The Tustin City Council may have a lot to talk about during their closed session tomorrow night. Unless continued (again), the now infamous TUSD v. City of Tustin case is scheduled for a court date. The first day salvos (we are betting they don’t ask for a jury trial) should be telling. If we could be there, we would. I doubt there would be any reportable action by our city attorney. The best case scenario would be the judge issues a judgment, as they did in the Riverside case, in the school district’s favor and we are done.

In open session, there will be a hearing on a design review for a new restaurant/loft building on Main Street near El Camino. The existing building was used as an auto parts distributor and machine shop. The parking lot also held the owner’s military vehicle collection. The new use will be a significant change and a definitive addition to Old Town with a mixed use of restaurant, office and living space. The Tustin Planning Commission previously gave a thumbs up on the plans. Let’s hope the City Council will do the same.

Under Regular Business, the council will take up another of Jerry’s follies, the ballot measure that would allow the voters to decide if councilmembers will receive stipends and other benefits or not. This ballot measure, as previously described by city staff, is a yes or no measure. It will not set compensation or benefits, only determine if the council will get any at all. That makes this a bad measure from the start and not the one Amante originally called for.

When this was first brought up, Amante asked to have the voters set compensation from zero to whatever. It would appear the city manager or someone asked out of session for clarification. If that is the case, the city council, once again, violated  the Brown Act. Jerry may not recall it that way, but the video does not lie. It is pretty plain what he had asked for.

Before the council Tuesday is the issue of establishing a commitee to prepare ballot arguments and rebuttals. My bet, if they do establish a committee, is it will be comprised of Al Murray and John Nielsen. If Amante is on this committee, the blogs will have a field day with it. Ideally, of course, would be to give one spot to either Beckie Gomez (our pick) or Deborah Gavello. Don’t expect that to happen, though.

Prior to the Open Session, Boy Scout Troop 33 will receive a presentation from the City Council for their 60 Year Anniversary. Congratulations from OTT.

Closed Session

• Conference with Legal Counsel -Exposure/Initiation of litigation – 2 cases each.
• Liability Claim of Joseph Robles
• Conference with Legal Cousel City of Tustin v. TUSD, TUSD v. City of Tustin

Regular Session

Public Hearing – Design Review 125 W. Main St.

Consent Calendar

• Cancellation of August 21st meeting due to lack of quorum
• Special City Council meeting called August 14, 2012 to discuss city’s participation in Public Agency Retirement Services Supplementary Retirement Plan
• Award bid for Frontier Park Fitness Element to Micon Construction as the low bidder.
• Adopt Resolution No. 12-48 to Approve Plans and Specifications and Authorize Advertisement for Bids for Construction – Fire Station #37 Tustin Legacy

Don’t forget, today is the opening day for candidates to file for city elections. With some candidates already having declared intent, this looks to be an interesting election year for Our Town Tustin. We will keep you posted as we find out who the candidates are.