Dozens testify in support of Roseburg City Manager Nikki Messenger as council schedules executive session for annual evaluation

Dozens of community members, business leaders and many city employees spoke during mayor's-report public input to express strong support for City Manager Nikki Messenger and to criticize recent council actions related to a proposed termination. The mayor opened the mayor's-report item by noting legal advice that termination would not be discussed during the annual evaluation and that the evaluation would occur in executive session.

Speakers representing long-time residents, former councilors, business owners and city staff described Messenger's institutional knowledge and local accomplishments. Stacy Crow read a written communication from Lance Cawley that said council members "attempt[ed] to violate public meetings law and try to terminate our city manager, Nikki Messenger, when she was away on vacation and no item was placed on the public agenda." (Stacy Crow reading Lance Cawley). Several speakers repeatedly urged council to use the formal evaluation process rather than pursuing termination.

Supporters cited Messenger's leadership on housing and economic projects, regional partnerships and grant-winning work. Ryan Hendricks, interim public works director and city project manager, highlighted a recent airport safety project approved by council in August: he said the city secured a $2.3 million contract delivered to the city for a local match of about $60,000, crediting Messenger's work with FAA and ODOT to obtain funding (Ryan Hendricks). Other speakers included business leaders such as Alex Palm and organizations and funders who said termination would damage momentum and partnerships.

Not all public speakers supported Messenger. A remote commenter, Bernie (Elk Island Trading Group), presented an opposing account alleging retaliation by city management, claimed the manager had "created roadblocks" on waterfront projects and alleged ADA violations; he said he supplied a memo to the council documenting those claims. The alleged operational complaints and legal claims were not resolved in the public record this evening.

After the comment period concluded, the mayor announced the council would move to executive session for the city manager's annual evaluation. The mayor reiterated that the executive session was for the evaluation and not for a termination decision; the public meeting then adjourned to executive session.

What happened next: the meeting moved to executive session for the annual evaluation of the city manager. The public record of this meeting does not show any formal termination action; speakers repeatedly asked the council to follow the evaluation and goal-setting process and to avoid backroom decisions.