During the Sept. 27 Holbrook City Council meeting, the council discussed the item regarding the appointment of Interim City Manager Randy Sullivan as city manager.
Councilman Tim Dixon stated that he would like to table the item and that it was a decision for the new council members to help make after this coming election in March, noting that he did not want to promote what he called the “good ol’ boy network.”
When Councilman Richard Peterson asked who the “good ol’ boy network” was, Dixon responded saying certain members of the council and city. Peterson prodded again asking who exactly. “If it’s people on the council, you might as well name them,” stated Councilman Wade Carlisle. Mayor Bobby Tyler then asked Dixon if the text he had received had been about him being a “good ol’ boy.” Dixon then retracted his statement rather than addressing the issue.
Peterson then moved on to say that the contract being discussed stated that Sullivan would only be city manager until May, at which time the new council will be free to hire who they think is best. If Sullivan is not chosen, he will return to his position as finance director. Dixon wanted to know the purpose of appointing Sullivan as city manager, to which Sullivan asked what the difference was. “There’s a big difference between interim city manager and city manager,” replied Dixon, “One is temporary.”
Sullivan stated that the wording of the agreement was for city attorney and not him. “Would you be okay with this if it said ‘interim’?” asked Peterson, to which Dixon said yes. The city attorney was then called and asked if it was possible to change the verbiage of the contract from “city manager” to “interim city manager,” to which she said that she would look at it and get back to the council.
The motion made by Dixon to indefinitely table making Sullivan city manager did not pass, with Dixon and C.J. Wischmann voting in favor and Tyler, Peterson, Carlisle and Francie Payne voting against. Councilman Earl Kester was not present for the meeting. Peterson then made a motion to change the verbiage from “city manager” to “interim city manager” per attorney approval and to extend that offer to Sullivan to be filled until May. The motion passed 5-1 with Wischmann against.
Bill Mosier addressed the council during Call to the Public, speaking out on his concerns that there was no public notification given regarding the hiring of the city manager. Without citing an example or naming anyone he claimed that some council members had been taking advantage of city resources by using them for personal use. “The city council needs to address these findings before hiring a city manager and finance director,” said Mosier, “Decisions are made too quick here.”
Leo Maestas also commented at that time regarding the possible appointment of Sullivan as city manager, adding allegations that there was inappropriate activity being done during business work hours. He claimed that the council was making “whimsical decisions” and showing favoritism. His comments prompted Mayor Tyler to warn Maestas that he was not allowed to attack people during call to the public. Maestas also referenced North Korea twice, stating it was “run better” and Sullivan would not be treated with such leniency there, to which Mayor Tyler interrupted him saying he was not allowed to talk in that manner.
Since the items addressed by Mosier and Maestas during the call to the public were items on the agenda, Councilman Peterson expressed his opinion of those who come before the council not to contribute to the betterment of the city but to instead make accusations. “Take allegations to the County Attorney, not here,” he stated.
Per Peterson’s request to know the city’s protocol on hiring, Sullivan told the council that “Everything we do is from the personnel notebook.” He outlined the procedure stating that it begins by trying to fill the position in-house and if that doesn’t work it is posted in the newspaper and open to the public to apply. The interview process is then done and if an applicant is found they make an offer, a drug test is taken then a start date is set.
