The public experienced two surprise resignations of City leaders, Economic Development Director Guy Andrews and Water Utilities Director Alison Strube. Both announcements came near or after their last day of city employment.
On July 14th Guy Andrews informed City Manager Daniel Valenzuela and Assistant City Manager Michael Dane of his intent to retire effective August 31st. Dane texted Mayor Brenda Gunter and members of City Council with that news.
The Development Corporation met on July 27th and August 24th. Andrews said nothing about his impending retirement in either meeting. No city official acknowledged his accomplishments and contributions.
I found this odd and asked the city for information about the reasons for Andrews retirement. They provided e-mails between Andrews and Human Resources regarding the mechanics of his resignation. There was nothing about why the Economic Development Director stepped down.
That changed in yesterday's Development Corporation meeting when Guy Andrews shared a number of reasons for his surprise resignation. Andrews disclosed his discomfort with aspects of the agreement with the City of San Angelo for staff services. He shared instances where city management exercised control over what he viewed as Development Board responsibilities. Andrews said he "could not stomach it anymore."
Andrews said two projects were imposed on the Development Corporation, the Chadbourne Streetscaping Project and the West Texas Water Partnership. Andrews referred to bullying tactics by City management and called out Michael Dane for his role that bullying.
Board member John Bariou is a fixture on the Development Corporation, having served multiple terms. He raised a number of issues facing the board.
City Manager Daniel Valenzuela directed his public comments to John Bariou and Guy Andrews. He told Bariou his legal concerns had been raised before and could have been addressed outside the meeting. He chastised Andrews saying his door was always open to directors with concerns and Guy never accessed that opportunity. Andrews shared his experience with Valenzuela's avoiding significant issues, with city staff taking action to discipline witnesses to a serious situation Andrews elevated to the city manager's office.
City documents did not answer my public information request but city video did.
Update 10-4-22: City Council spent nearly two hours in executive session. The only item on the executive session agenda is "Consultation with attorney re: COSADC."
Update 10-23-22: None of the leadership issues raised in the September COSADC meeting are on the agenda for the October 26th meeting. All of the October items are being presented by city staff except the Bylaws Review Committee recommendations. That items simply lists the name of the Committee and staff for presentation.
Update 10-26-22: City Council will discuss in Executive Session on 11-1-22.
Section 551.074 - Personnel matters regarding the evaluation, discipline, or dismissal of John Bariou from the COSADC Board
Update 11-17-22: So far the City has backed off its battle with Bariou. Replacing Guy Andrews has become as hard as hiring a City Engineer. The City plans to hire a recruiter for the Economic Development Director position.
Update 1-17-23: City Council did not slap down Bariou directly but Mayor Gunter scuttled a number of proposed bylaw changes that would have given the Development Corporation Board more power in COSADC leadership and officer selection. Councilman Harry Thomas said he was surprised the City Attorney allowed the document to be brought forward. This is the second item from COSADC that Council rejected since former Economic Development Director Guy Andrews spoke out against City Manager Daniel Valenzuela and Assistant City Manager Michael Dane.
Update 5-6-23: City Council reappointed Development Corporation board members without John Bariou. The city is back to square one in finding Guy's replacement. None of the top four candidates are under consideration after a number withdrew and at least one did not meet the city's requirements.
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