Stockton City Council Special Closed Session - January 9, 2025

The Stockton City Council held a special closed session on January 9, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:20 PM to discuss personnel matters, including public employee discipline/dismissal (City Manager Harry Black) and appointment of an interim city manager. The meeting included a public comment period with a failed motion to extend speaking time, followed by a closed session. After reconvening, the council reported two unanimous votes.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Motecuzoma Sanchez: Urged the council to do the right thing for the community, criticized past council for failing to support Councilmember Padilla, and questioned the city manager's performance improvement plans and raises while crime and Measure A funding issues persisted.
• Dan Wright (former council member): Praised City Manager Harry Black's leadership during COVID-19 and civil unrest, urged careful consideration, and suggested that if the council decided to replace him, they should follow Sacramento's approach rather than acting hastily.
• Rev. Ernest Williams: Warned council members that God is watching and that actions taken behind closed doors will be exposed; expressed opposition to the potential firing.
• Pandora Crowder: Strongly opposed the firing, stating Black helped the city out of bankruptcy and was present in South Stockton for community events; criticized some newer council members for lack of familiarity with his work.
• April Reed (Neighborhood Change Associate with Advanced Peace): Emphasized the importance of council and city manager leadership, urged prioritizing progress that unites the community and creates opportunities for youth.
• Jose Serna (Neighborhood Change Associate): Urged council to make decisions reflecting community needs, invest in youth programs, and maintain a united vision.
• Trena Turner: Expressed disappointment, questioned the optics of firing a Black man as the first action of a new majority-Latina council, and doubted the cost-effectiveness of termination given potential litigation.
• Julie Dunning: Voiced concern over lack of transparency and accountability from the city manager's office, cited unanswered questions about tax expenditures and alleged threat information used to advance contracts; stated no vote of confidence.
• Bobby Bivens: Defended Black for recruiting a qualified police chief from outside the city and improving infrastructure; criticized a council member for an attempted illegal contract (sole sourcing).
• Richard Walker: Supported changing the city manager, stating the results of Black's tenure speak for themselves and a new manager could bring harmony.
• Yolanda Amen: Requested the council hire a new city manager who prioritizes the best interests of residents, citing concerns about Black's ability to collaborate during a time of change.

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Extend Public Comment Time: Councilmember Villapudua moved to allow all speakers two minutes with no 20-minute cap; motion failed 3-4 (Yes: Blower, Villapudua, Enríquez; No: Padilla, Fugazi, Ponce, Lee).
• Closed Session Report: Council voted 7-0 to accept City Manager Harry Black's resignation in lieu of no cause termination, subject to a separation agreement with the following terms: severance consistent with section 5.02 of his contract, last day of employment February 28, 2025; compensation for leave totaling $67,431; mutual non-disparagement agreement; and cooperation with future EOC claims in exchange for a release and waiver of all claims.
• Appointment of Acting City Manager: Council voted 7-0 to appoint Deputy City Manager Will Crew as Acting City Manager effective immediately.