Fresh from their appearance at the 2011 Tustin Tiller Days, the Tustin City Council is prepared to tackle the latest issues facing our city. Of course, two of the most important items on the agenda will be discussed in closed session but, not after the public has had a chance to have their say. These fall under Item G of the closed session agenda. The lawsuits between the City and the School District continue to seethe. The latest has to do with the use of Heritage Elementary School as a continuation high school. We hope the public will convey their disgust of this children’s squabble between the two entities. And, as we like to remind you, the public is paying for the entire fight with their tax dollar. The only loser here, besides the ones on the council dais, are the taxpayers of Tustin.

An old friend, Walt Sullens, will be lauded for his service on the Audit Commission. Walt is a longstanding member of the community. I first met him at a meeting of the local Post 227 of The American Legion where he was also the finance secretary. He is a great guy and I am sure, with his financial knowledge, that he has been a great asset to the Commission during his tenure. Congratulations, Walt.

As we go down the agenda, It is pretty plain to see just what the new Assistant Executive Director will be doing. Public Hearing Item 1 regards a land swap on MCAS for the South Orange County Community College District. They will authorize the City Manager “or his designee”  to seal the deal. Let’s just hope it doesn’t take up all 960 hours of her alotted employement time. The issue itself is routine and has already been discussed by the City Council.But, it looks like there is plenty more for her to do with Items 5, 6 & 7 that all relate to the Tustin MCAS property.  The City has, so far, delivered on their ability to act as master developer for the base, drawing top notch developers in their first round. I would say it is pretty routine except the Council will be voting on the top three contenders for each part of the development. You never know when that will generate sparks from the sore losers who weren’t chosen.

The Council will also discuss the City Manager search. It would be nice to know they are close to a decision. But, after the last fiasco with David Biggs, it would be better to take their time and find the right person. Bill’s a nice guy but, he needs to end his double dipping and move on to real retirement. And, Jerry Amante needs to expand his circle of people he can play with nicely.

If none of the above lights up the sky, I have a feeling the last two items, regarding council stipends, benefits, gifts and gratuities is sure to at least ignite a fuse. Boss Tweed Amante has asked for both items to be placed on the agenda. They are the last items so I figure that Amante is hoping that most of the general public will have left by then. We will be watching this one closely and let you know of any discussion that occurs. Somehow, I get the feeling this is aimed at a particular councilmember.