WINTER HAVEN -- With a 3 - 2 split vote, the city commission decided that City Manager Carl Cheatham will retire by the October 23, 2000, meeting. However, an addendum to the original motion calls for a six-month transition period, or more if needed.
Commissioner Charles Cone made the original motion that set the retirement date, but Commissioner Dave Dershimer asked Cone to accept a "friendly amendment" and add the transition period.
Cone's amended motion was supported by Dershimer and Commissioner Charles Richardson. Mayor Scott Girouard and Commissioner Tom Freijo voted against the motion.
After Cone moved that Cheatham accept or request retirement, each commissioner expressed his opinion and Freijo was in favor of a May 30, 2001, retirement date.
Freijo said the October time line was not sufficient because of ongoing projects that the city manager was dealing with on a daily basis.
"There's a selection process of hiring a new city manager," said Freijo. "And we need to involve the community in that. We're not in a desperate situation and Mr. Cheatham is capable of serving another year while we make a careful search for a replacement."
Girouard was also in favor of a longer period for a seamless transition from one city leader's style to another.
"Commissioner Dershimer's amendment is a good one, but I'd like to see a somewhat longer transition period," said Girouard.
Before Cone made his initial motion, he said the city had latent problems that wouldn't take care of themselves. He was particularly annoyed at nepotism in the city's work force which came to light during the hearings that preceded the firing of Brock and Marie Gainer.
"These problems won't take care of themselves," said Cone, who placed the responsibility on Cheatham.
He said there is more nepotism in the city and there are problems just waiting to happen if nothing is done to prevent them.
Richardson said it was important that that the visioning of the city continue to be ongoing.
"The retirement issue should be handled with compassion and compromise," said Richardson.
Cheatham reiterated that he wanted to stay on the job through the budget process which goes through October.
"I never wanted to be an issue to the city," said Cheatham. "But I'd prefer to work another year, through October 2001."
Freijo gave Cheatham credit for many of the projects currently under way, and progress made in recent years.
"The projects didn't just happen by accident," said Freijo. "They were done by a good, decent person who gave the city many distinguished years of service. We need more than five months to search for, organize and identify a replacement. The people of this city would not want us to disgrace a longtime leader."
Dershimer said Cheatham was a good coach who did the job the commission described.
"He gave us heart and dedication,' said Dershimer.
Girouard said he was comfortable with Cheatham's management style.
"His leadership and aide is what I value," said Girouard. "I'd like to give the city manager the highest vote of confidence I can."
