Calling it "time for a change," Roseville Mayor Gina Garbolino said Thursday that W. Craig Robinson will not return to his city manager's post.
Robinson will, however, remain in administrative limbo for at least another week. The council went behind closed doors Thursday to discuss Robinson's departure by resignation or dismissal.
But after the meeting, Garbolino said talks about Robinson's departure agreement would continue in the interest of reaching a settlement both parties could live with.
The council hopes to finalize the matter at a Nov. 4 closed session, Garbolino said.
"We just felt that the communication between the city manager and the council had deteriorated to the point that it became a distraction," Garbolino said in a phone interview shortly after Thursday's closed session. "We felt it was time for a change."
Before Thursday, the council had been tight-lipped over the reason for its Oct. 9 decision to place Robinson on paid administrative leave.
But public pressure to explain the rationale grew.
Garbolino said that if the delay can save the city some money, then it's worth it. Robinson – who had a base salary of $273,000 – estimated that his forced departure would cost the city in the neighborhood of $500,000, but that figure has been disputed.
Former councilman and council gadfly Phil Ozenick urged the council to be careful with city funds.
"It's not their money. It's the citizens of Roseville's money," he said.
Ozenick clashed with Robinson on several issues, including his salary.
He said he found Robinson to be grating and overstepping his bounds by declaring what the city would do, without consulting the council.
"It's almost as if he was the sole decision maker," Ozenick said.
Garbolino said it's important to have a cohesive city team.
At Thursday's meeting, the council formally appointed Assistant City Manager Mike Shellito interim city manager, an appointment he accepted without an increase to his $185,000 annual salary.
The council also agreed to pay an executive search firm $16,500 plus expenses to find a replacement for Robinson.
"We are looking forward to moving on," Garbolino said.
Call The Bee's Ed Fletcher, (916) 321-1269.
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