What was initially expected to be a discussion about the removal of a planning commissioner at the Lassen County supervisor’s meeting took an unexpected turn. Instead, the agenda item was a contentious debate about the county code policy governing the removal process.
Supervisor Chris Gallagher from District 1 presented the item, arguing that the county code should not mandate a 4/5ths majority vote for the removal of a commissioner.
That commissioner in question, Carol Clark, appointed by Supervisor Gary Bridges of District 2, received support from Bridges, yet she also took to the podium to defend herself, emphasizing her care in choice of words when speaking.
While Gallagher and Ingram didn’t directly name Clark, they did express concerns about insubordination and actions that they believed were embarrassing to the county, especially during her public comments on agenda items both at the supervisor’s meeting and city council.
The supervisors engaged in a lengthy back-and-forth discussion, with differing opinions on the policy’s wording and the responsibilities of commissioners. Albaugh argued that the board couldn’t deny someone their right to speak at public comment if they had recused themselves from their county role, citing it as contrary to American principles.
In conclusion, CAO Richard Egan sought direction from the supervisors regarding the county code, and they unanimously agreed that it needed to be amended. The item is set to return to the board, possibly as soon as next week. No decision or discussion about Clark’s removal from the planning commission occurred, but Egan noted that any supervisor could add the removal item to the agenda at any time.
