So the Mayor abruptly inserts a contract onto a non-compliant FOIA Council agenda for the Town Manager (after he's served without one for 14 years) during the tardy budget development process.
After a closed session July 6, Council unanimously agrees to a $128,000 (12 months salary) buy out, plus severance deal. A minority of Council members had been trying to delay what was typically a September review for an employee who served at their pleasure, with certain members pushing for access to contract details and the Town Attorney reportedly putting over 40 billable hours into this task.
Yet a video shows the Mayor was ready to jump by this legal action and move on, passing up the necessary Council vote relative to the closed session, with Councilman Mike Barber bringing it up by stating Council "lacks confidence in Mr. Terpenny's continued employment as Town Manager" of Christiansburg.
Is this unanimous vote for a year's pay without work for service excellence, or something else? Before the new Council, elected in May, is seated? Since the Mayor initiated the action, perhaps he'll make himself available to provide the details. And the Town Attorney, after all these years with Christiansburg, isn't aware of the jobs filled by Council as defined by the Town's Charter?
Christiansburg -- voters, residents and business operators -- will otherwise be left to figure this out. What does this equate to in real estate rates? Why now, since the incumbent had been freely proclaiming his intentions to retire soon? What is the dollar value of the severance deal? Why effective in 25 days, and why was there a "failure" of internet access in the building during this discussion (since it is already shameful public meetings are not taped, broadcast or don't provide officials with microphones in 2010)?
Note incoming Councilman's Cord Hall's June 22nd request to participate in the earlier closed session -- this had precedent in the 2008 election by including council-elect members prior to their swearing into office.
Progressive small town living at its best? Where he lands is the place Christiansburg locals should be talking to next.