Whither Watson?

Monday's agenda arrived with no mention of action on Eric Watson's status. As some may recall, the former executive director of the PMUA and recipient of a large settlement for his service, was named acting director of the Department of Public Works & Urban Development. Watson held the same post before he became head of the PMUA in 1995. His starting date as department head was Sept. 15, 2014.

I kind of expected to see a resolution appointing him permanently on the Dec. 8 agenda, but there was none. The next council meeting will be an agenda-fixing session Dec. 15 for the annual reorganization, which is scheduled for Jan. 5, 2015. The only way action could be taken that night is if there is a special meeting in addition. Watson could be confirmed as director to serve for the balance of Mapp's term, or the council could approve another 90-day temporary appointment. But something has to be done by Dec. 15 if Watson is to stay on.

If I missed something regarding this appointment, please let me know. Here is what the Municipal Code says:

Sec. 2:3-4.    Interim appointments.

    (a)     Whenever a vacancy exists in any office required by the Charter or ordinance to be filled by the Mayor with the advice and consent of the Council, the Mayor may temporarily fill such vacancy in the absence of any contrary provision in the Charter or ordinance by appointing an acting officer, including the designation of himself or a Department Director as Acting City Administrator or the designation of the City Administrator as an acting department director. Any such appointment shall terminate no later than ninety (90) days after the date of appointment. Provided however that before the completion of an interim appointment as described herein and upon the written application of the Mayor, the City Council by a majority vote, may approve an extension of such appointment for an additional period not to exceed ninety (90) days. No person shall be eligible for a temporary appointment who has previously served a temporary appointment in the same office during the previous twelve (12) consecutive months.

    (b)     Such appointee shall have all of the functions, powers and duties of the office for ninety (90) days or for such longer period as may be approved and provided for pursuant to Subsection (a) above.

    (c)     In the event the City Administrator is designated as an acting department director, the provisions of Section 2:5-9(d) shall apply.

(A.C. 1969, 3.4, as amended May 5, 1969; MC 2001-46, § 1, December 19, 2001; MC 2004-24, § 1, October 30, 2002; MC 2011-07, August 8, 2011.)

--Bernice