Approve 3-year contract for new City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller
In Plain English
The city recently appointed Bruce Goodmiller as the new City Attorney. His contract sets his starting salary at $16,786 per month ($201,432 annually). If approved, he receives potential raises each year based on performance reviews.
Auto-generated summary. Source: official agenda documents.
Votes
Continue the item for 30 days to allow Councilmembers Bates, Butt, and any other Councilmembers an opportunity to speak with Mr. Goodmiller regarding his plans for the City Attorney's Office
3 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
The council rejected a proposal to delay approving the new city attorney's contract for 30 days in a divided vote. Three members wanted more time to discuss Bruce Goodmiller's plans for the office before finalizing his $201,432 annual salary, while two opposed the delay and two others abstained. The failed motion means the contract could move forward without the additional review period that Councilmembers Bates, Boozé, and Butt had requested.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Approve the contract
3 to 3
Why This Vote Matters
The council rejected a contract for new City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller in a 3-3 vote, with one abstention from Mayor Butt. The proposed contract would have paid Goodmiller $201,432 annually with potential yearly raises based on performance reviews. This leaves the city without an approved employment agreement for its top legal position, despite having already appointed Goodmiller to the role. The rejection is notable given that council members typically approve the vast majority of contracts, with most having approval rates above 85%.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Continue item for 30 days or less to allow Councilmembers opportunity to speak with Mr. Goodmiller and direct city manager to convey this delay was not rescinding of contract but courtesy to Councilmembers
5 to 1
Why This Vote Matters
The council voted 5-1 to delay finalizing the new City Attorney's contract for up to 30 days, with Councilmember Beckles opposed and McLaughlin abstaining. Bruce Goodmiller has already been appointed as City Attorney with a salary of $201,432 per year, but council members want more time to speak with him before formally approving his contract terms. The delay is explicitly described as a courtesy to allow council members to get acquainted with Goodmiller, not a rejection of his appointment. This marks an unusual departure for Beckles, who typically supports contract items at a much higher rate than her colleagues.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Direct city manager to convey to Mr. Goodmiller that his contract would be retroactive to March 8, 2012, when his contract was approved
5 to 1
Why This Vote Matters
The council voted to make City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller's contract retroactive to March 8, 2012, when it was originally approved. This administrative change ensures Goodmiller's $201,432 annual salary and potential performance-based raises take effect from the date his contract was first approved rather than when he actually started work. The motion passed with broad support in a 5-1 vote, with Councilmember Boozé opposing and Councilmember Bates abstaining. Boozé's dissent marks a departure from her usual pattern of supporting contract items.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Make the decision to make the contract retroactive after the Councilmembers have had a chance to meet with Mr. Goodmiller
2 to 2
Why This Vote Matters
The council failed to delay City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller's $201,432 annual contract to allow more time for councilmembers to meet with him first. The motion to make the contract retroactive only after such meetings fell short in a 2-2-3 vote, with Bates and Boozé supporting the delay, Ritterman and Rogers opposing it, and Beckles, Butt, and McLaughlin abstaining. The high number of abstentions was unusual, as these councilmembers typically vote on contract matters rather than abstaining. This means the original contract approval will proceed as scheduled without the additional meeting requirement.
Auto-generated context. Source: official meeting records.
Community Discussion
This discussion was submitted to the City Clerk as part of the public record.
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Approve 3-year contract for new City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller
Approve 3-year contract for City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller at $16,786 monthly
Extend city attorney contract through 2020 with 2.5% annual raises
Extend city attorney's employment contract through December 2019
Approve 3-year employment contract for new City Attorney at $235,680 salary
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