THOUSAND OAKS : Council Members Criticize Colleague

Thousand Oaks City Council members have blasted Councilwoman Elois Zeanah for allegedly violating a city ordinance that forbids them from revealing decisions made during closed sessions.

The attack came Tuesday night after Zeanah held an olive branch out to her colleagues as a symbol of her hope to mend frayed relations between her and the rest of the council.

“The results of the election shows a deeply divided city,” she told the council. “I believe we must heal this divisiveness on the council before we can heal the rift in this community.”

Since Zeanah was elected two years ago, other council members have criticized her behavior. Last month they said she violated a city ordinance when she revealed the results of a vote to acquire open space from a federal agency.

City Atty. Mark G. Sellers said the city’s closed-meeting ordinance is intended to prevent the council from revealing details of secret discussions unless a majority of the council agrees.

Some of those details could expose the city to financial risks or lawsuits, Sellers said. Offenders could be prosecuted for a misdemeanor.

“I’m not interested in prosecuting a City Council member,” Councilman Frank Schillo said. “However, I do feel the public should know this is a very serious violation.”

Mayor Robert E. Lewis also said he believed that Zeanah had violated the ordinance. He directed staff members to analyze the ordinance and bring it back for discussion when the new council is seated early next year.

Zeanah said she does not consider the law valid and was disappointed in the council’s response.

“I feel like I’ve just been ambushed,” Zeanah said. “Can an ordinance be legal which puts a gag order on council members?”