Boca Raton council approves separation agreement with city attorney after heated debate; end date moved to Oct. 31

The City Council approved a negotiated separation agreement with City Attorney Diana Grubb Fraser, amending an earlier motion to set the termination date to Oct. 31, 2024 and directing city management to proceed with a search and transition plan.

Council debate was extensive and focused on two central issues: (1) whether outside independent counsel should review the separation calculations and underlying employment documents, and (2) how quickly to begin transition and search work so a replacement and any necessary external counsel could be in place for major projects on the horizon. Several council members said best practice called for independent review of an agreement drafted by the incumbent; others noted prior reviews and existing internal staff capability.

Mayor Singer said he wanted transition work to begin promptly because of expected third‑quarter projects; Council member Thompson requested a short outside legal review and indicated he might vote against approval without it. The council amended the motion on the floor to set the separation date at Oct. 31, 2024, and to direct the city manager to begin an executive search and report back at the August meeting on transition plans. The amended motion passed 4–1.

Why it matters: The agreement moves a long‑serving chief legal officer toward an earlier departure than some councilmembers had proposed and commits the city to a short timeline to vet and possibly onboard a new city attorney or select an acting interim.

What’s next: City management will begin the executive‑search process and report to council; the payment schedule under the city attorney’s employment contract will be followed as amended.