The first of four new members on the Solvang City Council took his seat on the dais Monday night, less than a month after voters overwhelmingly ousted Councilman Chris Djernaes.
During the 11-minute special meeting, council members voted 3-1 to adopt a resolution noting the outcome of Measure P2020 vote to recall Djernaes from the seat he has filled for two years.
The resolution also declared Jim Thomas as the replacement chosen by voters.
Councilman Daniel Johnson, who often sided with Djernaes, cast the lone vote against the resolution.
Djernaes did not attend the meeting.
On the Nov. 3 ballot, Measure P2020 garnered a decisive 86.9% in favor of the recall. It only need 50% plus one vote to pass.
In the race to fill the seat, Thomas, a retired county sheriff and fire chief, received 71.6% of the vote compared to 27.5% for businessman Jamie Baker.
Officials with the Santa Barbara County Elections Division certified the final results last week, clearing the way for Thomas’ installation for the final two years of the term.
Santa Maria Superior Court Judge Timothy Staffel administered the oath to Thomas during Monday’s meeting.
“Congratulations, Solvang City Councilman Jim Thomas,” Staffel said.
Before the vote on the recall resolution Monday, Mayor Ryan Toussaint asked two questions.
“One, has anyone been recalled by 90% before?”
City Manager Xenia Bradford seemed caught off guard by the query, and responded, “Not in my tenure.”
“I’m trying to remember elections code — I think there’s something in there about a council member being served and usually they shape up before being shipped out? Do you recall that?” Toussaint asked.
City Attorney Chip Wullbrandt said the process includes the target of a recall being given an opportunity to provide a statement.
“Even in the secretary of state’s handbook, it mentions the fact that very few recalls go past that point, because typically the recallee, on hearing the concerns of the citizens who elected them, will at least make an effort to correct their ways or explain their ways,” Wullbrandt said.
“In this instance, I would note you had a circumstance where the recallee sort of doubled down on that, the activity that the citizens had complained about,” Wullbrandt said.
“That was my question. My commentary was the last part you ended up with, but well said,” Toussaint said,
Djernaes was elected in November 2018, and didn’t take long to anger residents, leading to the launch of a recall effort last summer with hundreds of signatures gathered quickly.
“Djernaes’ failures to be respectful and civil include, but are not limited to, his obvious disdain of constituents; mockery of speakers at City Council meetings; blatant disregard for the wishes of the voters; disrespectful remarks directed toward both current and former City Council members; frequent defamation of organizations and individuals; and bullying and harassment of a number employees of the city of Solvang, both inside and outside of City Council meetings,” the notice of recall stated.
During public meetings, Djernaes frequently derided former council members, along with previous city managers and city staff, despite a non-disparagement clause in at least one contract, potentially leaving Solvang at risk of litigation over the matter.
In his response, Djernaes said he rejected “the specious accusations made against me.”
Additionally, the council was chastised after Djernaes attempted to find out who filed a Brown Act complaint with the District Attorney’s Office, with prosecutors warning the panel against retaliation.
Thomas took his seat on the dais and declined to comment Monday night.
Earlier, he told Noozhawk he was looking forward to his new role.
“I love the city. I think it’s going to be a lot fun with a new council coming in with the exception of Robert Clarke, who will remain,” Thomas said, adding that he believes the new panel will work well together.
“It’s going to be a challenge, but I think it’s going to be rewarding,” he added.
A new mayor and two new council members will take their oaths of office during the Dec. 14 meeting, with Clarke remaining as the lone incumbent.
Three newcomers who will join the panel are Mayor-elect Charlie Uhrig and Mark Infanti and Claudia Orona.
Departing the council are Toussaint, Johnson and Councilwoman Karen Waite.
— Noozhawk North County editor Janene Scully can be reached at jscully@noozhawk.com. Follow Noozhawk on Twitter: @noozhawk, @NoozhawkNews and @NoozhawkBiz. Connect with Noozhawk on Facebook.