Petrilla's Double Duty Still Up in the Air, but Could be 'Unrealistic'

(Ed. note: The motion was voted down, 3-2.)

At last week's Rancho Santa Margarita city council meeting, Jesse Petrilla made a motion that his colleagues meet Tuesday night to discuss his continued involvement in council matters while in training at Fort Knox, KY.

It was voted down, resoundingly.

Turns out the other councilmen knew what they were talking about. Tuesday night there still weren't enough answers to make a determination whether Petrilla, 27, will be able to pull double duty for the nearly four months he will be gone beginning Feb. 22.

While training for the California Army National Guard at the U.S. Army Armor School, Petrilla also wants to conduct city business—which includes attend city council meetings and budget meetings—via teleconference.

On Tuesday, city manager Steve Hayman said there was no problem with taking care of that request technologically, but there still is no answer from the military as to whether Petrilla will be able to perform those tasks in compliance with the military or the open meeting Brown Act.

"I can tell you that at this point in time, I’m going to do everything I can throughout the spring to provide Mr. Petrilla with important information so that when he returns [June 17] he will be as prepared as possible," Hayman said. "Do I think he'll be able to conference call in? I'm not optimistic.

"I have no personal or specfic contrary feedback, but I have had people assert that it’s unrealistic to believe he could have that kind of time."

Petrilla, a second lieutenant, did not return a phone call from Rancho Santa Margarita Patch.

City attorney Greg Simonian completed his findings about the unique situation, and this week sent a letter to council members that they have three options in dealing with the issue:

• Keep Petrilla's seat open while the councilman is away, although risk a 2-2 vote on city issues that are being considered.
• Appoint a temporary council person who will enjoy the full rights and privileges of the council, and then relinquish the position upon Petrilla's return.
• Allow Petrilla to conduct city business via teleconferencing.

In his report, Simonian indicated that the city staff and the city attorney "have not completed the necessary research to determine a) whether teleconferencing in compliance with the Brown Act is feasible, or b) whether it would be authorized by Fort Knox."

Hayman said that it's a waiting game for the military to determine whether Petrilla can train during the day and govern at night between three time zones.

"I just haven’t seen any confirmation that it’s going to be able to get done from the military side," Hayman said. "Technically, we’ve determined it is possible."