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Ontario council schedules review of Alan Wapner's regional posts after federal subpoenas
Summary
Mayor Leon moved to put a council item on the next agenda to consider temporarily reassigning Councilmember Alan Wapner from regional boards after recent federal subpoenas and searches prompted public concern; the council discussed procedure and rejected a last-minute motion to continue the meeting.
Mayor Leon said the council would place an item on the next regular meeting agenda to consider temporarily reassigning Councilmember Alan Wapner from regional boards, citing a need to protect the city's representation while a federal inquiry proceeds. "I called for Council Member Wapner to resign from his roles as president of the Ontario International Airport Authority Board and his other committee assignments," the mayor said, adding the city is cooperating with federal authorities.
The council briefly paused over a procedural challenge from the mayor pro tem, who argued the agenda notice lacked the required staff report and specific details. The mayor pro tem moved to halt discussion and continue the meeting until the item was properly posted; the motion was seconded and the body voted. "The motion fails," the presiding officer announced. The city attorney reminded council members that motions, once made and seconded, belong to the body and advised orderly debate. The mayor then said the city would place the item on the next agenda for formal consideration rather than decide it tonight.
Councilmember Perona, who said the airport had been served with a federal subpoena, told colleagues the city's economic asset needed focused representation while the investigation continues: "The airport is one of the most important economic assets of this region and it is simply good governance to ensure that this board can remain focused on their important work rather than the circumstances surrounding it." Council discussion focused on process: several members said temporary reassignment or suspension of duties was appropriate while the investigation proceeds, and others urged due process.
No formal removal occurred at the meeting. The mayor indicated the council would consider temporary reassignments at the next regular meeting so that the body could vote after receiving staff reports and legal guidance. The city attorney recorded the mayor pro tem's objection under the Brown Act and advised the clerk to reflect motions and votes in the official record.
