TD Council fires city manager

“There are many accomplishments during your term as city manager that we can point to in The Dalles,” said Mayor Steve Lawrence after the action was taken.

He credited Young with successful completion of several downtown revitalization projects, getting the city through some tough economic times and helping to negotiate the new deal with Google that will bring in millions for city needs.

“You were supportive of me when I came into office and I thank you for that,” said Lawrence.

He then presented Young with two pictures that had been removed from his office and were propped against the wall behind the dais.

“Best of luck,” said the mayor with a final handshake.

Councilor Linda Miller made the motion Monday to exercise the severance clause in Young’s contract but declined to comment about why she felt that action needed to be taken.

“We elected to use the severance clause in his agreement,” she said in a followup interview.

Lawrence told reporters after the meeting that the city manager “serves at the pleasure of the council.”

An addition to the agenda had been sent out shortly after 3 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11, announcing there would be a discussion of an “amendment to the city manager’s employment agreement.”

Miller’s motion was seconded by Councilor Russ Brown and there was no discussion before the 4-1 vote took place minutes later.

Councilors Tim McGlothlin and Taner Elliott joined Miller and Brown in voting for Young’s dismissal.

Councilor Dan Spatz was the sole “no” vote and said after the meeting that he would let his vote speak for itself.

Young, who held his position for more than 18 years, was given six months of severance pay, in addition to having the city buy out 80 hours of unused vacation time, in addition to half his sick leave.

Although the city charter calls for attorney Gene Parker to step in as interim manager when there is a vacancy, his wife, Dixie, died Monday and he has been away from the office.

So, the council gave Julie Krueger, general services director and city clerk, the job as temporary manager so business can be conducted as usual.

Carolyn Wood, former city councilor, was present at the meeting and confronted the mayor afterward about firing Young in what appeared to be an orchestrated move.

“That was the stupidest thing I’ve have seen and heard,” she said. “I’ve worked for three city managers and Nolan’s accomplished more than any of them.”

The action of the council was taken without an executive session or prior discussion.

Lawrence said afterward that no collective conversation took place behind the scenes.

“When I heard there was a motion going to be made, I talked to each one of the council members individually and let them know the motion would be made. That was the extent of it,” Lawrence said.

Young gave only a brief comment after the vote. “I appreciated working for the city, it’s been great,” he said.

Lawrence said the city charter requires a replacement for Young to be found within six months.

He said the council will have to discuss whether to hire a consulting firm to assist in the search for a new executive.

“We might end up having a search committee but we haven’t decided that,” he said.