Last night the Bothell City Council added a visitors section to their agenda even though it was a Study Session where public comment is not usually taken. This was done primarily to give residents an opportunity to talk about the termination of former city manager [Bob] Stowe. While the room was pretty full, only 13 people spoke with 10 either questioning why Stowe was let go or in support of the job he had done.

Here are a few observations. First, it is important to know that the city manager serves strictly at the pleasure of the City Council and he is the only city employee who reports directly to the elected council.

Second, there are just three ways the city manager can be replaced: 1) he resigns, retires or dies; 2) he is terminated without cause; or 3) he is terminated for cause. If without cause, he is entitled to a severance package that was negotiated when he was hired. In Stowe’s case this was done in 2005 and included up to a very generous one year of salary and benefits, which would end when he finds a new job. No reason needs to be given.

If with cause, then the Council must specify the reasons and he would not receive any further compensation. Such cases usually result in costly and protracted legal action and can get very nasty for all involved. This would certainly not be in the city’s best interest going forward.

Third, many speakers suggested it was “heartless” or “cruel” to have terminated Stowe while he was on vacation. Would it have been better for him to have to sit there in public while he was fired? How many of you would like to be fired in front of your fellow employees and the public? This was a personnel action best handled with as much privacy as possible.

Fourth, the mayor said that he had informed Stowe of the possibility of action on his status before that meeting. Thus Stowe had the opportunity to resign and chose not to.

Fifth, it is important to note that the vote was 5-2. Three in the majority (Agnew, Samberg and Rheaume) have a total of over 16 years on the Council working with Stowe. Even if the two newest council members had abstained, the result would have been the same.

Finally, it is too bad most of the audience left after the comment period. If they had stayed, they would have learned just how broke the city is. Without additional money, the city may have to lay off the entire street maintenance crew and there will be no money for crosswalks and sidewalks. Further, the Fire Department is pleading for money for training and needed equipment as well as physicals to monitor the health of our firefighters. Finally, the fire stations require some much needed maintenance and upgrades. Again, no money.

Why? Look no further than the new, extremely expensive city hall which will suck up $3-3.4 million per year in rent payments for the next 24 years (a total of $80 million). That too is Stowe’s legacy.

Bill Moritz, Bothell