Valley police chief, city administrator out
Staff Writer
Published: May 18, 2009
Updated: May 18, 2009
Valley Mayor Arnold Leak was dismayed and slightly panicked Monday night. His city is without both a police chief and a city administrator.
The city council voted at its rescheduled regular meeting not to extend the contracts for police chief Michael Taylor and city administrator Tim Bryan, both of which expired Sunday. The council voted unanimously not to extend Taylor’s contract. The vote was split on Bryan’s contract, with Leak and council members O’Neal Shaw, Ray Edwards and Jimmy Gilson in favor of the extension. Council members Jim Jones, Dr. Elizabeth Lyons, Deborah Chambers and Henry Cooper voted against it.
Taylor has been on paid administrative leave since April 14 after the city received a claim about the mistreatment of a juvenile by police. An external investigation into that incident and another juvenile-related claim are still pending.
Leak said he voted against extending the police chief’s contract because Taylor’s operation of the department wasn’t what the city was looking for. Bryan was serving as interim chief until Sunday. Lt. Frank Montroy has been appointed acting police chief while the city searches for another.
Monday’s votes also left the city without a city administrator, a role Leak will shoulder temporarily.
“It’s a bad position to be in,” Leak said after the meeting. “Basically, we’re in a state of chaos ... I think Tim Bryan has been the best I’ve ever had the opportunity to work with. I’ve lost my right arm.”
Leak said he’s especially worried about the split in the council and how that might affect future projects. He’s going to do his best to move the city forward, he said.
“If I wake up feeling any different tomorrow, they might be looking for a new mayor, too,” he said.
Chambers said she didn’t have anything against Bryan, but she doesn’t think the city needs a city administrator.
“The city administrator was hired based on certain things, and those things are not happening right now,” Chambers said. “All the growth. Somewhere down the road, maybe a few months, a year, we may need one, but not at this time.”
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Reader Reactions
Pesimist
What more could move US backwards than a Mayor, City Administrator,COP & Public Works director like we have had…The law suits are just beginning…what will the total cost be?
There can be forward thinking and continuity with the RIGHT person leading Valley and that person is NOT Arnold LEAK! It’s Time for Change, it’s time for honest, open, transparent and sensible leadership in Valley.
Leak tells all by saying he lost his right arm in Tim Bryan. Bryan was just Leaks main “hinchman”.
I agree with Council Woman Chambers, WE DON’T NEED a City Administrator. We don’t need the likes of John McConnell. Our people, especially our elderly and youth need a person(s) who really care to lead Valley!
Goes to show you how misguided a majority of the city council really is.
This action will undoubtedly move Valley back into the 90’s. No more ‘forward looking’ strategic planning, no continuity for plans and operation of the city.
Way to go Valley Council!
Last night was just the first step in “cleaning up” Valley, Alabama. Now it’s time for Mayor Arnold Leak to step asside. Mayor Leak is ultimately RESPONSIBLE for creating the position and the subsequent hiring FORMER City Admin. Tim Bryan. Tim Bryan has been a JOKE to say the least, It is his and Arnold leaks “doings” that have brought on Valley’s woes.
Next, the City of Valley does NOT need the City Admin. position, If the mayor can’t run the city with department heads answering directly to him, then he needs to step asside and let someone else run this city. The City of Valley could better use the salary paid to a City Admin.
Mayor Arnold Leak, we the people of Valley, Alabama repectfully ask you to step asside Sir, or a recall petition will be circulated within Valley to secure a recall vote to remove you from office.
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