Special meeting regarding Eureka City attorney scheduled for next week

 

This just sent out by City of Eureka's Assistant City Manager/City Clerk Pam Powell. 

Since publication, the post has been updated with remarks from City Attorney Bob Black, Assistant City Manager Pam Powell and Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery.

The City of Eureka did not provide details on the agenda. There is a link below on the section. The excerpt provided is one section about open and closed sessions in the Code. I am not suggesting it relates to why the present City Attorney is leaving. The City of Eureka agenda listing is vague and brief. That raises many questions.

The City of Eureka's lack of transparency about the EPD text investigation; the mystery surrounding the previous City Manager leaving after a brief stint are two recent examples that Eureka City Hall's messaging and openess with information to the public needs massive improvement.

Section 5497

(2) As a condition to holding a closed session on specific complaints or charges brought against an employee by another person or employee, the employee shall be given written notice of his or her right to have the complaints or charges heard in an open session rather than a closed session, which notice shall be delivered to the employee personally or by mail at least 24 hours before the time for holding the session. If notice is not given, any disciplinary or other action taken by the legislative body against the employee based on the specific complaints or charges in the closed session shall be null and void.

(3) The legislative body also may exclude from the public or closed meeting, during the examination of a witness, any or all other witnesses in the matter being investigated by the legislative body.

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=54957.&lawCode=GOV

I have contacted Ms. Powell, Robert Black and Deputy City Clerk Christine Lopez. Usually, I get a prompt response. Eureka City Manager Miles Slattery sent me a message to contact him via Ms. Lopez and I responded. Waiting to hear from him.

5:32 p.m.  A few minutes ago, Miles Slattery sent me this email:

"The City Attorney consulting agreement ends in December. Unfortunately, Bob is considering retirement. We are going to discuss how the City Council would like to proceed. Any more facts needed, just reach out."

I am not sure why the City Attorney possibly retiring and options on how to proceed need to be done in closed session. 

Pam Powell also responded to me around the same time as Miles Slattery. "Bob Black’s contract is up at the end of the year and he is considering stepping back."

If Robert Black was simply retiring, he could have responded to me.

11/24: This morning at 9:11 a.m. I heard from mr. Black. "Hi John: My contract is up on December 31. I will be proposing a one-year extension. Bob"

The City of Eureka website lists no name under City Attorney.

Three years ago, former City of Eureka attorney Ms. Cyndy Day Wilson resigned after a special closed session. I know of at least three Deputy City Attorneys who left since I started this blog, which is a lot in 7 years.

These are the only job listings for the City of Eureka. Most for the police department.

https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/eurekaca

https://www.ci.eureka.ca.gov/depts/police/job_opportunities_.asp

More people have left since this present Eureka City Council has been in charge. EPD Chief Steve Watson said he is retiring. There was more to that story. Whatever is happening with the City Attorney, this cloak and dagger approach by the City of Eureka is making it worse.