From: M H
To: City Clerk
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Statement on Closed Session City Council Meeting 9/6/2022 4:45pm Agenda # 3-B Date: Tuesday, September 6, 2022 4:30:58 PM
John Bignone
Citizen and former Utility Construction Compliance Specialist at Alameda Municipal Power To: City Of Alameda
Alameda City Council
Closed Session- September 6, 2022 @ 4:45pm
Re: Nancy Bronstein -Appointment to Interim City Manager Agenda # 3-B I am asking you today to please initiate an investigation into my claims of gross mismanagement and abuse of power at Alameda Municipal Power, including retaliation and eventual termination of me for refusing to accept sub-standard, non-compliant and unsafe infrastructure that has been installed on all new jobs including; Del Monte, City Ventures, Admiral Cove, Rosefield, Tri-point (phase 1 &2) and Pulte Homes. My approval as UCCS does not exist on any of these developments.
As Human Resources Director, Nancy Bronstein has been aware of the allegations, the hostile work environment that I was subjected to , and the damage done to my career by AMP Management and HR since October 2021. All of my communications to HR and AMP over almost a year's time have been met with complete silence.
I sent proof of falsified records, (including an altered and falsified email their own H.R. employee, Chris Low sent) , proof that Andre Basler abused his Director status on the WebTMS system to manipulate 811 tickets to frame me , proof that Nicolas Procos lied to the Public Utilities Board about the very dig-in they tried to fire me for, an entire binder of evidence I produced for my Skelly Hearing was handed over to Human Resources and copied by them in May 2022 and I still never heard from Nancy, Nicolas Procos or the last two City Managers.
Eight days after my latest appeal for relief was sent on August 11, 2022 , I finally received my first communication from Nancy Bronstein after she was temporarily made Interim City Manager in the special City Council meeting on August 9, On August 19, 2022, the email stated, “ I wanted to let you know we have received these documents and are reviewing”.
I received a reply to my concerns from Mayor Ashcraft on August 24, 2022 , citing City Charter Section 7-3 , saying she can not get involved with any investigation of an employee or department and it is solely the responsibility of the Interim City Manager, Nancy Bronstein.
I received a reply to my concerns from City Attorney Yibin Shen on August 26, 2022 and they cited Charter Section 7-2, stating , ‘ The City Manager has the authority “to investigate the conduct and proceedings of any officer or board of the City when they shall deem the same necessary , or when so directed by the Council”, with which Yibin Shen encouraged me to go to Nancy Bronstien or Erin Smith. I told him I was not comfortable going to Erin Smith and my communication was sent to them anyway.
I understand Mr. Shen’s quote means that the City Council can also deem it necessary to investigate the misconduct and abuses occurring at Alameda Municipal Power.
This is not just an employment issue, as has been characterized by Nancy Bronsrein, Mayor Ashcraft and City Attorney Yibin Shen. This is a case of public safety, corruption and gross mismanagement of a vital Department within the City of Alameda and their actions against me were because I tried to hold them accountable to their own standards and would not succumb to pressure to approve non-compliant, haphazard, ad hoc and unsafe work practices.
I formally request that an investigation be conducted on my allegations and that I have an opportunity to submit my evidence concerning that investigation independent of the office of Interim City Manager or any other city entity besides you, the City Council or a third party that is deemed appropriate.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Respectfully,
John Bignone