Robertson’s motion dies for lack of second
City Manager Veronica Miller did not address Robertson's motion during or immediately after Thursday's meeting.
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, 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 … has the obligation and the duty to defend this City and its reputation. And I hate to say it, but she didn't.”
In June, Robertson questioned the use of The Ranch, a City asset, by the group Proud in the Cloud, at a deep discount. “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 (Shawn) 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 Council 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.
We put employees 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, which I had seen. I think it's people at the top. I believe its 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,” Robertson said.
When his motion died for lack of a second, Robertson said that his feelings don’t change.
“I truly expect better for the sake of our citizens.”
Miller did not address Robertson's motion during or immediately after Thursday's meeting.
The News-Gazette and AroundOsceola.com will update this story as details come available.
