Councilman Dave Barkemeyer made the motion, which passed unanimously, that “the city manager be removed from office effective April 20, and that he be paid severance as provided by his contract. He is relieved of his duties as city manager immediately and will stay on in the capacity of a consultant until April 20. At this time he will be removed from the payroll.”
After the meeting adjourned, Mayor William C. “Bill” Meacham declined to comment on the reason behind the council’s action. The agenda item stated that the council would meet in an executive session to discuss the employment status of the city manager. Meacham said Stephens would receive severance pay, or five months salary, as outlined in his contract.
Stephens also declined to comment on the council’s action, and said he would seek employment as city manager in another municipality. Stephens came to work for the city of Cameron in June 2005, after resigning as Post city manager. A city consulting firm screened 56 applicants before recommending Stephens for the Cameron city manager’s job.
Meacham said the council is expected to meet at 12:15 p.m. Friday to consider a plan for replacing Stephens. The council did not make an interim appointment Monday.
In other business at the regular meeting, the council:
-Conducted a hearing and the first reading of an ordinance establishing curfew hours for minors. The ordinance, established in the 1990s, must be re-adopted every three years to remain valid.
-Tabled for further information, a request by Billie Wied to designate Dutch Town a historic district. Council members stated they supported some type of historical recognition for the business district patronized by European immigrants that was established in the late 19th century, but they wanted specific boundaries, and how the designation would affect a property owners’ ability to demolish an old building or make repairs. Mrs. Wied is expected to report to the council later.
-Heard updates on seven projects including tennis courts, Orchard Park, the wastewater line replacement project; the pool/park project, the hike and bike trail; library upgrades and baseball field improvements.
