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Dear Clayton Community,
The actions of a non-profit group in Clayton have caused significant issues for both the city council and its citizens, almost resulting in the loss of the right to provide public comments during meetings. This group, known as the Clayton Business and Community Association (CBCA), has been a source of controversy due to the behavior of its members, including their use of profanity and their tendency to dominate city council meetings.
The CBCA was established in 1984 as a community organization that aims to serve the Clayton community. Despite claiming independence from the City of Clayton, California, their past actions and influence suggest otherwise.
One concerning aspect is the control that CBCA members have exerted over the city council for the past 39 years. It is evident that a conflict of interest exists, as four out of five council members have been active participants in the CBCA. Surprisingly, during this time, the city council has never thoroughly examined the Master Agreement Fee Agreement with the CBCA or the City's Fee Schedule, raising questions about their motives.
A former city manager, who served for over 20 years, summarized the CBCA's behavior as self-serving and focused solely on their own interests. They have been known to resort to intimidation tactics to silence anyone who dares to question them.
Furthermore, the CBCA has violated the rules and guidelines governing 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations by endorsing and promoting candidates for City Council and Planning Commission positions. This blatant disregard for regulations further highlights their lack of integrity.
One particular incident that exemplifies their conflict of interest occurred when the CBCA requested that the mayor, chairperson of the planning commission, and the chief of police report directly to them during their monthly meetings. Fortunately, this practice was swiftly halted after a concerned citizen raised the issue in 2020.
It is clear that the actions of the CBCA have caused significant disruption within the city council and the Clayton community. Their behavior raises serious concerns about their true intentions and their commitment to serving the best interests of the community as a whole.
The actions of CBCA members have had a significant impact on all residents of Clayton. Two years ago, Peter Cloven and Holly Tillman, both CBCA members, disregarded tradition by bypassing Vice Mayor Jeff Wan for the position of Mayor. This decision, orchestrated behind closed doors by council members Wolfe, Cloven, and Tillman, occurred not once, but twice. The community was left divided, with many attributing the blame to Cloven and Tillman for their divisive politics.
Last year, two CBCA-endorsed candidates, Bridget Billeter and Ed Miller, were vetted by Clayton Watch, a community watchdog group. Despite high hopes for their election, both candidates were deemed unacceptable by Clayton Watch. Bridget Billeter was found to have major character flaws, including misusing her title and resources to harass Clayton Valley Charter High School, with Holly Tillman's knowledge and support. Ed Miller, on the other hand, was considered unreliable and made inappropriate comments, such as misogynistic remarks towards Councilperson Jeff Wan's wife. During the recent election, volunteers distributing flyers throughout the community faced harassment and surveillance.
Both Billeter and Miller faced defeat, with Miller finishing in last place. Jeff Wan garnered the highest number of votes, while Kim Trupiano secured the second spot.
Following the establishment of the new council, Jeff Wan was elected as Mayor by a 3/2 vote, with Jim Diaz chosen as Vice Mayor by the same margin.
The council wasted no time in getting to work. Their first order of business was to review the city's fee schedule. Upon examination of all city vendors, the CBCA's special use fee agreement was identified as outdated and subsequently terminated after more than a decade without adjustments.
Subsequently, CBCA members began to express their discontent. It became evident from their reactions that they were displeased with the outcome and sought to utilize Clayton downtown for their events without charge.
During city council meetings, CBCA members regularly voiced their opinions during public comments, with some participating via Zoom. For over ten months, both the council and the public endured negative and sarcastic remarks from this group, with no signs of the attacks ceasing.
Holly Tillman and Peter Cloven demonstrated their allegiance to the CBCA by consistently raising concerns and making comments about the CBCA during council meetings. Furthermore, during council staff reports, both Tillman and Cloven consistently brought up the CBCA, raising questions about a potential conflict of interest.
During the October city council meeting, the new fee schedule was approved by a vote. The approval came from Jim Diaz, Kim Trupiano, and Jeff Wan, while Cloven and Tillman dissented.
At the October 3 or 17 City Council Meeting, a former CBCA Board Member utilized Zoom during the public comment period for the city events committee to launch a profanity-laden, misogynistic tirade against Council Member Kim Trupiano.
Throughout the October meeting, Howard Geller, a longstanding CBCA member and former council person, verbally criticized Kim Trupiano. His frustration stemmed from the city's assumption of control over the concerts in the grove and the desire for more transparent financial reporting.
Over the course of the year, it has become commonplace for CBCA members to mock the way Council Members speak or the appearance of Mayor Wan. While it is understandable that CBCA is displeased with the new Master Fee Schedule, it is essential for everyone to contribute their fair share.
The conflict of interest and the pressure exerted by the CBCA board on City Council Members are difficult to overlook. However, this does not justify the use of Zoom by CBCA members to make offensive remarks towards Council Members who are striving to implement necessary changes to ensure the city is adequately compensated for police services, maintenance, and property usage.
During the meeting on November 7th, the use of Zoom for public comments was called into question. While instances of racist attacks in other cities were cited as a reason to discontinue using Zoom, the offensive language used by CBCA members was also a topic of extensive discussion.
CBCA President Carl Wolfe and the board appear indifferent to the use of profanity. They even defend it. The privilege of using Zoom was nearly revoked for Clayton due to a small faction within CBCA that prioritizes politics over charity. Carl Wolfe must take more decisive action to safeguard his organization and the public from such behavior. It is imperative that Carl Wolfe clearly states that all CBCA members must exhibit proper conduct when in the presence of the public.
It is evident that the individuals behind the negative and derogatory comments are all affiliated with the CBCA, including its members and board members. As a 501 c3 non-profit organization, the CBCA should refrain from engaging in political matters. Their behavior indicates an inability to gracefully accept defeat and relinquish control of the city.
Regrettably, the Clayton Pioneer, a biased newspaper owned by Tamera Steiner and her husband Bob, is also associated with the CBCA. This newspaper consistently fails to provide accurate information about the organization.
Sincerely,
Clayton Resident
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Ethically if you are a sitting council member with a spouse on the CBCA board you should automatically recuse yourself from any voting involving negotiation or contracts with the CBCA.
ReplyDeleteThe CBCA sucks. They are is a bunch of old cankerous people trying to act important. Geller, Hayden, Lawrence, Middendorf, Wolfe, Hartley, and many more need to move on. I use to belong to this organization, but quit like many others because of the politics.
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