Not a Good Idea to Renew the City Manager’s Contract

Posted byeccrgPosted inCity Council Meetings, City Staff, Financial Crisis, Financial Mismanagement, leadership, performance management, Plan, Transparency, UncategorizedTags:, , , , , ,
The City Manager’s Contract Expires Soon

This Series:
YOU CAN’T JUST LEAVE THOSE WHO CREATED THE PROBLEM IN CHARGE OF THE SOLUTION
is titled:

Renewal of the City Manager’s Contract: A Call for Consideration

During the Public Works presentation, the City Manager, while participating remotely, was heard saying, “Yvetteh, Shut the F word (profanity) up!”

The City Manager’s recent conduct has raised significant concerns among community members. Given her responsibility to uphold the values and integrity of the city, her behavior, and the way it was handled, are particularly alarming. Renewing her contract is not be in the best interest of the City for several compelling reasons:

1. Breach of Commitment: The City Manager’s outburst directly opposes her previous assurance about the city’s dedication to maintaining a “respectful workplace free from abusive, hostile, and intimidating conduct.”

2. Underlying Message: The main issue isn’t merely the profanity used or the oversight in muting. It’s the disturbing implication that city leadership may casually disrespect staff members, even as they’re dedicatedly serving the Council.

3. Leadership Responsibility: To stay true to its commitment to a respectful workplace, the city requires strong leadership that unequivocally supports a harmonious working environment. Brushing off such incidents doesn’t bode well for future leadership decisions.

4. Pattern of Behavior: The fact that such an inappropriate remark was made publicly suggests a possible ongoing pattern of such behavior. The comfort level of one leader expressing such sentiments in front of another is concerning.

5. Missed Leadership Opportunity: Instead of publicly condemning the behavior and supporting the aggrieved staff member, the City Council seemingly sidelined the incident. Such actions not only send the wrong message but also forego a critical opportunity to reiterate the importance of a respectful workplace.

With the community’s growing concern, it is a pivotal moment for the city’s leadership. They must act with transparency, reemphasize their commitment to fostering a respectful work environment, and ensure that such lapses in behavior aren’t repeated.

Given the current circumstances and the duty to the City’s reputation and its employees, reconsidering the renewal of the City Manager’s contract appears to be a prudent decision.

Here’s how you can help:

  1. Share this post with other residents.
  2. Attend the monthly Financial Advisory Board meetings in person.
  3. Council meetings are both remote and in-person. The City Council meeting will be on tonight. The schedule is here. 
  4. Share your voice with the Council Members, the Mayor and the City Manager.

If you have ideas for a quick fix or hope for another gift from above, you are dreaming. If you want to discuss shifting blame, making excuses or justifying mismanagement, please start a separate Next Door thread.

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