Three Ceres residents were appointed last week by the Ceres City Council to sit on the Measure H Citizens’ Oversight Committee.
Only three persons applied for the three openings which became effective June 30. Appointed were Vincent Louis Truffa, a 31-year resident of Ceres who is employed by the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department; retired teacher Randy Cerny, who has resided in Ceres for over 50 years; and Noah Wells, a resource planner with Modesto Irrigation District who moved to Ceres this year.
The five-member committee oversees how the city is allocating and spending tax dollars generated by Measure H, the half-cent sales tax for public safety approved in 2007.
At the time of its passage the city expected to generate millions annually to fund up to new police officers and new firefighters. The tax also purchases new protective equipment for officers and emergency rescue equipment.
The council made the appointments despite expressing frustration that their expectations for a new interview process had not materialized.
In April the council ordered a change to the appointment process to allow for open meeting interviews of applicants. The three applicants were invited to speak and give an introductory statement. Only Wells spoke to the council. Thus far, the city has not made the in-person introduction to be required to be eligible for appointment.
Councilwoman Rosalinda Vierra expected a pre-selected set of questions to pose to applicants. City Attorney Nubia Goldstein said the idea was to have applicants introduce themselves but not answer additional questions. She said the city could revisit the item and develop questions as part of the process.
“I don’t have the answers to the questions that I need to make an informed decision,” said Vierra, who later went along with the unanimous approval of all three applicants.
Councilwoman Cerina Otero also believed there would be questions to be asked.
The council made the appointments but directed staff to refine the rules, including considering a mandatory introduction as well as develop questions for future applicants.
