Melbourne Beach commissioners hold 20-minute workshop review of town manager contract; no renegotiation set

Town Commission of Melbourne Beach commissioners opened a workshop discussion about the town manager's employment agreement and agreed to a limited, open discussion format rather than negotiating a new contract.

Commissioner Tim Reed, who introduced the item, said: "My intent for this initial discussion regarding the appointment agreement is not to do, we're not doing a renegotiation at this time. It's to go through the existing agreement, look at the various aspects of it as a group, and have the opportunity for the commissioners to openly discuss and offer opinions on perhaps suggested changes." Reed asked the commission to focus on the existing draft and not conduct a negotiation at the workshop.

The commission voted to permit an informal, open discussion with a 20-minute clock (five-minute turns) for the item; commissioners voted in favor and the chair confirmed the motion "carries". A separate motion to table the item until the town attorney could attend failed on a 2-2 vote, so commissioners continued with the allotted discussion time but did not take any binding action.

During discussion commissioners identified specific contract provisions they want clarified or reconsidered. Topics raised included the manager residency requirement (a previous version required residency within 30 miles, which a speaker noted had been removed in the new draft), a formerly mandatory requirement that the manager attend advisory-board meetings that now reads "as reasonably possible," the removal of a previous 40-hour minimum full-time work clause, and a clause that would provide a minimum 4% salary increase in years two and three. One commissioner said of the 4% clause: "I am opposed to the idea that this is a built in entitlement to a minimum salary increase."

Commissioners also questioned benefit and termination terms in the draft. Points raised included the draft language that allows payment for unused sick leave "during employment or upon termination," the draft's retirement/ICMA deferred-compensation language, a $200-per-month personal vehicle stipend (noted in discussion as roughly $2,400 per year), life insurance coverage, and a severance provision the draft sets at four months' base salary (several commissioners said the prior agreement provided three months). One commissioner said the stipend calculation equates to about 286 miles per month at 70 cents per mile and recommended mileage logging and quarterly reimbursement based on actual miles rather than a flat stipend.

Commissioners also debated contract length and negotiating dynamics. Reed suggested a two-year term could be preferable to the current three-year length. Commissioners discussed practical considerations if the current manager seeks to remain in the role, including that some longstanding contract terms may be difficult to retract if the manager seeks renewal.

Commissioner Reed asked the town attorney to clarify what would constitute "dishonest or unethical conduct" that could trigger immediate dismissal rather than a notice period; the attorney was not present at the workshop and commissioners said they would forward specific legal questions to the attorney for a future meeting. Town Manager Elizabeth Mascara confirmed she intends to seek renewal.

Public comment on this agenda item included a resident, Steve Walters, who urged the commission to advertise and recruit a new professional rather than extend the existing contract and referenced past management controversies. Walters also urged commissioners to review historical meeting records and prior hiring decisions.

No formal changes to the manager's contract were adopted at the workshop. Commissioners directed staff to follow up with the town attorney and finance staff so the commission can review clarified language and a consolidated fiscal summary of total compensation before any final decision.

The item remains on the commission's work plan for further consideration at a future special workshop or regular meeting once legal and budget clarifications are available.