Council disagrees on new committee
By Nancy Needham nancy@theacorn.com

What seemed like a simple request from Thousand Oaks city staff to form an ad hoc committee made up of two council members turned into a heated discussion about ethics.

City Manager Scott Mitnick said staff had asked for the committee so City Council members could be a sounding board as staff searched for solutions to improve parking for employees and customers at the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall.

Councilmember Claudia Billde la Peña said at first she hadn't thought the committee was a bad idea, but after taking a class on ethics, she was no longer in favor of it.

Some council members have taken campaign contributions from business owners and people associated with the Auto Mall, Billde la Peña noted. Other members will be running for reelection this year and might also be taking such contributions, she said.

"I'm not saying anyone is unethical, but we should avoid any appearance of impropriety," Billde la Peña said.

It's not a good idea, she said, for council members to take thousands of dollars in legal contributions and then sit on a committee that makes decisions regarding a major contributor.

Mayor Andy Fox noted that Bill-de la Peña voted on whether or not County Commissioner Linda Parks, a contributor to Billde la Peña's campaign, should have a lease below market rate with the city.

"We're elected to use good judgments and to serve all of the residents of Thousand Oaks, and that includes people who make contributions to campaigns," Fox said.

Even without an ad hoc committee to help staff with decisions about landscaping, signage, parking and budget, city staff ends up making a recommendation and council members have the final say.

Fox suggested only those not running for reelection next year could be on the committee. Councilmember Dennis Gillette said he would not be available to serve on the committee if it were formed. Since Irwin and Glancy are up for reelection, that would leave only Fox and Bill-de la Peña to serve, and, Irwin noted, Billde la Peña didn't seem willing to do so.

Glancy said appearances shouldn't stop City Council members from doing their work and that he was willing to take the risk and be on the committee.

The vote passed 41. Councilmembers Glancy and Fox make up the committee.