Interference is denied by city officials
BY PHIL REYNOLDS SOUTH JETTY REPORTER

City officials say reports of a city employee's quitting because of undue interference from city council members is "nonsense."

"Under no uncertain terms will I ever give a (city) employee a directive," said Mayor Claude Brown, when asked about the city's policy regarding direct management by council members.

"If (city employees) are leaving, they either have problems they haven't dealt with, or they see some problem upcoming," Brown said.

The employee, who asked that his name and position not be revealed, said council members violated the city charter "by questioning … city employees directly."

At issue is an instance where Councilman Bubba Jensen, in a conversation with a city employee, learned that he needed additional tools.

The employee called the conversation "fishing for information," and said Jensen held "private meetings to discuss city 'business '."

Jensen said he talked with City Manager Michael Kovacs about the tools needed, and the tools were eventually supplied.

He said the matter came up during a casual conversation with the employee at the workplace, and that the employee brought the matter up.

"I heard about the problem and took it to the city manager, where it was resolved," Jensen said. "That's the way it's supposed to work."

Since July 1, city records show that seven city employees have resigned. Of the seven, only one said he was dissatisfied with working conditions.

Of the seven, two were with the police department, four were with the parks and recreation department and one was in the operations department, records show.

Last year during July, five people resigned from city jobs, said Assistant City Secretary Pam Hatzenbuehler, who is the city's personnel officer.

City Manager Michael Kovacs said over the past month, "a handful" of reports had come to him about individual conversations between city employees and council members. He estimated the number at two.

The city charter specifically prohibits council members from giving employees instructions about their jobs.

"Except for the purpose of inquiries and investigations as provided by this charter, the city council or its members shall deal with city officers and employees who are subject to the direction and supervision of the city manager solely through the city manager, and neither the city council nor its members shall give orders to any such officer or employee, either publicly or privately, except as otherwise provided in this charter," it says.

Under the council-manager form of government, which Port Aransas has adopted, the city manager is the executive officer of the city and the council is the policy-making body.