Longtime Nyssa official fired
By Larry Meyer — Argus Observer
Wednesday, August 15, 2007 11:39 AM PDT
NYSSA — Nyssa will soon welcome a new top official at City Hall after the City Council voted Tuesday night to terminate the employment of longtime city manager Bill Ewing.
Ewing, who has been on medical leave, has been the Nyssa city manager since 1998.
The City Council Tuesday passed a resolution that declared its intent to appoint a new city manager. The vote on the matter arrived during the public comment period of the meeting.
During the public comment period several community residents spoke in favor of hiring interim city manager Roberta Donovan full-time. Many said while they understood Ewing’s medical condition, some said it was time to move on.
“It is time to fill the position, permanently” Glenn Walker, said. “It’s time for a change in the city.”
Eastle Brewer agreed.
“I think it is time for a change,” Brewer said.
Nyssa resident Jim Barnes said the city needs a full-time city manager.
“I do think the city has been more than fair (toward Ewing),” Barnes said.
The vote on council member Pat Brewer’s motion to terminate Ewing’s employment was 6-1, with only councilmember Diego Castellanoz voting no.
“There is a better way than this (to replace Ewing),” Castellanoz said.
A tearful Mayor Susan Walker commented that Ewing has helped her a lot during her term as mayor and the vote was really difficult for her.
“I think this is in the best interest of the city,” Walker said of her vote.
Later in the meeting, the council adjourned while a resolution was prepared by Mike Horton, city attorney, declaring a vacancy in the city managers office and the intention of the City Council to appoint a replacement, as required by the city charter.
The council then set Sept. 11 as the date when it will vote on whether to move Donovan from interim to the official position. Donovan was hired by City Council in late April to sit in for Ewing who has been receiving medical treatment. She began working for the city full-time June 1.
Num wrote on Jun 3, 2008 10:41 AM: