Henderson City Council votes 4-2 to consult N.C. League of Municipalities on city manager selection

The Henderson City Council on Dec. 15, 2024 voted 4 to 2 to consult the North Carolina League of Municipalities on how to proceed with selecting a new city manager. The action followed a closed-session discussion held under North Carolina law for a personnel matter.

Mayor Melissa Elliott called the special meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. and Interim City Attorney Hassan T. Kingsberry conducted the roll call, which established a quorum. Councilmember Michael Venable moved that the council convene in closed session pursuant to N.C.G.S. § 143-318.11(a)(6) for a personnel matter; that motion was seconded (the transcript records the closed-session motion and a later motion to return to open session).

In open session, Councilmember Garry D. Daeke moved that the council consult the North Carolina League of Municipalities on how to proceed regarding selecting a new city manager; Councilmember Lamont Noel seconded the motion. The motion carried 4 to 2. Voting yes were Councilmembers Geraldine Champion, Lamont Noel, Sam Seifert and Garry D. Daeke. Councilmembers Michael Venable and Ola Thorpe-Cooper voted no. Councilmembers Sara M. Coffey and Tami Walker were recorded as absent.

The city clerk’s note indicates Tracey Kimbrell called the roll for the motion referenced via telephone. The council did not specify in the meeting record a timeline, an assigned staff lead, or specific next steps for the consultation with the League; those details were not included in the minutes.

Councilmember Geraldine Champion moved to adjourn the special meeting; the motion was seconded by Councilmember Ola Thorpe-Cooper, and the meeting adjourned at 2:56 p.m. The minutes are signed by Mayor Melissa Elliott and City Clerk Tracey Kimbrell.