Saturday, July 11, 2015

AGENDA SHOCKER

The internet provided Agenda for Monday’ s Agenda Fixing Session begins with two most interesting items; on the face page the Office of the Corporation Counsel is listed as a “Vacancy”, and under “Correspondence from the Mayor”
FROM HIS HONOR THE MAYOR, ADRIAN O. MAPP, CORRESPONDENCE FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK ON JUNE 26, 2015 NOTIFYING MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING OF THE REMOVAL OF VERNITA E. SIAS-HILL ESQ. AS CORPORATION COUNSEL EFFECTIVE JULY 16, 2015. 
Aside from the fact that the Council’s meeting is on the 13th and in theory Sials-Hill is still on the payroll according to the above correspondence, because of the terminology “removed” her absence is proper.
I expect that David Minchello who still has a position on the Corporation Counsel’s staff will be at the meeting in an acting capacity.
The reason for Silas-Hill’s removal will undoubtedly not be made public since it is a personnel matter. However if there was a breach of conduct then it is the public’s right to be informed; especially if there is the possibility of litigation or other legal action.
I will note that during my limited number of meetings attended this year I have been disturbed by her apparent lack of familiarity with state regulations and our own rules that impact on Council’s actions.
This may have been a bad political appointment. What will be of interest is whether the Council exercises its right to negate the Mayor’s action.
A review of the agenda will be posted tomorrow.

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