HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - November 21, 2000 B-01 SMAGENDA TITLE: Recommendation from the Contamination Advisory
Committee Regarding the Issuance of Subpoenas
MEETING DATE: November 21, 2000
PREPARED BY: City Attorney
RECOMMENDATION: That the City Council authorize the issuance of subpoenas
based upon the recommendation of the Contamination
Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND: By Resolution No. 97-09, adopted by the City Council on January
15, 1997, the Council established a legislative proceeding to
investigate the adequacy of existing legislative environmental
schemes, and to take such action including legislation at the municipal level and recommendations to the
appropriate state or federal legislative bodies, as the City Council deems appropriate. Additionally, there
was established an advisory committee of the City Council consisting of two Council members to
investigate the toxic environmental contamination found principally in the central business district and
peripheral commercial and residential areas of the community. The advisory committee consists of the
Mayor and Mayor Pro Tempore. One of the functions of the committee is to investigate potential methods
to finance the abatement of the contamination. Under provisions found in §37104 of the California
Government Code, subpoenas may be issued in order to acquire information in order to make the
investigation of the problem meaningful.
The Contamination Advisory Committee conversed in person and over the telephone on November 14,
2000. Based upon these conversations, the committee recommends to the City Council that it authorize
the issuance of subpoenas to Farmers Insurance Company and United States Fidelity & Guaranty
Company. The information that can be gathered under the subpoena process will be useful in determining
the extent of the coverages provided by those companies. Determining the level of coverage is important
so that we may be able to develop an understanding of the extent of funds available to be utilized in the
proposed cleanup activities.
FUNDING: Not applicable.
Respectfully submitted,
Ra dall A. Hays, bfytomey
APPROVED:
H. D' on Flynn -- City Manager