The Monterey Board of Aldermen want to see physical documentation from the state before moving forward with a new city administrator position.
Mayor Alex Garcia said the city received notification from the governor that the charter change had been signed and was ready for local ratification. Garcia said he received a PDF copy of the document signed by the governor and the speakers of the House and Senate, though the physical paperwork was still being processed for hand delivery.
“Well, I mean that’s completely up to you guys, like I said, but you know, I’d like to get applications in and get someone you know get this job started by July 1st,” Garcia said. “We’ve already voted on this resolution now we’re just ratifying it so that the state has already put their rubber stamp on it, basically.”
Alderman Bill Wiggins said the transition to a city administrator system represents a significant shift in how the town operates.
“Well, just a comment, Mayor,” Wiggins said. “The charter change is what I would call a seismic event. And I would prefer, you know, that the official document be in hand before we vote. Mayor, I would suggest once we get the official document, then we have a call meeting to indeed ratify and put it on the fast track.”
During the public comment period, resident Susan Jackson asked if longtime Finance Officer Ella Dishman would be considered for the city administrator position alongside Cultural Administrator Rafferty Cleary. Garcia said the board would consider any applications to the position.