Edgewater council votes to terminate city clerk with 30 days' notice

Interim City Manager Mahoney moved to terminate the city clerk without cause after describing repeated issues with meeting notices, communication lapses, late minutes and "unprofessional statements," and the council approved the motion.

Mahoney opened the discussion saying he had experienced "lack of communication, failed to notify meetings and rescheduling, lack of response to requests, significantly behind on the meeting minutes, unprofessional statements, and unwillingness to adapt" (Interim City Manager Mahoney). Council members described receiving multiple resident complaints and inconsistent handling of agenda and public record requests. City Attorney Wolf advised the council that the clerk's contract can be terminated "with or without cause, with 30 days notice," and noted the contract includes severance benefits, including 20 weeks' pay if terminated without cause.

The council voted on a motion to terminate the clerk without cause and to honor the contract; the clerk will remain on the job for a 30-day notice period and then receive the contractual severance. Several council members urged a special meeting to appoint an interim clerk and to advertise for a permanent replacement as required by the city charter. The council directed staff to provide an update on interim staffing options at the next workshop.