Tensions ran high again during Wednesday night’s Johnstown City Council meeting.
With less than two months to fill City Manager Arch Liston’s position once he resigns at the end of 2017, council voted against appointing Police Chief Robert Johnson as acting city manager.
Community and Economic Development Director Renee Daly also turned down the position when asked by council.
Unable to fill the position, council members had mixed reactions.
“No, I’m not concerned at all. We’ll have somebody in place,” said Councilwoman Marie Mock.
“I’d say yes, it’s a concern if we don’t appoint an acting city manager and we can’t find anybody who’s agreeable to take the position,” said Councilwoman Charlene Stanton.
“I’m feeling confident we’ll be able to fill that position next year. And we don’t need these side show attractions to deter people from coming on to this position,” said Mayor Frank Janakovic.
Newcomers Sylvia King and Ricky Britt will take their seats on council in January 2018. Current council members said the change is welcomed, but it won’t get rid of all their problems.
“The new members coming on board, you’re going to see a lot of good changes, collaboration,” Mock said.
“We’re working very hard at meetings that we were going to be cooperating and respectful, etc. But without naming names, it seems certain council members are here to disrupt,” said Mayor Janakovic.
An ongoing conflict is a lawsuit against council and the city of Johnstown regarding sewer work. The lawsuit was filed by council members Jack Williams and Charlene Stanton.
Voters said they hope the new council can put aside their differences.
“They know what Johnstown needs, they’ll take it in the right direction and they’ll work with the rest of the council,” said Nunzio Barber, a Johnstown resident.
“We need unity in the council. When you have problems inside, you can’t help those on the outside,” said Johnstown resident Linda Morris, “Change, we need change.”
City officials are hoping to fill the permanent city manager position before the new year.