City Council Closer to Changing City's Charter

Johns Creek's mayor and city council are one step closer to accepting responsibility for hiring and firing a city manager.

By a vote of 5-1, with Mayor Mike Bodker opposed, council approved the first reading of an amendment to the city's charter. A second reading is scheduled for April 25.

The amendment allows the mayor to appoint a city manager for an indefinite period, subject to ratification by city council. It also allows the mayor or a council member to recommend removal of the city manager subject to the same ratification.

Five people rose to speak in opposition to the amendment.

David Kornbluh said, "Changes to our governing document by fiat don't make sense and seem wrong."

Bob Frame said he represented a large number of citizens who disagreed with the change and added, "I believe what the city council is doing is an egregious abuse of power." He then asked, "Are you listening to your citizens?"

But John Buckett saw it differently. "Rules of incorporation are guidelines," he said. "I don't object to this. I applaud your transparency. I respect the others' opinions, but this does not diminish my rights as a citizen."

Bodker made clear that, although he voted against the amendment, there is no daylight between himself and the council on the substance of the issue.

"I agree with the changes," he said. "I don't have a problem with any of them. What I continue to have a problem with is the appearance."

Councilwoman Bev Miller said, "I've heard from (tonight's) speakers. But I've also heard from some who are not here. In every case, everyone agrees with these changes. I think it's the right thing to do. I can't imagine why we wouldn't make these tough decisions."

In other business, the board approved an amendment to the charter that clarifies that the appointment of the city attorney is subject to ratification by the city council and that the attorney serves at the pleasure of the council.