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Cypress council appoints Sean Joyce as interim city manager amid public outcry over former manager’s severance
Summary
Council approved interim appointments and a compensation amendment for acting staff and unanimously appointed retired annuitant Sean Joyce effective Sept. 15; the meeting also featured extended public comment criticizing the council majority over the severance paid to former city manager Peter Grant.
The Cypress City Council approved two personnel actions and heard prolonged public comment about the departure and severance payment of former city manager Peter Grant.
City Attorney Fred Galante presented an amendment to the executive‑management schedule that provides a 10% compensation increase plus a $2,500 payment for Matt Burton while he serves as acting city manager pending recruitment of a permanent replacement. The council voted unanimously to approve the resolution.
Council then considered the appointment of retired annuitant Sean Joyce as interim city manager. Galante said Joyce has extensive experience, including serving as Irvine city manager and in interim roles elsewhere. The proposed interim term runs until Joyce reaches the PERS annuitant cap (960 hours per calendar year) or until a permanent city manager is appointed. Council discussed the recruiting timeline (often several months) and the flexibility of Joyce’s hours; the council voted unanimously to appoint him effective Sept. 15.
Several members of the public used the meeting’s public‑comment periods to challenge the council’s handling of the recent personnel matter involving Peter Grant. Speakers including Earl Bolter, Linda Stock, Robin Isler, Brooke Mallory and Ann Mallory questioned the transparency of closed sessions, described concern about the city paying a severance figure they cited as $313,596, and said the process had been rushed. Some speakers called the payout unnecessary and urged the council to restore fiscal discipline and accountability. Council members responded in part by noting the city attorney’s role, municipal‑code limits on decorum and that the council had provided direction during closed session; the city attorney said the closed‑session briefing and direction did not yield further reportable action.
Mayor David Burke and other councilmembers thanked acting staff and said they would proceed with the recruitment process for a permanent city manager. The acting city manager, Matt Burton, said he would assist Joyce through the transition.
