CONCORD — An expert on the state”s open meetings law will investigate allegations of improper lobbying and Brown Act violations in the selection of the Concord Naval Weapons Station developer.
Interim City Attorney Brian Libow has hired attorney Michael Jenkins to look into claims by Catellus Development that Lennar Urban, its competitor to lead development of the first phase of the multimillion-dollar base reuse project, improperly lobbied the City Council in violation of the negotiated agreement both firms signed in May.
The allegations include possible meetings with former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown, a principal at an investment fund that does business with Lennar, as well as campaign contributions to Concord Mayor Tim Grayson”s state Assembly campaign. Catellus also questioned whether lobbying of city officials played a role in the unexpected decision not to recommend a preferred master developer.
Lennar has denied any wrongdoing.
“I wanted someone with absolutely no connection with Catellus, no connection with Lennar, and no connection with the city of Concord or any potential witnesses,” Libow said in a news release. “Mr. Jenkins brings an unquestioned integrity to the investigative process. He is perhaps the preeminent Brown Act expert in the state of California.”
Jenkins has conducted similar investigations for several California cities, according to the city.
The Concord Reuse Project Area Plan calls for building up to 12,272 housing units and 6.1 million square feet of commercial space on about 2,300 acres of the former military base. The Navy is expected to begin transferring property next year.
Jenkins, who has a law firm in Southern California, serves as city attorney for Hermosa Beach, West Hollywood and Rolling Hills and as general counsel to several government agencies. He teaches local government law at the University of California Law Center and is president and director of the League of California Cities” city attorneys department and chairman of its Brown Act committee.
Lisa P. White covers Concord and Pleasant Hill. Contact her at 925-943-8011. Follow her at Twitter.com/lisa_p_white.
