CC Minutes - 03/18/98 Work Session

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management changes, makes it not possible to start the change agenda until you are through with that. "! have done all that realistically could be accomplished considering the circumstances." Ms. Taylor, in reference to other councilors' comments, agreed that the job of city manager is not permanent, but said that one year is too short a time. She said that the turmoil, which some councilors wished to end, was caused by the council's turning the evaluation into a firing decision, and would end if a decision to retain was made. In reference to the contention that staff morale was low, she pointed out that employees had expressed a lack of confidence in Chief Cooke, (and) that this extreme dissatisfaction had changed to support scarcely a year later. She expected the same change with Elmer. Mr. Farr described the City organization as professional and financially sound, adding that the management style exhibited by Ms. Elmer does not work with the organization and he would oppose the motion to retain her as manager. Mr. Tollenaar moved, seconded by Ms. Nathanson, to amend the motion by substituting "terminate" for "retain." Addressing a question from Mr. Meisner, City Attorney Glenn Klein said if there were a majority on the council to terminate, the termination would be effective immediately. The motion to amend passed, 7:1; with Ms. Taylor opposed. The main motion passed, 6:2; with Ms. Swanson Gribskov and Ms. Taylor opposed. Mayor Torrey thanked Ms. Elmer her professionalism. Ms. Elmer expressed her disappointment at not being retained, adding she has enjoyed working for the organization and knows it will accomplish all it has planned to do. She thanked the council for its professionalism. Mayor Torrey announced a press conference by the City Manager in the council chamber immediately after the meeting. The meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Minutes--Eugene City Council March 18, 1998 Page 3 11:30 a.m.