50:51
	Give residents an opportunity to buy, build equity that they'll want to stay, be able to have a baby not in their bedroom, but in	00:50:53
	another bedroom.	00:50:58
	Make it.	00:51:04
	More family oriented.	00:51:05
	Unfortunately, we have a lot of transient.	00:51:08
	Students and young couples and I would love to have them stay if we could have.	00:51:12
	The new developments.	00:51:18
	Be more family friendly. It would just be wonderful.	00:51:20
	And I also want to.	00:51:24
	Thank Vineyard City for putting out that year in review.	00:51:26
	On social media, that was great to see all the things that had happened in the year in review. I appreciated that.	00:51:30
	Thank you. Oh, and also.	00:51:37
	I really liked the supplemental independent audit. I agree with this independent auditor, Mr. Harding.	00:51:39
	He really spelled out some great ways to.	00:51:47
	Make accountability and transparency.	00:51:51
	Crystal clear.	00:51:54
	Thank you.	00:51:55
	Awesome. Thank you so much, Daria.	00:51:56
	OK, any more public comments?	00:51:58
	OK.	00:52:01
	I want to end it on a super positive note. Chris Brownwaff formerly was on the Planning Commission for a few years. Work duties	00:52:05
	got very busy so I had to step back.	00:52:10
	I'm very excited.	00:52:15
	You know, new leadership is always exciting new direction for the city. I have the chance of my professional capacity I've.	00:52:17
	Worked with many of you.	00:52:23
	People on staff here.	00:52:25
	Some who may be leaving, some who are staying. I've always been impressed just by everybody works really well together. Everybody	00:52:27
	seems to, you know, have good intent to to do what's right for Vineyard. There's obviously been issues.	00:52:33
	In the past and and wherever people lie politically.	00:52:40
	New leadership, you can come in and set whatever the new path is. So I think expectations are really high.	00:52:44
	I think on your council I've followed a lot of the election very closely. I've talked to many of you.	00:52:50
	I think there's good change that's going to come.	00:52:56
	Just some.	00:52:59
	I'd like to give some of you I've worked with.	00:53:00
	You're in the rare situation of you do have Ezra who?	00:53:04
	He formerly was with Vineyard. But that administrative experience is what I've seen is where many councils, they don't have the	00:53:07
	bureaucracy experience of how does government work, the bureaucracy work. So I think between the experience you have with with	00:53:12
	Ezra.	00:53:16
	Jacob, the load he's carried the last few years that have many conversations with him and then many of you that have been engaged,	00:53:21
	you can call some unique change that cities I think struggle with some of the issues that come with new leadership and you	00:53:26
	shouldn't have them and then the growth Vineyard has.	00:53:31
	The the next decade, you know it's going to be one of the biggest cities in Utah County. So you not just on privacy, not just on	00:53:38
	transparency, community development.	00:53:42
	You're going to be able to build more than.	00:53:46
	You know, most cities would dream of doing and this is a dream job for even city employees to be able to build the type of stuff	00:53:48
	here.	00:53:51
	So I just wish you the best of luck of what's going to come. And I think anything I can do and these citizens can do to help, we'd	00:53:55
	love to engage and participate and bring our talents.	00:54:00
	To assist. So good luck.	00:54:05
	Thanks, Chris. Appreciate it. Thanks, Chris.	00:54:07
	A net yes please.	00:54:10
	Please please please.	00:54:13
	David Pierce from the Cascade neighborhood.	00:54:15
	I have a just have a.	00:54:19
	Couple of questions.	00:54:20
	About.	00:54:22
	The appointment.	00:54:24
	Of city.	00:54:25
	Of counsel for the city.	00:54:26
	Just.	00:54:28
	I wrote them down.	00:54:31
	Was the job publicly posted?	00:54:33
	Just curious about that.	00:54:36
	Was there some sort of?	00:54:40
	Competitive.	00:54:43
	Procedure. Umm.	00:54:45
	And if there wasn't, that's fine, I would just.	00:54:46
	You know, kind of like to know that.	00:54:49
	And.	00:54:52
	Umm, since the former.	00:54:53
	City.	00:54:59
	Has left.	00:55:00
	Who wrote?	00:55:04
	I'm just wondering.	00:55:05
	Who drafted the contract?	00:55:06
	For the new city attorney.	00:55:08
	Again, I'm just.	00:55:13
	Curious about that.	00:55:14
	Making some notes as.	00:55:15
	As the meeting was going on.	00:55:17
	And we'll.	00:55:25
	Will the pay and benefits be public information and.	00:55:29
	And will that be posted?	00:55:32
	Or.	00:55:35
	Will the public know that before?	00:55:36
	The hiring or.	00:55:40
	Before it's official.	00:55:43
	Just curious.	00:55:44
	So thank you.	00:55:46
	Thank you, David.	00:55:47
	Any other comments?	00:55:50
	OK, awesome. Thank you so much.	00:55:53
	Well, we are now going to enter Oh.	00:55:55
	Tony, you had the the one that wanted to be read.	00:56:00
	That's yes. Let's see, It was an e-mail from Kaden Roden.	00:56:02
	Who? Let's see one.	00:56:09
	Make sure these questions got asked.	00:56:11
	How do you plan to replace the staff?	00:56:14
	Has funding been reallocated?	00:56:16
	What will the cost be to taxpayers?	00:56:19
	What services will we lose?	00:56:21
	Will statutory requirements be met?	00:56:23
	Do you plan to fire more people?	00:56:25
	And have rates gone up for these employee positions?	00:56:27
	And that was.	00:56:31
	Just the the questions he wanted to make sure were.	00:56:31
	On the record during comments. Appreciate it.	00:56:34
	OK. Thank you so much.	00:56:36
	All righty, we're going to move now to go to.	00:56:39
	With no other public comments, we're going to.	00:56:43
	Jump into a.	00:56:44
	A closed session.	00:56:45
	I believe one of the applicants for city attorneys here. Do we need to?	00:56:47
	Call him in.	00:56:51
	How does it work to have him come in to the closed session? Sure. With that one, it doesn't necessarily have to be like a public	00:56:52
	invite, but I mean, since we've said it, you're more than welcome to bring him in typically with the closed sessions like that	00:56:57
	about personnel if there's.	00:57:02
	Personnel that you want to speak to that are that are part of that discussion, you can invite them into the closed session.	00:57:06
	OK, sounds good.	00:57:11
	Awesome. Can I get a motion to go into the real quick? If we're going to be talking about the city attorney appointment, we should	00:57:13
	table that item as well for the closed session?	00:57:17
	OK. It'll just allow us to discuss it. OK, awesome. Thank you.	00:57:22
	Thank you.	00:57:26
	The point of order, do we mind?	00:57:26
	Giving context as to why we're in this.	00:57:29
	The situation.	00:57:31
	I'd love the citizens to kind of understand a little bit.	00:57:33
	Yeah. Do you want to walk it?	00:57:35
	I mean, just on Friday at 2:00 we got an e-mail that Jamie up and quit.	00:57:36
	In the e-mail.	00:57:41
	There was completely false information about staff being fired.	00:57:42
	No staff have been fired.	00:57:46
	So it was kind of out of the blue that he would claim something.	00:57:48
	Or even verify it with the mayor.	00:57:52
	There were other inaccuracies. There will be more after I come out of the closed door session that I would like to put on the	00:57:54
	public record.	00:57:57
	This is not.	00:58:00
	The first time that Jamie has lied and lied to other council members.	00:58:01
	I feel horrible for Councilman Cameron to get.	00:58:06
	Bad information.	00:58:09
	From.	00:58:11
	And it makes me feel bad. And we will make those documents public.	00:58:13
	But it's just misinformation and I just wanted to make sure people knew. So because of that, we are an emergency situation where	00:58:17
	we.	00:58:21
	Have to act quickly. In most situations you would.	00:58:24
	Post it, take a couple of weeks. Interview meant.	00:58:28
	Many different staff members to be able to go through and do that.	00:58:31
	But we need legal counsel immediately, so.	00:58:34
	Yeah, just wanted to make sure people understood.	00:58:38
	Thank you.	00:58:41
	Thank you for that.	00:58:42
	Awesome, can I get a motion to go into the closed?	00:58:43
	Meeting so moved.	00:58:48
	All in favor actually for that one, if I could have you state.	00:58:50
	Councilmember Larry, if I can have you state.	00:58:54
	As you have done a sample, motion the date, time and reason 4.	00:58:56
	The closed session.	00:59:01
	OK, I move to go into closed session today, January 14, 2026 at.	00:59:05
	7:03 PM.	00:59:11
	The City Council chambers for the discussion about the character.	00:59:13
	Special.	00:59:16
	Or physical or mental health of an individual.	00:59:17
	Awesome, Excellent. Thanks.	00:59:21
	Do I have a? Do I have a second?	00:59:22
	I'll second.	00:59:25
	Awesome. All in favor.	00:59:26
	Aye, and I'm sorry, I know it's the first time. So I know you asked me to interrupt for things like this with that one, if we	00:59:28
	could do a roll call.	00:59:32
	OK, roll call on this one. OK, let's start over here, Ezra.	00:59:35
	Aye, aye.	00:59:38
	Aye, aye.	00:59:40
	Aye, OK, awesome.	00:59:42
	Sounds good. We'll do that. I think that will probably be.	00:59:44
	I don't know a minute, so thank you guys.	00:59:48
	And the string is X.	00:59:52
	OK, now we're good.	00:59:59
	To our live and streaming OK?	01:00:00
	Thank you to.	01:00:02
	Reenter open meeting.	01:00:04
	Yes, go ahead and and.	01:00:07
	RE announced that we're opening the meeting.	01:00:08
	OK, we are.	01:00:10
	Left the closed session we are reentering.	01:00:12
	City Council meeting.	01:00:15
	Do we need to do that by emotion or are we just good to go? Nope, you're good to go. OK, awesome. So.	01:00:16
	Jake, you, you wanted to say a couple things.	01:00:21
	Yeah.	01:00:26
	Sorry, let me.	01:00:27
	That was just for the click share for the.	01:00:28
	To share internally in the room, if you have like a president, I think it's important that under that the citizens understand	01:00:32
	that.	01:00:35
	This was.	01:00:38
	Thrust on us.	01:00:40
	Our previous city attorney.	01:00:42
	Gave notice.	01:00:45
	After the election.	01:00:47
	To everyone on the Council at that time, minus me.	01:00:48
	But and then he gave a 30 day notice.	01:00:54
	That was supposed to go until the end of the month.	01:00:58
	And Friday afternoon.	01:01:01
	There was an e-mail he sent his resignation in there.	01:01:04
	And there's I've already mentioned there's a lot of false statements that are in there.	01:01:07
	So this was not.	01:01:11
	A planned event. It's an emergency event.	01:01:14
	Because of that state code.	01:01:17
	Called the state auditor.	01:01:18
	And we can suspend procurement law to appoint somebody.	01:01:20
	On an interim basis to be able to fill the spot.	01:01:25
	To be able to do that.	01:01:28
	And so I think, Jamie, I think you're gonna explain kind of.	01:01:29
	Situation we're going to go through.	01:01:33
	But one thing.	01:01:35
	That I I want to say is.	01:01:36
	Over the course of two years.	01:01:46
	Our attorney has given false public statements.	01:01:48
	Multiple times.	01:01:53
	In written document.	01:01:55
	And.	01:01:57
	One of them, the first.	01:02:01
	Is.	01:02:04
	Talking falsely accusing.	01:02:06
	That a group of citizens impersonated a state employee.	01:02:09
	He was corrected immediately, within 24 hours.	01:02:14
	Within three to six months later during the state hearing.	01:02:17
	Repeated that.	01:02:22
	Knowing.	01:02:24
	And already been corrected but used that during the state grandma hearing.	01:02:25
	Upon taking office.	01:02:30
	I showed him the emails and corrected the record and I'm grateful that Chris Bramwell came here today.	01:02:31
	To talk about how much.	01:02:37
	Chris Bradmore was that?	01:02:38
	Citizen that was on that Zoom call helping.	01:02:40
	There's been many citizens that had helped us with our city attorney.	01:02:42
	The second thing.	01:02:47
	That is is troubling.	01:02:48
	Is about a year and a half ago in these fake accounts started to target my family.	01:02:50
	I went to Jamie about that.	01:02:56
	To find out, we went to the.	01:02:58
	Attorney General as well at that time.	01:03:00
	Nothing was against the law.	01:03:03
	However.	01:03:06
	Now knowing that they are city staff.	01:03:07
	I was going into meetings to look at.	01:03:10
	Travel to Disneyland and credit cards and.	01:03:14
	A lot of different things that were happening.	01:03:18
	And those same city staff were going out to social media.	01:03:20
	To attack me.	01:03:25
	Right after the meeting, within weeks.	01:03:27
	Telling Jamie about this.	01:03:29
	And then in a very key moment.	01:03:32
	Jamie sent an e-mail out to all staff.	01:03:34
	Saying that this was unfounded.	01:03:37
	He had never met with any of the witnesses involved.	01:03:40
	He had never interviewed any citizens.	01:03:44
	Or taken any evidence but took.	01:03:46
	The time.	01:03:48
	To write something that he knew was false.	01:03:49
	This is the second thing.	01:03:55
	There's other things that our previous attorney has done.	01:03:57
	And so I think I'd ask that the citizens of Vineyard.	01:04:01
	Give us time.	01:04:05
	To be able to go through the record of what has and has not happened.	01:04:07
	And I would give grace to the.	01:04:11
	Previous City Council because they were told things and they.	01:04:14
	Fervently believe them to be true.	01:04:17
	So that's where we're at.	01:04:21
	Awesome.	01:04:26
	Parker.	01:04:27
	Can I park?	01:04:28
	All right, all right.	01:04:30
	David, you asked some questions earlier. I'm going to.	01:04:32
	Try to answer all of them.	01:04:35
	That you brought up.	01:04:37
	And.	01:04:38
	Kind of share with with everyone the process that we're.	01:04:39
	Entering into.	01:04:43
	So.	01:04:44
	To answer your previous questions, no.	01:04:46
	Public notice hasn't been given yet.	01:04:49
	For a position.	01:04:51
	Contracts haven't been negotiated or created yet.	01:04:53
	The competitive process has.	01:04:57
	Yet to begin, but is about to and I'll detail that in just a moment.	01:05:00
	And you asked about transparency of compensation, so when that is?	01:05:04
	Done. That will be.	01:05:08
	Budgeted accounted for, shared on Transparent UT just like any other.	01:05:10
	Position or what we have now with the city attorney.	01:05:13
	So.	01:05:16
	The uh.	01:05:17
	We're going to, I think, have.	01:05:20
	Deliberation or share our.	01:05:21
	You know, opinions and thoughts here real quick.	01:05:24
	But because the city has been left without a city attorney.	01:05:26
	Very abruptly.	01:05:29
	In a moment, I will.	01:05:31
	Motion to essentially authorize the mayor.	01:05:33
	To negotiate an agreement.	01:05:36
	For.	01:05:39
	Temporary.	01:05:41
	Representation.	01:05:43
	And we will also.	01:05:44
	Then notice the position.	01:05:47
	And go through the competitive hiring process.	01:05:49
	For a full time.	01:05:52
	City Attorney.	01:05:53
	Can I ask am I allowed to take questions if there are more questions and I believe and then we will be posting the.	01:05:57
	Position, correct, Correct. So I said that we'll go through the formal hiring process, the position will be posted, we'll accept	01:06:03
	applications, we will meet and interview these people.	01:06:08
	So I don't want anyone to think that that we're trying to push somebody into a position that's simply not true.	01:06:14
	But we are trying to make sure that.	01:06:20
	Zach in the city has legal representation in the meantime as a stopgap.	01:06:22
	And then move to hire a full time position.	01:06:27
	Anything over from this side of the?	01:06:32
	Over here, Ezra.	01:06:34
	Now that I think that sums it up pretty well, I know.	01:06:38
	The the law firm that we're going to.	01:06:42
	Enlist as temporary as possible will.	01:06:44
	We want our goal is to post.	01:06:48
	To create a position of a full time city attorney.	01:06:49
	As soon as possible, just given the amount of work that.	01:06:54
	We anticipate over the year it makes sense as our city has grown to.	01:06:57
	To move in that direction and so.	01:07:02
	Yeah, this temporary appointment will help.	01:07:04
	Fill our need for.	01:07:07
	That interim time.	01:07:08
	Thank you.	01:07:09
	OK. Anything else from you guys, we all good.	01:07:11
	OK, can I ask for a motion?	01:07:13
	I move to a point.	01:07:16
	Deer Valley Law Firm to represent and counsel the city.	01:07:18
	And authorized the mayor to negotiate and sign an agreement with them.	01:07:22
	Awesome.	01:07:26
	I second that motion.	01:07:28
	OK. Do we need to do this by roll call Tony, or is this?	01:07:29
	Let's just do roll call on the roll call.	01:07:34
	Or Ezra.	01:07:36
	Aye, aye, aye.	01:07:37
	Aye, aye. OK. Motion carries, Mayor.	01:07:39
	Just just as a point of order roll call. Generally you would.	01:07:43
	You would announce each by name OK, so that they can.	01:07:47
	Vote by their.	01:07:50
	Thank you. Do I need to?	01:07:51
	Should we redo that or?	01:07:52
	I mean I I kept track of it, but maybe in the future I'll make sure to write down though in the action minutes.	01:07:54
	Appreciate your patience as I learn how to do this.	01:07:59
	So OK.	01:08:02
	That is all we have for the City Council meeting, I believe.	01:08:05
	No other items.	01:08:09
	Can I?	01:08:10
	I move to adjourn.	01:08:12
	Move to adjourn. OK, awesome.	01:08:13
	Second, second. OK, all in favor.	01:08:15
	Hi.	01:08:18
	All righty, let's get started right away into the RDA meeting.	01:08:21
	Is that, do we like 2 minutes? Give 2 minutes. OK, we'll get this switched over. All right, We'll let Jake hold the way. Hit the	01:08:24
	restroom again. So go ahead, Jake.	01:08:27