Fort Walton Beach Council minutes — 09-17-1968 Special — reading text

dismissal of Mr. Williams waS thoroughly justified and I support the adminis- trative action of the City Manager in this case. MAYOR Hayor Brown then recognized Councilman Ready who made the following statement: JAMES N. Idle Gossip is dfficult to combat. It is VlClOUS and READY always unfair, since damage is quick~ administered and any report to subdue such gossip is at best vain. However, as a City Councilman, my decision cannot and will not be influ- enced by such talk. } tr first responsibility is to uphold the City Charter. This I have done for 10 years, and will continue to do so. Mr. Walker has always acted in the best interest of our city. His actions in firing }~. Williams certainly appear to be justified. It is my opinion that lv'Jr. Walker has served our city well. He presently is either direct~ or indirectly responsible for in excess of 200 employees. His capabilities have been exhibited through improvements throughout the entire city. Since he has been a capable, effective administrator of the employees of our City for 10 years, I feel that Mr. Williams would still be Chief of Police and accept- able to Mr. Walker had he been of a cooperative attitude and been willing to put the affairs of Fort Walton Beach ahead of his own). I hereby approve of 1'~. Walker' s actions taken on former Police Chief Williams 100% and welcome any  191 type of investigation into any part or all of our City' s affairs. Councilman James M. Ready MAYOR At the conclusion of the statements by each member of Council, Mayor Brown asked if anyone in the audience had 1 anything to say and there was no comment. The Mayor then asked the City Manager if he had any comment. who declined. The Mayor then commented. It has proven most unfortunate that James D. Williams' dismi$sal as police chief has resulted in a pupularity contest between him and the City }~ nager with the tax- payers having to be in the middle. The differences, however, which developed between the City Manager and the police chieg created an intolerable situation with question: Should the police chief be permitted to operate and run his department without supervision, or shall he be answerable to the city manager. as are all department heads? Y.I1'. Walker has an unblemished record as City Manager of Fort Walton Beach for more than ten years, which we members of City Council, believe far outweighs the accomplishments of :t-1r. Williams during his 16 months as police chief. We, your Councilmen, welcome the anticipated Grand Jury investigation because it would serve the purpose of dispelling rumors pertianing to irregularities in the City government and allow us to return to the serious business of building a city faced with weighty challenges of unexpected growth and prosperity. Mayor Brown expressed his appreciation for the Press being present. The Mayor declared the meeting adjourned at 4: 50 p. m. The City Manager announced that copies of the Cityls audit for the FYE 6- 30- 68 were available for each member of Council and for members of the press if they so desired. A_ OV~ + 1 Mayor: ~ I A(Zi 11 i2~ City Clerk r-" 191 l