Sunnyside council removes City Manager Michael R. Gonzales; orders investigation report released

The Sunnyside City Council voted Oct. 20, 2025, to remove City Manager Michael R. Gonzales without cause and later authorized the public release of the city-paid internal investigation report, after holding a public hearing required under RCW 35A.13.140.

The hearing, opened under council-adopted rules allowing one three-minute comment per person and a one-hour cap, drew four registered speakers who urged transparency and the release of the investigation. Sharon Dolan of Sunnyside told the council, “Why are we here today? Because a majority of council decided to end the contract with Mike Gonzalez because of RCW 35A.13.140. He is entitled to a hearing.” Pandora Reel Nelson said she supported the council’s decision and alleged Gonzales had not complied with contract requirements; Nelson also stated, “He gladly accepted his $160,000 a year paycheck.” Toni Soto said she wanted facts from the paid investigation and added, “I stand with Mike Gonzalez.” Bridal Moore asked that the investigation report “be open to the public” and described several allegations and alleged records requests that she said affected city residents and businesses.

Council members first voted to adopt formal rules for the public hearing (sign-in, state city of residency, comments directed to the chair, one comment per person, no donated time, three-minute limit, and one-hour cap). Councilor Ripley made the motion to approve the hearing rules; the motion was seconded by the deputy mayor and passed by recorded voice votes.

Following public comment the council considered a resolution described in the meeting record as “removing Michael R. Gonzales as city manager without cause” (resolution 2025-67, with reference also made to resolution 2025-68, which had previously suspended the manager pending final decision). The mayor read the resolution into the record. A motion to approve the resolution was made by Councilor Ripley and seconded by the deputy mayor. The council discussed that the decision was not unanimous; one councilor said such votes should be contested and fully debated to ensure they serve Sunnyside’s interests. The roll-call votes recorded in the meeting were: Councilor Hart — no; Councilor Vasquez — yes; Councilor Provosto — no; Councilor Ripley — yes; Councilor Hancock — yes; Deputy Mayor — yes. The motion passed and the resolution took effect upon approval as stated in the text the mayor read.

The council then entered an executive session under RCW 42.30.110 to consult with legal counsel about potential litigation and agency enforcement matters. After returning to open session, the deputy mayor moved — and Councilor Hancock seconded — to authorize public release of the internal investigation report. Councilor Hart stated opposition to making an internal investigation public. The roll-call votes recorded were: Councilor Hancock — yes; Councilor Ripley — yes; Councilor Fausto — yes; Councilor Vasquez — yes; Councilor Hart — no; Deputy Mayor — yes. The motion carried and the council authorized release of the report.

The resolution adopted by the council directs that Gonzales be removed “as of this date” and requires return of city property, and it authorizes the city clerk to correct clerical references and numbering in the resolution. The council record indicates the investigation was paid for by the city and multiple speakers asked that the investigation and related records be made public.

No further action was taken on other items at the meeting.