Thursday's motion dies for lack of second
Note: This is an update to Friday's story, which can be found here.
Citing “serious issues” with what he perceived as a lack of professionalism and the ability to get answers on topics within the City, St. Cloud Mayor Chris Robertson called for a motion to terminate the employment of City Manager Veronica Miller at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
When reminded by the city attorney that the board first needed a motion to add that to the agenda, Robertson again called for it, but his motion died for a lack of a second.
In February, the Council was asked to provide the use of The Ranch, a City asset, at a discounted rate to the St. Cloud Pride Alliance for a July event. Council member Shawn Fletcher presented the group’s request to the Council, stating that they had planned to hold the event at the Lakefront but had learned that the Lakefront would be under construction at that time. The Council voted in agreement.
In May, Robertson said the Council decided to put a temporary pause to proclamations while they reassessed the proclamation procedures.
“And we got vilified,” Roberson said. “We got trashed by one of our own. And the biggest problem I had with that is that it was out in the media … but our own city did not come to our defense. Our city manager has the authority to defend, and the obligation and the duty to defend this City and its reputation. I hate to say it, but she didn't.”
In June, Robertson questioned the deep discount that had been granted to the Proud in the Cloud event at The Ranch. “This is a $5.5 million asset of the City of St. Cloud, and that’s a $21,000 loss.” Robertson said. “My job is to protect the assets of the City. I believe Council Member Fletcher knew (the added cost). I believe the city manager knew it. And I believe it was orchestrated.”
At that point, Robertson began an investigation into that situation as well as claims by the Black Empowerment Community Council that they had reserved The Ranch for their annual gala the same weekend as the Proud in the Cloud event and had been moved to another location.
In July, Robertson said that after an exhaustive investigation which involved going through many documents and speaking with staff, “We owe the Black Empowerment Community Council a sincere apology. Some of our departments dropped the ball, and we are going to definitely do everything we can to ensure that never happens again. They had an event scheduled at The Ranch in St. Cloud and they were moved to another location. We do know at this point that it was our fault.”
Council Member Jennifer Paul noted “significant failures” occurred within several City departments.
“It resulted in the disruption of their meticulously planned event and causing considerable inconvenience and frustration.” Paul said. “The City Council takes full responsibility for these shortcomings. There is no excuse for the errors made, and the City Manager will be sending a letter of apology to the Black Empowerment Community Council.”
At Thursday’s meeting, Robertson, citing the issues of the past few months, said, “We were having these meetings. I hate to call them investigations, but they were. We had employees up here under oath … and they still don't tell the truth. Which tells me we have a serious, serious issue throughout this entire building of staff that doesn't tell the truth. I think it's people at the top. I believe it’s directors. Not all, but I don't believe that integrity is something that is promoted around here. That disturbs me. I know our public safety [is] top-notch, but we have some serious issues in this building.
And with that, Robertson called for a motion to add termination of Miller’s contract to the agenda. He said Friday he was surprised when the Council members sat silent after his motion.
“I expected at least some conversation, because that is a very strong thing to do, when you fire a city manager,” he said. “That's not an easy vote. So when you bring it up, there's usually conversation either in support or against. It was absolutely nothing.”
While the motion died for lack of a second, Robertson said his feelings don’t change.
“I truly expect better for the sake of our citizens,” he said. “I’m here to fix this place. I want to make this a better place for everybody – the employees, the citizens, everybody.”
Earlier in Thursday’s meeting. Teka Village residents along Old Canoe Creek Road voiced their concerns about a preliminary subdivision plan that would add 63 new townhomes near their neighborhood.
They cited existing traffic issues and the new turnpike interchange that is being built, and councilman Kolby Urban added his own concerns.
“I think this is a horrible area for a town home project like this,” he said. “I think it's going to create quite a traffic nightmare in this area.”
The Council ultimately voted unanimously to move the item to the October City meeting to allow time to review a traffic analysis study that has been submitted.
The Council also heard from its state legislative lobbyist Chris Carmody about how the $115.1 billion state budget broke down locally. Sen. Kristen Arrington and Rep. Paula Stark attended to announce $470,000 in funding for city projects: $300,000 to purchase a dam system to help mitigate flooding in large-storm events, and $170,000 for a new St. Cloud Fire boat.
