Kampfer resigns

With over 35 people in attendance, the city council accepted the resignation of City Manager Pete Kampfer in a called meeting Monday evening.

Following several comments from the public, Kampfer tendered his resignation and spoke briefly to those in attendance. He cited the first question in the four-way test often associated with the Rotary Club, “Is it the truth?” Kampfer told citizens that there has never been a time he could remember when one would not be better served by the truth. He also urged the citizens of Colorado City not to take the path of least resistance, and to take the necessary steps to stay on the path of progress.

Kampfer recognized and thanked council members Robert Brookshear, Keith Hiser, Bobbie Banks, Marcelo Alvarez, Sue Mason and past council member Margaret Brown for their support and leadership.

The council accepted Kampfer’s resignation with a unanimous vote, 6-0. Mayor Carol Sue Dakan did not vote. His last day as city manager for the City of Colorado City will be February 21.

Following a closed session, the council announced that Belinda Blassingame had been chosen as interim city manager. She will fill the open position until a replacement can be found. Blassingame is currently the municipal court judge, and she will add interim city manager duties to her current judicial duties. The board also approved for City Secretary Donna Madrid to post the open position and begin taking applications.

According to Kampfer, he had added an item to the agenda, at the urging of several council members, which would see the council appointing a contact person to serve as a go-between for the council and interim city manager. Apparently during the executive session, council members and the mayor agreed that a contact person would not be necessary.

Councilman Bob Brookshear noted that the original purpose for the appointment of a contact person was to “try to eliminate or reduce the amount of harassment or improper contact like we had last time.” Councilman Keith Hiser agreed that it would be for the best if all council members and the mayor stayed “out of city hall” so as not to interfere with the day-to-day tasks of Blassingame and other city employees.

Councilwoman Bobbie Banks said, “I think city hall is best served by us staying out. I don’t need to tell her how to do her job.” And with all other council members and the mayor in agreement, no contact person was appointed, and the meeting was adjourned.