DeBary's new city manager says no to job

Concerned — DeBary Mayor Bob Garcia said he had concerns, and had heard concerns from residents about the man picked by City Council for the job of DeBary city manager.

Just said no — Kenneth Weaver of Tennessee, who last week accepted a contract to become DeBary's city manager, has now rescinded it. Weaver's had become the subject of scrutiny as disagreement between Mayor Bob Garcia, City Council Member Van Conoley and other city council members grows.

Weaver rescinds acceptance of job in the middle of controversy

By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Aug 30, 2009 - 5:13:07pm

UPDATE SUNDAY, Aug. 30 — As disagreement and perhaps a power struggle surfaced among DeBary's city council over the hiring of Kenneth Weaver as DeBary's new city manager, Weaver rescinded his acceptance of the post. Today, Aug. 30, Vice Mayor Norm Erickson said he spoke with Weaver and learned of Weaver's decision.

Friday evening, Aug. 28, Council Member Van Conoley was adamant about hiring Weaver. He noted there was no criminal history or reports of wrongdoing on Weaver. Conoley said he talked to the mayor of Eunice, N.M., who told him, when Weaver's contract at a previous post in Eunice, N.M. was not renewed in 2007, only a couple of people had complained about him, leading to the non-renewal.

Vice Mayor Norm Erickson noted Weaver seemed extremely well-prepared when he came for the interview with City Council. Erickson said Weaver had studied DeBary's comprehensive land-use plan and other DeBary documents and was "well-prepared and knowledgeable." Erickson was waiting to see the completed reference and background check on Weaver.

Today, Sunday, Aug. 30, Erickson said he had spoken with Weaver, and Weaver had declined the job.

Erickson was going through resumes again.

City Council will take up the matter at the Sept. 2 meeting.

REPORT FROM FRIDAY, Aug. 28 — Mayor Bob Garcia is questioning the choice of Kenneth Weaver of Tennessee as DeBary's new city manager, and a rift is developing on the City Council over the hiring.

Garcia said he will sign a contract with Kenneth Weaver of Tennessee, "If I'm forced to ... under protest."

The contract is on the City Council's agenda for a 7 p.m. meeting Wednesday, Sept. 2, in City Hall at 16 Colomba Road.

Garcia is concerned about Weaver's work history, which includes a number of jobs over the past 20 years.

The mayor said DeBary residents have been calling him about negative comments posted online about Weaver's performance in previous jobs.

Garcia said he wants to see the results of a city background check on Weaver that was under way as The Beacon went to press.

"I'm not accusing him of anything," Garcia said.

He just doesn't believe Weaver is right for the job.

Curtis Schrader, manager of the city of Eunice, N.M., where Weaver worked in 2007, confirmed the city had elected not to renew Weaver's contract after hearing negative reports from city workers.

"In that particular instance, there were a number of employees who showed up. No one had anything good to say about him," Schrader said.

An Oct. 1, 2008, online article by Jill Cecil Weirsma at The Tennessean reported Weaver got mixed reviews at his last job, for the city of Spring Hill, Tenn.

"So far, on a 1-5 scale, Kenneth Weaver has an average 2.24 rating from the City Board of Mayor and Aldermen six months into his performance as city administrator," The Tennessean reported.

Spring Hill officials' appraisal of Weaver also contained positive comments about his work representing the city in organizations including the Metropolitan Planning Organization.

One Spring Hill official said people told him Weaver can be difficult to reach, and department heads told him that Weaver could be more respectful and a better listener. Another official noted Weaver had made "significant accomplishments" in Spring Hill.

DeBary Mayor Garcia supported Anthony Gonzalez for city manager.

Gonzalez, who has been acting city manager since Maryann Courson was fired in April, was among the five finalists for the city manager job.

When the City Council met Aug. 19, the vote was 4-1 to hire Kenneth Weaver of Tennessee. Two days later, Gonzalez resigned from the city.

Gonzalez, Garcia said, understands about hurricanes and stormwater, and knows the city, through eight years' experience.

"He's worked like a dog for the city," Garcia said.

As for Weaver, "In the interview, he didn't have a good perspective on what the city needs," Garcia said.

The mayor said he objects to the amount of money the city will spend to bring Weaver to DeBary, including a $7,000 moving allowance, a 30-day hotel stay during the transition, and the use of a vehicle.

"That money could have been used for things in DeBary," Garcia said.

In an Aug. 28 interview, Weaver said he was unaware of the controversy.

"The only thing I can say is, I plan to work with council and mayor," he said. "That's the only thing I can say."

Weaver added, in former jobs, sometimes he's had to make tough decisions that didn't please everyone.

— pat@beacononlinenewscom

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