The Shafter City Council voted Monday to appoint an administrative hearing officer to investigate formal complaints filed by Councilmember Pete Espinoza against Councilmember Gilbert Alvarado, a process expected to cost the city approximately $100,000.
The council voted 3-2 in favor of bringing in the hearing officer during a brief special meeting. The decision follows a Kern County grand jury report filed earlier this year that identified violations of the city charter.
Grand jury report sparks formal complaint process
In June, a Kern County grand jury report outlined several issues within the city government, including one finding that stated: “Although Council Members are familiar with the City Charter, there have been violations of City Charter which have caused concern among City employees.”
The city responded to the report in September, noting that council members and staff had adopted guidelines in mid-July and added an ordinance in August specifying procedures for formal complaints against council members…