LAKEPORT — At its Tuesday night meeting, the Lakeport City Council discussed options for managing city affairs in the wake of the city manager”s retirement.
Randy Johnsen, Lakeport”s first city manager, resigned abruptly in early July, almost five years to the date after he was hired.
Johnsen came to Lakeport in July 2001 from Glenn County, where he had served as the City of Orland”s city manager for three years. From 1984 to 1991, Johnsen was Cotati”s city manager.
Before he left, Johnsen asked city Community Development Director Richard Knoll to act as interim city manager.
In a report to the council, Knoll outlined a list of suggestions for short- and long-term management options, with the first being to confirm the appointment of Knoll as interim city manager until a new manager is recruited or hired.
“I like number one to start with,” said Councilman Bob Rumfelt. “We have to have somebody to lead down the path until we get a new city manager or something.”
The remainder of the council who were present supported this. Willis “Buzz” Bruns was absent after recent back surgery.
“We can”t sit on our hands,” Councilman Ray Parmentier told Knoll. “You”ve got your plate full.”
To which Knoll responded, “I think it”s a question of what the City Council wants to do.
“My position has always been that I”ll do whatever I can to assist the city in whatever is necessary,” Knoll said. “There is a full plate I think for all of us. With Randy”s retirement, it means more work for those of us still here.”
Knoll said he was open to take over if the council directs him to. “I”m ready and able to take on this job if that”s what you want me to do,” Knoll said.
He also advised the council that he had made a list of more than 50 city projects in the works. “That”s a huge list for anyone.”
Parmentier suggested the council speak with former Fortuna city manager, redevelopment director and city planner Dale Neiman about the position.
“The reason I”ve brought this Dale Neiman up is that he”s a financial wizard,” Parmentier said. “It”s something we don”t have here.”
Parmentier added later that Neiman was recommended by Andy Peterson, Lake County”s deputy director of redevelopment.
City Planning Commissioner John Marino suggested that the council should consider appointing Knoll and look no further.
Rumfelt asked Knoll if he would take the job. Knoll responded, “I”m not prepared to answer that question tonight. I”d certainly consider it.
“I really believe the City Council needs to explore the various options and perhaps that is one option. For the well-being of the community, for the good of the citizens, all of the options have to be on the table,” Knoll said.
“There”s no one more knowledgeable than Richard,” Marino said. “If we go outside of our community, for our unique community, we”ll be making the same mistake as last time.”
Marino said that staff had to work with Johnsen on outside projects, such as Westside Community Park.
“No one was able to work with him,” Marino said. “The project basically shut down.”
“I think we all have some thinking to do,” Rumfelt said. “We spend more time and effort in doing background checks on our police officers than we do on the top man that runs the show.”
He added, “Before we hire anyone from outside, we should do a better job. He has the ability to do a lot of damage to the city.”
Rumfelt clarified Wednesday that his statements were not a reflection on Johnsen; instead, he said he meant to suggest that the council should do a more thorough job when hiring department leaders in general.
The discussion went on Tuesday with considerations of forming a hiring committee, increasing Knolls” salary and whether to hire temporary assistance for him.
Mayor Ted Mandrones suggested that any further discussion beyond appointing Knoll as interim city manager be brought back to the full council, as council member Bruns was absent.
The discussion will continue at the next regular City Council meeting Aug. 1.
Contact Terre Logsdon at tlogsdon@record-bee.com.
