Former Mayor / Councilman John Beauman, City of Brea

Just click on the photo to view the entire article.

2011-11-11T12:59:00.001-08:00

Topics: For easy reference, each article is accompanied by the date it was posted.

Questions? Feel free to send them to me at johnbeauman2@aol.com.

National Civic League

2011-09-10T17:34:00.000-07:00

If a "National Civic League" article directed your attention to this blog, you can find related items posted in the June, 2011 posting (below) and earlier. If you're interested in "fiscal sustainability"----the topic of my interview with the NCL--or community engagement, I believe you'll find enough items to satisfy your interest, including the deliberations we went through in reaching those decisions. This blog, published since August 2005, was in itself a form of community engagement. It offered total transparency to the residents of Brea on every major issue/decision including its rationale.

We also need to be mindful that the fiscal sustainability of local communities is very much affected by the federal government's fiscal policies, as well as that of the State. Our national debt currently stands at $14.7 trillion and rising; which, I believe, undermines fiscal sustainability at all levels of government. In June 2008, as posted on this blog, the national debt stood at $9.38 trillion--a 56% increase in only 3 years. To view the national debt clock, click on the adjacent link (to return to this blog, click on the backspace arrow in your web browser) http://www.usdebtclock.org/ (As of 12/7/11, the National Debt now exceeds $15 trillion).

In July 2008, the City Council authorized a survey, conducted by True North Research, which showed that 95% of Brea residents were satisfied with the City's overall performance and 85% were satisfied with the City's communications efforts. True North stated that it was the highest rating they have seen. A more recent survey conducted by them for Brea, showed similar results. Fiscal sustainability was always on the forefront of every major City Council decision.

As you go through earlier postings, some of the words may be somewhat repetitive, but, each posting stands alone and on its own merits. So, bare with me.....

Now What?

2011-08-13T17:00:00.000-07:00

New Format...
When I decided not to run for reelection and left office in December 2010, many asked if I intended to continue my Mayor/City Council blog. I have given it a lot of thought since, but, nevertheless, the best answer I can give is that I may continue to post when I believe it's appropriate to do so; but since I am no longer a member of the City Council, it will obviously not be with the same first hand, insider knowledge regarding how a decision was reached. So, I have to carefully weigh the merits of anything I do post, which will always be based on prior knowledge gained while serving on the City Council, plus info posted regarding City Council decisions. But, every now and then, I feel compelled to post something that I believe is of merit. This is one such posting.

In regards to fiscal sustainability (as noted above), there are many related items, such as why the City Council decided to maintain an independent Fire Department versus out-sourcing fire services to the County Fire Authority, a decision that is expected to result in $800 thousand in annual savings; also why the City Council decided to implement solar energy, at an estimated saving of $13 million dollars over 25 years; the wisdom of obtaining mineral rights when purchasing land for our new Sports Park, offsetting maintenance cost by about $250 thousand/yr; and much more. If you are interested in any of these topics, just scroll down to view each item and more.

For those visiting this blog for the first time, who are interested in fiscal sustainability, I believe you will find the above mentioned items and many more regarding City Council decisions, dating back to August 2005, of interest. This blog served as a convenient and effective way to communicate with Brea residents AND solicit feedback. Prior to that, beginning in January 2003, I published a monthly newsletter (formatted via Microsoft Publisher) as a means of communication with residents, which was distributed by email as a pdf file.

Each year, the incoming mayor establishes a theme that he/she believes represents the essence of the community. Serving as mayor in 2004 and again in 2009, my themes were selected to be representive of how I saw the the community based on my interaction with residents. In 2004, the theme was "Brea, a Community of Neighborhoods," and in 2009, it was "The Spirit of Brea." Since I did not create my blog until 2005, the 2004 theme was described in my email newsletter; but, in 2009, a blog was created dedicated to the Spirit of Brea. You can find it at: http://www.spiritofbrea.blogspot.com/.

Now to switch topics for the moment, I do intend to post items of interest, such as this one regarding our Constitution--which I believe is extremely important and relevant for all of us, even at the local level. ALL elected officials take an oath of office, stating: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic..." It is a solemn oath that must not be taken lightly. You're feedback is welcome. Just email me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Your Rugged Constitution: The Foundation Stone of America's Freedom
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In May 1787, the Constitutional Congress began its meetings at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. On September 17, 1787 they put their plan into final form and signed it, and ratified it by conventions in each State. It was amended 27 times, the first 10 Amendments are the "Bill of Rights." Amendments are proposed by 2/3 of each House of Congress (House of Representatives and Senate), and ratified by Legislatures of 3/4 of the states or conventions in 3/4 of the states. They had written the Constitution of the United States as the plan for our government, the goal of which was to form a more perfect union. You can read it for yourself at: http://constitution.com/ If you go to any of the links provided, in order to return to this blog, click on the backspace on your web browser.

How rugged is our Constitution? Will it continue to stand against those trying to undermine it by declaring it irrelevant?

Part of “The American Ideals Series” published by Stanford University Press, is a book titled: Your Rugged Constitution, copyrighted in 1950 and 1952. Authors were Bruce and Esther Findlay--Library of Congress catalog card number: 52-5965.

I came across this book--a real treasure--several years ago in a used book store in Etna, California (population: 737). It appears to be written as a textbook for students. It explains the U.S. Constitution in simple language, explaining the organization and workings of our government, Article-by-Article, and Amendment-by-Amendment. It further states–which I believe is both true and worth repeating– “Your Constitution is one of the best in the world. It was made rugged by earlier Americans. To keep it rugged is one of your (the student) first responsibilities." I checked it out, and amazingly, found that five used copies are available on Amazon.Com: http://www.amazon.com/Your-Rugged-Constitution-Americas-Freedom/dp/B000GRBBS2

The authors tell us, “But even the best constitutions cannot guarantee that the government under it will be good. Since ours is a system of self-government, we have good government only when we, the people of the United States, play an active part in making it good.” Every elected official, even at the local level, take an oath to uphold the Constitution. It is an oath that must be taken seriously by everyone.

It further notes how, “some foreign countries are enemies of our system of self-government.” It is as true today as in the '50s when the book was written. It also states, "How those leaders deny self-government to their own people, further stating, “There are even some enemies in our midst–people who would like to undermine our system of self-government and dictate to us what we should and should not do.” Remember that world-wide Communism had established cells within the U.S. labor movement and even within the U.S. government itself. Maybe Soviet Communism is no longer the same threat, but its principles are very much alive; and some adherents to its ideologies, still intend to fundamentally change the American way of life guaranteed by our Constitution. All one has to do is look at Communism' record and its western offspring, national socialism, to recognize that it proposes a real threat to America's values and freedoms. In every Communist country, power was retained by force, such as the Hungarian Revolution, when on November 4, 1956, Soviet forces launched a major attack on Hungary aimed at crushing, once and for all, the spontaneous national uprising; the Berlin Wall (1961-89), erected in the dead of night to stop the stream of East Germans living under Communism, from fleeing to the West; The Tiananmen Massacre; Soviet Gulags--forced labor camps for political prisoners. And the list goes on.

"Your Rugged Constitution" concludes with these words: “The duties of your American citizenship are powerful weapons against all such enemies. It you carry out the duties of your citizenship faithfully and to the best of your ability, the rights you cherish will be forever safe. No dictator will ever be able to seize your government, tear up your Constitution, and rule your life.”

Last Three Years of Decisions!

2011-06-02T12:46:00.000-07:00

HISTORICAL RECORD
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As previously stated, this Blog dates back to August 2005. I was appointed to the Brea City Council in November 2001 to fill a one-year vacancy, subsequently being elected to a full four year term in November 2002 and again in 2006. Also as previously stated, my original newsletter was created in January 2003--distributed as an email attachment. Creating this blog allowed a more flexible and comprehensive format. It covers 5 1/2 years of City Council decisions, the ones that I viewed as being the most significant, along with the rationale used in making those decisions.

A number of major decisions were made over the last several years. Those made as of August 2005 are posted on this blog. Here are a few of the most recent ones, with dates. For additional information scroll down to those dates as posted:
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Solar Energy/Improved Energy Efficiency Project: The Project, via a contract with Chevron Energy Solutions (CES), will generate 1.8 megawatts of municipal solar energy annually. By going solar and updating municipal lighting and heating/cooling systems, the City will reduce overall energy cost by an estimated $42 million over 25 years; with $13 million in net savings--about $1/2 million per year--going directly into the General Fund. For more information see August and March 2010 postings.
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Maintaining an independent Brea Fire Department versus contracting with the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) will result in a reported annual savings of up to $800 thousand. The rationale and background were covered extensively on this blog. You can find some of it posted on August 2010 and an extensive Q & A posted on July 2010.
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La Floresta -- New Gateway Landmark offers the City numerous benefits. Ownership of the Birch Hills Golf Course will transfer to the City, providing an annual income of about $ 1/2 million. Also the City was able to purchase Chevron's water shares providing water to the golf course and reducing water rates for all residents and local businesses. An overview can be found in May 2010 posting.

Olinda Alpha Landfill extension contract was signed with the County of Orange, providing the City with approximately $30 million in additional revenue--about $2.6 million annually--during the period of extended operations. See May 2010 posting for details.

The Brea Sports Park's Grand Opening took place in March 2008. When Brea purchased the land it also acquired the mineral rights; oil royalties will cover about 70% of the maintenance costs of the Sports Park.

"Olinda Oil Museum and Trail" Historic Park officially opened March 2008 (see posting). It is located at 4025 Santa Fe Road.
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Pension Reform: Brea was one of the first cities in Orange County and California to approve comprehensive pension reform, saving the City and taxpayers millions of dollars over the next few of years. I take pride in having participated in laying the initial ground work to achieve this major accomplishment. Year after year, showing a willingness to make the tough decisions, Brea has consistently managed to achieve a balanced budget. Implementation of pension reform is another forward looking and comprehensive step toward reducing the cost of government and maintaining fiscal solvency, especially during these tough economic times.

Keep Brea a great community to live and work. Do not sign or support two partitions that are circulating for signature to get on the ballot at the next election. See details below regarding the "unintended consequences" they would cause.

If you have questions you can submit them to me via email at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Beware of Potentially Serious "Unintended Consequences"!

2011-04-01T16:39:00.000-07:00

There is a very real threat called "unintended consequences"! There are a lot of examples, especially in politics....this is just one potentially lethal example. You'll know what I mean if you even attempted to read the petition that is being proposed for voter signatures, by people being paid to stand in front of local supermarkets and even going door-to-door.

(added 5/23/11) If you have been following the changes of city governments here in Orange County, you'll be very aware of how Brea has been at the front end of change to reduce the size and cost of government, major changes to pension reform, without sacrificing services. As recently reported in the Orange County Register, the City of Costa Mesa faces a current budget gap of $3.3 million—projecting a $5.1 million deficit for budget year 2011-2012. The City of Brea has balanced its budget without cutting into its reserves or cutting services. Costa Mesa is cutting jobs and facing a major battle with the Orange County Employees Association (union). To maintain a balanced budget Brea restructured and downsized government to be more efficient and cost effective, going from 6 departments to 4. A hiring and salary freeze has been in affect for the last two-three years.

Brea has also taken another significant step in managing its long-term budget, via pension reform. New fire and police hires will receive 2% at age 50, versus the current 3% at age 50, which means any public safety personnel that retire after 30 years, earning $100,000, will receive a $60,000 annual retirement under the new plan versus $90,000 under the current plan.

But, all the good stuff that's being done is in jeopardy. Please read on.

Registered Brea Voters Beware!!

A gadfly (a former Brea IT contractor) is attacking our City to fulfill his personal vendetta against Brea's staff and Council.

He's paying signature gatherers to get you to sign a petition that will:

Impose his limits on staff compensation – punishing lower paid employees, making it impossible to attract qualified talent & excludes 80 of the top 90 highest paid employees.

Impose his limits on the City Council's stipend which is just $680 per month, lower than State law allows, and hasn't been raised in years.

Require the City Manager live within 4 miles of city hall (he now lives in Yorba Linda - 6 miles). This would exclude Brea’s Olinda Village or Hollydale, but allow living in 5 other cities - which makes absolutely no sense at all.

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM HE'S

TRYING TO SOLVE?!!

Don’t Let One Angry Guy Use You to Attack the City We Cherish.

Let the Council you elected make the law!!

Don’t sign his Brea Initiative!!

"If you've already signed the petition, but wished you hadn't, you may withdraw your name by filing a written request for the withdrawal with Kathie Mendoza, Interim City Clerk of Brea prior to the date the petition is filed by the proponent. Her phone number for more information is:

714-990-7600."

For more info, go to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Brea-Facts/#!/pages/Brea-Facts/207383679288576

Please forward this to your entire Brea resident email list.

For those that asked how they could see a copy of the proposed initiative, here it is (posted below).

If enough signatures are gathered, this is what the voters will be asked to approve in its entirety exactly as stated. What a costly, legal mess that would create while gaining nothing of merit for the City or its residents. It would incur a great deal of cost for the City (taxpayer money) to legally sort it out line by line, even trying to determine what's constitutional and what isn't, what's legal and what isn't, what's achievable in a responsible way and what isn't, etc. For convenience sake, I increased the size of the fond for clarity, which is much smaller on the original document....

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE VOTERS

LIMITS ON CITY ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION

The initiative petition would prohibit the City Manager, and any other administrative official who is deemed to be a classified city employee, from having either an annual salary with benefits, or a combined hourly rate with overtime and benefits, that exceeds 2.5 times the median household income of the City of Brea, based on United States Census Bureau or a successor entity’s statistics. For purposes of the initiative, benefits include, but are not limited to, car, fuel, life insurance, medical insurance, and any other personal usage benefits. Benefits do not include mandated state or federal employer contributions or expenses, or salaries of fire, police and other emergency public safety personnel.

The initiative petition would prohibit the term of any City Manager employment agreement to exceed 3 years unless it is extended at the discretion of the City Council. The petition initiative would require the City Manager to live within 4 miles of Brea City Hall, unless a limited, one-time waiver is exercised by the City Council.

The initiative petition would limit total compensation of the City Council, excluding benefits and reimbursements, to no more than is provided in California Government Code Section 36516(a). Council members may receive the same kinds of benefits made available to regular part time City employees including medical insurance, life insurance and pension contributions. No compensation or benefits shall be paid after a member’s term has expired. City Council members would be precluded from receiving any other personal benefits. The limit on City Council compensation would be exclusive of any amounts payable to each Council member as reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her official duties for the City, as provided by California Government Code Section 36514.5. Any expense reimbursement would require submission of a request for reimbursement in accord with an adopted policy resolution of the City Council. The initiative petition prohibits the City Council from enacting legislation that would encourage relocation of lower income Brea residents outside of the City in order to increase the median income of the City for purposes of increasing Council compensation or reimbursement amounts.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO CIRCULATE PETITION (Elections Code Section 9202,9207)

Notice is hereby given by the persons whose names appear hereon of their intention to circulate a petition within the City of Brea for the purpose of passing the “BREA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT”. A statement of the reasons of the proposed action as contemplated in the petition is is to improve accountability to Brea citizens by: a. Reducing the City Manager's salary to one more in line with those for whom he works; This measure would puts the maximum allowed salary, with benefits for our city manager at or around $200,000 per year. Today, Brea's City Manager makes approximately $270,000 (salary with benefits) annually which is excessive when compared with similar positions. THE CITY MANAGER ALSO RECEIVES A GOLDEN PARACHUTE EQUAL TO ONE FULL YEAR SALARY SHOULD HE BE TERMINATED FOR ANY REASON. Brea exceeds the maximum for a city manager for a city of our size by almost a factor of two (payscale.com). The U.S. Vice President makes $212,100/yr, the U.S. Chief Justice makes $212,100/yr, and a U.S. Senator or Representative makes $165,200. The average VP of Human Resources for a non-profit organization makes about $93,000. General Petraeus, head of the Iraq and Afghan American forces, makes roughly $180,000 a year plus or minus ten or twenty thousand dollars of combat pay; b. Reviewing and renewing the City Manager employment contract more frequently, not more than every three years; The 3 year contract renewal provision would allow council majority allow a City Manager’s agreement to expire without a termination penalty or to renew his agreement for 3 more years; c. Minimize rewards for length of service and instead reward based upon performance as measured by the general economic conditions of Brea households; d. Encouraging the City Manager to live within the geographic and economic area of the citizens; The City Attorney indicated that the current Brea residency requirement is unenforceable. However the new distance requirement is allowed by the California Constitution; e. Reigning in other compensation excesses; Excluding public safety, the city manager or his/her department heads should not have a salary schedule and/or hourly rate plus benefits that exceed 2.5 times the Brea annual median household income; State law never intended to provide city council members with pensions, country club memberships or medical care that continues after completion of their service, etc. This law would bar city council from benefits that far exceed the intention of State Code §36516. However, without this measure, this code section may be misconstrued to allow city council members even greater benefits that are not representative of the people they govern; By providing council members with benefits equal to those regular part time employees, perhaps our representatives may discover empathy for those they govern in similar part-time employment situations; f. Better reminding City Staff and Council that their job is to serve the people rather than campaign contributors; insurance, pension or other benefits should not be a consideration; g. Encouraging city management to attract higher end jobs and businesses that allow increased city staff pay and provide City Council with an incentive to improve the local economic base.

California pension liabilities are unfunded over half a trillion dollars. Payment for Brea’s 50 highest compensated employees runs almost $10 million each year. Run away government, salaries and pensions must be controlled! Please direct any questions to the proponent:

Glenn R. Vodhanel; PO BOX 811 Brea, CA 92822 or Email: glenn@breawaste.info

THE PEOPLE OF THE CITY OF BREA DO ORDAIN:

SECTION 0: This initiative shall be known and referred to as the, “BREA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT”.

SECTION 1: Those whose total compensation including benefits may be affected should take note of this initiative and read the text to explore any potential adverse impact on their salaries and benefits. After November 7, 2012, a) Provisions contrary to those in this initiative included with any city agreements created, modified or renewed shall be replaced with voter approved provisions; b) Voter approved compensation adjustments shall be calculated and take effect on the first day of the first full payroll period where a new, modified or renewed agreement becomes effective; c) Voter approved provisions shall be incorporated into all employment and contracting agreements as they are entered into, modified or extended.

SECTION 2: ADD TO BREA MUNICIPAL CODE 2.04.050: D. Salaries of public safety personnel reporting to the City Manager may exceed the salary of the City Manager.

SECTION 3: ADD TO BREA MUNICIPAL CODE 2.08.020: F. In December of each year the Personnel Officer shall obtain the median household income (in inflation adjusted dollars) for Brea as published and updated by the US Census Bureau (or other successor organization which offers very similar data that is published via the internet that is of equal or higher quality). Effective November 6, 2012, with the exception of Fire, police, and other emergency public safety personnel, no Personnel Officer shall present to council for authorization or approval a pay schedule for a city manager, city administrative official, department director and hourly contract labor, an annual salary excluding benefits (or a combined hourly rate with overtime excluding benefits when annualized) that exceeds 2.0 times the most current estimate of median household income. Further no benefits package shall exceed 0.5 times the most current estimate of median household income. In the alternative total staff compensation (salary and benefits) shall be limited to 2.5 times the median income. Any modification to salary or benefit schedules shall be effective and implemented immediately prior to the effective date of modification or renewal of any existing agreement and prior to any new agreement. Benefits shall include, but are not limited to: car, gas, life insurance, gym membership, country club membership, health/medical insurance, housing incentives and any other personal benefits. However, benefits shall not include any mandated state or federal employer contributions or expenses. No staff member shall be compensated for travel time to any destination outside the country or “work” time that originates outside the United States unless the trip and compensation are approved during open council with the requirement that a staff report which clearly documents the value received by the City shall be presented at an open City Council Meeting.

SECTION 4: APPEND TO BREA MUNICIPAL CODE 2.04.010: “MANAGER’S TERM OF EMPLOYMENT” No new, modified or extended City Manager employment/services agreement shall be for a term of more than 3 years with options to extend exercisable at the discretion of council majority. Effective November 6, 2012, this provision shall be incorporated within any modification or renewal of any existing City Manager agreement or incorporated into any new agreement. Any termination of the City Manager prior to expiration of any 3 year term shall be subject to Brea Municipal Codes §2.04.050C and §2.04.080.

SECTION 5: REPLACE BREA MUNICIPAL CODE 2.04.020 WITH “COMMONALITY WITH BREA VOTERS; ELIGIBILITY” A. Residence in the city at the time of appointment of a City Manager shall not be required as a condition of the appointment; however, within the time specified in any employment agreement or resolution affecting such appointment, the City Manager shall become a resident of the city, unless residence outside the city is approved by the City Council. Unless waived by City Council on a one-time per person basis with no waiver granted in excess of 3 years, a City Manager hired after passage of this measure shall be required to live within a 4 mile radius of Brea City Hall. The City Manager should be readily available for any emergency and reside near other Brea residents to better appreciate their plight (per Article XI of the California Constitution §10b).

SECTION 6: ADD BREA MUNICIPAL CODE 2.00.130 “CITY COUNCIL SALARIES” As allowed by Government Code §36516b, Brea electors may set the salary (excluding benefits and reimbursements) for Brea City Council members. Council salary shall be no more than stated in Government Code §36516a. Salary and benefit changes shall go into effect immediately upon each new council term. Actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official City duties may be reimbursed per Government Code §36514.5. Council Service is a part time position and council may avail themselves to the same benefits normally made available to regular part time city employees such as medical insurance, life insurance and city contributions to their pension plans. Council members are however prohibited from receiving any other personal paid benefits including, but not limited to gym and club memberships. Upon completion of council service, no further city payments including pension contributions shall be made on their behalf. Any expense reimbursement shall require a) full compliance with Government §36516; b) establishment of a resolution adopted by City Council for such reimbursement; and c) submission of a request for reimbursement in accord with the approved resolution.

SECTION 7: IMPLEMENTATION-If City Council and staff wish to receive higher pay, they must improve the local economic base. Under no circumstances shall council adopt legislation that encourages relocation of lower income Brea residents outside the city to increase the median income for the purpose of increasing their stipends/salaries. Pertinent salary ranges shall be revised prior to issuance of any payroll which remunerates staff or council for the first full pay period after the earliest legally permitted effective date. All subsequent paychecks shall reflect such adjustments.

SECTION 8: If any provision of this measure or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, that invalidity shall not affect other provisions or application, and to this end the provisions of this measure are severable.

INITIATIVE MEASURE TO BE SUBMITTED DIRECTLY TO THE VOTERS

Return Completed Petitions To: “BREA ACCOUNTABILITY ACT”; PO BOX 811; BREA, CA 92822

For more petitions, questions, or to help with the repeal effort, please email: glenn@breawaste.info

The City Attorney has prepared the following title and summary of the chief purpose and points of the proposed measure:

LIMITS ON CITY ADMINISTRATIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COMPENSATION

The initiative petition would prohibit the City Manager, and any other administrative official who is deemed to be a classified city employee, from having either an annual salary with benefits, or a combined hourly rate with overtime and benefits, that exceeds 2.5 times the median household income of the City of Brea, based on United States Census Bureau or a successor entity’s statistics. For purposes of the initiative, benefits include, but are not limited to, car, fuel, life insurance, medical insurance, and any other personal usage benefits. Benefits do not include mandated state or federal employer contributions or expenses, or salaries of fire, police and other emergency public safety personnel.

The initiative petition would prohibit the term of any City Manager employment agreement to exceed 3 years unless it is extended at the discretion of the City Council. The petition initiative would require the City Manager to live within 4 miles of Brea City Hall, unless a limited, one-time waiver is exercised by the City Council.

The initiative petition would limit total compensation of the City Council, excluding benefits and reimbursements, to no more than is provided in California Government Code Section 36516(a). Council members may receive the same kinds of benefits made available to regular part time City employees including medical insurance, life insurance and pension contributions. No compensation or benefits shall be paid after a member’s term has expired. City Council members would be precluded from receiving any other personal benefits. The limit on City Council compensation would be exclusive of any amounts payable to each Council member as reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her official duties for the City, as provided by California Government Code Section 36514.5. Any expense reimbursement would require submission of a request for reimbursement in accord with an adopted policy resolution of the City Council. The initiative petition prohibits the City Council from enacting legislation that would encourage relocation of lower income Brea residents outside of the City in order to increase the median income of the City for purposes of increasing Council compensation or reimbursement amounts.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC: THIS PETITION MAY BE CIRCULATED BY A PAID SIGNATURE GATHERER OR A VOLUNTEER. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO ASK. ALL SIGNERS MUST BE REGISTERED TO VOTE IN THE CITY OF BREA.

1

___________________________________________________________________Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

1: Clearly print your name, address and sign as you are registered to vote.

2
________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

2. Ask family, friends, employees, & customers who are registered voters in Brea to sign TODAY!

3
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

3. Complete all information in the “Declaration of Circulator” at the bottom of this page!

4
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

5
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

6
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

7
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

8
_________________________________________________________________ Print Your Name Residence Address Only

X________________________________________________________________ SIGNATURE as Registered to Vote City/Zip(No PO Boxes, abbreviations or ditto marks)

All 8 boxes need not be completed for petition to be valid.

DECLARATION OF CIRCULATOR (to be completed after above signatures have been obtained)

I, _____________________________, am registered to vote or qualified to vote in the state of California. I circulated this section of the petition and saw each of the appended signatures being written. Each signature on this petition is, to the best of my information and belief, the genuine signature of the person whose name it purports to be. My residence street address is ___________________________, ______________, CA. All signatures on this document were obtained between the dates of ____________ and ___________, 2011. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Executed on this _____ day of _________, 2011 at ________________, California.

_______________________________________________________________ Complete Signature of Petition Circulator (May be a repeat of name on petition

Saying Goodbye in Pictures

2011-02-26T11:09:00.000-08:00

December 7, 2010 was my final City Council meeting. I posted a few photos below as my way of "Saying goodbye in pictures"......

A lot of personal memories are reflected in this cake!

My last City Council meeting: Dec. 7th 2010

Saying my final goodbyes

My wife Sharon joined me as Mayor Ron Garcia added his goodbye comments

What have I been doing since leaving the City Council?

A number of people have asked me what have I been doing since leaving the City Council. Actually, I have been enjoying the free time catching up on a number of books that have been collecting dust (so to speak). I have been keeping my mind active by taking university level lectures on DVD, from "The Teaching Company" aka "Great Courses" just google them for more info on what they offer. One of my favorite courses is titled: American Ideals: Founding a "Republilc of Value". Besides catching up on Facebook, I developed a couple of new blogs. One is dedicated to pets, the other is my family blog with lots of family photos.

This particular blog is for pet lovers, especially those that have lost a pet: http://www.petsmatter.blogspot.com/

A Time to Remember...

2010-12-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

Brea City Council: November 2001 -- December 2010

John's City Hall portrait

In Conclusion...

December 7th was my last City Council meeting and the finale of my nine-year political career and service to the people and City of Brea. Serving on the City Council seemed more like a lifetime of service than nine years, having been first appointed in November 2001 to fill the remaining year of Lynn Daucher's term (left vacant by her election to the California Assembly). I was then elected to a full four year term in Nov. 2002 and again in Nov. 2006. I was honored to serve as Mayor in 2004 and again in 2009. Both were economically challenging years; 2004's challenges were due to the State's efforts to balance its budget at the expense of cities, and 2009 because of the economic downturn that is still under way. It was a time of learning and a time of doing. A number of bold steps were taken to help balance our budget, including cutting expenses and generating new revenue such as going solar, and negotiations with Orange County to obtain compensation as host city for the landfill, since all trucks going to the landfill must go through Brea.

My last meeting on December 7th was a wonderful sendoff that is memorable and greatly appreciated. I want to thank everyone that attended to share the experience with me, including family, friends and neighbors. A special thanks to each and everyone. During those nine years I developed a number of special relationships and friendships.

When serving as Mayor in 2004, former Police Chief Bill Lentini served as Mayor Pro Tem. He often referred to himself as my "wing man." I appreciated the wing man reference, but I especially appreciated his friendship, a friendship that continues even today. Bill and I almost always spent time together just prior to Council meetings soliciting God's blessings on our community and asking for wisdom and guidance to make the right decisions for the City and people of Brea. When Bill served as Brea's Mayor in 2005, he brought both honor and respect to the office.

Ron Garcia

The December 7th meeting also afforded an opportunity to recognize and congratulate Ron Garcia upon completing his year of service as Mayor and his successful reelection to a second term on the City Council. Before being first elected to the City Council in 2006, Ron had served six years on the Brea Planning Commission. His mayoral theme, "It's better in Brea," truly captured the essence of what sets Brea apart and makes it special. .

Ron served as Mayor Pro Tem during my term as Mayor in 2009. So, I got used to working alongside of him, and know that his 2010 Mayor's theme, "It's better in Brea", is not an empty slogan, but portrayed Ron's vision of Brea. In spite of the economic downturn, I believe it was truly better in Brea, as we successfully managed to navigate the rough waters of a turbulent economy. The economic downturn did create two rough budget-years compelling deep cuts to balance our City budget and a reorganization of our city government consolidating and reducing the number of departments by a third and the number of Department Directors from 9 to 6. Wouldn't it be nice if the State and Federal governments considered taking similar bold, innovative steps to live within their means?

As a side note: Out National Debt has already surpassed $13.8 trillion, creating an average debt of $44,597 for every man, woman and child living in the United States. In my July 2008 newsletter, the National Debt stood at $9.38 trillion; a 47% increase in two years, and still rising. To track the National Debt you can go to: http://www.usdebtclock.org/ (Note: to come back to my blog hit the return arrow in your web browser--usually located at the top of your screen. The same is true every time you click on one of the links provided).

By contrast, Brea's budget process was carefully managed and successfully balanced without digging deep into our reserves. I think that was quite an accomplishment when so many other cities across California and the Nation are facing potential bankruptcy.

Brett Murdock

.Council Reorganization...

In response to the November 2nd election, Brett Murdock was welcomed as the Council's newest member.

Roy Moore was congratulated on his reelection to a fourth term, and then unanimous selected by the Council as the incoming Mayor for 2011.

Don Schweitzer was unanimously selected by the Council as Mayor Pro Tem.

Mayor Roy Moore

Mayor Pro Tem Don Schweitzer

If you haven't seen the December 7th Council meeting (my retirement from the Council and Council Reorganization), you can do so by clicking on the adjacent link: http://brea.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3
Once there click on the December 7th video.

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Brea: Small City with a large influence...

The Brea City Council and staff have always taken an active role in regional decision making. During my tenure on the City Council I served as the District 22 Representative (for the cities of Brea, La Habra, Yorba Linda, and Placentia) on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG); the Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG); the Orange County Waste Management Commission (WMC), the Four Corners Transportation Coalition; the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority (WCCA)--most of which I inherited from Bev Perry when she left the Council; also the Hillside Open Space Education Coalition (HOSEC); and as President of the Orange County Division of the League of California Cities. Whew! The current Council will now have to decide if Brea gives up its leadership role or selects a councilmember(s) to pick up the baton and continue Brea's regional leadership role in these organizations. But, it's important to note that Brea's councilmembers are active in city, national, regional and county organizations and events. You can see which ones by visiting the City website at: http://www.ci.brea.ca.us/section.cfm?id=230 Once there just click on each councilmember's photo for their respective bio and activities.

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Future Blog Postings...

I don't consider my blog postings complete without enhancing the information with photographs, and intend adding photos regarding the December 7th meeting when available.
NOTE (1/6/11): I had expected to have photos by now, but, can't say when I will receive them. So, in all probability, this is my final posting unless something of importance comes up. Best regards for a wonderful and blessed 2011!

2009 Grand Opening of
Brea Sports Park

Future postings will cover some of the highlights of the events that occurred during my time on the Council, and insights that went into the decision--kind of a walk down memory lane regarding not only my political career, but how some of those decisions are helping to shape Brea's history.

NOTE (1/6/11): Future postings are TBD at this time unless someing of interest comes up.

Your comments are still welcome. Send them to me via email to johnbeauman2@aol.com

Share your life and love with a pet this holiday season....

Mitzi (a much loved rescue-cat)

There are a lot of pets in need of a loving home this holiday season. Why not give a pet to your child or the whole family, for Christmas--a gift that keeps on giving. There is no better choice than a "rescued" dog or cat with a lot of love (and appreciation) to give to that special person. Our second cat, Mitzi, was a rescue from PetSmart. Stop at your local PetSmart to adopt that special cat or visit the Orange County Animal Care, "Adopt a Pet", website for adoptable cats and dogs...

Just click on the adjacent link: http://petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/animal2/

Merry Christmas and a Blessed Holiday Season

Thanksgiving 2010

2010-11-24T11:19:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on our blessings as a Nation and as a people. Posted below is President George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation to thank Almighty God for His blessings on a new and hopeful nation.

George Washington's 1789 Thanksgiving Proclamation

"Whereas it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favor; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me to "recommend to the people of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and signal favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

"Now, therefore, I do recommend and assign Thursday, the 26th day of November next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the signal and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed; for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enable to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and, in general, for all the great and various favors which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

"And also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions; to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shown kindness to us), and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as He alone knows to be best.

"Given under my hand, at the city of New York, the 3d day of October, A.D. 1789."

George Washington

The Final Count per the OC Registrar of Voters

2010-11-03T09:30:00.000-07:00

General Election: November 2, 2010

Brea's final election results: City Council and School Board. (totals updated 11/7, 10:30 PM)

CITY OF BREA Member, City Council

Number To Vote For: 3

Completed Precincts: 35 of 35

Vote Count Percentage

* ROY MOORE 6,135 20.3%
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* RON GARCIA 5,252 17.4%

BRETT MURDOCK 4,797 15.9%

STEVEN VARGAS 4,371 14.5%

RIC CLOUGH 4,211 13.9%

DON R. HAVARD 2,439 8.1%

JIM GROSSE 2,188 7.2%

ELLEKE R. HUMPHREYS 839 2.8%

* Indicates Incumbent Candidate

BREA OLINDA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT Governing Board Member

Number To Vote For: 4

Completed Precincts: 32 of 32

Vote Count Percentage

MICHAEL CONDIFF 5,891 22.1%
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* BILL R. HALL 5,745 21.5%

* JOE ROLLINO 5,531 20.7%

* TERESA HAMPSON 4,883 18.3%

* SUE ANTHONY NOWERS 4,652 17.4%

* Indicates Incumbent Candidate

For the latest official results you can visit the Registrar's website at:

http://www.ocvote.com/live/gen2010/results.htm

Email your questions or comments to me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

I will be publishing my blog till the end of the year, and then decide if I will continue it or not. So, stay tuned.....

2010-10-21T23:37:00.001-07:00

What Makes it Different?

2010-10-21T11:22:00.000-07:00

Fire Services....Last Call!

I successfully ran for City Council twice, in 2002 and 2006. Both times I sought public safety’s (police and fire) endorsements and received them. All that was asked for in return was that public safety was my number 1 priority—it was and still is—and an open door and access to discuss items of concern. I probably sat at Starbucks with the firefighters’ representative more times than with any other single individual. So, what’s all the fuss about? The stakes are quite different this time. It isn’t just about endorsements. What makes it different? OCFA firefighters' union involvement in Brea politics has never happened before. Why would they do so NOW?

I had no intention of becoming actively involved in this election. As a mater of fact, I hate all of the politics. I like all of the candidates—and am not trying to discredit their character. This election is about where they stand on a very important issue. Roy Moore has been a colleague for nine years, and Ric Clough a friend for almost as long. He is also my Planning Commission appointee. So, once again, what’s the problem? OCFA firefighters' union involvement in the selection of candidates for Brea's City Council.

Why is OCFA firefighters' union's involvement a problem? As stated earlier on my blog, along with the invitation letter inviting candidates to a JOINT interview with representatives of the Brea Firefighters Political Action Committee and OCFA Firefighters union took place at OCFA firefighters union headquarters in the City of Santa Ana--outside of Brea, which never happened before. It was so unusual that it caught my attention big time. Why? OCFA union DIRECT participation in screening Council candidates--something that never happened before.

The firefighters’ union spent $30,000 toward obtaining proposals from OCFA and LA County Fire. They also spent another $20,000 to date (and still spending) on large, expensive banners, a billboard, campaign signs too numerous to count, expensive mailers and full-page newspaper ads--which is unprecedented and quite expensive, which begs the question: “Why?”, if all they obtained from the candidates was an open mind to re-review fire services, and a willingness to give the reorganization a chance to succeed or fail. The vote that approved keeping the Brea Fire Department (BFD) included the same stipulation with the understanding that if it did not meet expectations after a reasonable period of time, it would be reevaluated and other options considered including OCFA. We can always go to OCFA, but, if we go to OCFA there is no turning back.
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If you watched the last Council meeting’s “matters from the audience” you can be certain that you saw an example of the level of pressure the firefighters are capable of putting on the next City Council. Their campaign will not end with the election. It will continue with protest following protest against the reorganization plan. Why aren’t they putting the same time and effort into working with the Chief and his command staff to “tweak” the “reorg” as was decided and stipulated when it was approved by the same 3-2 vote? Wouldn’t that be in the best interest of public safety?

If you want to know my concerns regarding OCFA, visit my other blog posting on the subject (just scroll down), where it’s all spelled. You can even compare staffing levels between that proposed by OCFA (taken from their proposal) and the BFD reorganization plan (posted in June—just go to the right hand margin and click on the June link).

Vote your conscience and do what you believe is right for Brea.

Rubber Stamp?

Do we have a “rubber stamp” council or is that just another political trick-slogan to sway the public? Don't be fooled. Did you know that all Council agenda items are discussed with every councilmember before it ever get on the agenda? They do not just all of a sudden show up for an all or nothing vote at Council meetings. To understand this, you need to know what kind of city government we have. By its very charter under California law, Brea is a General Law city consisting of the City Manager (CM) serving in the capacity of CEO, and the City Council serving in the role of Board of Directors. The CM is responsible for day-to-day operations and management of all personnel, not the Council.

Every item that ends up on the Council agenda has been presented to each Councilmember before hand, for discussion, comments, agreement or disagreement, etc. I meet weekly with the CM for that purpose and to get briefed on city matters. Many items that I strongly opposed never made it to the agenda; I have to presume, other councilmembers felt likewise. To rubber stamp means one doesn't have an opinion or the ability to understand, evaluate or assess the items voted on—“Please Mr. City Manager, tell me how to vote, because I am so confused.”

The last 25 years of my career I served as a Director of Engineering for a Fortune 500 company responsible for technical support of the airlines worldwide, including the safety of the flying public, maybe even your safety or your family’s? I also served as a senior engineering manager for Northrop for the design and development of the B-2 stealth bomber—a top secret program at the time—with responsibility for systems integration of the entire vehicle; very high tech stuff. When I retired, I didn't leave my intellect or decision making capabilities behind, nor have I ever felt the need to ask the CM regarding how I should vote on municipal matters. I believe my colleagues are intelligent enough to do likewise. Those that would claim otherwise are either incapable of evaluating complex data or just afraid of making a mistake; and consequently, would rather "just say NO" to avoid making a mistake. What they may not understand is that "not deciding" is a decision that carries its own level of risk and missed opportunities.

The mudslinging against people is what makes politics nasty, negative and dirty. Exposing where candidates stand on a critical issue is “honest, aboveboard politics.” There is nothing negative or nasty about my stated position on fire services or offering my perspective of a candidate’s based on the facts--I call it connecting the dots; it is not nor has it ever been about the individual as a person.

Thanks for listening.

Brea/OCFA firefighters joint invitation

2010-10-04T15:36:00.000-07:00

The following invitation was sent to Brea City Council candidates. Some accepted the invitation, while others, recognizing the implications, declined. (Emphasis added)

August 12, 2010

Dear Council Candidate:

This letter is an invitation to participate with the Brea Firefighters Political Action Committee for an endorsement for the upcoming 2010 City Council race. If you would like to be considered as a candidate for endorsement, please contact Brad Brown (PAC chair), by August 20, 2010. He can be reached at (714) 235-7755. Upon your notification, you will be sent a Questionnaire that will need to be filled out and returned by August 30, 2010. This is the first phase of the process. The second phase will consist of a joint interview with Orange County Professional Firefighters and the Brea Political Action Committee. These interviews are set for the morning of Sept 1,2010 and will last approximately for 30 minutes. After careful review of your questionnaire and interview, the Political Action Committee will make recommendation to the Brea Firefighters Association for final approval. A notification letter with the results of our selection process will be sent out by September 10,2010.

If you are interested in having an interview for endorsement on Sept. 1, 2010, please contact Cindy at the Orange County Professional Firefighters office to set your appointment at (949) 486-3631. Interview times will be made on a first come first serve basis.

The OCFA Office is located at 1900 E. Warner Ave Suite G, Santa Ana, CA. 92705
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What are the implications of a Joint Interview? You Decide...

Should the implications that OCFA has a stake in this election have been fairly obvious to the candidates accepting a joint interview at OCFA union headquarters? One may welcome an endorsement and union campaign support without giving a lot of thought to the real price to be paid if the union's effort to elect their candidates is successul. But, can we honestly believe that unions invest in campaigns out of a sense of civic duty?

This is the very first time that the OCFA Firefighters union have been involved in the Brea Firefighters Association City Council candidates interviews. For almost a year the Brea Firefighters Association have been determined to outsource fire services to OCFA, even contributing $30,000 of union funds to pay for the proposals. Except for a common stake, there is no other plausible reason for the OCFA union to participate in a joint interview and at OCFA union headquarters of all places.

You may agree or not agree, but these questions have to be asked:

Could a candidate who knowingly accepted a joint interview and endorsement not recognize the full implications, when the invitation letter clearly identifies the OCFA union's involvement; especially knowing that the Brea and OCFA firefighters unions have a vested interest in outsourcing fire services to OCFA?
Would the firefighters' union willingly spend tens of thousands of dollars to elect hand-picked candidates, and (if elected) just accept that person's decision NOT to outsource to OCFA?
If it wasn't acceptable to the firefighters before, why would it suddenly be acceptable to them after the election was over, after having spent a large sum of money on a campaign blitz?

All it would take to reverse the decision is 3 votes from the next City Council directing staff to contract with OCFA for fire services. If done, that decision would be totally irreversible because it involves dismantling and dissolving the Brea Fire Department (BFD) established in 1917.

This began as a budget cost-cutting evaluation, which the Reorganization accomplishes and is already generating savings. I believe this is the single most important issue in this election for several reasons--the principle being the union's efforts to dictate the outcome of this election, and exert influence over the next Council. The main question is: "Who will control the future of Brea's fire services and that portion of the City's budget?" The terms of the OCFA contract are explained in earlier postings--it has a built in annual cost increase of 4.5% that will only go up and never down.

Speaking from my own experience during the initial evaluation, I believe the candidates endorsed by the firefighters' do not have the luxury to give the Reorganization an opportunity to work. Looking at the amount of union money being spent on this election we can be pretty certain that their candidates, if elected, will be under relentless pressure to comply with the firefighters' "demands" to outsource fire services to OCFA as soon as possible. The cost of which will ultimately be higher, which is of little interest to the union.

This campaign will not end with the election. If one or both of their two candidates decided to allow the Reorganization a fair and objective evaluation period, the union's campaign would shift gears and the political pressure to outsource sooner rather than later, would mount, just as it had when the Council was first evaluating the options.

This is not intended as a personal crusade against the two candidates who are both decent men, and who I have always considered as friends over the last several years; but the stakes are much too high to step back and ignore the union's efforts. Regardless of who the candidates may have been, I believe anyone accepting the unions campaign support to get elected under these circumstances would not have much choice to do other than what the union expects and demands because there is always the next election, and life could be pretty miserable for anyone that just said No!

Brea Firefighters Letter

2010-09-20T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Great Debate Continues... 

Even though I am not running for re-election, I find myself being pulled into the debate by name. A letter sent out by the Brea Firefighters Association (union) makes a number of claims against the current Council that are misleading. Posted below are the claims made along with my responses.

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FIREFIGHTERS ASSOCIATION LETTER

Dear Brea Resident,

The Brea Firefighters need your help in this year’s Brea City Council Race. We need your vote for Council candidates Ric Clough and incumbent Roy Moore. As you know, Mayor Garcia, John Beauman and Don Schweitzer voted to reduce your fire protection by 24% of line firefighters. This decision has eliminated up to 3 firefighters per day, and will eliminate a total of 9 positions. They also voted to replace professional firefighters with minimum wage part time reserves or (apprentices). This is a critical election for our emergency services and your assistance is needed. By voting for Ric Clough and Roy Moore, you will be placing power back in the hands of the people of Brea to help ensure and restore our public safety back to our community....

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LET'S FRAME THE ISSUE:

The reason behind the Council looking at other options for Brea Fire (including a reorganization of our department) was to see if we could cut expenses without compromising safety, in these tough economic times. ALL options contemplated kept Brea safe during fire and medical emergencies. Reorganization of the Brea Fire Department was always a consideration.

CLAIM #1: “reduce fire protection by 24% of line firefighters”

FACT: The matrix shown in my August newsletter (scroll down to August), does not show any disparity regarding fire-station staffing between the Brea Reorganization (that I’m calling Option R, which was the plan chosen by the council) and OCFA Option 3 (which the fire union supported). Brea Option R is based on OCFA Option 3; and developed by Brea's Fire Chief and his command staff with over 140 years of combined experience

FACT: Brea Option R does reduce staffing (so does OCFA Option 3) by 9 firefighters, which is achieved as follows:

 Station 2 has both a ladder truck and an engine (pump) each with 3 full time crew members (six per shift) x three shifts for a total of 18 full time firefighters.

 A Quint (which will replace what's at Station 2) has the combined capability of the ladder and the engine. The Quint has a crew of 3 full time firefighters x three shifts for a total of 9 full time firefighters.

 Since most of the cost for fire services is personnel (salary, benefits and retirement), this amounts to a significant savings for the taxpayer.

 If an emergency requires additional apparatus, an engine from Station 3 or 1 would also be deployed (this is standard operating procedure).

 If the emergency required even more support, Brea has a mutual aid agreement with other fire agencies including OCFA. Brea responds to other fire agencies in a similar manner. Again, this is standard operating procedure.

SUMMARY #1: Brea Option R staffing is comparable to OCFA Option 3, which served as the model for Brea Option R. Staffing levels for both are comparable.

CLAIM #2: “voted to replace professional firefighters with minimum wage part time reserves or (apprentices).”

APPRENTICES ARE ACADEMY
TRAINED FIREFIGHTERS /
CERTIFIED EMTs

FACT: The Brea Fire Department has been using fully trained and EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) certified apprentice firefighters since 1996 as the fourth crew member on engines, which continues unchanged under Brea Option R.

 In fact, there will be an increase in service levels as a total of three Apprentice firefighters will be added at Station 4 in order to provide a second firefighter there, 24/7.

 Apprentices DO NOT replace full time firefighters - they augment them. The Quint deployment strategy requires fewer firefighters - period. The number of apprentices is unchanged except for enabling us to increase staffing at Station 4.

 Every Brea firefighter hired since 1996 began as an apprentice.

 OCFA does hire firefighters right out of the Fire Academy; and they have the prerogative of assigning them to Brea. Brea apprentices are Fire Academy graduates and certified EMTs; as such they are just as qualified as any of OCFA’s newer hires.

 Does an apprentice’s pay dictate the adequacy of the services they provide?

 Over 100 applications were received for just a handful of apprentice vacancies. According to Chief Nero, 70% of all firefighters across the United States are volunteers.

 Long Island with a population of about 3 million (comparable to Orange County) is served 100% by volunteer firefighters. Is the union equating service with salary? Does this claim indicate that for the union it is about the money?

SUMMARY #2: A firefighter's professionalism and dedication to duty cannot be measured by their pay. Apprentices hope to be hired as full time firefighters and, we can be certain, will work at the highest levels of performance to prove themselves.

CLAIM #3: "This is a critical election for our emergency services and your assistance is needed. By voting... you will be placing power back in the hands of the people of Brea to help ensure and restore our public safety back to our community."

FACT: Your emergency services, both police and fire, are in very good shape and you are well protected. The current Council, following a long-held tradition, puts public safety high on its list of necessary services to the city of Brea and our vote on this issue demonstrated that.

 Current and future councils will continue to monitor all public safety service levels and will work to ensure that the new fire reorganization plan provides the savings that are projected. As with any new plan, there will be adjustments that will be made, but your council will make those decisions based on the safety of the community.

Note: Closing Station 4 was proposed by LA County and two of OCFA's options, but we chose to expend the funds to staff it. Doesn't that demonstrate a commitment to public safety?

SUMMARY #3: Brea, by being innovative, was able to cut costs without compromising public safety. As a taxpayer, don't you wish every public agency thought that way?

I have asked myself why our Brea firefighters association, in conjunction with the OCFA firefighters union, are so intent in inserting themselves in this election conversation. I, for one, want my elected representatives beholden to the collective community, not an employees union.

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FOOTNOTE (changing hats!)

Is it really negative campaigning to post links to the Orange Juice blog and brea2010 blog? What was my motive? Frankly, I saw it as a very important issue that could adversely affect Brea's future .... and something that every Brea voter should be aware of.

Some may not agree, but I think it would have been wrong to deliberately avoid drawing attention to OCFA's firefighters' union involvement in the Brea city council selection/endorsement process. This is an issue that can have far reaching consequences for Brea's future. I believe I would have been remiss to ignore it, and even irresponsible as a councilmember who understands the implications. I have never knowingly posted anything misleading, or for the sake of political expediency. But of course, the union's involvement in Brea politics does make it politically relevant.

My blog has served as a poor-man's website, and convenient way to post my monthly newsletters, dating back to August 2005. The feedback I typically receive is that residents appreciate the information. I have always taken a stand on major issues affecting out community. This is just one more case of doing so.

So, let me clearly state my position yet again: From the very beginning, since it began as a budget consideration, I was not in favor of outsourcing fire services to OCFA unless there was a sound fiscal reason to do so. I had and still have many concerns with going to OCFA including losing control over future costs. So, let me ask:

Is it reasonable to believe that the OCFA union's involvement in Brea politics is due to a sense of civic duty?
Under the circumstances, can we really believe that a candidate receiving the union's endorsement and campaign support....while being aware of the union's efforts to outsource to OCFA....can just say NO to union expectations after being seated on the Council?
Without trying to judge any individual's motives, I believe it's safe to say, union pressure will be relentless and the heat turned up to blast furnace levels to sway the Council. I don't see how it's probable (or even possible) for a councilmember to just say NO to the union after they helped get him elected.
All it takes to overturn the decision to retain the Brea Fire Department and outsource fire services to OCFA, is for the incoming 2011 Mayor to put it back on the Council agenda, and for three votes to do so.

One of those three "Yes vote" councilmembers would most likely be appointed to the OCFA Board of Directors. How likely would it be for any councilmember (elected with the firefighters' union support) to oppose the union on policy decisions? I witnessed the union's outrage at a council meeting in another city, where dozens of union firefighters and union reps showed up to chastise a councilmember serving on the OCFA Board, for not supporting a pay raise. It wasn't pleasant. I have no reason to believe it would be any different for any Brea councilmember serving on the OCFA Board, especially if they were elected with union support. So, tell me then, how do we control the future cost of fire services? Should we believe the OCFA union would be receptive to innovative ideas and solutions that cut cost, as Brea has done with its Reorganization deployment plan? How does that make you feel as a taxpayer?

This is not a battle against the firefighters, but it certainly is an attempt to stop the unions from grabbing even more power over local politics.

Are these sufficient reasons to be concerned? I think so.

Politics Isn't Fun.....

Is politics stressful? Only if you care about the outcome.
Should we care about the outcome? Only if we care about the consequences.
Should we care about the consequences? Only if we care about the City's future and want to stop the unions from yet another political power grab; the very thing that has California backed against the ropes waiting for the knockout punch.

PS: Did you vote in my poll, located in the right hand margin, to continue or discontinue publishing my blog after leaving office in December? If not, please do so.

Your comments and questions are always welcome. You can email me at: johnbeauman2@aol.com

Does it Matter Who Provides Brea's Fire Services?

2010-09-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

How important are fire services to you? Does it matter if Brea has it's own fire department or if it outsources fire services to OCFA? I copied the following comment from a new blog dedicated to that issue: http://www.brea2010.blogspot.com/

Comment states:
"The City can always go to OCFA in the future if the reorganization isn't successful. But, going to OCFA without even trying is not in the best interest of Brea. When those that don't agree don’t have an answer for an issue under discussion, they create a diversion, and that's what most critical comments [appearing on blogs] have been.

"What's being questioned is why are interviews for Brea City Council candidates being held at the OCFA firefighters union headquarters in Santa Ana? And why are OCFA union representatives participating in the interviews for Brea city council candidates? It’s obvious that the union’s goal is to outsource Brea’s fire services to OCFA and dismantle the Brea Fire Department. Why? It gives them more political clout. The OCFA and Brea firefighters’ unions (combined) will achieve more political clout in adding a handpicked Brea councilmember to the OCFA Board. It certainly will make it even more difficult for any council member on the Board that attempts to hold back compensation increases. If Council candidates are interested in being transparent, than that should be their campaign platform and let it stand or fall on its own merits. Then it becomes an honest debate."

Do you agree or disagree? Let me know via email (johnbeauman2@aol.com ) or post your response on the brea2010 blog (noted above), which I will be following closely. This may be the most important and significant issue Brea has faced in decades. The closing question is very significant, raising a very legitimate question: Why is all of this being withheld from the voting public? If candidates have made a commitment to revisit the issue, even though the Brea FD Reorganization will save $6.5 million over five years vs. $2.5 million for OCFA, shouldn't the public know? If it wasn't for this issue being posted on a blog, who would know about it? Would you?

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2010-08-27T22:03:00.001-07:00

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September 2010 Newsletter (early edition)

2010-08-26T14:53:00.000-07:00

Election Day: November 2, 2010

IT’S AN ELECTION YEAR…

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An email I received yesterday from a concerned resident stated how disturbing it was to see “the dark side crowd” with their “we hate everything” agenda, beginning to emerge. What prompted his comment was a cartoon being circulated, titled “The Puppet Show,” showing three Council Members as puppets controlled by the City Manager and the other two tied and gagged. The issues listed were OCFA, street sweeping and parking, which I will cover in this newsletter, if you have the patience and fortitude to follow.
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Election Day, November 2nd is just around the corner. When I announced in August that I wasn’t running for a third term, I heard from residents who expressed their concern about the future direction the next City Council might take this city. Sadly, I share those concerns and that is why I have poured so much of myself into providing the truth on this blog. An election year tends to be a time of half-truths and info taken out of context, intended to mislead—as such, it constitutes lies. Don’t be deceived.
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Is the direction of this City important to you? If so, forward the link to this blog to your neighbors and friends who live in Brea. Ask them to do the same. www.johnbeauman2.blogspot.com
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FIRE SERVICES

THIS SEEMS TO BE THE #1 CONCERN FOR MANY. Retaining the Brea Fire Department vs. outsourcing fire services to OCFA was both a critical decision and a pivotal one. Unfortunately, the firefighters union is gearing up to elect candidates willing to overturn that decision. A questionnaire being sent to candidates asks if they “plan to re-evaluate that decision?” Where the average voter may donate $20 to $100 to a candidate of choice, the unions will spend thousands to elect their candidates of choice. So, how much is an endorsement worth?

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When you see firefighter association campaign signs popping up supporting particular candidates, will it indicate candidates that are willing to put special interest (the union) above their community? Check them out very carefully and don’t vote based on campaign slogans or lawn signs. Candidates typically want to be seen as strong supporters of public safety—and so did I when I ran. Both times I ran, I received the police and fire unions’ endorsements because I assured them that public safety was important to me—and it is—and my door would always be open to them—and it was. But there were no particular issues on the table at that time that would have required my vote. But, this election cycle things are different. Once a candidate gets elected with the help of the firefighters union, what else will the union expect in return, especially as we face a new round of negotiations over compensation? So, once again, and I am sad to even have to ask, what is the anticipated/expected payback price for an endorsement?
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This election cycle things are not quite the same because the chips are being stacked. It is apparent that the firefighters union will only support candidates willing to overturn the decision to retain a City Fire Department and outsource to OCFA. If that’s important to you, then vote your conscience accordingly. But, if you do not want the unions to dictate the outcome of this election, and in doing so have significant influence over future compensation negotiations between the City and union/bargening-units as well, then it's important that you pay careful attention to what each candidate stands for.
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Since retaining our own Fire Department was voted on, it should be a closed issue. But, it isn’t because the union is determined to overturn that decision. Because of its importance, I have spent a lot of time covering it in prior newsletters. I think it’s important enough to provide further clarification for everyone as I had for those individuals that contacted me, since it definitely will be a campaign issue. So, if it sounds redundant, be glad that you understood it sufficiently the first time, not to need further clarification, and grab yourself a cup of coffee and a book instead. But, before picking up that book, perhaps, you might gain some additional insight by going through this Q & A since there are subtle differences.
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Q & A (Fire Services)
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Q.1. What are the actual savings for retaining our own fire department compared to going with OCFA?
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THE REORGANIZATION SAVES THE CITY $6.5 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS. OCFA Options 3 saves $2.5 million over that period. Outsourcing fire services was first proposed by the firefighters as potential cost savings during the Budget Strategic Planning (BSP) process in 2009. See “Understanding the Budget” in my April 2009 newsletter. But the process also compelled us to reevaluate our own fire department’s staffing and services. Command staff was directed by Council to look at ways to work smarter and more cost effectively, without compromising public safety. The Reorganization plan does exactly that. It also incorporates certain approaches proposed by OCFA and LA County Fire.
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Q.2. The Firefighters claim that the Brea Reorganization reduces services and cuts the number of fire companies. Is that true?
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LEVELS OF SERVICE: As shown in my August newsletter each fire station under the Brea plan (Option R) has comparable levels of staffing as OCFA Option 3, including Station 4. Option R doubles the current staffing of Station 4 by adding part-time apprentice firefighters to supplement the current staffing of one firefighter. Part time doesn’t mean staffed part of the time. Multiple apprentices would be used to provide full time staffing 24/7. Apprentices have the same training and are also certified emergency medical technicians (EMT). It would cost another $1 million per year to staff Station 4 with two paramedics—which of course, means good-bye savings. Paramedic services have always come out of Station 3 if needed, and will continue to do so. The LA County option plus two OCFA options proposed closing Station 4 claiming that Station 3 provided adequate protection to the Canyon. OCFA Option 3 includes staffing Station 4 because we asked them to include it in their proposal.
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Q.3. The firefighters association claims that apprentices are inferior to full time firefighters. Is it true?
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FULL-TIME FIREFIGHTERS vs. PART-TIME APPRENTICES: Since 1995, Brea has used apprentices to staff the fourth position on an engine at significant savings to the City. If fire departments across California did likewise, it would reduce the cost of services significantly. So, why don’t they? Union! Many smaller California cities depend on volunteers. Long Island, NY, with a population comparable to Orange County (around 3 million), also uses volunteer fire departments that receive the same training as full time, paid firefighters. Are we to believe that they are all inadequate? The use of part-time apprentice firefighters may not make good sense from the union’s perspective, but it certainly makes good sense for the taxpayers. The Reorganization plan (Brea Option R) will continue that practice. Full-time firefighters are not being replaced by part time apprentice firefighters. Every Brea firefighter hired since 1996 started as an apprentice—about 50% of the current department.
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Q.4. What other savings are gained by the Reorganization plan?
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OVERTIME SAVINGS: Between 2006-2010, the City of Brea spent $1.29 million annually on fire department overtime. Option R, as proposed, reduces overtime costs by $795 thousand annually. This is accomplished by using a Quint deployment, replacing two apparatus (ladder truck and engine-pumper) while retaining their combined capabilities, also allowing the elimination of one crew through attrition and retirements. See June’s newsletter for a description of each apparatus, and use of apprentices. Option R also saved on overtime by sending out two vehicles when a crewmember is on sick leave, personal time or vacation, instead of filling the vacant position by calling someone in on overtime. Overtime is reduced, not totally eliminated, to allow for contingencies.
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Q.5. If Brea has a seat on the OCFA Board of Directors, doesn’t Brea retain control over future costs? OCFA stated that the City decides on and controls the level of services it gets. Isn’t that the same as local control?
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OCFA FUTURE FIRE SERVICES COSTS: If we did outsource fire services to OCFA, any change we make to the level of services has to be negotiated—increased services, for any reason, means increased cost. The only way to cut cost is to reduce services, perhaps even closing Station 4 (in a severe budget year) or replacing the paramedics with EMT firefighters. That is a decision that would always be on the table. As previously stated, two of the OCFA options proposed closing Station 4; so did the LA County fire services proposal—without offering an option to keep it open. So going with OCFA, isn’t a guarantee that we would always have two paramedics at Station 4 if we got into a deep budget crunch. Keep in mind that there is a 4.5% annual cost increase built into the OCFA contract. So, the cost is guaranteed to increase each year, even if city revenues declined. Would that force us to renegotiate a lower level of services? It could since that is the only cost cutting option the City would have.
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About 70-80% of all fire services costs is personnel (salary, benefits and retirement). The firefighter unions are powerful and have a lot of influence over local and state politics. The Brea Firefighters Association is a local branch of the larger California Professional Firefighters’ union. Why do you think so many non-Brea firefighters and union reps spoke at the Council meeting when this decision came up for a vote? When I criticize the union I am not criticizing the firefighters. I respect them as professionals who want to do a good job. My son-in-law is a Ventura County firefighter, whom I hold in the highest regard both as a family member and as a professional firefighter.
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Even with a seat on the OCFA Board of Directors Brea would have minimal influence on future salary and benefit decisions, which is handled by OCFA’s Budget and Finance Committee (B&FC). Brea would not have a seat on the B&FC and it could be many years before it had the opportunity (see July newsletter). What councilmember wants to be accused of not being supportive of public safety? What councilmember wants to risk unleashing the union’s wrath in an election year? On a board of 25 voting members you can be certain the majority would want to play it safe. Most members are “structural cities” members where the cost of services is added to homeowners’ property taxes and not paid from their general fund. They have nothing to gain in opposing future pay and benefit increases for union members, and a lot to lose in an election year. When a Yorba Linda councilmember (an OCFA member city) had the courage to oppose an OCFA pay raise, the union came out in force at the YL Council meeting to chastise her. A taste of things to come, if we had gone with OCFA? I think so.
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This election may very well decide who controls Brea politics: the unions—by electing their handpicked candidates—or the community by electing candidates that put community above politics? It took integrity and courage for Mayor Ron Garcia (currently up for reelection) and Councilmember Don Schweitzer (up for reelection in two years) to resist union pressure and the politics that goes with it. There will be a lot of negative politics this campaign season as a result. So, it is up to you to decide who will control Brea’s future regarding fire services and future contract negotiations? Why not share this link with a neighbor or friend that lives in Brea.
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$100K Employee List
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A list is being circulated that shows 50 city employees making $100K or more per year. To help put things into perspective, 33 of those employees (66%) are public safety (police and fire)—including the Fire and Police Chiefs. City salaries have been frozen for the last two years. The City Manager and City Council had agreed to a freeze three years ago. The other 17 (34%) are department directors and managers whose salaries have been frozen and who do not get overtime pay for the extra hours they put in.
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Brea has not been asleep at the switch, and is one of the cities involved in studying pension reform. Brea is also involved in a countywide effort regarding pension reform. It’s equally important to note that government workers, including police and fire, are unionized, and as such, their salaries and benefits are determined and negotiated under union contracts. Where will new Councilmembers stand on this issue? Will union-backed candidates be equally committeed to holding the line on compensation increases?
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I don’t know what kind of promises Council candidates will make regarding employee compensation, but, all I can say is pay careful attention to what they say, always asking “How?” since the highest paid employees are public safety (police and fire). This Council has done a lot to show its support of public safety and yet placed caps on all city employee compensation, starting with a salary freeze two years ago. As stated above, Brea uses lower paid apprentice firefighters as the fourth member of an engine crew to cut costs, and has approved a reorganization of the fire department that will cut overtime costs by $795K a year. That alone is pretty significant. Going with OCFA, such savings would not be possible.
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STREET SWEEPING
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If street sweeping was only about revenue, the City would be enforcing the letter of the law instead of the spirit of the law. When critics point to reduced revenue from what was originally estimated, that is the reason. I see it as a good thing, because it indicates reasonableness and not bureaucratic heavy-handedness. We have also recently approved a hardship exemption process for residents that do not have an alternative place to park, with the goal of being reasonable and considerate of legitimate unavoidable hardships.
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Some residents have stated that their streets are clean for the first time in years. Should they be ignored? I think the City of Brea and the City Council have been responsive to the well being of all its residents. Every decision, including street sweeping, has taken both sides into consideration, with the goal of keeping Brea a great place to live, work and play for all its residents.
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Brea Civic Center and City Hall

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WHO RUNS THE CITY OF BREA?
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Does “The Puppet Show” cartoon have any merit? Or is it just another political trick? Maybe if we understand the kind of government we have, as dictated by California’s Constitution, we will have a better understanding of how our city operates. Hopefully, this election will reveal the real puppets who are being manipulated behind the scenes.
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What type of Government do we have in Brea?
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The Constitution of the State of California establishes two types of cities: Charter cities and General Law cities. The City of Brea is a General Law city, having a Council-Manager form of government, with an elected City Council responsible for policy making, and a professional City Manager appointed by the Council. As a General Law city, the City Manager provides policy advice, directs the daily operations of City government, handles personnel functions (including the power to appoint and remove employees) and is responsible for preparing the City budget.
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To put it in concise terms: A General Law City Council is equivalent to a Board of Directors responsible for establishing policy. A City Manager is equivalent to a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) responsible for running the organization’s day-to-day operations, personnel and implementing policy approved by the Council.
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Councilmembers routinely—generally weekly—meet with the City Manager for status updates, etc. The Mayor (Garcia) and Mayor Pro Tem (Moore) meet together with the City Manager to develop an agenda for future Council meetings. Nothing gets on the agenda if there is no consensus for doing so. Those weekly meetings allow each councilmember to be briefed on pending council topics, ask questions, request information, voice concerns, and offer items for discussion at a future study session. In other words, the City Manager gets his direction from the Council and not the other way around. Every Councilmember has the opportunity to ask that an item be postponed for additional information before its goes to the full Council. The Brea Fire Department reorganization was sent to each Councilmember who submitted their questions and received responses (shared with the entire Council) prior to the meeting. No one had asked for additional information or requested a postponement.
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When the Mayor and MPT agree on an agenda, each councilmember has the opportunity to discuss it and voice their concerns before the Council meeting or ask for more information, etc. That’s the process as it has always been.
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Three-to-two council votes: “The Puppet Show” cartoon implies just the opposite to what actually takes place. So, how do we justify 3-to-2 votes on certain major issues? If one took the time to review the minutes they would see that very few Council decisions were divided along a 3-to-2 vote. Let’s look at some of the major items:
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1. Fire Services was a 3-to-2 vote. The YES votes (Garcia, Schweitzer, and Beauman) gave a detailed rationale why they supported the Reorganization plan and why a delay wasn’t justified or warranted. The NO votes (Simonoff, Moore) wanted yet another delay after months of study and deliberation, and even suggested we bring in a third party consultant. When we went into the meeting, no one gave any prior indication that they were not prepared to vote. As far as I was concerned, to vote for another delay would only have allowed additional political pressure on councilmembers to support the OCFA option, which I covered in detail in my August newsletter, and won’t belabor here.
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2. Street sweeping was actually a 4-to-1 vote with Simonoff voting NO (March newsletter). But, it wasn’t just a done deal. When the ordinance was passed, the police were instructed to evaluate the program for six months and then bring it back to the Council. When it came back a hardship exemption process was approved so people weren’t backed into a corner with no recourse open to them.
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Civic Center--artist rendition with solar panels installed

3. Chevron Energy Solution’s Energy Efficiency Project was a 3-to-2 vote: Garcia, Schweitzer and Beauman voting YES; Simonoff and Moore voting NO (March newsletter). Why did the three of us vote YES? It’s obvious that each of us saw the merits of the project and believed it was a good deal for the City. Schweitzer and I served on the subcommittee to ask questions, assess the project and make recommendations. The associated City energy savings over 25 years is calculated at $42 million, out of which Brea will receive $13 million in net proceeds after paying off the project and associated bonds, which equates to $1/2 million a year going directly into the general fund. Not only did we vote YES, but we each gave, what I considered, a compelling rationale regarding the benefits of the project.

4. La Floresta was a 5-to-0 vote (Jan newsletter).

5. Posting our National Motto in Council Chambers was a 5-to-0 vote (Oct-Nov newsletter).

6. Approval of the renovation of the Plunge was a 5-to-0 vote.

7. Almost all “consent calendar items” on the Council agendas were moved for approval by Councilmember Simonoff. So, how should we interpret that? It’s apparent to me that he saw merit in each of those items. Why would I read anything else into it?

8. Approval of the new Sports Park was a 5-to-0 vote.

Brea Sports Park at Birch and Valencia

When the land was purchased from Chevron, Brea also purchased the mineral rights. Oil revenues from the purchase pay for 70% of the total maintenance cost of the Sports Park. Sounds like a good deal to me.

I think the above noted voting record and the benefits to Brea, clearly demonstrates that “The Puppet Show” cartoon is without merit. Just another campaign trick intended to deceive the public for political gain.

2010-08-20T13:15:00.000-07:00

Brea Downtown continues to be the "place to be."

Brea Jazz Festival Concert Series 2010 Fridays & Saturdays September 3 – September 25, 2010 Featured headliner at 7:30 pm ... For more information go to http://www.breadowntown.com/

Our Constitution is the foundation of our Republic

2010-08-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

US Constitution is the foundation stone of our Republic and political system.

James Madison, 4th President

Someone sent me this quote by James Madison, the fourth president, known as 'The Father of Our Constitution:
'We have staked the whole of all our political Institutions upon the capacity of mankind for Self-government, upon the capacity of each and all of us to govern ourselves, to control ourselves, to sustain ourselves according to The Ten Commandments of God.'

Are we responsible enough and vigilant enough to hold onto our system of government and our values as a nation and as a people?
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Did you ever study the U.S. Constitution in school or even on your own? In a small and dusty, used-book store in rural northern California I came across a 1950 school text book, titled: Your Rugged Constitution. It was published and dedicated to teaching students about the U.S. Constitution. It begins with the Preamble to the Constitution, stating the purposes for which the Constitution was written:
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"We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."
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It reminds the student that the original handwritten copy of our Constitution is kept on display in Washington, D.C., while stressing the importance that the Constitution is not just a historical document. It is a plan of government that is working today [1950] even better than when it was written [Sept 17, 1787]. It further informs the student: "It is yours to know, to use, to respect, and if necessary to defend. For you are one of the People of the United States.
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"We the People"

The Constitution wasn't just written and ratified without a "Great Debate." The Teaching Company (http://www.teach12.com/) has an excellent series of lectures concerning this debate, with a fair and balanced presentation of the Federalist supporters of the Constitution and the Anti-Federalists who feared too strong a federal government. It was this debate that lead to the first ten amendments--the Bill of Rights, ratified effective December 15, 1791. The Federalist Papers, written by Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay, presented the arguments in favor of the Constitution. They were presented to the public in a series of New York newspaper commentaries. You can obtain a copy at any book store.

Great Debate: Advocates and Opponents of the American Constitution

Course No. 4878 (12 lectures, 30 minutes/lecture)

Taught by Thomas L. Pangle

The University of Texas at Austin

Ph.D., University of Chicago

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But things have changed since 1950; and, unfortunately, not for the better. Schools no longer teach the Constitution; courts no longer judge laws withing the framework of the Constitution; the Administration and Congress no longer respect the Constitution or adhere to its values. So, where do we go from here? First, take the time to read the Constitution and its amendments for yourself, by going to http://www.constitution.org/constit_.htm
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The preface of this 1950 textbook clearly defines why we have our Constitution, stated as follows:
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Our country won its independence from Great Britain in the year 1781. For eight years after that, this country was governed under a constitution called the Articles of Confederation. But there were faults in the Articles. The United States of America, in spite of its name, was far from being a "perfect Union." It was instead, as the Articles said, a "league of friendship" among the states.

In time, some of the states became less friendly toward one another. Soon they began to quarrel seriously. Instead of pulling together as a team, the sates were pulling in different directions. There was danger that the states might break away and become small separate countries.

The nation's leaders feared that our new country might fail. For this reason they called a convention of citizens from the various states to meet and study these problems. This group of citizens, now called the Constitutional Convention, began its meetings in May 1787 at Independence Hall in Philadelphia. All the men were leaders in their states. Among them were such famous citizens as George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and James Madison.

For a while the delegates to the Convention tried to patch up the Articles of Confederation and make them work. But they soon decided to make an entirely new plan of Government in order to form "a more perfect Union." On September 17, 1787, they put their plan into final form and signed it. They had written the Constitution of the United States of America--the plan for our government.

The textbook's author also listed the benefits gained under the Constitution: A single strong nation respected by foreign countries and prosperity at home [true until recently]. Farm products and manufactured goods pass freely from state to state. We can go easily across state boundaries without having to carry passports.

Who's running and who isn't?

2010-08-10T18:25:00.000-07:00

For those that have been following the City Clerk's "Council candidate-filings" you're already aware that....
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....I did not file to run for a third term. The deadline for me to do so was Friday, August 6th. I have already been asked "Why not?" My response has to be "8 is enough" except in my case it will be nine, since my first year was by appointment to fill the last year of Lynn Daucher's term vacated when she was elected to the State Assembly. Lynn had served on the City Council for over five years and prior to that as a School Board Member for 13 years.
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Two councilmembers are running for reelection: Mayor Ron Garcia for his second 4-year term (which, if reelected, would bring him to 8 years); Mayor Pro Tem Roy Moore who is running for his fourth 4-year term (which, if reelected, would bring him to 16 years). There are six additional candidates. You can get their names on the City Clerk's website at http://www.cityofbrea.net/article.cfm?id=2400 (To return to my blog, hit the backspace arrow in your web browser).
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I have also been asked, if I would be continuing my blog. As of now, I will, at least until the end of the year at which time I will decide if I want to continue covering City events as a former Mayor/Councilmember. Since establishing my blog in August 2005, I have had over 30,000 visitors. What do you think? Should I continue or not? I would appreciate your feedback.
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Did "scores" of Brea residents speak in favor of the OCFA plan?
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I’m not sure how one would define "scores" of residents, as indicated in a recent Star-Progress commentary, since a vote for or against outsourcing to OCFA was not taken at the June 19th community meeting. If I had to make a comparison based on the number of people contacting me, then I would have to say that "scores" of residents opposed outsourcing fire services offering a valid reason for their opinion.
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Is it safe to judge “scores” based on the number of speakers at “matters from the audience”? I also remember residents opposing outsourcing at the July 20th public hearing. Was the Council's 3-2 split vote based on retaining the Brea FD as opposed to outsourcing to OCFA? No. Three councilmembers stated that after three months of deliberations, we had sufficient information/data to decide, while 2 wanted to delay it yet again, and perhaps even bring in a third party consultant. In other words, no one voted in favor of outsourcing to OCFA. The Reorganization plan wasn’t a brand new plan on a blank sheet of paper. It was a modified version of earlier options, while incorporating certain features of OCFA Options.

Brea's Option R's use of a Quint and light-force deployment will reduce overtime costs (see August 3 posting for details). Light-force deployment would mean not calling in firefighters on overtime to fill a vacant-position resulting from sick leave, vacation, etc. Instead of a fire engine with a crew of 3 or less going out alone, a second engine will be deployed at the same time to ensure an adequate number of firefighting personnel at the scene of the incident. Average annual cost of overtime for 2006-2010 was $1.2 million, and estimated annual savings using Quint deployment is $795 thousand, as noted below:

Actual overtime costs and projected overtime savings with the Brea Reorganization plan, which I will refer to as Option R (for Reorganization) is....
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Overtime Cost:
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Fiscal Year Actual Overtime Spent Option R OT Savings
2006/2007: $1,191,869 $789,807

2007/2008: $1,222,565 $742,108

2008/2009:                           $1,371,028                                        $747,655
2009/2010:                           $1,408,125                                        $901,845
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Average Annual Overtime for 2006-2010:      $1,298,396
Average Annual Overtime savings for Brea Option R:    $795,353
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How different is Brea Option R when compared to OCFA Options?
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      Options               Station 1               Station 2            Station 3            Sta. 4
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OCFA Option 1      PAU Truck (4)        PE (4)                PE (4)               --
OCFA Option 2      PAU Truck (4)      Engine (3) /    PAU Engine (4)       --
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OCFA Option 3     PAU Truck (4)        PE (4)          PAU Engine (3)   Para. Squad (2)
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Brea Currently        PE (4)             BLS Truck (3) /        PE (4)        Type 3 Eng. (1)*
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Brea Option R       PE (4)            BLS Apparatus           PE (4)         Type 3 Eng. (2)*
                                                        (Quint) (3)
                                                       Battalion Chief (1)

PAU: Paramedic Assessment Unit / PE: Paramedic Engine
BLS: Basic Life Support
Battalion Chief shared with Fullerton FD for Brea Option R
All full time firefighters and part time apprentice firefighters are certified emergency medical technicians (EMT).
OCFA Options 1 and 2: Station 4 closed
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Difference: I think you would be hard pressed to spot any significant differences between Brea Option R and OCFA Option 3. Brea Option R exceeds services of OCFA Options 1 and 2.

(3) number contained in bracket signifies number of firefighters

* See photo of Type 3 Engine -- Attack Unit

4 Wheel Drive Type 3 Engine -- Attack Unit (Station 4)

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Note: For additional details of Brea Option R see my August 3rd and July postings.

Energy Project Update

2010-08-03T15:36:00.000-07:00

Energy Efficiency and Solar Power saves City $13 Million....

Ground Breaking for Solar Power Project

Brea was able to sell its bonds at lower interest rates than originally quoted, which resulted in an additional $4 million savings over the 25 year finance period, as previously reported in my March 2010 newsletter.

Instead of the original $9 million of total savings--after paying the cost of the project plus the bonds/debt-service--when the project was approved, the actual payback (savings) will be $13 million that will directly benefit the general fund, adding the equivalent of $520,000 per year to the plus side of our budget for the next 25 years.

Artist rendition showing solar panels installed at
Civic Center

The economic uncertainty in Greece (and other European countries) at the time the bonds were for sale, drove investors into the safety of U.S. Treasuries, which lowered interest rates for all available bonds. The investors demand for solar energy bonds proved to be favorable, allowing Brea to keep interest rates paid to investors lower.

As reported, total cost of the bonds is $17.7 million principle + interest paid to bond holders (bonds+interest=debt service) was expected to be about $33 million. The actual total cost (project cost plus debt service) will be $29 million instead of $33 million.

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See February and March 2010 Newsletters for complete details of the solar and energy savings project that will allow the City to generate 1.8 megawatts of municipal solar power in lieu of purchasing that electricity from So. Cal. Edison. For the latest update go to: https://mail.cityofbrea.net/exchange/

Once there, to return to my blog, hit the backspace arrow on your web browser.

Brea Honors those serving on Active Duty in our Military

Commander Martha Huff of American Legion Post 181, Brea Mayor Ron Garcia--a Navy, Vietnam veteran; Army recruiters: Staff Sgt Chris Niehus, Sgt Stephen Adelman; and Kenneth Webb of Veteran of Foreign Wars Post 5384, during the recent commemorative hanging of banners on Central Avenue honoring active-duty military personnel from Brea.

Central Avenue

For the full story with photos visit the Orange County Register's website at: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/brea-259855-military-banner.html

Fire Services Q and A

Questions from Residents: I have received several follow-up questions in response to my prior posting concerning the City Council's July 20th decision to maintain an independent Fire Department, by a 3 to 2 vote, rather than outsourcing fire services to OCFA.

Q 1. How can we reduce the number of firefighters and maintain the same level of service?

A. We currently have a ladder truck and an engine at Station 2 (Brea Blvd). As previously explained, a Quint (see definition posted earlier) has the combined capacity of both vehicles and would serve both functions. Eliminating one vehicle also reduces the need for the second crew, while maintaining the same level of service more efficiently and for less cost. No firefighters would be laid off or demoted under the Reorganization Plan, which I'll call Brea Option R (for Reorg, versus Brea Option 3 as used before, which is easily confused with OCFA Option 3). The Reorganization allows a reduction of 9 firefighters (3 per shift) through attrition and/or retirements.

Q 2. Why were the firefighters so determined to go with OCFA?

A. I can't speak for them, but have listened to their arguments while meeting with their leadership several times over the last several months, read their documents, and engaged in a steady stream of email communications. I have respect and warm regards for each of them. They are true professionals and totally committed to serving our community. Perhaps I would feel the same if I was a Brea firefighter. OCFA definitely offers more career opportunities for advancement than is available in a smaller city Fire Department. Pay and other compensation opportunities are also greater. But, we are in an economic crisis that required careful evaluation and consideration of all the options. After careful consideration, I had to put the community first over personal feelings.

Brea Option R saves $6.5 million over five years vs. $2.5 million for OCFA Option 3. OCFA Options 1 and 2 would have saved considerably more, but neither one would staff Station 4 in Carbon Canyon. The original Brea Options A and B also did not staff Station 4. At our June 19th community meeting, residents were quite clear that they believed it was essential to provide fire services at Station 4. We listened and changed the Brea plan accordingly. The residents also expressed an understanding of the importance of reducing costs "but" without compromising fire services. Brea Option R does that, while maintaining control over future costs.

This decision has become very emotional for everyone involved, and political charged, since it's an election year. In an election year, no council member wants to deliberately buck the unions--who can and will pour lots of money into a campaign. Though I sought and had received Public Safety union endorsements both times I ran for office, in today's world, it would be in the best interest of residents if unions stayed out of campaigns. Regarding this decision, doing what's right for the community must be our first priority, regardless of any political consequences that may occur.

The Brea Firefighters' Association put up $30,000 of their own union funds to offset the cost of obtaining proposals from LA County and OCFA. The City put up another $8,000. When investing that much in an idea, it's difficult and highly unlikely they would change their mind in support of any Brea option.

Q 3. You said it began with a budget decision. Why is the Brea Reorganization better than going with OCFA?

A. OCFA Option 3 has a built in escalation of 4.5% per year per year. If the actual cost of services should be higher, Brea's contract cost would be adjusted upward accordingly; if lower, the 4.5% increase would remain in affect. In other words, there is a "guaranteed" annual cost increase for going with OCFA for the first five years. Fifteen of the 22 OCFA member cities are, what's described as structural cities, where the cost of services are included in residents' property taxes; therefore, future increases do not affect their general fund. Every future increase of services would affect our contract cost, directly impacting our general fund--$10.7 million, or about 20% of our general fund is for fire services. Unanticipated increases such as future equipment upgrades (other than that already identified), higher than anticipated firefighters' salaries or other compensation increases, etc., would also be rolled into our contract cost.

Q 4. Are apprentices going to replace full time firefighters under the new Brea plan?

A. As was explained to me by Chief Dana Kemper, aapprentices will not take the place of full time firefighters nor fill full time vacancies. Overtime savings come by not filling up to 3 positions per day of vacant full time firefighters vacancies--already a common practice to accommodate vacations, sick time, holidays, etc. Under Brea Option R, the Brea Fire Department (BFD) apparatus compliment will go from 3 engines and a truck to 2 engines and a Quint--not counting Station 4. The BFD will continue to run 3 engines on any given day. When a vacancy occurs the Department will go to what's called a "light force" which will have 2 persons per engine and a truck staffed with three, out of Station 2. Should there be two vacancies, they will put the person left from the engine company on the truck and run the truck with 4 full time firefighters. Should there be three vacancies, they will run the truck or Quint with 3 firefighters. This will be done in lieu of filling every vacancy using overtime. If there is a larger emergency, the City has mutual aid agreements with OCFA, Fullerton FD, Chino Valley Fire District, LA County Fire. According to Fire Chief Al Nero, Brea provides more mutual aid to other fire agencies than it receives.

Q 5. What would have been the harm in just going with OCFA?

A. A contract with OCFA is like a marriage; if you make a mistake and it isn't what you anticipated, getting out is disruptive, costly, and emotionally charged. All of our fire apparatus would be transferred to OCFA at no charge. If we decided after five years to reinstate an independent fire department, we would have to repurchase the apparatus or buy replacement apparatus. Most likely, the firefighters would have little or no interest in leaving OCFA at that time. So, it would mean starting over from scratch; which is highly unlikely.

When we talk about apprentices: the difference between a Brea apprentice and a full time firefighter is that an apprentice is a part time employee. They are graduates of the fire acadamy with the exact same training and are fully certified emergency medical technicians (EMT). Some have come to Brea with prior firefighting experience, and some as certified paramedics. Under the OCFA contract, 50% of all Brea firefigthers would be transferred out and replaced with OCFA personnel. Who are these OCFA replacement personnel? There is no guarantee that new OCFA personnel would not be newly hired from the fire academy. If that were to occur, the only difference being, as full time firefighters, they would not be classified as apprentices.

If you have additional questions feel free to email me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Note: Not just Brea, but California in general is feeling the affects of a prolonged economic downturn. Some cities are facing bankruptcies, and the State continues to run a budget deficit--around $20 billion and counting, the last time I checked. Is it wrong to try to be innovative in how we provide services? All City departments have undergone change with the goal of operating more efficiently and at lower costs. We cut the size of city staff by 32 employees. Our City and our State can no longer maintain the status quo. The economic crisis is, by necessity, a force for change. Those that ignore it will suffer the consequences. Yes, OCFA would have saved us about $500,000 per year, because of economy-of-scale, but it too required change. It is highly unlikely that the union would allow OCFA to reinvent itself in the future. Brea Option R is expected to save us about $1.3 million per year. Does it make sense not to embrace this kind of innovative change? If Brea Option R doesn't live up to expectations over the next few years, one can always revisit the OCFA option--but, I don't think that's going to happen.

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The signs of the Season are always clear...

It's election time. It is also a time for renewed transparency from government at all levels.

CaliforniaCityNews reported that the League of CA Cities is leading the charge for legislation to require greater public disclosure of salary figures in light of the news from Bell...the effects of which are still rippling across other cities. According to reports, Bell council members receive an annual compensation of $100,000. The abuse seen in Bell was from a voter-approved measure in which only 400 residents voted out of a city population of 37,000.

Brea will be publishing staff salaries in the not too distant future. Brea employees, as well as the City Council, have been on a salary freeze for over two years. Executive management, including our City Manager, for almost three years. Brea's City Council Members receives a monthly compensation of $680.69 plus medical.

Proposition 25 which will be on the November ballot is asking voters to approve a simple majority vote (50%+1) of the Legislature to approve a budget instead of the current 2/3 majority (67%). The real problem isn't approving a budget, but rather, cutting spending which would never happen with a simple majority.

Pet of the Week...

Lucky and Seymor

This week’s featured Pets of the Week are “Lucky” and “Seymor.” They are eight years old, male, black, Miniature Poodle Mixes. “Lucky’s” ID# is A1036699 and “Seymor’s” ID# is A1036701. These two sweet boys were brought to OC Animal Care by their owners because they could no longer take care of them. They are very playful and full of life, but they also enjoy a long afternoon nap. They may be a little older, but they still have lots of love to share. Come visit these adorable boys and give them the second chance they deserve!

For more information go to O.C. Animal Care Services at:

http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Info%20OC/Departments%20&%20Agencies/OC%20Animal%20Care/Pet%20Adoption%20Information/Pet%20of%20the%20Week

Mitzi and Cosmo

Both of our pets, 5-year old Cosmo, and 1-year old Mitzi were rescue. Cosmo belonged to a family that was leaving the country, who could not find a home for him, he was 3.5 years old at the time. When we met him he was irresistible and still is. Mitzi was two months old when we discovered her at Pet Smart's cat rescue in Chino Hills--it was love at first sight. They are an important part of our family and our lives.

In memory: I just received word that former Mayor and Councilmember Sal Gambina passed away today (8/3) form a massive cardiac arrest. It occurred during a celebration of his 58th wedding anniversary. Sal served on the City Council from March 1976 to 1982.

PS, if you haven't already done so, and enjoy vintage cars, see my July posting just below.

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If you would like to be added to my mailing list for future updates, send your request to johnbeauman2@aol.com

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.END OF AUGUST POSTING

Just for fun!

2010-07-31T15:57:00.000-07:00

For those that are old enough to remember .... just for fun!

http://oldfortyfives.com/CarsWeDrove.htm

July 2010

2010-07-27T16:20:00.000-07:00

Fire Services Rationale…

Fire Station 2 (ladder truck)

As reported in my June 2009 newsletter: “As a proposed cost savings, the City Council is evaluating the potential outsourcing of the City’s Fire Protection and Paramedic Services. Of course, doing so would have to clearly benefit the City and its residents and offer a clear financial benefit.”

This process did not begin by asking: “How to outsource fire services?” but rather, “How to reduce budget cost?” If outsourcing was the only way to achieve it, then it would have been the obvious decision. Our Fire Chief and his command staff accepted the challenge and came up with a reorganization plan that achieved even greater savings than outsourcing would have, while retaining local control over future cost.

There’s a lot of information being provided here, perhaps even too much—but it reflects a very lengthy and involved process. For those who are interested in knowing the whole rationale for our decision, read on. For everyone else, let me sum it up saying the Brea Reorganization plan (what I’ll refer to as Brea option 3) is $1/2 million less expensive than OCFA Option 3. The following comments from a respected resident captured the very essence of what we hoped to achieve:

“Thank you so much for your time and effort regarding the recent Fire Department decision. Your job has not been easy and you have had to wade through reams of data and endure the comments of hundreds of residents and fire personnel. For that I am deeply appreciative.

“I also respect the time and energy that you each devoted to the public meeting which, I felt, was extremely productive and important. It is clear that you took what was said at that meeting seriously and did your best to vote accordingly. That there has been vehement disagreement along the way is not surprising. You made a decision that may seem unpopular but it does allow for the utmost flexibility to do what is ultimately the best thing for Brea residents, those of us who pay for our fire service.

“Although the financial crisis started this debate, I believe history will look back on this time as a fortuitous opportunity to recreate a cutting edge Fire Department based on new ideas and understandings that work best for our community. After all, Brea is known for its avant-garde decision making. I trust the next several years of reorganization and redesign will be no exception.”

Another resident put it this way:

“Obviously, the bottom line is getting the best and most BANG for the BUCK! It appears that the Council did that….and did not have to have any ‘Sacrificial Lamb’ employees!!! Dat be a good think!!!! Thanks.”
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Did we receive the most BANG for the BUCK?

Since it started as a budget issue, lets examine the bottom line cost between OCFA Option 3 and the Brea option 3 (Reorganization plan):

- OCFA Option 3 provides a five-year savings of $2.5 million or about $½ million per year.

- Brea option 3 provides annual savings of $1.29 million beginning in year two, after purchase of the Quint, which is $790 thousand per year more than OCFA Option 3.

- For argument sake let’s say Brea option 3 only saves $1 million a year instead of $1.29 million. It would still save $1/2 million per year more than OCFA Option 3. If the decision was only about cost and not community values, OCFA Options 1 and 2 would have saved much more, but do not staff Station 4.

Since Station 4 was a point of discussion, how many fire stations are there and where are they locations?
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Station 1 located at 555 North Berry Street, was built in 1965.

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Station 2 located at 200 North Brea Blvd, opened in 1977; the current building opened in 2003.

Fire Station 4

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Station 3 located at 170 North Kraemer, was built in 1986.

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Station 4 is located in a leased commercial suite at 170 North Olinda Place in Carbon Canyon.

Fire Station 1

Station 3

The Process…

It was a very lengthy and emotionally draining process that began in June 2009 by seeking proposals from OCFA and The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County. During the recent July 20th council meeting and public hearing, some claimed “more time was needed—don’t rush to judgment,” while others believed “it has already taken too long.” Over the past several months, Council compared, evaluated and waded through a total of eight options—L.A.C. (1), OCFA (4), the Brea Fire Department—BFD (3).

The BFD Reorganization plan (Brea option 3) was “a must” for me. After the June 19th community outreach meeting, I told the City Manager that I could not support any Brea option that wasn’t compliant with all of the “community values” expressed by the residents. The new Reorganization plan is responsive to those values.

Local Control/Governance: Cost savings/cost containment was another community value expressed at the June 19th meeting. Without local control, there is no direct way to contain future cost. The OCFA fire services contract includes an annual cost increase cap of 4.5%. If during the first five years, cost of services does not exceed 7.5%, there is no additional increase and the “capped charge” would remain the same. If the cost of services increased between 7.5% to 15%, the additional cost would be added to the contract charge, and the excess amount paid in full at that time. If the cost of services grew more than 15%, the excess would be spread over the next five years. Contributions to vehicle replacements, station maintenance, and amortized shortfalls will be added to the overall contract cost, with reviews being conducted every five years.

In other words, it would be a fixed price contract, but subject to change as OCFA operating expenses changed, with the contract price being adjusted accordingly every five years. The only way Brea could control cost in the future would be to restructure services—perhaps even considering closing Station 4 at a potential saving of $1 million a year.

OCFA Management Structure…

OCFA Board of Directors establishes policy for the agency. There are currently 22 member cities and two county representatives. If Brea had joined, the total number of Board members would be 25, with Brea having 1 seat and 1 vote.

OCFA Executive Committee conducts all OCFA business except for policy decisions. Brea would not have a seat on that committee upon joining OCFA.

OCFA Budget and Finance Committee serves as OCFA’s audit oversight committee. They advise OCFA staff and make recommendations to the Board on matters related to financial and budget policies. Brea would not initially have a seat on that committee.

OCFA City Managers’ Technical Advisory Committee is currently comprised of 8 City Managers who advise the agency’s Fire Chief and make recommendations on major policy decisions. Brea would not initially have a seat on that committee.

OCFA City Managers’ Budget and Finance Committee is comprised of 6 City Managers that meet annually to review the proposed budget. Brea would not initially have a seat on that committee.

Note: The length of time required for Brea to get a seat on any of these committees is TBD.

Was a Delay Warranted?

Would a delay to seek a third party, as suggested, have helped? If we did delay would we then just point to the third party’s recommendation as final word? Would it mean that councilmembers would no longer be accountable for their decision? Who would select the third party? How long would it take? Since it’s an election year, can you just imagine the relentless “union pressure” on individual councilmembers to go with OCFA? As far as I was concerned, this entire process was not only a time for careful deliberation and prayerful consideration the information needed to make a decision had been made available prior to the July 20th meeting in sufficient time to evaluate the Reorganization plan (Brea option 3) and decide.

Was this vote a rush to judgment? We studied the options. We submitted questions to staff. We met with representatives of the Firefighters Association and received reports and numerous emails providing their perspective. All of this went into the decision making “mix”. We had everything needed to make an informed decision.

Can we have confidence in the Reorganization plan? As a councilmember and as a grandfather with young grandchildren growing up in Brea, I had to be certain that the plan made good sense for the community and did not in any way jeopardize public safety. Putting his conscience and his reputation on the line, Chief Nero assured the Council and the community that the plan—developed by his command staff based on 140 years of combined experience—does not compromise public safety. Can we accept his word? Absolutely, because Al Nero is a trustworthy man of honor and integrity.

In response to community concerns and values (per the June 19th meeting), staffing of Station 4 is included in the plan, going from a single firefighter per shift to two firefighters. The second firefighter is a fully trained apprentice who, like current firefighters, is certified emergency medical technician (EMT). Paramedic service for the Canyon will continue to be dispatched from Station 3. The new staffing is an increase in fire and medical services at Station 4 to serve Olinda Village and Hollydale residents.

Brea’s Apprentice Firefighters…

Apprentices are not junior firefighters, cadets or “ride-alongs”. They are graduates of a fire academy and are fully trained firefighters, and certified emergency medical technicians (EMT). Currently, we have over 100 applicants to fill a few open positions. We are not only getting qualified and capable personnel but have the opportunity to select the best candidates. We hire our full-time firefighters from the ranks of apprentices. All Brea firefighters hired since 1995 were formally apprentices. Their professionalism has been demonstrated these past 15 years. What makes them an “apprentice” is that they are hired as part-time employees to fill the fourth position on a fire engines 1 and 3 (paramedic units)—at a significant cost savings to the city.

OCFA Option 3 would transfer/replace 50% of all Brea firefighters; some of whom would be demoted; all apprentices would be laid off. Brea option 3 retains all Brea firefighters.

Note: There is no guarantee that OCFA would not staff Brea fire stations with some new fire acadamy graduates.

Brea option 3 cuts cost...

Currently, the Department dispatches both a ladder truck and an engine out of Station 2, which under Brea option 3, would be replaced by a “Quint”, which has the combined capability of both vehicles. Each vehicle has a crew of 3 firefighters plus 1 apprentice as the fourth crewmember, which has been standard practice for many years. By combining the capabilities of both vehicles into the Quint, the Department would not have to refill nine firefighter positions that occur through attrition or retirements, while retaining its overall fire fighting capability. It was asked, how could we depend on retirements? Retirement is based on a state legislated formula of 3% for every year of service. If a firefighter worked 30 years he or she would be eligible to receive 90% of pay upon retiring (30 years x 3% per year)—which is certainly an incentive to retire. The Reorganization plan also reduces overtime hours, resulting in further savings. If you’re one of the people who want government to be innovative and more cost effective, you’ll love Brea’s Reorganization plan, which does exactly that without sacrificing service.

Fire services overtime costs for FY 2006/2007 through 2009/2010 averaged $1.3 million per year. The overtime savings during that same period if Brea option 3 had been in affect would have been $795 thousand per year—a 60% reduction in overtime cost.

Description of a Quint

A quint, or quintuple combination pumper, is a fire service apparatus that serves the dual purpose of an engine and a ladder truck. The name quint is derived from the Latin prefix quinque-, meaning five, and refers to the five functions that a quint provides: pump, water tank, fire hose, aerial device, and ground ladders.(ref: Wikipedia)

If you have questions or comments, you can email them to me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Election Season is here!

The periscope has surfaced, with some people attempting to use this decision—which cuts cost and retains local control over future cost—as the rationale.

A 7/24 commentary posted on the “Red County” blog by a Brea resident, stated…

“Recall against Brea Councilmen coming?”

“There were emotional plea's from the large crowd that attended the City of Brea's council meeting last Tuesday night to not rush a decision on whether or not to accept the City Manager's recently revealed proposal to save money in fire services. In the end, the majority of voices went unheeded and the rumors of a recall quickly began to surface.

“The quick action in favor of the City Manager has the city buzzing with the prospects of a recall.”

Quick Action? Rush to decision?

Following months of evaluation and deliberation is it fair to call it a “quick action”? Who made those “emotional pleas”? A significant number came from members of the Brea Firefighters Association (union); union members of other Fire Agencies, including OCFA; and union spokesman. Their union’s goal throughout the entire process was to go with OCFA—with $30,000 of union money being spent for proposals to make that happen. I think it’s fair to say that no Brea option would have been acceptable. Some speakers supported OCFA Option 3 from the very beginning, solely for placing two paramedics at Station 4. Again, I believe its safe to say their mind was already made up, and highly unlikely they would have supported a Brea option that didn’t do likewise, although I heard from several people living in Olinda Village who thought the Brea option would be fine. Councilmembers do have the advantage of hearing from both sides of an issue. I received numerous emails supporting the Reorganization option.

What I can state with confidence is that it took courage for Mayor Garcia, facing reelection in November, to do what he believed was right for Brea; knowing full well that he would become a union target in November—we already saw the first periscope come to the surface. If we are to judge by the above commentary, not only has the first periscope surfaced, but the first torpedo has been loaded and armed. It would have been so much easier for him to agree to postpone the vote—and the heat—until after the election. That’s what I call integrity!

Public safety unions can pour almost unlimited funds into an election, and will for the right cause. I received the Brea Firefighters Association endorsement twice and proudly so, with the understanding that public safety was extremely important, and that my door would always be open—and it was. I still have the greatest respect for our firefighters and their dedication and service to the community; my son-in-law is a Ventura County firefighter.

California voters are at a critical juncture. Is it really in the best interest of the community and the taxpayer, to cave in to union demands because it’s an election year? I attempted to clearly provide the reasons why I voted as I did—which I believe was in the best interest of the community for the long term, a decision that still keeps public safety as our #1 priority.

Go to the top of the right hand margin to vote for your favorite City Council candidates.

Other innovative/significant City Council decisions…

In the worse economic climate since the Great Depression, we continue to balance our budget with surgical precision, without draining our reserves. We have been able to retain valued community services, such as the Plunge (July 2008), Community Center programs, Senior Center programs (March 20), 4th of July Country Fair, and more. Visit my Spirit of Brea blog at http://www.spiritofbrea.blogspot.com/

We opened the long awaited Sports Park (March 2009). When purchasing the land, we also obtained the mineral rights--associated oil revenues provides for the annual maintenance.

We reached a $30 million landfill settlement with the County’s Waste Management and Recycling Division—equivalent to about $2.6 million/year that will directly benefit our general fund (May 2010).

A contract negotiated with Chevron Energy Solutions that will cut energy cost over the next 5 years by about $42 million; after paying the contract cost and bond debt service will net the City about $9 million (March 2010). Ground breaking is scheduled for Wednesday, July 27th at 10:00 A.M. at the Civic Center.

Benefits of La Floresta project (Chevron) include transfer of Birch Hills Golf Course to the City, with annual revenue between $400,000 to $500,000. The City receives Cal Domestic Water shares that will help keep water rates for residents under control (May 2010).

Note: For further information on each of these, go to the dates noted within brackets--the date each item was covered on my blog.

END OF POSTING:

"FIRE SERVICES RATIONALE"

Brea Fire Department Reorganization

2010-07-22T22:54:00.000-07:00

Fire Services Update
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At its July 20th Council meeting, the City Council voted 3 to 2 to approve the Brea Fire Department Reorganization plan developed by Brea's Fire Chief and Command Staff (see summary below). You can download a copy of the report from the City's website; just click on the adjacent link and it will take you to the Council agenda. Once there click on agenda item 10.1, and then the "Report" that appears in the right hand margin: http://questys.cityofbrea.net/MG35418/AgendaFrame.htm
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To return to my blog from the City's website, click on the return arrow in you web browser.
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Summary of the Council item voted on:
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Fire Station 3

"In light of the significant budget challenges of the past few years, the City Council has evaluated proposals from OCFA to determine whether to contract out fire services. The Council is also evaluating a reorganization plan for the Brea Fire Department submitted by fire command and other staff that accomplishes community and organizational goals and addresses current budget challenges. This action would end the review process and implement a reorganization of the Brea Fire Department that would maintain service levels and save in excess of $1,000,000 per year without layoffs or demotions of sworn or civilian staff."

Note: I am in the process of preparing a detailed rationale why I voted to retain the Brea Fire Department vs. going to OCFA, which will be posted within the next several days.
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If you would like to be notified of future updates, email your request to johnbeauman2@aol.com
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Street Sweeping Parking

The City Council approved a "street sweeping parking permit" process for those that parking on street sweeping days create a legitimate hardship. Applications for the permit will be available at City Hall. If for any reason the permit is denied by the program administrator, the resident can apply for arbitration of the denial, which would then go to the Traffic Committee for review.

Street sweeping day in Rome

For as long as I have been on the City Council (my 9th year), residents have complained that the portion of street in front of their home were consistently blocked by cars with overnight parking permits that prevented the sweeper from having access. The general public tend to judge the program based on speakers that oppose the ordinance. I have received emails of thanks (I wish I could share them all) supporting the ordinance, stating that "at last" their street is being swept. Council members do have the benefit of hearing from residents on both sides of the issue when making these decisions; we do our best to weigh the benefits as well as the impact it may have on residents. When the ordinance was first proposed, I suggested, as a condition of approval for my support, that we also evaluate "exemption" criteria, and that it come back to the Council after a trial period. The Council approved the hardship parking permit process at the July 20th Study Session.

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To eliminate the program, as some are suggesting, would shift the burden back onto those homeowners that would not otherwise get their streets swept. I believe this is the right way to accommodate all parties.

Remember, you can always contact me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Resident's comment added on 7/24...
"John, thanks so much for your response. It does make sense and I can see the other side and the frustration with unclean streets. A few houses down from me lives a ... contractor who has like 4 cars and parks in front of another neighbor's house - they are frustrated because since the contractor always parks in front of their home, they hardly ever get street cleaning. The contractor has parking permits from the city so it is legal."

Fire Services Update

2010-07-08T18:39:00.000-07:00

Update on Fire Services:

Why has one of many budget decisions, concerning how the City can cut cost without reducing fire services, become so contentious for some? Why would a Community Committee, led by former Mayors Bev Perry and Glenn Parker, come under “attack,” for its summary report (posted on the City's website) intended for the City Council's use, summarizing the viewpoints expressed by residents at the “Community Conversation” meeting on Saturday, June 19th?

From day one, some have expressed strong support of outsourcing fire services to OCFA; even before we began a formal evaluation of the fire services proposals. It appears that for those who have been strong and consistent OCFA advocates, nothing has changed. I can assure you that the Council has spent the last three months digesting and evaluating all of the options—both OCFA and Brea. There are three OCFA options under consideration—two of which do not staff Station 4 (Carbon Canyon) at an estimated contract savings of $1.2 million per year; nor do Brea options A and B propose staffing Station 4.
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During my weekly meeting with the City Manager, I told him that I would anticipate that any Brea option would take into consideration the values expressed at the community meeting, and that I would be applying those same community values to my final assessment of OCFA as well as Brea.

As I stated before, we have spent numerous hours weighing both the merits and shortcomings of each of the proposed options. We also have a good understanding of what the community expects regarding fire services, as expressed at the June 19th “Community Conversation” meeting; all of which needs to be taken under advisement in making a final decision.

This process began strictly as a budget decision, asking: Can we get the same level of fire services for less money? It certainly wasn’t based on a need to replace an inadequate, ailing, inept and under performing fire department! The BFD has always been held in the highest regard by the community, respected for its professionalism and responsiveness. As I have stated before, I believe there are certain pros and cons for each of the options that need to be carefully assessed--and I am doing exactly that. The City Manager is also in the process of modifying the Brea option based on the community values expressed at the June 19th meeting. Why wouldn’t he if we are to determine the best choice for Brea--a City Fire Department or County fire services?
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The same question that we began with is still on the table: How can we trim the cost of fire services without undermining fire services? Don’t you wish all government agencies asked a similar question? The question isn't, nor has it ever been: How do we replace our current Fire Department and go to OCFA? If the issue was only a matter of bottom line cost, and OCFA offered a much lower contract cost without any negative or undersirable overtones, it would have already been a slam dunk decision. There are other factors, which I will cover in detail after our July 20th meeting/discussion. Community values must be carefully weighed, as well, as we come into the homestretch on this important matter. I believe the approximately 80 residents that attended the Community Conversation meeting, are a representative sampling of the Brea community.

I welcome your comments and feedback at: johnbeauman2@aol.com

The 234th anniversay of US Independence!

2010-07-02T19:20:00.000-07:00

God Bless America!

2010-06-23T12:01:00.000-07:00

4th of July!
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I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG, OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA , AND TO THE REPUBLIC, FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
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May God Bless our Military who are protecting our Country to preserve our Freedom. Thanks to them and their sacrifices we can celebrate this 4th of July, which marks the 234th anniversary of our nation's independence, in Freedom!
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We must never forget who gets the credit for the freedoms we have and enjoy. May God bless the young men and women who are defending those freedoms.... And may God bless America!
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Attend the Brea Country Fair

for Patriotic Fun, Saturday, July 3

For a closeup look at the schedule of events (shown above), click on the adjacent link: http://www.cityofbrea.net/images/default/citydocs/CommSvc/CountryFairSchedule2010.pdf
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To return to this blog page, backspace (return arrow) on your web browser.

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The 31st Annual Brea Country Fair will take place on Saturday, July 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at City Hall Park (Brea Blvd, south of Imperial Hwy).There's no better way to capture some hometown spirit than at Brea's very own patriotic celebration. The great tradition of Country Fair truly has something for all ages. Old-fashioned fun involves fabulous food, entertainment and exhibits, creative crafts, beautiful babies* and of course, patriotism on parade!

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For a list of Orange County's fireworks displays just click on the adjacent link:
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http://www.ocfa.org/_uploads/pdf/fireworkdisplays.pdf
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Brea "Fire Services"
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About 75 residents plus facilitators and staff, attended the public outreach meeting held on Saturday, June 19th. A summary report of the discussions and community values expressed by residents will be discussed at the Council's July 6th Study Session, in the Executive Conference Room on the 3rd floor of the Civic Center, just prior to the Council meeting. I will reserve my comments until after that discussion.
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For a schedule of City Council meetings and agenda items click on the adjacent link: http://www.cityofbrea.net/article.cfm?id=2087
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To return to this blog, backspace (return arrow) on your web browser.
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You can also view a video of prior Council meetings by clicking on the adjacent link: http://brea.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3
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To return to this blog, backspace (return arrow) on your web browser.
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We know where we are, so, where do we go from here? First, we need to have a clear understanding of the issue, which I believe can be summed up with: "How can we cut the budget without compromising public safety?" As previously reported, the economic downturn has lead to a significant reduction in revenues, especially those associated with a drop in sales tax revenues. The City has already trimmed $6.4 million from its operating budget, implementing a restructuring that will reduce the number of city departments from nine to six; also eliminating the Assistant City Manager position and reducing the number of directors accordingly.
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Since achieving a balanced budget is the primary objective, the City Council had agreed to evaluate outsourcing fire services to Orange County or LA County fire agencies as a potentially less expensive alternative to an independent City of Brea Fire Department. As most of you are aware, the Council is currently in the process of evaluating the OCFA options, and two proposed Brea options.
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Will things be equally less expensive with each of the proposed options? Will the City and its residents be better off if we outsource or if we retain an independent City of Brea Fire Department (BFD) by selecting one of the proposed Brea options, or some other alternative? Will public safety be compromised with any of the proposed options when compared to the current level of fire services? Evaluating these tradeoffs is where the City Council currently is in the process.
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The following example is based on data provided by the Brea Firefighters Association: Provided as representative examples of potential savings; I selected costs associated with fiscal year 2013-14 (the five year mark). The noted savings is based on a comparison of projecting current BFD operating cost. (Updated 6/29).
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OCFA Option 1 and 2 cost about $10.6 million each in FY 2013-14; a projected savings of $2.1 million over projected cost of Brea FD. Both options 1 and 2 propose closing Station 4.
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OCFA Option 3 cost about $11.8 million; a projected savings of $904 thousand over projected cost of BFD. Option 3 is the only OCFA option that keeps Station 4 in Olinda Village/Carbon Canyon open, staffed by 2 paramedics, at an additional contract cost of $1.2 million vs. OCFA Optons 1 and 2, both of which propose closing Station 4. Currently, BFD has one firefighter per shift at Station 4, who is rated as a certified EMT (emergency medical technician).
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Brea Option A is about $12.2 million; a projected annual savings of $546 thousand over projected cost of current BFD; also proposes closing Station 4 as a fire station but staffing it as a medical emergency station with an ambulance and two civilian EMT's who have the same type and level of medical training as a firefighter EMT. Ambulance personnel are civilians and are not qualified to respond to fires.
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The question then is, does one or all of the proposed options (there are five for consideration*) meet the criteria to reduce cost of fire services (yes they do) and yet retain a proper level of public safety? That is the question the City Council has to wade through and decide. We need to be mindful that OCFA's proposed Options 1 and 2 both close Station 4 as does Brea's Option A and B, based on the understanding that Station 3 would remain the principle responder for Carbon Canyon. *Note: LA County and OCFA Option 4 were eliminated as being more expensive that the BFD.
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Can we say that any of the proposed options are unsafe? Both the OCFA and City of Brea Fire Chiefs have assured us that none of the options are unsafe. The question then is what is the known level of risk for each option; and, is the added cost of over $1 million per year justified to staff Station 4 with paramedics versus EMT's? These are serious questions that require serious consideration--which is where I am; but with the understanding that though budget is the principle factor that brought us here, it is not THE only factor.
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If one were to decide based solely on budget considerations, it would be a slam dunk decision to just select the least expensive option such as OCFA Option 1 or Brea Option B. But, since public safety is the principle factor, I want to be 100% assured that whatever option we choose, it isn't at the expense of an acceptable level of public safely for all our residents.
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The City Council will continue its deliberation of the options regarding maintaining an independent City Fire Department or outsourcing fire services to the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA). As I see it, there are some pros and cons for each option that need some further discussion and to be carefully weighed. The reason we are considering outsourcing fire services is the economic downturn and our continued efforts to maintain a balanced budget.
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We also need to carefully consider and weigh the input we received from the community at Saturday's meeting. I believe, and it appears that the residents agree it's important to avoid making too hasty a decision solely to solve a near term budget shortfall without adequately assessing any potential long term consequences. It is imperative to avoid falling into a trap of unforeseen and thus unintended consequences. The only way to do so, is to ask the right questions now.
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Since Budget is the driving factor, we need to carefully weigh financial considerations. If we decide to retain an independent city fire department, doing so will require restructuring it to trim expenses; but, we also need to be certain that if we decided to do so, it would be done in a way that does not compromise public safety.
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For additional information on fire service options go to May posting.
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Ambulance Service....
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I was asked if residents paid for ambulance service; here's the response I received from our City Manager: What is partially paid for out of the property tax is the paramedic program, through a tax override that the people voted in back in the late ‘70’s. However, the amount of money collected is not enough to pay for the program today so it is subsidized by the general fund. Ambulance transportation service is provided by a private company and is paid for by the patient, usually by their insurance company.
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November Elections...
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Who's running and who isn't?
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A number of residents asked if I would be running for another term in November; many have encouraged me to do so. Not being able to predict the future (even the next few months) I cannot say with absolute certainty that I will not be running, but, I can say, I am definitely leaning toward not running. It's nice to know that if I did decide to run, I feel honored to have been assured of formal endorsements from Congressman Gary Miller, former State Assemblywoman Lynn Daucher, Supervisor Bill Campbell, former Councilmember/Mayor Bev Perry; retired Police Chief and former Councilmember/Mayor Bill Lentini.
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Who are the potential candidates that I'm aware of? Mayor Ron Garcia; Mayor Pro Tem Roy Moore; Planning Commissioners: Ric Clough and Jim Grosse; Brett Murdock; and former Councilmember Steve Vargas.
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To make a comment or ask a question, email me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

END OF JULY POSTING

Memorial Day 2010

2010-05-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Memorial Day 2010

On this and every Memorial Day, we need to be ever mindful that the freedom we enjoy, as a Nation and as a people, was purchased at a great price. Generations of our young shed their blood in almost every corner of the world, having their lives snatched away while still in the prime of life, in the interest of preserving our freedom both as a Nation and as a people.

Winston Churchill: "Never in the history of mankind have so many owed so much to so few."
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These words are as relevant today as they were when Winston Churchill stated them during the battle to defend Great Britain against a pending Nazi invasion. Our life and liberty depend on the few and the brave that gave their lives to preserve our freedom.
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Which quote best reflects the values they fought and gave their lives for?
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Winston Churchill: "The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings; the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries."
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Which can be interpreted as: Don't count on you own God-given talents, your own ingenuity and hard work, let the government redistribute wealth as they see fit.
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House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, speaking to musician and artists in Washington, D.C., May 15, 2010: "We see [health care reform as] a bill that says to someone, if you want to be creative and be a musician or whatever, you can leave your work, focus on your talent, your skill, your passion, your aspirations because you will have health care. You won't have to be job-locked."
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Which can be interpreted as: Don't worry the taxpayers will delay their own dreams and aspirations, in order to pick up the tab so you can pursue yours!
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Daniel Webster: "I was born an American; I will live an American; I will die an American."

May 2010 con't

2010-05-21T16:04:00.002-07:00

La Floresta—New Gateway Landmark!

By a unanimous vote and mutual acclaim, the City Council approved a landmark “Gateway” for Brea’s eastside. La Floresta, a mixed-use project, will be located at the former Unocal Hartley Research Center site and the east end of a (to be) reconfigured Birch Hills Golf Course. Stalled by a depressed housing market and stagnant economy, it managed to pass its final hurdle. Its early success can be attributed to Chevron (formally Unocal) taking the time to engage the public with over 30 neighborhood meetings, listening to and addressing residents’ concerns. Only two residents expressed two minor concerns at Tuesday’s public hearing, but did not voice opposition to the project.

La Floresta Village—the heart of the project—will border Imperial Hwy, stretching north along Valencia Avenue (see aerial photo of sites below). The Village Center, situated at the corner of Imperial and Valencia, will serve as the focal point of the project, with a mix of restaurants and retail shops, office space, and an assortment of 1,110 housing units plus recreational and other amenities including a hiking/bike trail. The portion of the project located on the east end of a reconfigured Birch Hills Golf Course, will contain 247 townhomes and apartments.

Note: The corner art photo above can be enlarged by double clicking on it. You can then return to my blog by clicking on the left (return) arrow in your web browser in the top left hand corner of your screen.

Why such acclaim for the project? It brings measurable benefits to the entire community. Ownership of a reconfigured executive golf course will be transferred to the City after five years. Annual revenues of $400,000 to $500,000 generated by the golf course, will be paid to the City starting the first year. The City will also receive Cal Domestic Water shares sufficient for the needs of the entire project and the golf course, plus an agreement to purchase additional water shares. Brea gets its water from two sources: Metropolitan Water, whose water cost has been climbing steadily upward, and less expensive Cal Domestic water. As the cost of water continues to rise—and it will—this will help us control water cost for all Brea residents and businesses.

Brea Fire Services: Economic Challenges Influence Decision Making…

It’s the Economy Stupid! It’s the slogan that launched Bill Clinton into the presidency. It’s also the economy that is forcing us to evaluate the merit of outsourcing fire services and potentially eliminating a 93-year tradition of the Brea Fire Department (see June 18, 2009 posting for history of BFD). While some may not see this as relevant, there are others that will—perhaps even me!

Weathering an economic crisis while faced with declining revenues, will require careful deliberation, thoughtful decisions, sound fiscal management, and cautiously avoiding the trap of unintended consequences. I have seen too many “unintended consequences” result from hastily crafted state and federal legislation, and will do everything I can to avoid making a similar mistake on a matter of such significance to the community.

Photo of Brea Fire Station 4, located in Carbon Canyon at Olinda Village...

Unlike the State or federal government—the City cannot borrow from tomorrow or issue IOUs against deficits. Brea has already stripped $6.4 million in expenses from our operating budget. We also underwent a total makeover of the City’s organizational structure reducing the number of departments and directors from 9 to 6. I was asked how did we determine what to cut and what not to cut? Budgets were carefully crafted around policies and priorities established by the City Council as being consistent with community values. It is the City Manager’s responsibility to implement those policies and run the day-to-day operations of the City. Public safety still remains our #1 priority, with about 43% of the City’s total FY 2009-10 operating budget going to public safety—police (30.13%) and fire (12.71%) services.

In an effort to reach a timely decision, the City Council took a first step by eliminating two of the proposed options: L.A. County’s basic proposal (they did not offer options) and OCFA’s Option 4 (they proposed four options), as being more expensive than current services provided by the Brea Fire Department (cost of options are shown in earlier May posting).

There is more to consider than just the initial bottom line as proposed. There is also consideration of future costs and the matter of governance. If actual cost exceeded the initial contract price by more than 7.5%, Brea would have to pay the difference in one lump sum. If cost exceeded it by 15%, the additional cost would be spread out over 5 years. In regard to governance, a Brea council member would get one seat on the OCFA Board of Directors (BOD), which consists of representatives from the 22 member cities plus two members representing the county’s unincorporated areas. The 24-member Board meets bimonthly—usually the fourth Thursday of the month. There are also two sub-committees: the Budget & Finance Committee to address budget policy issues; and the Executive Committee who conducts all business of the Authority, except policy matters. Brea would not have an opportunity to immediately sit on either of these two committees, nor a guarantee to do so any time soon—it is by appointment, and new members traditionally go to the back of the line.

A concern I raised with OCFA Fire Chief Keith Richter at our special study session, was in regards to OCFA being a regional fire service, wouldn’t fire personnel and apparatus stationed in Brea be considered part of the larger regional pool for responding to fires elsewhere in the County vs. a local Brea Fire Department? The answer is yes, but the Chief did not believe it would be an issue. For the full OCFA BOD click on the adjacent link: http://www.ocfa.org/ocfamain.asp?pgn1=10 You can easily return to this blog (from any of the links I provide) by clicking on the left arrow in your web browser heading, generally located in the upper left hand corner of your screen. For more about OCFA go to their website at: http://www.ocfa.org/index2.htm#

Should a “Sense of Community” be a factor in deciding future fire services?
Should it? In 2009, I announced my mayor’s theme: “The Spirit of Brea”—creating a dedicated blog exclusively for that purpose: http://www.spiritofbrea.blogspot.com/. I speak from the heart when I say mayoral themes are not mere empty slogans, but are carefully and thoughtfully crafted to reflect community values. Does the Brea Fire Department constitute one of those values? The budget may have forced us to consider this matter, but, as I stated above, I have seen too many “unintended consequences” from hastily crafted state and federal legislation, and will do my best to avoid making a similar mistake on such an important community decision. (photo of original 1923 Seagrave fire truck)

One of the basic core questions is: If the economy continues to worsen, can the City afford to maintain an independent Brea Fire Department; will the economy turn around in sufficient time to say YES?

At the May 18th study session, the City Council agreed to hold a community outreach meeting to provide residents an opportunity to ask question and get the facts, clarify misconceptions, offer their opinion, and help determine what constitutes community values in regard to future fire services. Unless firmly anchored in the facts, this shouldn’t be an emotionally driven “consensus” based on hearsay or preconceived opinions. The date and place for the meeting is currently being coordinated, and the public will be notified accordingly. Please feel free to email me on this matter at johnbeauman2@aol.com or via my city email at johnbe@cityofbrea.net . I welcome your opinions.

Fire Services Options--Is there a clear winner?
We will eventually get through this economic downturn, which needs to be taken into consideration. If it was just a bottom line decision, then it would be as simple as picking one of the least expensive options such as OCFA Option 1 or 2, or Brea Option A or B (see prior May posting for cost comparisons). We have been assured by our Fire Chief, and the OCFA and LA fire professionals, that all proposed options meet their standards and will provide a safe level of fire protection for the community.

The reason we are evaluating outsourcing fire services is because it was proposed by the firefighters during the budget cost-cutting process (via the BSP). Nevertheless, each option requires careful consideration and a level of caution in regards to any possibility of unintended consequences.

Note: If you would like to be added to my mailing list for future updates, send your request to me at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Fire Services Survey is posted in the upper right hand margin. It's not too late to express your viewpoint.

Budget Stuff!

Will the State’s pending budget deficit affect cities?
State budget problems, like water, tend to flow downhill. The State of California is facing yet another budget deficit hovering just above $19 billion, and according to some reports may actually grow to $30 billion. To help bail itself out, the State Legislature opted to take billions from local redevelopment agencies. Brea’s Redevelopment Agency sent a check for $8.9 million, money intended for infrastructure within the city and a portion intended for a second community center at the Birch Hills Golf Course site.

Certificate of Achievement…
Finance Director, Bill Gallardo and his team, was awarded a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for 2009 from the Government Finance Officers Association. This recognition shows our Finance Department’s commitment to accuracy and transparency in reporting City’s finances. Bill’s department also prepares and tracks our budgets.

City’s Operating Budget.
I get a lot of questions on this one, so here’s some background that may bring clarity: Brea is a California General Law city having a City Council/City Manager form of government (day-to-day operations)/governance (establishing policy). Some have questioned who does what? As a quick comparison a navy admiral plans and determines the fleet’s overall strategy (similar to the City Council), but it’s the ship’s captain who navigates the ship, having responsibility for its operating systems and personnel (similar to a City Manager). Likewise, City of Brea budgets reflect both policies and operations; with priorities being established by the City Council (e.g. BOD) and operational issues established under the leadership of the City Manager (e.g. CEO), subject to Council approval.

Brea has operated on a two-year budget based on a five-year economic forecast. But in response to a worsening economy, the City Council chose to switch to one-year budgets also based on five-year projections. For a detailed description of the budget process, scroll down to my April 2009 posting, titled: Understanding the Budget Process.

Note: Another special update will follow after the community outreach meeting. If you have comments or questions feel free to contact me at johnbeauman@aol.com or my city hall email address at johnbe@cityofbrea.net

Landfill Revenues….
The Olinda Alpha Landfill, owned and operated by the County of Orange, opened in 1960 as part of a county-wide trash disposal system consisting of three landfills. As a host city, Brea negotiated to receive compensation in response to the County’s plan to extend its scheduled closure beyond 2013 to around 2021 (the date depends on remaining capacity). City Manager Tim O’Donnell and I, serving on the County’s Waste Management Commission, represented Brea in those negotiations. Brea currently receives about $1 a ton for imported, out-of-County trash only. The County imports about 3,300 tons of trash per day, with about 2,100 tons per day going to Olinda Alpha, generating fees of about $600,000 per year for the City—definitely a life preserver in rough economic waters.

Under the new landfill agreement, beginning in 2013, Brea will receive $1.50 per ton for all trash going to the landfill—minus trash originating in Brea—at a maximum of 7,000 tons per day excluding Brea trash. The City also receives an advance payment of $10.5 million in three installments for infrastructure improvements, a portion of which will be used for the solar panels installation (see April 2010). None of this is borrowed money as was mistakenly stated recently at Matters from the Audience. Total landfill revenues will be about $30 million, at about $2.6 million annually (what I like to think of as a life boat vs. a life preserver).
Note: Revenues will fluctuate as trash tonnage fluctuates.

Background: Orange County started importing out-of-county trash for a fee to help pay-off its 1994 bankruptcy debt (from which it emerged in June 1995); and will continue to import trash until 2015.

Street Sweeping…
When the program was approved, it was with the understanding that it would be reviewed and assessed after a specific period of time. To help with the evaluation, the Council asked our Police Department to conduct a critical analysis of the rationale and justification data based on feedback from the community and pending requests for review from residents. After the BPD completes their analysis, it will come back to the Council for deliberation.

May 2010

2010-05-08T22:39:00.000-07:00

Fire Services Options

Special Meeting

A Special City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11th at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers. The public will have an opportunity to listen to the rationale and weigh-in with their own viewpoints on this important decision.

During the economic downturn, the City of Brea implemented $6.4 million in budget cuts. Although we currently have a balanced budget for FY 2010-11, until the economy turns around, additional cuts may be necessary for subsequent budget years. As previously reported, part of our cost cutting/budget review process involved soliciting proposals for fire services from the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) and L.A. County’s Consolidated Fire Protection District. The final cost savings of the various options are still being refined and are subject to change; the initial cost estimates are being provided for comparison purposes only.

The Brea Fire Department’s annual operating budget is approximately $10.8 million. The Department, consisting of 53 employees—including 46 career firefighters, plus administrative staff—is responsible for staffing four fire stations, providing fire protection and emergency medical services for the City of Brea.

The L.A. County proposal showed an increase to the City of Brea of about $207 thousand annually over our current Fire Department operating budget; and would involve closing Station 4 in Carbon Canyon.

OCFA offered four Options: Options 1 and 2 also involved closing Station 4; Option 4 showed an annual increase of about $309 thousand over the City’s current Fire Department budget; Option 3 showed an annual cost savings of approximately $373 thousand.

Three Brea options are also under consideration: 1. Make no changes to the current Fire Department structure and operating budget; 2. Restructure the Brea FD to closely mirror some of the staffing offered in the OCFA proposal for a potential savings of $546 thousand; 3. Share certain designated resources with the City of Fullerton’s Fire Department, which would allow a reduction in command-level staffing by attrition and early retirements for a potential annual savings of $675 thousand. This option does not propose closing any fire stations in Brea or Fullerton and does not reduce the number of firefighters in either city. It proposes sharing command-level staff.

The City Council is currently reviewing all of the data, including proposals, staff reports, response to questions from our April 21st Study Session Workshop, and an “Options Analysis” provided by the Brea Firefighters Association. Each of the proposed options is subject to further discussion and potential refinement before a final decision is made.

I consider this a monumental decision. Some will agree, while others may not. Someone in our federal government recently stated, regarding the current fiscal crisis, that one should never let a crisis go to waste. If everything is going well, rarely will someone propose such a major organizational change—be it private industry or the government. Because of the budget crisis and downturn in revenue, we found ourselves being forced to change. The decision is: What's best for the community? The entire Brea government has been restructured reducing the number of departments and management personnel. In the same way, we find ourselves forced to explore a variety of options regarding our fire department; the question being: Can we achieve the same level of public safety at lower cost?

This decision is being driven by the budget, but it can also change a long-standing and cherished heritage associated with the Brea Fire Department. A brief history of the Brea FD was provided in my June 2009 newsletter, which you can visit by scrolling down. The City of Brea, incorporated in 1917, initially depended on volunteers for its fire fighting operations. In 1938, the Brea Fire Department went from all volunteer to a full time Fire Chief and a team of 18 professional firefighters.

Our goal, as always, is to maintain the finest public safety services possible under very challenging circumstances. Some cities are evaluating pay cuts for public safety personnel. We have chosen to work with our public safety bargaining units, even in regard to a pay freeze, because we all understand that we’re in the same boat and its essential to weather the storm together.

Vote for the option you prefer, in the survey shown on the right....

You can email me your opinion at johnbeauman2@aol.com

Pet of the Week

"Sadie"
This week’s featured Pet of the Week is “Sadie” a three year old, spayed female, tan and white, Brussels Griffon Mix, ID# A1018528.

“Sadie” is considered an absolute sweetheart! She loves to be by your side and she would make the perfect companion for any loving family. You can visit “Sadie” at the Orange County Animal Care Center. For more information, click on the adjacent link: http://egov.ocgov.com/ocgov/Info%20OC/Departments%20&%20Agencies/OC%20Animal%20Care/Pet%20Adoption%20Information/Pet%20of%20the%20Week

END OF MAY POSTING

March 2010

2010-03-04T23:00:00.000-08:00

City of Brea approves contract with Chevron Energy Solutions (CES)

The purpose of this report is to follow up on my February newsletter (posted below) and respond to additional questions received from residents regarding this contract; also to recap the benefits for the Brea community. Some of what I had stated in February may be repeated here for the purpose of clarification.

Why Chevron?

Chevron Energy Solutions (CES) was named one of the world's 50 most innovative companies and is the largest developer of solar power solutions. CES has a local office in Brea. You can learn more about CES' broad experience and capabilities by visiting their website at: http://www.chevronenergy.com/

Note: What helps set Chevron Energy Solutions apart from other energy companies is their unique business model that "bundles" a comprehensive energy solutions package, and then guarantees the savings. Also, they agreed to a fixed price contract which means NO "change orders." If changes were necessary it is at no cost to Brea.

Quick Summary(3-12-10) Some readers asked if I could provide a quick summary (provided below). if you want more information see writeup provided.

Contract with Chevron is for $17.7 million which will be financed by City issued bonds. The bonds are paid off in 25 years with the savings via significantly lower energy costs and a lower SCE tiered rate-structure.
It is a fixed price contract in that Chevron cannot charge Brea for any unexpected changes that may occur (no change orders). In other words, no surprises or unexpected cost for Brea.
Total cost of the bonds ($17.7 million) + interest paid to bond holders (bonds+interest=debt service) is about $33 million.); similar to a mortgage: principle plus interest.
Total energy savings for the City over 25 years is about $42 million.
The net difference between the energy savings minus the debt service is about $9 million (equivalent to "money in the bank," so to speak).
Chevron installs the energy-saving upgrades and the new solar panels+10 years of maintenance.
Chevron guarantees that the City will save $24 million. If the energy savings fall short, they will write Brea a check for the shortfall.

March 2nd Council Meeting

After a lengthy discussion with a Q&A period, the City Council voted 3 to 2 vote, to approve the Energy Service Contract with CES for solar power and a comprehensive energy upgrade of Brea's municipal facilities. You can view the 3 1/2 hour Council meeting on video, by visiting the City's website: at: http://brea.granicus.com/ViewPublisher.php?view_id=3

Background

Brea's introduction to CES dates back to 2002. Brea has been an active member of The Energy Coalition established in the 1970's in partnership with cities, to seek innovative solutions for reducing energy consumption. You can learn more about them by visiting their website at: http://www.energycoalition.org/CEP/

As was noted in February's newsletter (posted below), Maintenance Director, Bill Higgins (now retired), based on his involvement with the Energy Coalition and discussions with CES and other energy companies, saw a unique cost savings/budget opportunity for Brea by partnering with Chevron Energy Solutions. In July 2009 the City Council approved a contract with CES to conduct a comprehensive energy audit. As Mayor in 2009, I appointed Councilmember Schweitzer (as an architect) and myself (as an engineer) to serve on the Ad Hoc committee for interfacing with CES for purposes of evaluating the project.

As stated in February, the audit was approved with the stipulation that any proposed solution must be “debt neutral,” in that there would be no out-of-pocket cost to Brea; that all major subcontracts be awarded by competitive bid, and an effort made to use Brea based companies. The cost of the energy audit was $45,000 which would be waved if CES' analysis showed significant energy savings, and Brea approved the energy service contract.

Postponement of Feb 16th Public Hearing

The reason for postponement was requested at the Study Session as explained in February's newsletter.

Some residents asked why CES didn't show up at the Public Hearing. CES had been informed of our study session discussion to postpone the Public Hearing, but remained on "standby" in the event the Council decided to go ahead with the Public Hearing. Chevron’s office is a few minutes away and they were ready to attend if the City Council decided to go ahead with the Public Hearing. Without agreement on the terms of the contract, doing so would have added confusion to the process.

The delay allowed time for a follow-up meeting with CES. During the 3 hour Ad Hoc meeting that followed we did agree on terms that were consistent with our initial understanding of a 25 year guaranteed-savings versus a 5 year guarantee-savings as noted in the contract. We also concurred that Chevron's 5-10% profit margin was reasonable (closer to 5%); and that all major items would be procured on competitive bid (about 75%) getting the best value based on combination of price, supplier reputation, proven product-reliability, and warranty.

Scope of the Contract

The results of CES’s audit not only met the criteria of “no out-of-pocket cost” to Brea, but CES guaranteed $24 million in energy savings for the City.

The audit showed an estimated total energy-savings of $42.2 million over a 25 year period. Most of those savings are based on the use of solar energy, with panels being installed on the Civic Center, Community Center parking lot, and the Berry Street Water Reservoir. A digital monitor located at the Community Center, and displayed on the City website, will show real-time solar-energy production and savings. Existing heating/ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment—are high maintenance and rapidly approaching the end of their useful life—will be upgraded with more energy efficient units, having all new controls and other system upgrades. Street/public lighting will also be upgraded with high efficiency lighting.

The Civic & Cultural Center's solar panels will be mounted on the structural grid above the plaza (photo). A structural analysis was performed by CES to ensure that the existing structure would carry the additional weight and wind loads. The engineering analysis showed that it could. If further detail design indicated that structural enhancements were necessary, they would be provided by CES.

Cost vs. Savings

The total cost of the contract is $17.7 million. The entire amount will be financed over a period of 25 years by the issuance of bonds, with the total estimated debt-service (bonds plus interest) of $33.5 million paid for out of the $42.2 million energy savings. It is a “fixed price” contract in that Chevron cannot issue change orders for unanticipated items or bill Brea for any potential cost overruns that might occur.

Energy usage will be closely monitored for the first five years to measure actual energy savings, which will be projected out over the remaining 20 years. If the estimated guaranteed savings are not met per the actual usage data, Chevron will pay Brea the difference between the shortfall and the $24 million guaranteed savings for the full 25 year period, as defined in the contract.

The contract includes 10 years of system maintenance by Chevron, including semi-annual washing of solar panels for the first five years, after which Brea’s Maintenance Department will assume the task. The solar panels are warranteed for the full 25 years and if a replacement is needed, it will be provided at no charge. All other system components will be under standard supplier warranties for parts and labor.

Balance of Savings to General and Water Funds

The balance of savings after payment of the debt service (bonds + interest) is $8.7 million over the 25 year period with 40% going into the General Fund and 60% to the Water Fund, which will lower water rates.

The City estimated another substantial savings of several million dollars by using solar power to pump less expensive Cal Domestic Water during peak hours versus more costly Metropolitan Water.

A time for Innovation and thinking out of the box…

This contract is another example of Brea's innovative thinking and leadership. Over the course of my own corporate career, I recognized the wisdom of a statement by Albert Einstein, that one could not “do the same thing over and over again and expect different results.” I think that tends to be true for large corporations (we saw with GM) and of government in general; the larger they are the more inclined they are not to change--trying to solve problems by applying more and more resources into doing things in the same way, only faster, with the goal of getting different results; which is equivalent to digging a hole deeper and faster, when what you really need is to break out of the hole or rut and move in a new direction. That's how I view this contract. It is creative and innovative, and definitely not business as usual.

The contract with CES is yet another example of Brea’s willingness “to think out of the box.” Thanks to City Manager, Tim O’Donnell for encouraging all of his employees to do so. Thanks to the vision of retired Maintenance Director, Bill Higgins; the long hours and hard work of Development Director Charlie View and Finance Director Bill Gallardo and their staffs, we were able to achieve a win/win contract that substantially lowers the City's energy costs for years to come.

This joint partnership with Chevron is truly a win/win in that it covers the total cost of upgrading the City’s energy efficiency, plus it guaranteed $24 million in savings, with almost $9 million going directly into our general fund and water fund.

Why is Chevron willing to put millions at risk? At the March 2nd Council meeting, Chevron described themselves as a very conservative for-profit company, and as such they seek opportunities that make sound fiscal sense and offer mutual benefits in unique private/public partnerships. This arrangement is unusual and unprecedented—i.e., 25-year guaranteed savings—that the CES team had to go up the corporate ladder to their senior executive management for approval of such a bold concept. This partnership puts CES and Brea on the leading-edge of innovative ways of doing business during a difficult economy.

It demonstrates CES' confidence in their "power-generation and projected-savings" analytical models, realizing fully that if their analysis is off, they face a potential loss up to $24 million if they have to exercise the guaranteed savings. The CES team and their management are standing behind this project, because they are confident in their analysis. I believe it would have been short-sighted of us to let this unique opportunity pass, especially in a down economy when this additional revenue is a welcome blessing for the entire community.

Innovative Technology: the Bloom Box

Several people sent me emails requesting that we delay the contract with Chevron in order to take advantage of the “Bloom box” technology shown on 60 Minutes. I certainly understand how such innovation is perceived by the public, and most likely, its time will eventually come.

One of my areas of responsibility prior to retiring as Director of Engineering for a Fortune 200 Corporation was Aerospace Research and Development (R&D). My role was to evaluate the viability of new engineering concepts and allocate funding for the ones that had potential for improving and enhancing the competitiveness of our products. I did not see the 60 Minutes show, but did check it out since. All new technology carries a degree of risk, and years of R&D testing before it's ready for commercial application on a large scale. Companies that are on the leading edge of new technologies also bear the risk associated with implementation of those technologies.

Solar panels technology, had a similar history, but over time matured to the point that it carries little if any technical risk, whereas the Bloom Box would be considered a high risk technology that will most likely require a lot of funding and several years to reach sufficient maturity to be able to apply it to the commercial market and it may never be adequate to meet the scale of this project—supplying a city’s entire electrical power needs. It also requires that oxygen and fuel supplies be connected, both of which add costs.

Railroad Days Coming To Brea Downtown
“The Southern California Railway Plaza Association has applied to use Downtown Brea for the site of their 11th Railroad Days on May 1 and 2. This event was held in Downtown Fullerton for a number of years and always drew very large crowds. These activities are free of charge and great fun for families. Its exhibits along Birch Street, will include model train displays, rail related exhibits and entertainment spotlighting local performers. The group also plans to display full size rail equipment at the nearby tracks on Berry Street, north of Imperial Highway. They plan to provide a shuttle to connect the two areas and are considering renting the Brea Trolley. Currently, details for the event are being worked out and the Railway Plaza Association is in fundraising mode.”

Brea Police Officers Receive MADD Awards
“Each year, MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) recognizes police officers from law enforcement agencies who have excelled in taking impaired drivers off of the roadways. For the calendar year of 2009, the Brea police department had seven officers who made more than 25 arrests for DUI. The officers made these arrests in addition to their normal patrol duties of calls for service, emergency responses, and report incidents. They are motivated to remove DUI drivers from our roads.” Every DUI driver taken off the road may have saved a life; perhaps someone in your own family?

Those officers were:
Travis Leever 59 arrests
Justin Morouse 48 arrests
Michael Johnson 39 arrests
Chris Harvey 33 arrests
Jesse Garduna 30 arrests
Alfons Kunze 26 arrests
Chris Barslund 26 arrests

National Politics

What is the "nuclear option" being discussed in the Senate regarding national health care?

To best explain it, we need to begin with filibusters, which not only elevate visibility of a bill but have the potential to lead to compromise. It isn't the only way that Senators can block a vote. A final vote can only be taken if 60 Senators agree; this is called a vote of cloture (vote to end the filibuster).

The Senate has a process in place for amending rules; this process requires a two-thirds [67] vote. According to Congressional Quarterly, from 1919-1971, there were nine filibusters relating to Rule 22; in each case, there were insufficient votes to invoke cloture.

The following definition was found on “About.com: Politics”

The "nuclear option" which Democrat leaders are threatening to use to pass the national health care bill is actually a series of steps designed to bypass the two-thirds vote requirement to change rules:

1. The Senate moves to vote on the bill.

2. It takes at least 41 Senators to call for filibuster. That is why the recent election of Massachusetts Republican Senator Scott Brown was so monumental.

3. The Majority Leader (Sen. Harry Reid) raises a point of order, saying debate has gone on long enough and that a vote must be taken within a certain time frame. (Current Senate rules requires a cloture vote at this point.)

4. The Vice President (Joe Bieden) -- acting as presiding officer -- sustains the point of order.

5. A Republican Senator appeals the decision.

6. A Democrat Senator moves to table the motion (the appeal) on the floor.

7. This vote - to table the appeal - is procedural and cannot be subjected to a filibuster; it requires only a majority vote (in case of a tie, the Vice President casts the tie-breaking vote).

8. With debate ended, the Senate would vote on the bill; this vote requires only a majority of those voting (51 Senators). The filibuster has effectively been closed with a majority vote instead of a three-fifths vote.

Since the Senate is a deliberative body rather than a fast track body, many are concerned that using the nuclear option will set a precedent that will have far reachng consequences.

Pet of the Week

"Freckles"
This week’s featured Pet of the Week is “Freckles” a nine month old, spayed female, blue merle, Chihuahua Mix, ID# A0995734. "Freckles" is a wonderful companion and lap dog and likes nothing better than to keep you company and make you smile! Despite her young age, she is very sweet and adoring and loves to lay by your feet. She would make the perfect companion for any loving family! For more information on “Freckles” please email The PAW Program at acfl09@yahoo.com or call (714) 505- 9235.

END OF MARCH POSTING

February 2010

2010-02-19T23:18:00.000-08:00

Energy Audit by Chevron Energy Solutions (CES)

Investigating ways to reduce energy costs evolved during our budget reduction efforts. In order to maximize savings, we understood that for the best results a comprehensive approach was necessary. Maintenance Director Bill Higgins took the lead and investigated a broad range of options and companies. His investigation indicated that Chevron Energy Solutions offered the most comprehensive and promising approach for reducing energy usage and cost, via solar panels and equipment upgrades--replacing aging energy hogs with more energy efficient equipment. CES was then authorized by the City Council to conduct their city wide energy audit and report the results back to the Council, which was done.

The Public Hearing scheduled for the February 16th Council meeting was postponed in order to address and resolve unanswered questions with the contract as submitted by Chevron. Councilmember Don Schweitzer and I represent the City Council on the City's Ad Hoc committee established for this project. We received Chevron's contract just a few days before the Council meeting; so, the issue was raised at the Feb. 16th Study Session, stressing the importance of resolving any open issues prior to holding a Public Hearing. The scope of the project is significant, and getting it right is essential. We also have a responsibility to adequately explain the project to the public, including how it would pay for itself, and how the estimated savings would be achieved; as well as being able to adequately address any concerns raised by the public before awarding such a contract.

The goal in even considering the project is that it pays for itself and is totally debt neutral, which means the energy savings are sufficient to pay off the bonds used to pay for the project (equivalent to a 25 year mortgage), and that there is no out of pocket expenses for the City over the 25 year-life of the project. The fiscal analysis submitted by CES shows a guaranteed savings of $3.15 million over the first five years. The associated energy savings over the life of the project averages 2.3 million kWh per year reduction in the electricity purchased from Southern California Edison (SCE).

The current contract with CES is for conducting a comprehensive energy audit, equivalent to an engineering study. Actual implementation of a contract to proceed that would include purchase and installation of solar panels and other project hardware would be subject to competitive bidding as explained by our City Attorney at the Feb. 16th Council meeting.

National Motto

In case you haven't noticed, both National Mottoes: "In God We Trust" and "E Pluribus Unum" have been installed in the Council Chambers.

Mayor's Theme for 2010

Each year, the incoming Mayor announces his or her theme for the year. Mayor Ron Garcia's theme is "It's better in Brea." (see adjacent logo)

In spite of the economic downturn, Brea is still a well maintained and welcoming community. Over the last couple of years we have accomplished a great deal, including renovation of the Plunge; a successful grand opening of the long-awaited Sports Park; grand opening of the new Super Target store; completion of the Olinda Oil and Trail Museum; on-going improvements to our infrastructure; while maintaining that small town atmosphere (including our weekly Farmers' Market). All of which, thanks to our Redevelopment Agency, were accomplished without putting the City in debt.

I have to agree with Mayor Garcia that it is better in Brea.

A brief look at the Economy--Local, State and Federal...

To address our City budget shortfall, the City of Brea has made some very tough decision including a reduction of staff; elimation of certain executive positions, including the Asst. City Manager; and a reorganization of the City's organizational structure. Since approximately 40% of the City's revenue comes from sales tax, we will be feeling the heat until the economy starts to turn around. This is one reason the energy savings audit was authorized. If approved, as well as the $3.5 million guaranteed over the first five years, there would be a toal of $8.9 million in energy savings over the 25-year life of the project.

The pressure will be on again as we get ready for yet another round of employee union-contract negotiations, including the police and fire unions.

Have you been following the economic trends? If so, are you concerned about the massive amount of debt being accrued by the federal government, and the state's seemingly unending debt, as I am? Our national debt now exceeds an unprecedented $12.4 trillion (equivalent to over $40 thousand per citizen and over $113 thousand per tax payer); which stood at $8.5 trillion in June 2008. Congress recently voted to raise the debt ceiling to $14 trillion, which is expected to surfice for this year before another increase may be necessary.

The State of California is already facing a $20 billion budget shortfall. The Legislature continues to address these on-going deficits by borrowing and moving money from under one shell to another (such as borrowing local taxes, only to have to pay it back later), as well as considering tax increases in lieu of cutting expenses. Other states that tried tax increases have found that by doing so, they drive businesses and people to other states, reducing anticipated tax revenues. Both Nevada and Utah have campaigns to attract California companies, promising lower taxes and a business friendly environment.

If you're interested in following the national debt in real time, visit the US National Debt Clock website at: http://www.usdebtclock.org/

Pet of the Week
"Sam"
The featured Pet of the Week is “Sam” a one year old, male, brown and white, Short Hair Rabbit, ID# A1003015. “Sam” is an adorable rabbit who will hop right into your heart. His floppy ears and cotton tail will make you smile.

Last week’s Pet of the Week “Cody” is still searching for his forever home.
Please visit the Pet Adoptions Web site at: http://petadoption.ocpetinfo.com/animal2/

END OF FEBRUARY'S NEWSLETTER

POSTING

Welcoming in the New Year: 2010

2010-01-01T13:06:00.000-08:00

To all my readers, family and friends, I wish you a successful and blessed New Year for 2010.

How are you pronouncing the New Year? "Two-thousand and ten" OR "twenty-ten"? Linguistic experts are saying the correct pronunciation is "twenty-ten".

New Features for 2010
Since the New Year is traditionally a time of reflection, I added a new feature to make it easy to review the events of last year; and the second half of the last decade beginning in 2005.
Just click on the year, and it will expand showing each month. Click on the month and it will display the title of that posting. Let me know how you like it.

Another added feature is a survey, also located in the right hand margin. I am interested in your opinion and would like to hear from you regarding what contents you would like to see posted in 2010. Check all of the features that apply. Since 2010 is an election year for three city council seats, including mine, I have a feeling that it may be a different type of newsletter. Therefore, I would like your feedback. Just email me your comments at johnbeauman2@aol.com

The New Year on a personal note…

For Brea resident, Alex Valdez, 2009 will be a year not soon forgotten, and 2010 a time of monumental challenges.

Alex recently lost his wife, Jana, to pancreatic cancer. Her death was not only unexpected but sudden, in that she died after only a few days in the hospital. The cancer came as a surprise and so did her untimely passing. Losing a spouse is tragic enough, but Alex ended the year with yet another tragedy. Alex lost his sight at a young age. His wife, Jana, was not only his best friend but his eyes in seeing the world around him. Alex may be physically blind but for those that know him, few would refer to him as handicapped. Alex readily recognize people by their voices and would always greet you by name, followed by: “It’s good to see you.” The funny thing is that somehow, you knew he meant it. Alex gave the impression that he did “see you.”

Those who know Alex also knew his guide dog and faithful companion, Rocha—a black Labrador. Just a couple of weeks before Jana's passing, he suffered the passing of his beloved Rocha. Now, Alex faces 2010 with a double loss weighing heavily on his heart.

For anyone interested in helping Alex and others like him to obtain a new guide dog, you can donate online by credit card, just go to “Guide Dogs for the Blind,” by clicking on their website link: http://www.guidedogs.com/

Once at the website, click on the box that says “DONATE.” Designate the gift in memory of Jana Valdez, and the recipient as Alex Valdez, Brea, CA. My maternal grandfather was blind, and I have witnessed first hand the challenges and every day difficulties a blind person must deal with. Please keep Alex in your prayers. I am sure he will appreciate it.

Even though the guide dogs are provided at no direct charge to the recipient, they are expensive to acquire and nurture from puppyhood; to raise and care for; to evaluate and train; and to find the right match between dog and recipient. Without the generosity of donors, there wouldn’t be any guide dogs program for people like Alex, who have come to depend on these wonderful and indispensable companions. Why not start the New Year by giving someone a helping hand?

Welcome to the Start of the 2nd Decade of the 21st Century!
New Year 2010 ushered in more than just another year; it also closed the door on a decade of unprecedented challenges, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Towers and the Pentagon; wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; the housing collapse; record unemployment, with 85,000 jobs being lost in December alone; and unprecedented debt for our nation ($12.2 trillion) and our state ($20 billion budget deficit). Yes, the first decade of the 21st Century has given us quite a bumpy ride. What can we expect of the second decade?

Do you remember how, back in 1999, experts predicted a crash of computer mainframes that could potentially collapse the entire banking system, disrupt commerce, and shut down government operations? The more imaginative envisioned major airplane-system failures during flight with premonitions of....whatever! What triggered those concern? Most computer systems used a “binary code” that did not accommodate a four digit date change; 1999 was represented as “99,” whereas 2000 would be recognized as “00” the problem being that it could also represent 1900. No one could be certain how computers would behave when this occurred; so, rather than “wait and see,” a costly effort was undertaken to fix the problem before it occurred.

Future challenges may or may not be as dramatic, but, we can be certain that the second decade will present its share of uncertainties and surprises. Government control of health care--the scope of which makes it the most critical legislation of this century--is being conducted in haste and orchestrated in secrecy behind closed doors, making it the most significant concern for many Americans, putting the United States on a direct and irreversible path toward socialism. Mounting government spending puts our nation at economic risk, with $787 billion in federal stimulus spending and hundred of billions in TARP funds to bailout banks; and still the economy has yet to turn around with the nation's unemployment currently at 10%.

What about our local budget? Cities across the country are still struggling to balance their budgets by cutting expenses, laying off staff and scaling back on services. Over the last couple of years the City of Brea cut its operating budget by $4.5 million, entering the new decade a lot leaner. Since sales taxes constitute our largest single source of revenue, unless the economy turns around, we will continue to feel the pinch and wrestle with potential budget deficits.

Fire Services
Just a reminder, as part of the City’s 2009 budget review process, we solicited and received proposals for fire fighting services from the LA County Fire Department (LACFD) and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA), which are currently being evaluated comparing the services and cost of each, while comparing it to the services and cost of our own Fire Department. A history of the Brea FD was provided in my June 2009 newsletter. Since Brea has had its own Fire Department since 1917, this is a monumental decision for our community; and it’s essential that we get it right. Completion of the evaluation and a final decision is expected during the first quarter of this year.

La Floresta
The City of Brea and Chevron reached an agreement that will allow them to proceed processing their project. We are mutually comfortable that the terms of the agreement will allow for a successful project, one that is mutually beneficial to the community, future home owners, and future business owners in the commercial portion of the development.

CORRECTION (1/11): Some of the La Floresta deal points have not been agreed to, so the status of project is still TBD. Sorry for the confusion.

Brea Pet of the Week

Brea's featured Pet of the Week is “Campanita” a three year old, spayed female, brown and black, Short Hair Chihuahua, ID# A0985963.

“Campanita” is an OC Animal Care volunteer favorite! She is very personable, loves to sit in your lap and enjoys interacting with everyone! You can visit “Campanita” at OC Animal Care and make 2010 a year she will never forget!

Click on the adjacent link for more information: http://www.blogger.com/post-edit.g?blogID=15726419&postID=8737549689382909056

The Joy of Adopting--When you adopt a pet, there's the obvious benefit that you're providing a home for the animal. But there are also personal advantages. We adopted our own "rescue" kitty in August 2009, who was two month old at the time; a female, tortoiseshell that we named Mitzi. She's a sweet little girl and has added a lot of joy to our home, as well as being a companion for Cosmo, our 4 year old Maine Coon, tabby; also a rescue, whose previous owner was leaving the country and had run out of time in finding a home for him. So, just in the nick of time, we adopted him.

Mayor Ron Garcia

Most are now aware that Ron Garcia (adjacent photo--handsome guy, isn't he?) is our new Mayor, and Roy Moore our new Mayor Pro Tem.

Congratulations to both of them. 2010 is of particular interest to us in that it is an election year, in which all three of our seats will face reelection in November. It will also be a milestone year for determining, not only the composition of the City Council, but its policies for the decade. What are some of your major concerns going forward? Let me know, I would love to hear from you.

Since it is an election year, I want to take a moment reflect on the last four years and the goals I had announced back in 2006 when I ran for reelection. You can visit the blog I created for that purpose by clicking on the adjacent link: http://www.reelectjohnbeauman.blogspot.com/

Posted below are my stated goals goals for 2006-10. How well did I do?

Stated Goal 1) Maintain a balanced budget through sound fiscal management.

1. Current Status: Through one of the worse economies our nation has known, we consistently achieved a balanced budget by cutting expenses, and reorganizing local government. The cuts are reasonable and prudent without “slashing” services to the community.

Stated Goal 2) Apply my solid business experience, sound judgment and concern for the people of Brea to keep the city moving in the right direction.

2. Current Status: I believe my prior business experience has helped me to understand the issues, ask the right questions, and make the best decision. There is no perfect answer to anything. Every situation is affected by circumstances that must be taken into account to avoid unintended consequences later. As a former director of engineering responsible for airline safety, every decision was important to me, and during my time on the City Council I viewed every decision that affected our community with the same critical eye.

Stated Goal 3) Finalize completion of the Sports Park in 2007, and continue my efforts for a Dog Park. Seek state and federal funding to purchase hillside open space for all generations of Breas to enjoy.

3. Current Status: The Sports Park was a complete success. Regarding a “dog park”, the land has been identified and we are just waiting for Shea Homes to proceed with their development. The Dog Park will be a part of the recreational set aside for that project. Throught HOSEC, we are moving closer to getting grants to purchase hillside open space. Updates will be provided.

Stated Goal 4) Continue to provide open communications through my monthly newsletter and my website.

4. Current Status: Since 2002 I have committed myself to keeping Brea residents informed, and have an open dialog on each and ever issue affecting our community. I began my newsletter distributed by email in January 2002, and my blog in August 2005, has served as a tool for doing so, along with hours of answering email with individual residents on specific issues of concern. I will continue this tradition in 2010.

Questions or Comments?

Or, if you are interested in being added to my mailing list, Email me at: johnbeauman2@aol.com

END OF JANUARY POSTING
Happy New Year!