Lazaro Aleman
ECB Publishing, Inc.
Following the recent unexpected resignation of City Manager Raymond Clark, the Monticello City Council met in a special session earlier this week to hire an interim manager until the vacancy can be permanently filled.
In short order on Monday evening, June 7, the council approved the hiring of former City Manager Steve Wingate on a temporary basis, with reservations on the part of some council members.
The reason for some council members’ reservations about Wingate was that he had apparently either sustained an injury in an accident or had undergone surgery that required hospitalization. The council members were circumspect in discussing the particulars of the circumstances, other than to say that Wingate was in Kentucky.
“I’m concerned about his recovery,” Councilman Troy Avera said. “I’m concerned whether he will be able to do the job.”
His fear, Avera said, was that the city would be “in a world of hurt” if Wingate were unable to assume the city manager responsibilities on July 1. Clark’s last day is June 30.
City Attorney Bruce Leinback interjected that he had spoken with Wingate by phone and the latter had sounded good and had expressed being in good condition.
“The doctors think it will be safe for him to travel back from Kentucky,” Leinback said.
Councilman John Jones, who recently underwent major surgery, said he wasn’t concerned about Wingate’s recovery, given today’s technologies and medical wonders.
“I had my chest split open and I’m here,” Jones said.
True, he was still mending and had to be careful, but otherwise he was doing well, he said.
“If the doctors allow Wingate to travel, I have confidence that he can perform,” Jones said.
Per the draft document that Leinback shared with the council, Wingate will serve as an independent contractor on an interim basis while the city council engages in a search for new city manager.
As compensation, the city will pay Wingate $1,000 weekly for his service. As an independent contractor, however, Wingate will not be entitled to paid vacations, sick leave, health insurance or any other city employment benefits.
On a related issue, the council scheduled a meeting for 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 29, with Jim Hanson, a retired city manager from the Florida City and County Management Association. Hanson will help guide the council through the process of hiring a qualified professional city manager.
Wingate retired as city manager in June 2019, at which time Clark was elevated to the position. At the time of his retirement, Wingate – Monticello’s first-ever city manager – had served nearly 12 years in the position.
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