Orland officials report financial interests

Accusations by an Orland businessman that not all Orland city officials had filed financial disclosure forms brought a fast response from the city.

Local insurance agent John Noffsinger suggested at the City Council's July 19 meeting some members of Orland's Technical Advisory Committee had not filled out conflict of interest statements.

This form is a statement of economic interest, according to City Manager Paul Poczobut Jr.

Poczobut said last week not all city TAC members are required to file the form under Orland's conflict of interest code guidelines. However, some have because their positions are covered under the code.

They include Community Services Director Nancy Sailsbery, Public Works Director Jere Schmitke, City Engineer Ken Skillman and Senior Building Inspector Brian Elder, Poczobut said.

Poczobut also noted all City Council members filed the form by March, 2010, including Mayor Wade Elliott, Vice Mayor Jim Paschall and Councilmen Bruce Roundy, Paul Barr and Reggie Olney.

The City Manager added he filed his form on March 23 and City Clerk Angie Crook filed her form on Jan. 15.

City attorney Tom Andrews, Finance Director Daryl Brock, City Treasurer Pam Otterson and Police Chief Paula Carr have filed as well.

In addition, City Librarian Jody Meza, Recreation Director Joe Fenske and police records manager Janene Rehse filed reports, Poczobut said.

Orland Recreation Commission members Mike Yalow, Joe Quail, Candice Pierce and Joe Millert all filed forms as well.

Poczobut said the newly appointed Orland Planning Commission members also are filing the form including Byron Denton, Claire Arano, Shannon Ovard and Stephen Shoop with Ryan Bentz's form not yet received.

The city manager said City Attorney Tom Andrews is working on having the Orland Economic Development Commissioners file the forms since that body deals with economic development issues within the city.

It includes Yalow and local car dealer Gary Campbell, who serves as the body's chairman.

Other EDC members are attorney Helen Duree, retired Superior Court Judge Angus Saint-Evens and real estate broker Charles Gee.

Poczobut said since rumors are out there, it is important for the city to let the public know who has complied.

The TAC committee reviewed and approved the Crystal Geyser sparkling water bottle plant application.

That decision was appealed by opponents to the City Council this spring.

Noffsinger is a critic of the plant's approval and joined others in requesting an environmental impact report be done on the project.

The matter is now in litigation.

Contact Rick Longley at 934-6800 or rlongley@tcnpress.com.