Hughson to discuss replacing Donabed

HUGHSON -- City Council members will see several familiar items on their agenda tonight, including an evaluation of the city attorney, claims from businesses affected by a street project and a contract with a computer consultant to determine if personal information was accessed in a hacking incident last year.

The council also will start looking ahead: Councilman Ben Manley asked for an agenda item to discuss how to handle hiring a new city manager. Joe Donabed's contract expires in May; the council decided earlier this year not to renew it.

In a special closed session at 6 p.m., the council will evaluate City Attorney John Stovall for the third time in as many meetings.

Members also are set to discuss potential litigation and consider a "threat to public services or facilities."

At the last meeting, Councilman Doug Humphreys asked for an accounting of what information had been accessed in a hacking incident last year. Public Works Director David Chase faces felony charges stemming from that incident and was placed on leave.

An initial report by the city's information technology consultant found it unlikely any personal information was breached. Some council members wanted a second opinion, which would cost several thousand dollars.

Before agreeing to that, Humphreys asked to see a report from the first consultant on just what was done.

The council will take a third look at claims filed by the owners of the Pizza Factory and Lacy's Furniture over a street project on Hughson Street that caused them losses.

Donabed said he talked with them and has asked the city's financial adviser whether it's possible to pay for damages from Hughson's redevelopment funds. He plans to suggest the City Council delay further action until he gets an answer.

The Hughson City Council will meet in closed session today in council chambers, 7918 Pine St. Open session is set for 7 p.m. in the Community and Senior Center, 2307 Fourth St.

Bee staff writer Patty Guerra can be reached at pguerra@modbee.com or 578-2343.