At their Monday, Feb. 24 Special Meeting, Missouri City Councilmembers voted 4-3 to dissolve the employment contract of City Manager Anthony J. Snipes, who had served as the City’s Chief Administrative Officer since Dec. 1, 2015.
Due to the related agenda item—2c—being a personnel matter regarding City Manager Snipes, it fell under Texas Government Code, Section 551.074, meaning it was scheduled to be discussed in closed executive session. However, Snipes requested that City Council discuss the agenda item in open session.
Mayor Yolanda Ford explained the action, saying: “This item was put on the agenda to discuss personnel issues for the city manager. Council has to be very cautious of what is said [on such matters] and this is why we discuss these type of issues in executive session. But the city manager has asked that we not discuss it in executive session and that we discuss it here [from] the dais.”
The Chambers was filled with residents and stakeholders who attended the meeting to voice their feedback to Council on the agenda item and share their experiences in working and partnering with Snipes.
The City has received a number of inquiries from residents and media outlets about the Council decision and staff has compiled a list of frequently asked questions and responses on the matter.
What was the City Council motion and vote regarding the dissolution of the City’s contract with Mr. Snipes?
Councilmember At-Large Position #1 Vashaundra Edwards made a motion: “As per 2c of the employment agreement between the City of Missouri City and Anthony Snipes, the City Manager, to terminate the services of Anthony Snipes subject only to the provision set forth in section three of the agreement.” Mayor Pro Tem and At-Large Position #2 Councilmember Chris Preston seconded the motion. Along with Edwards and Preston, Mayor Ford and District A Councilmember Cheryl Sterling voted in favor of the motion. District B Councilmember Jeffrey Boney, District C Councilmember Anthony Maroulis, and District D Councilmember Floyd Emery voted in opposition of the motion.
All Councilmembers provided statements prior to voting. To hear the full discussion, click the following link: http://bit.ly/2w87UkQ.
What are the next steps for filling the city manager role?
Per the City charter, the Assistant City Managers—Bill Atkinson and Glen Martel—will continue to act in their roles and will provide administrative services to the City.
At the Monday, March 2 City Council Meeting, Members will discuss the appointment of an interim city manager.
For updates, please watch the City website: www.missouricitytx.gov, like us on Facebook—fb/MissouriCityTX, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat—@MissouriCityTX and Nextdoor, watch Missouri City Television (Ch. 16 on Comcast and Ch. 99 on AT&T U-verse) or download the MCTX Mobile app (available for free in Google Play and the Apple app store).