HomeMy WebLinkAbout1976-08-24MINUTES
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AUGUST 24, 1976
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE
III. INVOCATION
IV. ROLL CALL
Present:
V.
Councilman McPherson
Councilman Mullins
Councilman Newbrander
Councilman Seidler
Mayor Brush
Mayor Brush stated that the meeting was convened for the purpose
of granting Mr. Hurlburt a hearing before the City Council as
provided by Ordinance No. 17 which created the office of City
Manager and defined the conditions of his removal. He asked
the City Attorney to read pertinent sections of that ordinance
so there would be no question as to the rights of those involved
and the manner in which this hearing will be held. Jeff
Patterson, Deputy City Attorney, read Sections 9.3 and 9.4
of Ordinance No. 17.
Mayor Brush continued that the reasons given publicly for Mr.
Hurlburt's removal were: "A lack of communication between the
Council and the City Manager and between the City Manager and
his staff and a lack of confidence in Mr. Hurlburt and his
ability to cope with the problems facing this community."
Mr. Hurlburt was furnished written notice of intention to
remove on August 12 and the effective date of removal is
September 12, 1976. Mayor Brush asked the City Attorney
if the terms of the ordinance had been complied with. The
City Attorney replied that they had been.
Mayor Brush stated that Mr. Hurlburt had requested a hearing
and that this hearing was in response to that request. He
advised that it was not a public hearing but a hearing before
Council which is open to the public and the press. However,
if any of you here this evening wishes to comment, you may do
so if it is pertinent to the issue.- This is not a public forum
for presenting grievances against the City. or any individual
member or former member of the council or city staff, including
the former City Manager. There are other options available to
those who wish to do so.
Mayor Brush reminded all attending that the purpose of the
hearing was not for the Council to justify its reasons for
Mr. Hurlburt's removal — the justification of that act rests
solely in the discretion of the Council who in turn is respon-
sible to the people. The hearing was to allow Mr. Hurlburt
to present his grounds of opposition to his removal.
August 24, 1976
Page 1
At this point Mayor Brush advised that Mr. Hurlburt had with-
drawn his request for a hearing. He said that it was the City
Attorney's opinion that it would not be proper to receive tes-
timony either for or against Mr. Hurlburt at this time. He
continued by saying as far as the Council is concerned, the
matter is closed. We realize that some of you people did come
here tonight and did wish to speak. Inasmuch as Mr. Hurlburt
has withdrawn his request for the hearing, we do not feel that
it would be fair to him to receive official testimony either
for or against his position.
In closing, he said that now that this matter is behind us,
we look to the future. In November of 1973, this City was
incorporated because citizens of the area wanted to govern
themselves, and we all knew the real purpose of City government
was to serve the people. It is the responsibility of each of
us as Councilmen to now reaffirm that purpose and to serve the
people of this community to the best of our ability.
We have an excellent Staff and through that staff, the ability
to accomplish great things. They are enthused and professional
comparable to no other city I know. With the rehiring of Paul
Byers as Director of Management Services, we have a complete
and qualified staff. With the hiring of a City Manager who
can provide the direction we need, we can accomplish our
objectives.
To accomplish such a concept of government places a high
responsibility on the Council, the Staff, and the citizens.
I know we can do the job that is before us. I am proud
being a part of this Council. I have confidence in and most
importantly, I take pride in being a part of the community.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Councilman Newbrander moved and Councilman McPherson seconded
to adjourn the meeting; motion carried unanimously. Mayor Brush
adjourned the meeting at 6:15 p.m.
NO J . RUSH , `gAOR
ATTEST:
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SHEILA R. GILLIG'AN
Acting City Clerk