From Deseret News archives:
Bluffdale delays vote on firing of director
Mayor Claudia Anderson last week put Bluth on paid administrative leave — and then fired him — after the two butted heads for months. In response, councilmen Craig Briggs and Bill Maxwell sought to change the city's form of government from one with power focused on the mayor to one run by the city administrator.
At a special meeting held Sept. 6, residents by the dozens spoke up either in favor of or in opposition to Anderson, and in the end Anderson and the council agreed to a compromise proposed by Councilwoman Nancy Lord.
That agreement called for Anderson to temporarily reinstate Bluth's employment while council members weighed the public comment and decided what to do about the proposed government change.
The proposed change will be on the council's agenda Sept. 26, but Tuesday's agenda called for the council to vote on overturning Bluth's firing. The council voted 4-1 to put that discussion off until Sept. 26, with Lord casting the sole "no" vote.
"I just think we ought to consider it all at once," Maxwell said.
Under Bluffdale's current form of government, the mayor — although officially a part-time position — serves as the city's chief executive. She has the authority to hire and fire city staff, though city ordinance calls for the council's advice and consent.
The proposed change would reduce the mayor's role to the head of the City Council. A city manager or administrator would take on the executive duties.
Since Anderson took office in January, at least 10 staff members have quit or been fired. Anderson revamped the city's planning commission and disbanded the arts council. Most recently, planner Glenn Goins announced his plans to quit, citing regular conflict with Anderson.
E-mail: dsmeath@desnews.com
