HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-20-2024_Closed Session_Item B_Plunk, RonaldFrom:Ronald Plunk
To:PublicComments
Cc:Theodore Sanchez; Sandra Ibarra; Juan Figueroa; Fred Shorett; Ben Reynoso; Kimberly Calvin; Damon L.
Alexander; Helen Tran; Rochelle Clayton; Sonia Carvalho; T Rice; Council; MayorsEvents; Attorney
Subject:Closed Session Written Public Comment for 11/20/2024
Date:Wednesday, November 20, 2024 1:20:54 PM
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City Council and Mayor,
The continued involvement of Best Best & Krieger (BBK) in our city’s affairs has long hindered the progress of San
Bernardino. Their actions—or consistent inaction—have repeatedly failed to meet the needs of our residents and
businesses. For far too many years, BBK has fallen short in fulfilling its contractual obligations, impeding our city’s growth
and development.
I ask you to consider the following critical issues that have occurred under BBK’s guidance:
1. Homelessness Injunction: Thomas Rice, along with the failed leadership of former City Manager Field, played a key
role in the injunction placed on our city. This decision lacked compassion and disregarded the needs of vulnerable
residents, including those requiring life-saving medications, while deflecting blame onto the ACLU.
2. HCD / Homekey Grant Application Mismanagement: The mishandling of the Housing and Community Development
(HCD) / Homekey Grant application is emblematic of BBK’s inability to provide competent legal guidance.
3. Deviation from Agenda Policies: BBK has routinely strayed from Council meeting agendas, engaging in politically
motivated and misleading rhetoric. This behavior undermines both professionalism and moral integrity.
4. Planning Commission Oversight: At a recent Planning Commission meeting, legal jeopardy was averted not by BBK,
but through the diligence of Commissioner Daley. This failure highlights BBK’s lack of necessary legal oversight.
5. Brown Act Violations: Under BBK’s watch, numerous Brown Act violations have gone unaddressed, eroding public
trust.
6. Animal Shelter Mismanagement: Allegations of serious mismanagement under Director Watson, including at least 28
missing animals, have been met with inaction by BBK. This raises questions about their commitment to
accountability and transparency.
7. Exclusionary Policies on Zoom Access: On BBK’s legal advice, public participation via Zoom remains closed, forcing
residents with disabilities—including veterans like myself—to attend meetings in person. This policy marginalizes
dissenting voices and weaponizes public forums against community members.
San Bernardino’s residents and businesses deserve better. BBK has consistently failed to uphold the values and standards
outlined in their own mission statement. Their ongoing shortcomings obstruct our city’s progress and undermine public trust.
Tonight, I urge you to take decisive action. End BBK’s contract and seek a legal partner that prioritizes the well-being of our
community, fosters transparency, and upholds the principles of fairness and justice.
The people of San Bernardino demand change. Please act in the best interest of our city, so we can move forward with
integrity and renewed hope.
Ronald Plunk
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