Residents urge transparency as several city officials depart; council hears public concerns

During the public-comment period on July 28, Sunnyside residents urged the City Council to increase transparency about recent staff departures and the city’s ability to recruit and retain employees. Ramon Chavez identified himself as a “Sunnyside resident for 50 years” and said the departures of the finance director, public works director and city manager have raised questions about the city’s ability to hire and retain talent. Chavez said the city has had three city manager departures in five years and asked the council for transparency about the reason for the current city manager’s suspension and the duration of his paid administrative leave. Maria Fernandez, who identified her office location and cited recent council conduct discussions, complained during public comment about councilors’ treatment of staff and public proceedings. Fernandez referenced a prior meeting and an attorney email concerning redacted contract information under state confidentiality law (RCW 40.24 as referenced in the meeting) and criticized efforts to seek a staff person’s name in that matter. Fernandez said confidentiality for survivors of domestic violence is a core safety practice; she said improperly disclosing identifying information could risk safety. No formal council action was taken in response to the public comments at the meeting; the mayor thanked speakers and proceeded to the next agenda item. Several councilors later acknowledged public frustration during discussion on the ongoing administrative leave.