After 30 years of dedicated service, Montpelier’s City Council made the difficult decision not to renew City Manager Bill Fraser’s contract on February 12. Fraser, who took on the role in 1995, has been a staple in the community, navigating through various challenges and triumphs over the years.
The Parliamentary Drama Unfolds
The city council meeting where the decision was made was filled with tension and uncertainty. Councilor Tim Heney wasted no time in motioning to terminate Fraser’s contract, swiftly seconded by Councilor Adrienne Gil. However, Councilor Cary Brown intervened, expressing the need for a deeper discussion before any vote took place. Mayor Jack McCullough outlined the key question at hand – whether to renew, extend, or terminate Fraser’s contract, with a plan to discuss separation terms if necessary. Legal counsel was present to guide the council through their obligations to the city manager.
Lawyer Ed Adrian, from the Burlington-based law firm Monoghan, Safar, and Ducham, offered his services to the council, hinting at the need to say “magic words” during the executive session. The precise nature of these “magic words” remained a mystery, adding an air of intrigue to the proceedings. Following Brown’s motion to table the vote on Fraser’s contract, a lengthy two-hour closed-door discussion ensued. When the council reconvened, Heney withdrew his initial motion, paving the way for Councilor Sal Alfano to motion against renewing Fraser’s contract and to draft a separation agreement.
Emotional Testimonies and Final Farewells
As the meeting transitioned to public input, community members shared their perspectives on Fraser’s tenure. Steve Whitaker highlighted the importance of preserving Fraser’s wealth of knowledge for the benefit of future city managers. On the other hand, Anthony Iarrapino stressed the need for new leadership to address Montpelier’s pressing issues, ranging from housing shortages to environmental concerns. Peter Kelman echoed these sentiments, advocating for a fresh perspective to tackle the city’s challenges.
Fraser himself took the floor, gracefully accepting the council’s decision while expressing gratitude for his 30-year journey as city manager. He acknowledged the collaborative efforts of his team and the support of his family, emphasizing his love for Montpelier and his commitment to leaving a positive legacy. Mayor McCullough, in a poignant tribute, lauded Fraser’s ethical leadership and contributions to the community, expressing regret over the outcome of the council’s decision.
Throughout his tenure, Fraser navigated complex issues such as natural disasters, infrastructure challenges, and social crises, leaving an indelible mark on Montpelier’s landscape. Despite occasional hurdles with city leadership, Fraser’s dedication and expertise were widely recognized, underscoring his lasting impact on the city’s development.
As Fraser prepares to embark on a new chapter, his legacy as Montpelier’s longest-serving city manager will endure, a testament to his unwavering commitment to public service. His departure marks the end of an era, yet his influence on the community will resonate for years to come.
