The meeting opened with an announcement that there was no action taken on the two items discussed in closed session. Invocation was given by Councilman Brian Hawkins, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Pro-tem, Phil Ayala.

Councilman Michael Heath was excused from the meeting by a vote of 4-0. The following proclamations were presented:

1. Proclaimed February as Black History Month. The council members each commented on the importance that it be recognized, pointing out the accomplishments of Blacks in American history; honoring Carter G.. Woodrow as the originator of Black History Month.

2. Proclaimed March as Red Cross Month. Pointing out that the American Red Cross was founded 140 years ago and is now worldwide.

3. Honored Noah McSweeney, the son of a long-time San Jacinto family who recently graduated boot camp in the United States Marine Corps. His father, Rick McSweeney was on hand to talk about his military family; Daughter Grace recently graduated from Navy boot camp Great Lakes Naval base near Chicago; Also, he stated that four of his seven children are currently serving in the military. Councilman Hawkins added that Mr. McSweeney should be proud of his military family and that it was an honor to have them as citizens of San Jacinto.

Mayor and Council Member reports were given. Mayor Ruiz made her statement short and sweet. “I know you were expecting a long report.” She set the example, not followed by all.

The mayor usually runs a tight ship. However, a city council is sometimes akin to a room full of two-year-olds. There were some comments from the public.

Gina Estrin spoke about the Human Relations Council and their March meeting at the Elks Club in Hemet. Karen Sumpter thanked the council members regarding Rancho Park having dirty bathrooms and generally not fit for small children.

The consent calendar passed 4-0 as follows: Waived full reading of Ordinances, and reading by title only.

Minutes of the Regular City Council Meeting of February 1, 2022.

They approved warrants and disbursements for the Period of January 2022 in the amount of $5,905,519.19. Resolution of Intention to Annex a territory, commonly known as DR Horton, into Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 and to authorize virtual meetings for the City Council and all City bodies for the next 30 days. Adopted the Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory, located generally north of the north-east corner of Alessandro Avenue and Cypress Avenue, into Community Facilities District No. 2003-1 and Authorize the Levy of Special Taxes therein.

Adopt the Resolution of Intention to Annex Territory, located generally north of Artesia street east of Alessandro Avenue, and west of Camino Los Banos, into Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 and Authorize the Levy Special Taxes therein.

Approved and authorized the mayor to execute and implement Secured Agreement to Indemnify and Hold Harmless between the City of San Jacinto and San Jac 55, LLC.

Authorize the City Manager to enter into Model Home and Early Construction Agreements with Developers in a form reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.

Approved the purchase of and Appropriate the funds for a new 2021 Model 914 Caterpillar Wheel Loader for the Public Utilities Department for the quoted price of $151,269.08 (One Hundred fifty-One Thousand Two Hundred Sixty-Nine Dollars and Eight cents; and;

Approve the consideration of old Public Utilities Department equipment for trade-in value to minimize the quoted price of the above-mentioned Wheel Loader.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

An Ordinance Repealing and Replacing Chapter 3.08 of the San Jacinto Municipal Code related to Bidding, Contracting and Purchasing Supplies, Services and Equipment.

The City Manager updated city projects.

Adjourned at 8:04 PM.

Mayor Ruiz tries but sometimes just lets things run on. I do believe that Councilman Hawkins could run a solo Council Meeting. Just Sayin’ rustystrait@gmail.com

Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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The deadline set by the City of Hemet for filing of nomination papers was originally on August 6; however, the deadline was extended by the City of Hemet to August 12, 2020. A Statement of Contest of Election was filed by Kenneth J. Graff, a resident of District 4, claiming that Mr. Males missed the original filing date and thus, was disqualified to run for nor to occupy the seat he currently holds as Mayor pro tem as a councilman for the City of Hemet.

The City extended the filing date on the assumption that Ms. Wright was an incumbent, which she was not, having resigned. Under those circumstances, there would not have been a problem, according to Mr. Graff’s suit filed on December 23, 2020, in Riverside Superior Court.

Further, Mr. Graff claims that Males was not registered to vote in District 4 on July 20, 2020, when nomination papers were issued to him and thus, not eligible to hold office as City Council Member in District 4 at the time the election was held.

The deadline set by the City of Hemet for the filing of nomination papers was originally August 6, 2020, but was extended by the City to August 12, 2020, and according to the claims of Mr. Graff, that was six days past the deadline for filing, thus preventing Males from being a legitimate candidate for the seat vacated by Ms. Wright.

On January 25, 2021, Joe Males filed an answer to Graff’s Statement of Contest of Election in which he denies all allegations and denies that Graff states grounds to annul Males election. He further states that Graff’s claim fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.

Former City Councilwoman, Lori Van Arsdale states in her declaration that she checked the voter registrations for Riverside County and discovered Joe Males, as of October 30, 2020, had a residence at 1129 Hornbeam Court, Hemet CA 92545 (in District 5), and yet he updated his voter registration on August 10, 2020, to show that he lived in District 4.

This seems to be that Mr. Males lived in District 4 as registered in August 2020 or did the registrar of voters fail to update his records, or did he violate a law by filing late based on information from the City of Hemet that he presumed to be accurate – that is the extension of time after Wright left her seat.

Further research developed shows that Mr. Graff’s attorney Patricia A. Madrid in Anaheim Hills, CA, has the same last name as Miguel Madrid, Mr. Males opponent in the November election. Coincidence?

As I recall, Ms. Van Arsdale had some issues about residency when she first ran for office in Hemet. Issues, Issues, Issues. Fasten your seat belts folks for a rough sleigh ride into July 20, 2021, when this web of disagreements makes it to court. Meanwhile, Mr. Males will still be a member of the Hemet City Council for eight months. Would you like saltine or oyster crackers in your soup? Just sayin’

rustystrait@gmail.com

Rusty Strait • Senior Reporter

Find your latest news here at the Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle

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