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 divided 3-3 vote, with Mayor Butt abstaining. The proposed contract would have paid Goodmiller $201,432 annually with potential performance-based raises. Councilmembers Beckles, McLaughlin, and Ritterman supported the contract, while Bates, Boozé, and Rogers voted against it. This leaves the city without an approved contract for its newly appointed City Attorney, creating uncertainty about his employment terms and the city's legal representation.
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 to delay finalizing City Attorney Bruce Goodmiller's contract for up to 30 days so members can meet with him personally before making their decision. Goodmiller has already been appointed to the position with a salary of $201,432 per year, but this delay gives council members more time to discuss the role with him directly. The motion passed with broad support in a 5-1-1 vote, with Councilmember Beckles opposing and Councilmember McLaughlin abstaining. The delay is described as a courtesy to council members rather than a rejection of Goodmiller's appointment.
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, with broad support in a 5-1 vote, with one abstention. Councilmember Boozé opposed the motion, while Councilmember Bates abstained. This administrative action clarifies that Goodmiller's $201,432 annual salary and contract terms take effect from the original approval date rather than when he actually started work. The retroactive effective date could affect when salary payments begin and how performance review timelines are calculated.
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.
Similar Discussions
5 related items found by meaning
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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