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Erie council votes 4‑3 to terminate town manager after contentious public session
Summary
After public comment and debate, the Erie Town Council voted 4–3 on Feb. 17 to terminate Town Manager Malcolm Flanneryeffective immediately with severance per his contract; the decision followed failed attempt to move into executive session and drew public and council criticism about process.
The Erie Town Council voted 4–3 on Feb. 17 to terminate Town Manager Malcolm Flanneryeffective immediately, approving severance payment as required by his contract.
The termination came after a lengthy public comment period in which multiple residents addressed council about Flannery's leadership, both urging retention and calling for his removal. Several speakers raised concerns about town projects, public safety and staff accountability; others defended the manager's performance and cautioned about costs and disruption from an abrupt leadership change.
Council initially considered moving into an executive session to consider personnel matters but the council clerk and staff noted that a two‑thirds majority was needed; the procedural motion did not meet that threshold. Mayor Pro Tem Bell then moved in open session to terminate the manager's contract and to pay remaining severance according to contract terms. After discussion, a roll call vote recorded four yes votes (Mayor Pro Tem Bell, Council member Mortellaro, Council member O'Connor, Mayor Moore) and three no votes (Council members Hovach, Pesa Morelli, Baer), and the motion passed.
Council members who opposed termination said personnel matters should have been handled in executive session and warned about the administrative cost and staff turnover that an abrupt change could cause. In public remarks before the vote, one council member said the timing and handling of the review had produced confusion and that a mutual separation plan might have been preferable.
Those who supported termination said they wanted a fresh perspective for the town on major strategic issues including water, growth and pending capital projects. Mayor Pro Tem Bell said the decision was difficult and not taken lightly.
The meeting adjourned immediately after the vote. Staff indicated severance will be paid according to contract terms and the council will manage interim staffing and next steps.
The council did not at the meeting name an interim manager or outline a search timetable.
(At the Feb. 17 meeting the town manager was referred to in the transcript variously as "Malcolm Flannery" and other spellings; the town manager who spoke at the meeting identified himself as Malcolm and addressed regional airport and policy matters.)
