Council authorizes mayor to execute separation agreement after executive session

Councilman Wright read a prepared statement in open session clarifying his position on the recent departure of the city manager. Wright said he did not support terminating the city manager and that, to his knowledge, neither termination nor resignation was the agreed characterization: “By law, I'm not allowed to discuss the inner workings in an executive session held by city council. However, I can say at no time was I ever supported or ever did I ever vote to terminate Mr. Scott,” Wright said.

Wright said the council and the city attorney had negotiated wording in open session describing the matter as a “separation” and that the city and the manager had agreed to the terms. Mayor Proteus Souter also addressed the council, saying the council members “are trying to be good stewards of money” and asking the public not to assume improper motives in council decisions.

After convening into executive session to consult with the city attorney regarding the city manager transition as permitted by the Texas Government Code, the council returned to open session and took a formal vote. A councilmember moved “to authorize the mayor to execute a separation agreement and general release.” The motion was seconded and the council voted in favor by voice/hand; the chair announced the motion carried.

Why it matters: the council’s vote authorized the mayor to sign a separation agreement and general release in connection with the city manager’s departure. Councilman Wright’s public clarification emphasized that he did not vote to terminate the city manager and described the outcome as the result of negotiation among the mayor, the city attorney and the manager.

Ending: The mayor was authorized to execute the separation agreement and general release in open session; the council adjourned at 7:18 p.m.