The Opelika City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to approve an employment agreement with Shamika Lawson, formalizing her appointment as the city manager. The vote followed brief discussion about contract language and operational details.
Lawson will serve as city manager under the terms approved by the commission. The agreement includes standard employment provisions, severance and termination language and a clause that restricts the manager from driving city vehicles; the manager may ride in municipal vehicles but will not operate them. The contract was presented by city staff and accepted after technical edits and a final review by the city attorney.
Vice Mayor Joseph K. L. Kelly asked several clarifying questions about the contract, including whether the “no driving” clause would preclude the manager from accompanying commissioners in city vehicles. The mayor and the city attorney clarified that the clause prohibits the manager from operating a city vehicle but does not bar riding as a passenger. Kelly also asked about the termination notice and opportunity to respond in dismissal situations; staff explained the agreement provides notice and response opportunities in certain circumstances.
Commissioners said they reviewed the final document and wanted the city manager’s contract to reflect current administration needs. After a short pause to confirm the most recent version had been circulated to the clerk’s office, the commission called the question and the clerk recorded a 5-0 roll-call vote in favor.
The commission also directed the city clerk and attorney to ensure the final signed contract incorporated the small editorial corrections discussed on the record prior to filing the executed agreement.
Speakers in the discussion included Mayor John H. Taylor Jr., Vice Mayor Joseph K. L. Kelly, Commissioner Natasha L. Irvin, Commissioner Louis B. Santiago and Commissioner Dr. Charlene Bass. The manager, Shamika Lawson, was present and accepted the appointment following the vote.