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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1983-02-03MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING THURSDAY, FEBURARY 3, 1983 CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Mayor Puluqi reconvened the meeting at 3:00 p.m. and immediately adjourned to Closed Session to discuss a personnel matter. The following members of the Council were present: Councilman Phyllis Jackson Councilman Dick Kelly Mayor Pro-Tempore Walter H. Snyder Councilman Roy Wilson Mayor Romeo S. Puluqi At 3:30 p.m., Mayor Puluqi adjourned the meeting to Closed Session to immediately follow completion of the Study Session Agenda. At 6:10 p.m., Mayor Puluqi reconvened the meeting and immediately adjourned to Closed Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter. Mayor Puluqi reconvened the meeting at 7:10 p.m. and asked Mr. Bouman to make a statement. Mr. Bouman said as follows: "Mayor and Members of the Council, members of the assembled throng. A week ago tonight, some of the people here might recall that there was a closed session of the City Council and that had been at my request. At that time, I dropped what I'm sure the Council considered to be a little bomb on them by telling them that I really felt that the stress and strain of the job as City Manager for 6-1/2 years was probably taking its toll in that I have a diagnosed heart condition and whereas it may not be so serious that I should immediately go to bed and rest, it could well be a serious thing. I pointed out to the Council, which was very timely that day because I said Bear Bryant felt pretty good too, but two days later he was gone, and so it is a serious health concern to me. I suggested to the Council that it might be possible for me to assume some other role in city government, but I'm not sure that I was that serious about that. It probably would not work that well and of itself might even be more stressful. So the Council after considerable discussion has put forth a plan to me with which I agree and that is that I will take a 6-month sick leave and we didn't discuss what day that would be, but Monday I presume would be a good time. It would give me some time to clear up some matters tomorrow and gather up my few pens and pencils. I would take a 6-month sick leave and at the end of those 6 months, I will either resign or take retirement. I am eligible to take retirement from the State retirement system and most likely that is what I will do. In the interim, it is the Council's intention — I don't want to presume to speak for the Council, but it is the Council's intention -- to appoint Carlos Ortega on my recommendation as Acting City Manager. It is also their intention to begin a recruitment effort which would culminate in the appointment of a new City Manager, presumably sometime between now and the 6 month period that I would be on sick leave. I think that probably covers the major points unless the Council feels that I've missed anything." "I just want to say that this is with great emotion that I take this step. As I told the Council before, I love my job and i love this city. I think I've served it well. I hope I can continue to. I want to congratulate Carlos and, in a way, offer my condolences on the chair he's got to fill and assure him that he will have every cooperation and support and turn -over as necessary from me. MINUTES ADJOURNED CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 3, 1983 * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Every member of. the Council has assured that they will do the same. I will be available for some help as needed to make sure that there is a transition and although the idea here is that I do have to be relieved from some of the stresses I've had, it will not be in the role of any major effort but justto ease the transition and make it work smoothly. That's about all I have to say." Councilman' Wilson moved to accept the proposal to immediately put Mr. Bouman on 6-month sick leave and accept his resignation. Councilman Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Wilson moved to appoint Carlos Ortega Acting City Manager. Councilman Snyder seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote of the Council. Councilman Snyder stated that it should go without saying that the Council had told Mr. Bouman in their private meeting with him that they had great admiration for him and were very concerned for him and his' health. He said that the Council was in an extremely difficult situation in losing such a capable man, and the Council expressed that they were doing it only because of his health and their desire to see to it that they did not participate in his demise like the great coach. He concluded by stating that the Council would further set forth their great admiration for him. II. ADJOURNMENT Councilman Snyder moved to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Wilson seconded the motion. Motion carried by unanimous vote. Jyor Puluqi adjour ed4he meeting at 7:20 p.m. ATTEST: SHEILA R. GIL AN, CITY' ERK CITY OF PA DESERT, .1; IFORNIA • ROMEO S. PULUQI -2-