Quartzsite Town Council refused to seat 2 elected officials

Quartzsite, Arizona- In an unprecedented move this morning, Quartzsite Town Council voted not to seat mayor-elect Ed Foster and council-elect Mark Orgeron. Council voted that Pat Workman is qualified to be seated as council person. 


Quartzsite Town Council held a special meeting at 9am to canvass the votes of the May 15th election and judge qualifications of three persons elected to the council. Town Manager, Alex Taft, explained they have "identified approximately168 voters that we need to look at more thoroughly, for a variety of reasons; out of state license plates, out of state registration, mailing addresses that are out of state, people who have not had their rights restored voting, people that are living in outlining areas and claiming they're living in town."


Council approved the canvass after Town Attorney, Martin Brannan explained the council has no other option. Brannan explained they "are accepting the count that was presented by the elections department."


Council met in three executive sessions for items on the agenda of judging the qualifications of Foster, Orgeron and Workman. When council returned, they voted that Foster is not qualified to be seated as mayor per Quartzsite Town Code. Section 2-1-10  (Ordinance 9-15) that "includes no delinquent or fixed fines, and penalties, user fees, permit fees and sales tax be owed to the Town of Quartzsite at the time of declaration of candidacy."


Council voted that Orgeron was not qualified to be seated after Brannan explained the law states one cannot be a "resident voter in another county."


Orgeron evidently presented council members with a letter to dispel all misinformation about his residency and qualifications for taking office. The cover letter is posted online at https://www.facebook.com/notes/supporters-of-mayor-ed-foster-of-quartzsite-arizona/cover-letter-of-mr-orgerons-presentation-to-council/302179733204883

Workman will replace Joe Winslow on the council. Swearing in will take place in the near future by Judge Lawrence King, who is not in town today.

Quartzsite unofficial results: Recalled Mayor Ed Foster wins over Jerry Lukkasson

Quartzsite, Arizona- Voters took to the polls today.  

626 votes were cast. The unofficial results show  

Ed Foster had 50.98% with 312 votes. 

Jerry Lukkasson had 38.40% with 235 votes.

Jenny Mills had 9.15% with 56 votes.

There were 9 Write-in votes cast.

9 candidates were seeking two Town Council positions:

Barbara Cowell had17.79% with 212 votes.

Pat Workman had 15.86% with 189 votes.

Joe Winslow had 14.43% with 165 votes.

Mark Orgeron had 13.84% with 165 votes.

It appears these top four will be in a run-off election in May.

Other candidates:

Jennifer Jones had 11.24% with 134 votes.

Starr BearCat had 8.72% with 104 votes.

Dean Taylor had 6.29% with 75 votes.

Sean Austin had 5.79% with 69 votes.

Bill Moore had 4.19% with 50 votes.

There were 22 write-in votes cast.

In the Vacancy Council Member race:

Mike Jewitt appears to reclaim his seat with 51.97% and 251 votes.

There were 232 write-in votes cast (John Prutch) with 48.03% of the votes. 

74.87% of the voters rejected a resolution to replace town ordinance asking to appoint the mayor, rather than by vote.

25.13% of the voters wanted the new town ordinance. 

The official results should be released later this week. 

Quartzsite Town Attorney answers Jennifer Jones' accusations

Just released this afternoon, Quartzsite Town Attorney

Martin Brannan gets up close and personal.

Press Release

Dec. 22, 2011

Martin Brannan
Quartzsite Town Attorney
PO Box 2812
Quartzsite, AZ 85346-2812

I was just notified by a reporter from KSWT television in Yuma that Jennifer Jones has issued a “press”
release making generally silly accusations about her request that I be investigated by the FBI and the
Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) for threatening her and others. Assuming that the FBI and
DPS even find grounds to believe that there is criminal conduct requiring and investigation, which I
highly doubt, I know that I have engaged in no illegal conduct. There is one accusation that Ms. Jones
made which I do want to address, however, because I believe it is of great importance.

Ms. Jones alleged to the KSWT reporter that I am mentally unbalanced. I want to address this accusation
in the hopes that it will help others who are stigmatized by such outrageous allegations.

I am a veteran of the first gulf war (1990-1991). I received an Air Medal for my role in piloting medium
lift helicopters during combat operations in support of the 18th Airborne Corps. Shortly after returning
from the conflict, I began having migraine headaches and experiencing difficulties which fall under the
diagnostic heading of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). I receive services from the Veteran’s
administration and have a service-connected disability for, along with several physical ailments, PTSD. I
continue to suffer from occasional depression, anxiety and troubled sleep. I take medication for my
condition which makes dealing with this disorder easier, but I do have symptoms and suffer from a
condition designated by mental health professionals as a mental illness.

I admit this freely and without reservation because, like thousands of other Americans who have served
this country against an armed enemy, I am not ashamed of the scars I earned ensuring that people like
Jennifer Jones have the freedoms that Americans enjoy. While Ms. Jones uses her freedom of speech to
ridicule people who bear the mental scars of combat like myself and Council Member Joe Winslow, she
rails against anyone who dares to exercise their free-speech rights to ridicule her and her “service” to her
fellow human beings.

The last US Combat troops have finally left Iraq and many more are still serving in Afghanistan. Some
of them will soon be returning to the United States and to civilian life. Some of them may return to this
community. All of them will have been impacted by their combat service. Some of them, like me, will
have a service-connected disability as a result of their service. All of them, like me, will nevertheless be
capable of really serving their communities both in spite of and, more importantly, because of the
personal price they paid to secure your freedoms.

How you treat these brave men and women who suffer scars that you cannot see will be up to you. You
can honor their service and their sacrifice and help them to adjust to civilian life.

You can also ridicule them and make scurrilous claims that they are mentally unstable like Ms. Jones
does. Like Ms. Jones you can even claim that you are a “patriot” in doing so. That, too is your right; a
right that these brave men and women and Joe Winslow and I all sacrificed a part of their own wellbeing
to ensure.

Quartzsite Town Council agenda for Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The agenda for Tuesday night's Quartzsite Town Council meeting is now online at http://www.quartzsiteaz.com/http://www.quartzsiteaz.com/

NEW BUSINESS:


062811 – 1. Discussion and possible acceptance of Council Member Lizarraga’s resignation and discussion regarding filling the vacancy. (Not open for public discussion)
Alex Taft, Town Manager
062811 – 2. Discussion and possible approval of Resolution No. 11-10; declaring as public record that certain document filed with the Town Clerk and entitled “The 2010-11 Amendments to the Tax Code of the Town of Quartzsite”. (Not open for public discussion)
Karen Norris, Town Clerk

062811 – 3. Discussion and possible approval of Ordinance No. 11-07; adopting “The 2010-11 Amendments to the Tax Code of the Town of Quartzsite” by reference, establishing an effective date; providing for severability and providing penalties for violations. (Open for public discussion)
Karen Norris, Town Clerk

062811 – 4. Discussion and possible appointment of Public Defender for the Town of Quartzsite Magistrate Court. (Not open for public discussion)
Alex Taft, Town Manager

062811 – 5. Discussion and possible appointment of Prosecutor for the Town of Quartzsite Magistrate Court. (Not open for public discussion)
Alex Taft, Town Manager

062811 – 6. Discussion and possible approval to advertise a request for Statement of Qualifications for Professional Engineering and Related Services on a Task Order Basis on Town of Quartzsite Transportation and Public Works projects. (Not open for public discussion).
Al Johnson, Asst. Town Manager

062811 – 7. Discussion and possible censure of the Mayor regarding violation of the Quartzsite Council Procedure Manual by releasing for publication comments not shared by the majority of the Council, and without the knowledge or permission of the Town Manager. (Not open for public discussion).
Joe Winslow, Council Member

Quartzsite Town Council beats challengers, unofficial results of today's election

The unofficial results are in and all five recalled council members retain their seats. The information below is provided by La Paz County Elections: http://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AZ/La_Paz/25842/43029/en/summary.html

The final results will be posted here when made available.



Town of Quartzsite-Recall of Patricia Anderson

1 of 1 Precincts Reporting

                                                  Percent Votes

ANDERSON, PATRICIA (NP)    53.04% 305

WORKMAN, PATRICIA (NP)    46.43% 267

Write-in (NP)                                   0.52% 3

                                                             575



Town of Quartzsite-Recall of Barbara Cowell
1 of 1 Precincts Reporting

                                              Percent Votes

COWELL, BARBARA (NP)    56.15% 324

JONES, JENNIFER (NP)         43.33% 250

Write-in (NP)                               0.52%   3

                                                           577



Town of Quartzsite-Recall of Jose Lizarraga
1 of 1 Precincts Reporting

                                         Percent Votes

LIZARRAGA, JOSE (NP)       63.69% 335

Write-in (NP)                         36.31% 191

                                                           526
 

Town of Quartzsite-Recall of Jerry Lukkasson
1 of 1 Precincts Reporting

                                             Percent Votes

LUKKASSON, JERRY (NP)    60.64% 322

Write-in (NP)                             39.36% 209

                                                            531



Town of Quartzsite-Recall of Joe Winslow 
1 of 1 Precincts Reporting

                                           Percent Votes

GJERDAHL, DAVID (NP)    44.87% 258

WINSLOW, JOE (NP)          53.22% 306

Write-in (NP)                            1.91% 11

                                                        575

Could Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster be censured AGAIN?

The agenda for regular meeting of the Quartzsite Town Council
of Tuesday, December 14 is now online. 

Item 121410 – 6, the last on the agenda, states 
"Discussion and possible action to censure Mayor Foster"
submitted by Council Member Joe Winslow. 


Use the link below for the full agenda. Remember, the PDF will take awhile downloading.

http://www.ci.quartzsite.az.us/wp-content/uploads/2008/121410%20agenda.pdf

Council meeting: too many headlines to pick one!

2010-2011 Budget Approved

Sparks and Accusations Fly during

2.5 hour Council Meeting

Calls for Mayor's Resignation,

Election Corruption in Quartzsite,

Mayor Distrusts Town Manager,

Conflicts Rise Between Mayor and Council,

Women Use No-Bullying Signs to Express Themselves, 

Water Issue Finally Addressed,

New Subdivison Approved,

and more!

At the regular meeting of the Quartzsite Town Council on June 22, 2010, Mayor Ed Foster called the meeting to order at 7:00pm and asked for the roll call. Foster then said, “Oh, I have to do the invocation” and proceeded with the Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and then the Roll Call. Historically, Reports and Announcements are held to those who have something to announce or report. Citizen’s comments are to be held until the end of the agenda. Keeping with his campaign promise of allowing citizens to speak freely, Mayor Foster allowed over an hour of public comments, reports and announcements. [Editor’s note: the order in which people spoke may not be exact. This is an overview.]


Hal Davidson was the first person to the podium announcing the progress of the recall efforts of the newly elected council members.

Starr BearCat announced that October is National Bullying Awareness Month and to save the date of Oct. 20, 2010 for a project to raise awareness of bullying in communities. “I am addressing the elephant in the room. This elephant uses offensive conduct and behaviors (including nonverbal) which are threatening, humiliating or intimidating. Bantering, personal attacks, spreading rumors, aggressive behavior, teasing, screaming, blaming others, harassment, manipulation, micro managing, cyber attacks, sabotage, blackmail, violence, and criminal assault. The elephant repeats the behavior, is deliberate and disrespectful.” The crowd held their breath as she stated, “Now, this elephant has a Name and that Name is ……….BULLY.” BearCat continued to describe the behaviors of a bully and the effects of the targets and witnesses of bullying. She asked the council to declare October as National Bullying Awareness Month.

Mary Huntley thanked the organizers, Cub Scouts and attendees of the Flag Retirement Ceremony held on June 12, 2010.

Anita Carlson of Operation Hero Comfort presented a plaque to the Town of Quartzsite for their support of the 2nd Annual Flag Retirement. Town Manager, Alex Taft, also received a grommet from one of the retired flags. Carlson reported that grommets will be presented to the two Quartzsite Firemen who participated and the remaining grommets will be sent oversees to the troops serving our country. Carlson explained that receiving a grommet is an honor and will bring good luck to the bearer.

PJ Bettmann, from the Senior Center, explained the progress of the kitchen remodel. Carol Kelley also asked for signatures in support of a grant for a new generator. This would allow air conditioning at the center during emergencies when power is disrupted. The council approved, allowing a signatures to be gathered at that time.

Pastor Jeff Jones, of the Alliance Church announced that “I support Foster, Council, and Police 100%”, spoke about how divisive our community has become, asking Christians in the audience “to show some integrity” while up at the microphone, and “act like it when you are up here!”

Shanana Rain Golden-Bear reported on the Arizona Centennial Committee of Quartzsite, announcing, “As of midnight tonight, we stand at 600 days from the Arizona Centennial Celebration.” After reading a statement from the State of Arizona on why the Centennial is important, she invited the community to the next board meeting of Wed. June 23, 2010 @ 10am.

Council member Jerry Lukkasson explained he had written three letters to Mayor Foster, “trying to bring him [Foster] to order and to follow the rules” and provided copies for the public to view for themselves.

Council member Patricia Anderson made a statement regarding discussions about a possible prison near town with James Parkey, of Corplan Corrections in March, 2010. Anderson said, “The issue was never put on the council agenda, there was no further action on it. There will not be a prison built in the Quartzsite town limits.”

Dean Taylor spoke calling Lukkasson “being untruthful” to which many members of the audience held up no bullying signs. At one point Taylor said, “I’m wish I was big enough to be a bully, but I’m not.”

Council member Joe Winslow apologized to the audience for having to read his long letter stating that there were at least 14 violations of state statutes, town code, during the last council meeting of June 8, 2010. Winslow asked for the resignation of Mayor Ed Foster, for “continuing to align himself with the Reform Coalition group, whose members are engaged in ongoing conspiracy to commit sedition”. The crowd responded loudly. Winslow continued to explain that members of this group and the mayor have brought lawsuits, “costing the town many of thousands of dollars.”

Mayor Foster responded, with “These are outright lies! I have a stack of papers that were part of a part of a criminal investigation to discredit the reform slate candidates, I did not sue this town; I took the town to court to ask them to obey the law!” He continued to tell the public that an investigation had began on Friday, June 18, 2010 against Quartzsite Police Chief Jeff Gilbert with the Attorney General’s office, public corruption division. I have no intentions of resigning!”

Longtime resident, Joyce Snider, asked the people to “hold your piece until I’m finished!” She reminded the audience that when she first arrived everyone got along, and residents held a party when the winter visitors left town to say, “Hey, we done a dang good job, didn’t we!” She continued, “These are our elected officials…we elected them! Recall them… why? Stop these stupid recalls!” “It’s time we all start getting along!” She told the council, “Get along!”

Police Chief Gilbert, spoke to the audience, saying he was aware of the investigation and will speak truthfully when questioned. “I was hired to protect and serve each and every one of you and I will continue to do that!” Gilbert said the mayor misrepresented the facts and that the county has many concerns about voter fraud in the recent elections. Gilbert stated, “I truly believe our election was corrupt.” “When I’m accused of criminal acts, as a chief of police, I will challenge them.” Gilbert announced that Foster “attempted to supersede a separate investigation that was ongoing”. “I cannot bow down to political pressure!” He also asked the public to “seek out your own answers,” and to “seek the truth.”

Jerry Wilcox explained he tried to open a swap meet years ago, told the council if you spend just a little bit of time building up what you don’t have instead of tearing down what you have, it would be better for the community. “Mr. Winslow, you’re wrong.”

The consent agenda was finally addressed at 8:15pm.

Council member Jerry Lukkasson combined the consent agenda and New Business Item 1. into one motion. Foster expressed his disagreement, discussion pursued between Foster and Town Attorney Stadler. Foster wanted Taft to explain “4 checks who seem to be the largest wage earners in our community and I want to know who they are.” Taft told the mayor, “we can get those tomorrow”, and the council voted to approve the motion, with Foster being the only to say, “Nay”. Foster did not announce, “Motion carried” or “Motion Passed” as required by Robert’s Rules of Order.

Item 2 on the agenda pertained to the corrected canvass the vote of the Town of Quartzsite General Election. Foster did not ask for discussion after the motion was made and seconded, but moved directly for the vote. Foster also did not announce, “Motion carried”.

Item 3 was the possible approval of Tentative Budget for the Town of Quartzsite fiscal year 2010/2011. Foster announced he scheduled a meeting for Tuesday afternoon, but was “forced to quickly have a meeting to discuss this budget.” I have several questions, but they are obviously not going to be answered and the council going to approve Ms. Taft’s budget.” Winslow called for point of order saying, “Sir, that is not Ms. Taft’s budget, it is the town’s budget, it is our budget”. Motion carried, with Foster saying “nay”, but Foster again did not announce “motion carried”.

Item 4 pertained to direct Vice Mayor Cowell to sign Ordinance NO. 10-07 as passed at the Regular Council Meeting of May 25, 2010. During the discussion, Foster said, “I want people to know why I did not sign this law into order. In between the time I was elected, and the time I was sworn in as mayor, Al Johnson was observed removing boxes of documents from town hall”. Winslow called for point of order, saying this is not on the agenda. Foster continued arguing this is why he would not sign the order. Foster said, “I do not trust Alex Taft to be the supervisor of people [inaudible] as the crowd responded loudly and Winslow called point of order saying, “She is a member of the staff. We have a council administrative government.” Foster continued, “Ms. Taft was guilty of removing documents from this town hall.” Foster would not recognize Winslow. Kelley explained that a previous mayor changed the law, and “all we are doing is going back to what was originally the town code”. The motion carried, with Foster saying, “no”, but again Foster did not follow procedure by announcing motion carried.

Item 5 was the possible approval of Ordinance No. 10-09, regarding a subdivision and rezone for Jim McGovern. There was much discussion, and it came to light that two complaints had just been received after hours that day. Al Johnson, explained the complaints. After much discussion, the council approved the motion with stipulations that other areas of the land be cleaned up and an old septic be taken care of. Kelley voted nay.

Item 6 was possible approval of Ordinance No. 10-10 regarding a conditional use permit for Tracy Phoenix, of American Custom Tire. After much discussion, the motion carried. Foster did announce, “Motion passed.”

Item 7 was discussion only regarding water report given by Mayor during the last council meeting on June 8, 2010. Council member Barbara Cowell read a report detailing her personal experience on April 16 – 17, 2010. Debra Ireland was at the podium before Cowell finished her statement and said that Cowell misrepresented her comments. She contacted Ms. Cowell “and advised her to cease and dissest” As she left the podium she said, “you’ll be hearing from my attorneys.”

Violet Kiss explained her conversation with Steve Bennett about how he opened up the roof and there was metal shavings in the pool. Kiss announced that she and her husband attended the meeting of the Citizens’ Coalition meeting on June 7, 2010, and advised the mayor not to bring the baby bottle and this item to the council. She also said, “…he was still the director of the coalition….”

Dean Taylor announced he had copies of the water analysis report available for the public. He argued that ADEQ did not test the water.

Chief Gilbert announced there is a police report on file on the matter of the water at the police department.

Council member Bob Kelley spoke as a representative of Q Mountain Estates subdivision, explaining how the subdivision pays “$220 every month to have the city water to be tested again because we are considered a separate water company by the Arizona Corporation Commission and the ADEQ”, even though the water comes from the town. He continued they “back up what the city does” with their testing process. Cowell said the sodium content is high because “this whole area was an ocean at one time, and you can still find fossilized shells in the desert”.

Mayor Foster explained he had over 50 photos of the second filling of Bennett’s pool. Kiss responded with clarification, saying the photos of pool, it was not full, but was a shallow puddle, in reaction to sediments and metal shavings.

Starr BearCat explained her discussions with Debra Ireland, then candidate, Ed Foster, then Mayor Wes Huntley. She produced two samples of water taken from Bennett’s pool intake and one directly across the street. BearCat asked, “when does personal responsibility come into play? If you can afford your cigarettes and your booze, then you can afford a filter!” Applause and laughter from the audience….

Communications/petitions & citizen comments: …….

The meeting finally adjourned at 9:27pm.

Quartzsite Mayor sends letter to 3 council members

The following is a letter from Quartzsite Mayor Ed Foster delivered to three Council members' boxes on June 16, 2010. The Desert Messenger received a copy on June 17, 2010, from Quartzsite Town Hall, after filing the proper Public Record Request paperwork.

"To: Council members
Patricia Anderson, Joe Winslow, Jose Lizarraga
Subject:
Respect

If you can't respect me as Mayor you must respect the office of Mayor.

The Mayor calls meetings and if you have a problem with the schedule I propose then you can contact me by letter or phone and I will give consideration to you reasons. I am going to recognize the change you have made this time, but this will not be acceptable in the future.

No meetings of the common council of Quartzsite will be called in the future with out the consent of the Mayor.

The common council of Quartzsite was organize[d] under parliamentary rules and will be run in the future under those rules. The agenda will be set by the Mayor and nothing will be placed on the agenda unless the Mayor approves.

Ed Foster
Mayor"

With so much confusing information on the Internet and some articles/websites written as fact, but are more opinion/editorial in nature, I thought it would be good for the citizens to have more clarification regarding Town Council Procedures.

Here is the exact text from the town's policy procedure manual, which is an approved ordinance :

Quartzsite Town Council Procedure Policy
(also received after filling out the proper paperwork with Town of Quartziste)

Ord. No. 09-29:

Section II. General Rules
13 - Rules of Order:
" 'Robert's Rules of Order Revised' shall govern the proceeding of the Council. The Town Attorney shall serve as the parliamentarian."

Section III. Types of Meetings
3. Work Sessions

"The Council may meet informally in work sessions at the call of the Mayor or any three (3) Members of the Council. Work sessions are open to the public, with public participation. No official action can be taken at a work session."

Section V - Order of Business & Agenda
2. Agenda-Determination of Specific Items to be included:

"Requests for items to be placed on the agenda should be submitted to the Town Manager or Town Clerk in writing no later than 11:00 am on the Wednesday of the week proceding the scheduled Council meeting. The public shall request items to be placed on the agenda through a Council Member.
"The Town Manager shall prepare a proposed agenda and meet with the Mayor, and Town Attorney to discuss and prioritize the agenda itmes and decide their placement on the agenda. A finalized copy of the agenda along with all available information pertaining thereto will be placed in the Council Members' boxes by Friday afternoon."