ON TUESDAY AT a special meeting, the Port Angeles City Council will discuss steps the council will take in choosing Mark Madsen’s successor as city manager — including possibly keeping Madsen as a consultant after his resignation is effective Sept. 1.
A consultancy contract, according to Councilman Dan Di Guilio, would pay Madsen as needed for advice on pending city projects after he leaves.
On Friday, Ray Gruver, an insurance broker and past president of the Port Angeles Regional Chamber of Commerce, delivered to City Hall a letter signed by 60 community and business leaders who requested “a public open forum” with “face to face conversations” between audience members and the council members.
At the forum, council members “will be asked to respond openly and honestly” to the “hostile work environment” allegations that Madsen said led to his departure.
Mayor Gary Braun said City Council members would be polled on the request — but that a public forum cannot be part of Tuesday’s special council meeting.
Under state law, the special meeting must be restricted to items on the agenda.
Tuesday’s meeting does not have time set aside for a public comment session — and questions or comment will not be allowed from the audience.