OXNARD : $10,000 Deal With Former Official OKd
The city of Oxnard agreed Tuesday to pay its former city manager $10,000 to help plan a proposed new redevelopment area, despite objections from several residents who opposed the contract.
Acting as the Oxnard Redevelopment Agency, the City Council approved the $10,000 agreement with Hazen Associates to assist the city in the early stages of evaluating a new project area north of downtown. The company is headed by Vernon Hazen, who retired as city manager late last year.
Ventura Fernandez, one of several residents who opposed the contract, said a conflict existed.
Keni Hayes, another resident who objected to the arrangement, questioned why Hazen did not stay as city manager to finish the project himself.
City Manager Thomas Frutchey said the decision to hire Hazen was a simple matter of saving money.
“We’re taking advantage of his expertise,” Frutchey said about his predecessor. “This will be a short-term involvement by someone of high skill who can help us out without hiring someone full time.”
City Atty. Gary Gillig said there was no conflict of interest.
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