National City, California Development News

City Council Approves Remote Participation for Councilman Bush Amidst Conflict of Interest Allegations

The City Council convened to address a remote participation request from Councilman Bush, adhering to AB 2449 requirements by confirming a quorum present in chambers. Councilman Bush confirmed his remote presence, citing attendance at a conference for the Metropolitan Transit System as just cause for his absence. The City Clerk verified this was Councilman Bush's first remote appearance of the calendar year. A motion and second were made for his remote participation, which passed with a 4-0 vote. The meeting also included an explanation of interpretation services and a call to order, followed by procedural announcements regarding public comments and a live webcast. Later, before entering closed session, a public speaker raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest regarding Councilman Bush's participation in discussions related to Calimoda LLC versus the City of National City, due to his attorney's familial ties to a stakeholder. The council then proceeded to closed session to discuss litigation matters concerning Calimoda LLC, significant exposure to litigation, and BCD LLC versus the City of National City, before adjourning the closed session and returning to open session to adjourn the entire meeting.