Stuart commission delays decision on city manager after contentious public comments; employment matter returned to agenda in two weeks

Commissioner Reid on the dais asked for the city manager—s resignation and moved to appoint Jolie as acting city manager while the commission sought a replacement. The motion was seconded and prompted more than a dozen public comments both criticizing and defending City Manager Mike Mortel.

The debate centered on allegations from several speakers that Mortel used city resources for personal business and on commissioners— procedural concerns. Robin Cartwright, a member of the public who said she had reviewed Mortel—s contract and records, told the commission: “He is using city resources for his personal clients.” Several other residents, including Mark Breckbill and Ted Astolfi, urged the commission to afford Mortel due process and to consider the operational disruption from removing a long-serving manager.

Mortel, identified in the meeting as City Manager Mike Mortel, told the commission he had not been given notice of specific allegations and asked that the commission follow HR and charter procedures, including a formal evaluation. He said meeting-by-ambush was unacceptable and recommended that the commission schedule a properly noticed meeting so the public and staff could participate.

Commissioners debated options including immediate administrative leave, a special meeting with department heads, or a two-week postponement. Vice Mayor Collins and others urged caution, emphasizing impacts to city operations and employee morale if the manager were removed without a structured process. Commissioner Giobi acknowledged concerns about trust and accuracy of information provided to commissioners but also praised Mortel—s knowledge of the city.

Ultimately Commissioner Reid withdrew his initial motion to ask for Mortel—s resignation and amended the proposal. The commission approved a motion to return discussion of the city manager—s employment contract to the agenda in two weeks, directing that department heads be present; the motion passed on a 3–2 roll call (Yes: Commissioner Giobi, Commissioner Reid, Vice Mayor Collins; No: Commissioner Clark, Mayor Rich).

The commission did not place Mortel on administrative leave. City Attorney Mr. Baggett advised the commission that, from a legal perspective, the public should be properly noticed and that due process considerations apply to employment actions. Several commissioners said they planned to meet with Mortel and department heads before the next hearing.

The commission concluded the meeting after taking the vote to continue the employment discussion.