Minutes 91-04-16 r
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MINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING OF
THE CYPRESS CITY COUNCIL
HELD
April 16, 1991
A Special Meeting of the Cypress City Council was called to order at S:O1 p.m., Tuesday,
April 16, 1991, in the Administrative Conference Room, City Hall, 5275 Orange Avenue,
Cypress, by Mayor Walter Bowman.
PRESENT:. Councilmembers Age, Kerry Nicholson, Partin and Bowman
ABSENT: None -
Also present was City manager/City Clerk Darrell Essex.
CONSIDERATION OF REMARKS MADE BY MAYOR PRO TEM RICHARD PARTIN
AT THE ORANGE COUNTY LEAGUE OF CITIES MEETING OF APRIL 11. 1991:
Mayor Bowman stated that Councilmember Partin has furnished the Council with copies
of letters written by him that have been mailed to various Orange County cities and
groups. The Mayor advised that he was present at the meeting when the remark was
made and he believed that Councilmember Partin was caught up in the emotion of the
meeting and he didn't realize the scope of the remark. He then asked Councilmember
Partin to speak.
Councilmember Partin commented that he made a remark that he was instantly sorry he
made and he was heavily involved in supporting the American soldiers in the Persian
Gulf war. The remark he made about Supervisor Harvey Milk was not intended to be
directed toward him particularly but toward the City of San Francisco. The atmosphere
and the general environment of the liberal, permissive society in San Francisco that
would provide sanctuary for anti-war protestors. He made the remark, he was instantly
sorry for it and he has tried his best to convey that to everyone in the County that was
offended by the remark. He has provided copies of the letters to the press and the
Councilmembers. There were mixed emotions at the April 11 League of Cities meeting
and during his attempt to lend support to the Resolution, he made the remark and he is
regretful of it.
Mayor Bowman added that after Councilmember Partin made the remark, he immediately
apologized for making it and he also apologized to Mr. Gentry personally. Everything
that has happened must be taken into consideration.
Councilmember Nicholson stated that she was not at the meeting, she didn't have any
comment to make and could not judge.
Councilmember Partin stated that he is neither for or against the Gay community. They
have their life-style which he does not agree with and there are many, many fine people
in that community. The different Gay Community Leagues have been gracious enough
not to launch some type of vindictive campaign toward him. He has hurt himself, his
family and probably brought shame to the City Council although he is trying to shoulder
it as his own problem with no reflection on the City and he believes the communities and
County will see it in that fashion.
Councilmember Age stated she has read the letters and they said what came from his
heart and what was meant.
Councilmember Kerry asked that if Councilmember Partin chooses to make remarks of
that nature to say he is a Councilmember, not Mayor Pro Tem, because it does reflect on
the City.
Mayor Bowman remarked that he didn't believe there was any question in the audience
that Councilmember Partin was speaking on behalf of Richard Partin. He agreed that in
order to clarify it, a letter is being sent to all the other City Councils.
Councilmember Partin stated that he has tried to cover all the media, the councils, the
Gay Coalition of Orange County, a copy to another Gay organization, the leadership of
the League and to newspapers. He also stated he is not quite sure what else he can do
other than wait for the next regular meeting at which time he wishes to make a statement
for the record.
Councilmember Age stated that when those comments were made and followed through
with the apology, she believed they were taken as being said by Richard Partin and not
the Mayor Pro Tem because all of the phone calls received were directed to Richard and
not the City Council.
Councilmember Partin advised that he has received several calls at his home and doesn't
believe that anyone thinks he was the leader of the City of Cypress or speaking for the
City of Cypress.
It was moved by Councilmember Age and seconded by Councilmember Nicholson to
receive and file. The motion unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: 5 COUNCILMEMBERS: Age, Kerry, Nicholson, Partin and Bowman
NOES: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
ABSENT: 0 COUNCILMEMBERS: None
CONSIDERATION OF STATUS OF THE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ANAHEIM UNION
HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT REGARDING THE OXFORD SCHOOL SITE: Mayor
Bowman called upon the City Manager to provide the Council with an update on the
discussions. The City Manager stated the discussions involved an apparent decision by
the Board to be the landlord and a desire to obtain lease rentals based on what they
consider the market value of the facility. Further discussion ensued regarding the lease
and who would have control of the open space.
THE CITY ATTORNEY ARRIVED AT 5:20 P.M.
The City's major concern was the open space for Recreation 8t Park activities, AYSO and
other sports leagues that use that facility and also the building used for the Cultural Arts.
The same lease amount would be applied to the ROP facilities as would be charged to the
Brethren School. There was indication from the Board that if the Brethren School was
maintaining the open space and the facilities, how could they be denied the ability to
schedule open space events.
The City Manager advised that the City has the lease until September 1.
Councilmember Partin stated that the Oxford facility fields have turned out to be one of
the City's major park sites and is the major soccer area.
After some discussion, the City Attorney advised that if the Council wished to discuss
other possibilities or alter the Board's position, it should be done in Closed Session.
RECESS: Mayor Bowman recessed the meeting at 5:25 p.m., reconvened the meeting at
5:33 p.m. with all Councilmembers present and immediately entered into Closed Session.
The Council meeting reconvened at 6:03 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Councilmember Partin and seconded by
Councilmember Kerry to adjourn the meeting. The meetin was adjourned at 6:03 p.m. by
Mayor Bowman.
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