HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-16-97..789
Board of Directors Room
City Hall - 500 W. Markham
Little Rock, Arkansas
July 16, 1997 - 5:35 P.M.
The Board of Directors of the City of Little Rock, Arkansas, met in special
session with Mayor Jim Dailey presiding. The roll was called by City Clerk Robbie
Hancock, with the following Directors present: Directors Wilson, Hinton, Hodges,
Cazort, Keck, Joyce, Wyrick, Kumpuris, Kelly, and Adcock - total 10; Absent - None.
With a quorum present, Mayor Dailey declared the Board of Directors in session
and stated the purpose of the special meeting was to consider the resignation of City
Manager Charles Nickerson. He then read Mr. Nickerson's letter of resignation as
follows:
"July 16, 1997
"TO: MAYOR AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Almost five years ago, I came back to the City during a time when the FUTURE -
Little Rock process was yet to be completed and there was an impending election
to eliminate the council /manager form of government. I didn't make the decision
to return expecting it to be long -term. I returned because I love this City and this
great organization, and I wanted to offer a degree of leadership and stability to
help during an important transition phase in the life of the community.
"A number of changes have occurred in the last six to eight months that have
made me more anxious to pursue a career change where I can even more
effectively utilize my professional skills and talent. Given those feelings, I believe
the fairest and most equitable thing for me to do would be to resign. I will be
happy to remain with the City for up to four months. This will allow for an
orderly transition for the City and me.
"It has been an exciting and energizing experience. My work with outstanding
neighborhood groups and seeing a renewed sense of trust between the community
and staff have been some of the most rewarding experiences of my career. This
City has given me far more than I could ever hope to repay.
Sincerely,
Charles Nickerson
City Manager"
There was a motion by Director Keck to recess to executive session to consider
the resignation. The motion was seconded by Director Cazort and unanimously adopted.
The Board of Directors then recessed to executive session at 5:37 o'clock P.M.
The Board of Directors reconvened at 6:07 o'clock P.M. with Mayor Dailey
presiding and all Directors present. Mayor Dailey announced that the Board of Directors
had accepted Mr. Nickerson resignation and read the following statement:
"The City Board of Directors met in Executive Session to consider the resignation
of City Manager Charles Nickerson. With regret, the Little Rock Board of
Directors accepts his resignation subject to the following conditions:
"A. We request an effective date to be three months from today. Mr.
Nickerson has agreed to stay four (4) if necessary. If a new opportunity
necessitates his leaving prior to the end of three months, we are willing to
accept his earlier departure.
790
Minutes
July 16, 1997
"B. The Board of Directors will immediately begin the process of a
national search for a new City Manager.
"Personal note from the Board:
"Today is an emotion packed day for Charles Nickerson and his family, for city
staff and for the Little Rock Board of Directors ... as well as the citizens of our
great city.
"We salute our City Manager as a man in integrity, honesty, character and love for
his city. We acknowledge with pride his contributions and achievements, and we
wish him well as he moves on to pursue new personal goals.
"Charles Nickerson is a good man, and we have been blessed to have him as City
Manager."
There was a motion by Director Keck, seconded by Director Hodges, to adjourn
the special meeting. The motion was unanimously adopted and the Board of Directors
special meeting was adjourned at 6:08 o'clock P.M.
ATTEST:
0-"ZA-8� 94.44 WCA-
City Clerk Robbie Hancock
APPROVED:
ayor Jim Dailey