Ione council votes to hire independent investigator after heated censure preliminary hearing

IONE, Calif. — The Ione City Council voted 4-0 on March 25 to hire an independent investigator to review a censure request filed by Mayor Stacy Rhodes alleging Councilmember Allison Lefane disclosed closed‑session negotiation strategy, interfered with contractors, posted derogatory social‑media comments about staff and council members, and harmed staff morale. Lefane did not participate in the vote.

City Attorney Josh Verensky had recommended a preliminary‑hearing procedure that gave the named councilmember an opening statement, allowed the complainant to present claims, provided a response period, opened public comment and then returned the matter to council for deliberation on whether to take no action, order further investigation, form an ad hoc committee, issue an admonishment, or consider a formal censure resolution. The council formally adopted that procedure before hearing testimony and statements.

Mayor Stacy Rhodes presented the complaint, saying Lefane had disclosed strategy discussed in closed session with the opposing negotiating party for the Castle Oaks property and had otherwise engaged in conduct that undermined the city’s negotiating position. Rhodes told council the disclosures and other conduct “totally undermined our position during the negotiations,” and argued the matter merited review. The complaint packet in the council packet included social‑media screenshots, emails and a March 11 letter from a contractor identifying concerns about conduct in the field.

Councilmember Allison Lefane delivered a lengthy opening statement denying wrongdoing and describing her involvement as mayor and liaison during negotiations over Castle Oaks. Lefane said she had communicated with the lessee’s representative and attorney to try to avoid a shutdown of the golf course, forwarded correspondence to staff, and signed a draft LOI when she believed it reflected council direction. She said she supported an independent investigation and asked that it be fully independent and at arm’s length.

A homeowner at 415 Shakeley who had reported raw sewage problems described in the contractor’s letter addressed the council during public comment and told the council Lefane’s presence at the house did not impede the contractor’s work and that interactions appeared “friendly and chummy.” The contractor referenced in the complaint, Justin Granados, was not present; Lefane and other council members questioned whether his March complaint had been prepared under pressure and asked the city attorney to speak with him.

City Manager George Lee told council his duty is to represent the city and its residents and said release of related emails would help clarify what occurred. Earlier in the meeting, during a closed‑session report, council announced actions taken on the Castle Oaks matter: the council (by a 4‑0 vote with one non‑participant due to conflict) authorized release of a request for qualifications (RFQ) to vet operators should the lessee follow through on plans to close the course; the council also authorized the release of certain council emails and redacted packet pages related to the negotiations.

After public comment and council deliberations, Councilmember [name withheld for vote recording rules] moved to hire an independent investigator to examine all claims in the complaint packet; the motion passed 4‑0 with Lefane not voting. Councilmembers discussed returning to council later to select among proposed investigators; the city attorney said he would present options for the council to choose.

The preliminary hearing does not itself impose discipline. The council’s next steps, depending on the investigator’s findings, could include taking no further action, commissioning additional investigation, asking for an ad hoc committee, issuing an admonishment to council members generally, or, if supported by findings, directing the city attorney to draft a formal resolution of censure for later consideration.

The session also included broader public concern about the Castle Oaks/golf course negotiations, billing for outside legal services and questions about staff‑council communications; several residents urged the council to prioritize de‑escalation and to follow established closed‑session and agenda procedures. The council concluded the meeting by directing the city attorney to return with investigator options and other follow‑up items.