published: Friday, October 23, 2009

City manager asked to leave

City manager asked to leave

ROXANNE BROWN

Staff Writer

MINNEOLA -- City Council members gave City Manager Sam Oppelaar a 4-to-1 "no confidence" vote late Tuesday for his job performance.

The council asked Oppelaar to resign or face termination.

Vice Mayor Sue Cordova, who made the motion, said Oppelaar's inexperience, his lack of understanding of city government and his "military-like style of management" were factors leading to her decision.

Mayor Dave Yeager voted against Oppelaar's dismissal and said he has been Minneola's best city manager.

"I've had a lot of complaints. Many from employees and some from residents regarding ongoing concerns with his (Oppelaar's) management style," Cordova said. "He runs the city as if he's still in the military and you can't do that. He lacks the knowledge to run the city as a city."

Cordova said a few employees said they felt intimidated by Oppelaar. The employees allegedly begged Cordova to terminate the city manager before her term ended Nov. 4.

Cordova said it was "her responsibility" to make the Oppelaar motion.

On Wednesday, Oppelaar said he was "shell-shocked" by the news.

He said he feels he's worked hard for the city and has always had the city's best interests in mind. He said he's saved the city millions of dollars and consistently gave the council balanced budgets.

He said he maintains a good relationship with city residents.

Oppelaar said he felt ambushed and suspects the council's motives relate to board members' qualms with Yeager.

"There's a long standing disconnect between the council members and Mayor Yeager and they've (council members) have made no secret about that," Oppelaar said. "The things the council claims are completely unsubstantiated. I've worked very hard in the one-and-a-half years and accomplished many things for the city so to say that I'm not qualified is ludicrous."

"From 1 to 10, he's a 40. He has made mistakes, sure, but so has every person on council. But look what he has done for the city," Yeager said. "But beyond that, let's talk respect. You don't do people like that."

According to City Attorney Scott Gerken, council members asked Oppelaar to resign and stated their intent to terminate him if he refused. They didn't set a time-frame.

Gerken said Oppelaar may have until the next meeting. He asked the board to clarify its intent.

Cordova said she wants to schedule a special meeting to get consensus from the board.

Gerken said Oppelaar is still considered the city manager.

Oppelaar had worked as Panama City Beach's senior systems engineer. He is also a retired Air Force officer.

Oppelaar earned $105,000 a year as city manager.