Sandy MillerSOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
A unanimous vote Monday night by the South Burlington City Council. Councilors fired the City Manager about three years after he was hired. "The council may terminate the city managers employment at any time without cause upon such written notice as it deems appropriate," explained Chair of the South Burlington City Council, Rosanne Greco. Sandy Miller is officially terminated, effective immediately.
During the council meeting, the public questioned the process, how quickly the decision was seemingly made, and the biggest mystery of all, why? But those answers will have to wait until Tuesday. "I think when we issue our statement tomorrow, the information will be in that statement," said Greco.
The lack of information Monday night got mixed reviews. "I agree with the councilors in making this decision. What I do believe as well, is that we could have done it in a more planful way," said South Burlington City Council Clerk, Pam Mackenzie. Michael Simoneau is a South Burlington resident. He says, "it doesn't reflect well on our municipal government for decision to be made impulsively."
Miller did not attend Monday's meeting. His lawyer, Scott Cameron, says Miller wasn't invited. And told us on the phone, if Miller was fired without cause, it triggers the severance portion of his contract. "Miller was shocked and dismayed not only by the decision itself, but by the process, or the lack of process. If they don't want him to be their manager, they have the right to remove him but in that case they need to step up to the bat with the contract that they signed and honor it," said Cameron.
Miller makes more than $117,000 a year. His contract calls for 12 months salary and benefits in severance pay. We reached out to the Chittenden County Prosecutor T.J. Donovan. He says there's no criminal investigation that he's aware of surrounding Miller's case.
