Union representative and former council member urge San Bernardino council to pick city manager for stability ahead of bargaining

During the public comment period of a San Bernardino Mayor and City Council meeting, speakers asked the council to act on the city manager position to provide stability for city operations and upcoming labor negotiations.

Carlos Gonzales, a representative of Teamsters Local 19 32, said the union and city workers need consistency before bargaining and asked the council to make a decision on a city manager. “Our members don't need this constant change and constant shuffle. We need stability,” Gonzales said. He added that stability is necessary for recruitment and retention and for timely decisions during negotiations.

Christian Shaughnessy, a resident, urged the council to support Rochelle for the city manager role, saying she had “put in a lot of good competent work over the years.” Kimberly Kelvin, identified herself as a former council member, argued the council already had evidence of stability in Interim City Manager Clayton, saying, “interim city manager Clayton has been in place for 7 months providing the city with stability.” Kelvin also warned council members they would be held accountable by the community for their choices on city management.

The city clerk said the council received three oral speakers and one written comment from “Georgia L.” The council then convened a closed session; when the meeting returned to open session the city attorney told the public there was “no reportable action.”

The council announced its next joint regular meeting will be held Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025, at the Feltime Central Library, 555 West 6th Street, San Bernardino. Closed session will begin at 4 p.m. and open session at 5 p.m. The meeting adjourned at 7:43 p.m.