Milpitas councilmember to face censure process after near-miss with Brown Act, alleged violations of city codes

"After a lengthy emotional debate, the Milpitas City Council will begin the censure process against Councilmember Evelyn Chua over an alleged attempt to hold a meeting in violation of the Brown Act and other possible breaches of city codes. The City Council also called a special meeting to discuss the alleged incidents that led to the resignation of City Manager Deanna Santana who apparently clashed with Chua over the reported actions."

"I would have been involved in something that could have broken the law, made me look like a co-conspirator, and damaged the City's reputation. Just realizing that was incredibly scary, wrote Ramirez in a written statement. I could have made a serious and costly mistake for myself professionally and for the City. I wish that (Councilmember) Chua would have left me out of this, it has caused for a lot of stress."

"According to city documents released in advance of this week's meeting, Chua nearly violated the law by requesting a meeting of the City Council without properly announcing it to the public. Under the California open meetings law known as the Brown Act, meetings of public bodies like city councils must be announced to the public, even if they are held behind closed doors."

Milpitas City Council will begin a censure process against Councilmember Evelyn Chua for an alleged attempt to hold a meeting without proper public notice and other possible city code breaches. The council also called a special meeting to review incidents that preceded City Manager Deanna Santana’s resignation after reported clashes with Chua. Chua requested staff member Michelle Ramirez arrange an interview with a city attorney candidate without involving other staff. Ramirez was told by a superior to direct Chua to the city manager and later wrote that complying could have broken the law, harmed the city’s reputation, and caused personal professional risk. Santana contacted Chua and warned that holding the meeting would be illegal; Chua disagreed.

Read at www.mercurynews.com