Lompoc council moves to closed session on city manager’s employment after residents protest

The Lompoc City Council on July 14 heard a string of one-minute public comments largely in support of City Manager Dean Albro and critical of a short-notice closed session called to consider his employment, then moved into closed session to discuss a performance evaluation, possible discipline or dismissal, and the appointment of an interim city manager.

Residents and longtime local officials used the council’s oral communications period to press the council for transparency and to defend Albro’s record. Janet Blevins, who identified herself as a 40-year Lompoc resident and former school board member, said she had “no negative remark, regarding his character” and called working for Albro “a blessing.” Janice Keller, a former city council member and planning commissioner, told the council she was concerned about rapid staff turnover and the apparent appearance of a predecision when an interim city manager was already on the agenda.

Several speakers warned that the short-notice closed session lacked transparency. One resident said it felt like a “pretty shady closed session” and asked how removing the city manager would “reflect on our town.” Shauna Stilwell asked pointedly whether the move was about the city manager’s performance or “about a personality conflict,” warning that firing staff over personality clashes threatens to politicize city employment.

Multiple speakers highlighted Albro’s record. A commenter praising Albro cited “balanced budgets” and improvements to parks and public safety as evidence of his stewardship; another speaker noted Albro’s recognition by finance officers for outstanding financial reporting since 2017.

An accusation against a council member also surfaced during public comment. Sitoms Harrington, who identified themself as a 46-year resident and business consultant, alleged that “one member on this council, who’s under indictment for 10 felonies for defrauding the city,” should be recused from votes related to the city manager. That allegation was presented as a public commenter’s claim and was not addressed or substantiated in the open session transcript.

The city attorney then read three closed-session items into the record: the public employee performance evaluation for the city manager; public employee discipline/dismissal/release; and the public employee appointment of an interim city manager. After that reading, the council recessed into closed session. The council did not disclose any outcomes in open session before adjourning to the closed meeting.

The next public update on any personnel action would depend on whether the council reports a decision after the closed session; the open-session record on July 14 contains only the public comments and the city attorney’s reading of the closed-session items.