Carolina Bayne: ‘We respectfully request that you protect our village from additional harm and avoid the necessity of further action by this community by taking immediate and decisive steps to meet the concerns expressed by the petition calling for the resignation of the city administrator.’

ABSTRACT: During PUBLIC APPEARANCES at the Tuesday, August 5, 2014 City Council meeting, resident Carolina Bayne spoke on behalf of the 539 signers of the PETITION TO TERMINATE THE CURRENT CITY ADMINISTRATOR. Bayne’s remarks are reproduced.

Mr. Mayor and Members of Council:

The 539 petition signatures that we as a community have placed in front of you represent concerned residents, business and property owners who demand that their collective voice will be heard and acted on by those they have placed in office.

It should be noted with some degree of community shame, real shame, that there were those who were hesitant to sign the petition expressing concern that they would suffer retribution from those who are in a position to exercise such consequences.

Mr. Mayor, you have stated that “I don’t think it is ethical…to hold our staff, most notably our city administrator, accountable for decisions that we, the council, have made.” However, it is the responsibility of each Council Member to acknowledge the respective roles of the city council and the city administrator: you establish the policies and the city administrator carries them out. Council must remain mindful of your oath of office to protect the greater interest of the public and community’s reputation and values.

The city council is not authorized nor permitted to hire or fire staff with the exceptions of the city administrator, attorney, engineer and Treasurer. The city council does not have the authority to refuse to process PRA requests, issue permits or authorize the violation of the city’s contracting ordinances. These decisions, to name but a few, have been unilaterally made by the city administrator and have led to statewide criticism, embarrassment and unwarranted and unproven allegations of staff misconduct, which have now led to significant legal exposure.

Members of Council, our message is clear. We respectfully request that you protect our village from additional harm and avoid the necessity of further action by this community by taking immediate and decisive steps to meet the concerns expressed by the petition calling for the resignation of the city administrator.

Thank you.

RELATED NEWS ARTICLE:
Despite protest, Carmel council backs embattled administrator
Group calls for city government changes
By Larry Parsons, 08/05/2014