Live Oak, CA (MPG) – Mayor Ghag had some special certificates to award at the last Live Oak City Council meeting. He began explaining that several years ago the council found it difficult to find anyone willing to offer an invocation at the beginning of the council meetings, told that it was impossible. “We’ve proved them wrong,” said Mayor Ghag. Ghag recognized Live Oak community churches, The Father’s House, Church of the Brethren and the Nazarene Church, awarding representatives certificates on behalf of the Council.

In the public comments period, Rick Dias addressed the council about Calpers, citing a report generated by Calpers earlier this summer. In the report, Diaz says that for the 2019-2020 year, an increase of 13% will raise the rates from 32% to 45%. He expressed his concerns to council regarding the increase and questioned council decision to pay the employee portion. Dias suggested council hold a meeting about “the alarming cost.” Mayor Ghag thanked him for his input and pushed the meeting forward.

As council approached the simple consent agenda, the flow of the meeting hit a snag. Council member Thiara had many questions about the accounts payable transactions, item 1, dating back over months. It became clear that there was some dissention between Thiara and Interim City Aaron Administrator Palmer and City Finance Director Joe Aguilar. Thiara’s frustration was in regard to requests for information regarding payments that he had never received for review. Thiara’s lengthy inquiry was interrupted by Councilman Alex Tica who motioned that items 2-4 on the consent agenda be passed. The motion was quickly seconded and passed. Mayor Ghag suggested that Palmer and Aguilar review upcoming agendas and meet with Thiara prior to meetings so that any questions can be addressed before tying up City Council time. Coordinating those meetings maybe difficult due to the fact that Thiara is not allowed in Live Oak City Hall. “I’m banned from City Hall, I’m banned from communicating with city staff, I’m banned from requesting info, I’m banned from any city premises and I’m banned from talking to Joe” says Thiara. Mayor Ghag then did his best to satisfy both parties, asking city administrative staff to please be mindful of all councilmember requests as he attempted to keep the meeting moving.

The Council then waived the second reading of the California Building Standards Code adoption recommendation amending the City of Live Oak Municipal Code which passed unanimously. Finishing up, council heard committee reports and adjourned for the evening.