UPDATE: The city of Riviera Beach on Wednesday approved the final city manager contract for Jonathan Evans.
Evans had been fired without explanation in September 2017 and there was an outrage in the community over his firing.
Many community members started to get engaged in local politics that eventually led to an almost entirely new city board.
“I think when that happened, when the firing happened, it woke up the city and we’re here today because of it. And I make no bones about it that that’s the reason why I was elected. People wanted Mr. Evans back and they casted a vote for me to do that,” said Councilwoman Shirley Lanier.
“I saw a rise in community engagement, more so than I had seen in a very long time. So, I do think that it had a very serious impact in the community,” added Councilwoman KaShamba Miller-Anderosn.
Now, Evans needs to sign the contract and agree to a start date.
EARLIER STORY:
Early Thursday morning, the Riviera Beach city council voted 3-2 to offer a contract to former city manager Jonathan Evans, the same position he was fired from in 2017.
The council will offer Evans a $200,000 salary, on a three-year deal, with an option for three more years, with the first year guaranteed.
Councilmen Tradrick McCoy and Douglas Lawson dissented.
Evans, who is the city manager in Madeira Beach on Florida's west coast, can accept, reject or counter offer.
Councilwoman KaShamba Miller-Anderson said at a special meeting last week that Evans told her during contract negotiations that he did not want to return to the city with a split vote on his return.
If he accepts, he would assume the position in July.
Breaking: @Rivierabch has voted 3-2 to send a contract to Jonathan Evans to return to as city manager, a job he was fired for in 2017.
— Andrew Lofholm (@AndrewLofholm) May 2, 2019
Council negotiated with Evans a $200k annual salary, 1-year guaranteed on a 3-year deal.
It will now go to Evans to accept, reject or counter.
Councilwoman KaShamba Miller-Anderson said previously that Evans told her he doesn't want to return to a split council approving of his return.
— Andrew Lofholm (@AndrewLofholm) May 2, 2019
Councilmen Lawson & McCoy remained the 2 who did NOT approve.
Vote was unanimous 3 weeks ago to allow him to return.
Evans, who was fired two years ago for unspecified reasons, has been in negotiations with council members to get his job back.
Riviera Beach hasn't had a permanent city manager since Evans’ firing.
CONTINUING COVERAGE: Riviera Beach looks to quickly fill interim City Manager position | New Riviera Beach leadership sworn in | Riviera Beach residents hopeful new city leadership will bring change
The new contract would pay Evans an annual salary of $200,000, which is about $20,000 more than when he was previously city manager. Evans had originally asked for $240,000, Miller-Anderson said. It was later negotiated down to $220,000 and then to $200,000.
Other details of the proposed three-year contract include:
- 25 vacation days
- 12 sick days
- $500 monthly car allowance
- $75 monthly cellphone stipend
- Fired without cause: Unused vacation paid out, and 20 weeks pay
- Fired without cause: Owed for what he’s worked, allowed a "public hearing" (this was changed from the contract draft in April that said "Name Clearing Hearing")
- $10,000 relocation allowance
