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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFormer City Manager John Govoruhk-1995 Govoruhk fills in for fired city manager ❑The longtime police chief City commissioners Monday night an- tion prohibits Govoruhk from holding pointed Govoruhk as acting city manager dual offices. has no guarantee of getting his after firing Dick Rozanslcy, 57, who had Govoruhk appointed Police Capt. Char- old job back once a new city been city manager for 14 years.Rozansky lie Sexton to supervise the Police Depart- was out of town Tuesday and not avail- ment. Sexton will continue his duties as manager is hired. able for comment. mad patrol supervisor and other captains Govoruhk has no guarantee of being re- would continue to be responsible for the By Elaine Bennett appointed police chief when a new city jobs assigned them. manager is hired. Soon after Govoruhk arrived for work OF THE SaalwaL SAFE Govoruhk's decision to vacate his office early Tuesday, he met with a number of came on advice of City Attorney Frank city employees and told them to"do their WINTER SPRINGS — Police Chief Kruppenbacher,who reviewed state laws work as usual, do the job they are sup- John Govoruhk gave up his job of the last and consulted Tuesday with the state at- posed to do and be professionals...What 19 years Tuesday to become acting city torney general's office in Tallahassee. else can we do under the circumstances?" manager. The attorney said the Florida Constitu- Later Tuesday, Kruppenbacher said he Rozansky in Winter Springs was preparing an advertisement for a new commissioners after they appointed Go- city manager to submit next week for voruhk as acting city manager and told at publication in monthly newsletters by the least one'of them that he was qualified Florida League of Cities, the National for the police chiefs job. League of Cities, the City Manager's Na- I'a heard rumors that Chief ovo tional Newsletter and local newspapers. uhk gh rdril this I'm The advertisement will be presented trying to get me a job," Conniff said Monday night to city commissioners for Tuesday. approval. Oviedo City Manager Gene Willifortl Meanwhile, word of Rozansky's firing dispelled talk that he was seeking the prompted several people to begin lobby- city manager post in Winter Springs. ing for city jobs. 'They can put that rumor to rest,"Wil- Winter Springs resident Larry Conniff, Ilford said Tuesday. "I'm busy trying to an unemployed candidate for Seminole get things done around here.I don't need County Sheriff, said he talked to city rumors like that going around." (2,30 ,2 /v Govoruhk fills in for fired city manager ❑The longtime police chief City commissioners Monday night ap- tion prohibits Govoruhk from holding pointed Govoruhk as acting city manager dual offices. has no guarantee of getting his after firing Dick Rozansky, 57, who had Govoruhk appointed Police Capt. Char- old job back once a new city been city manager for 14 years.Rozansky lie Sexton to supervise the Police Depart- was out of town Tuesday and not avail- merit��supervisor upell coy roue his duties as manager is hired. able for comment Govoruhk has no guarantee of being re- would continue to be responsible for the By Elaine Bennett appointed police chief when a new city jobs assigned them. manager is hired. Soon after Govoruhk arrived for work OF me aeanNB.STAFF Govoruhk's decision to vacate his office early Tuesday, he met with a number of came on advice of City Attorney Frank city employees and told them to"do their WINTER SPRINGS — Police Chief Kruppenbacher,who reviewed state laws work as usual, do the job they are sup- John Govoruhk gave up his job of the last and consulted Tuesday with the state at- posed to do and be professionals...What in 19 manager.years Tuesday to become acting city torney attorney said thee Flo dal Constitu- else Later under the circumstances?" he manager. Rozansky in Winter Springs was preparing an advertisement for a new commissioners after they appointed Go- city manager to submit next week for voruhk as acting city manager and told at publication in monthly newsletters by the least one of them that he was qualified Florida League of Cities, the National for the police chiefs job. League of Cities, the City Manager's Na- "I've heard rumors that Chief Govor- tional Newsletter and local newspapers. uhk might retire later this year and I'm The advertisement will be presented trying to get me a job, Conniff said Monday night to city commissioners for Tuesday. approval. Oviedo City Manager Gene Williford Meanwhile, word of Rozansky's firing dispelled talk that he was seekhng the prompted several people to begin lobby- city manager post in Winter Springs. ing for city jobs. "They can put that rumor to rest,"Wil- Winter Springs resident Larry Conniff, Ilford said Tuesday. "I'm busy trying to an unemployed candidate for Seminole get things done around here.I don't need County Sheriff, said he talked to city rumors like that going around." 93 oam 37 vying to be Winter Springs manageri -.4 , ., By Elaine Bennett Four of five city commissioners hired, city commissioners ha said he no longer was performing appointed former Police Chi , °FMCS/TWIT/0 ^ satisfactorily. Under the city's John Govoruhk as acting ci charter, four commissioners must manager Gov Orulik stepped dow WINTER SPIIINGS — More agree to fire the administrator,but from his post at the pOIiCS.depFb than three&Mir oindidates have only three are needed to hire the ment to assume the city's, submitted resumes for Winter manager. ministrative post because t Spriggs' top Administrative post As of March 24,the city had re- Florida Constitution prohibite and the deadline to apply is still a ceived 37 applications, employee him from holding both offices. month away relations coordinator Mary Wilson Govoruhk is not guaranteed Candidates have applied from said. return to his job once the city in throughout Florida and as far Commissioners prefer that ap- a new manager,who will be respo away as Kansas, Louisiana, Penn- plicants have a master's degree in sible for naming a police chief.' 4. sylvania, North Carolina and public administration or a similar Applications for city nianag i Georgia for the city manager job advanced degree,plus 10 years ex- will be accepted until 5 p.m. vacated last month when city perience as a manager. They also 30. Candidates should send th .commissioners fired Dick Ro- have asked that the administrator resumes to the City of Whit zansky after 14 years in office, be experienced in water and sewer Springs Personnel Dept., 1126 , Rozansky was making $59,111 operations. State Road 434, Winter Sprin at the time he was terminated. Until a new city manager is Fla. 32708-2799. ,... , 0 V Finalists chosen for city manager post ❑Applicants from lists until contacted for comment. Members of Ire." n corn- Lo Longwood and Eustis are "Fm pleased to have� mittee urged comm ne;s to 11gW ed by my peers as someone to be check applicants' re&em•"e on the list for the Winter considered for that position," selecting a final list of s McFellan said. to interview ' Springs post. Just as surprised was Stearman, Those on the selectloraommittee who said he, too,is "pleased to be were committee , re- By Elaine Bennett in one of the recommended lists." tired Sanford City Ma 2t Pete OF THE ssxre+nsratr Other finalists in the first group Knowles, Oviedo£ity nor r Oviedo Randall D. Byrne, of Grand Gene Williford, Lake, C$y Blanc, Mich; George Forbes, Bad- Manager John Litton and former WINTER SPRINGS — City ad- der City, Nev.; David L. Greene, Kissimmee City Manager Diak ministrators from Longwood and DeSoto, Mo.; and Jeffrey Minor, Simmons. Eustis am among the top six con- Okemos,Mich. In January,Winter Springs corn- tenders for the city manager. Those selected in the second missioners fired Dick Rozansky The finalists were selected from group are Mark Greshman, Grand after 14 years as the city's first among 211 applications. A four- Prairie,Texas; Larry Lehman, Sea- manages, saying they were no long- member committee chose 11 of side, Ore.; Kent Myers, Casa a satisfied with his work They ap- the best-qualified candidates for Grande, Ariz.; Dennis R. Tinberg, pointed former Police Chief John the job. Phoenix, Ariz.; and Ernest Zmys- Govondd( as acting city manager Recently, committee members linksi,of Norwich,Conn. until a new one could be hired. divided the finalists into two During the next few weeks,Win- groups,listing six as top candidates ter Springs commissioners will re- Govoruhk was forced to retire as and five as good, qualified apple- view the resumes of the finalists police chief after 19'years because cants. and other applicants before voting state law prohibits him from from Listed among the six best con- sometime in August on a final list ing dual offices.Govorvhk,who did tenders are Longwood City Man- of candidates. Commissioners then not apply for the city manager's ager James McFellan and Eustis will set up interviews with the fine- job, is not guaranteed to return as City Manager Michael Stearman. lists before selecting a new man- police chief, an appointment made Both were unaware they were fine- ager in the next several months. by the city manager. 93vr1 Winter Springs retains manager tax rate increase By Elaine Bennett clears first hurdle 9--/F- y9 armassunraLerur WINTER SPRINGS—Ina unanimous vote Monday night,city WINTER SPRINGS — After a 35-minute discus- commissioners tentatively anon,city commissioners voted unanimously Monday approved a budget for the year. night to retain former Police Chief John Govoruhk as beginning Oct 1 that calls fora 9 the city s top administrator. o percent tax rate increase. Commissioners appointed Govoruhk interim city Commissioners said the increase, manager in January when they fired Dick Rozans the first in several years,is needed after 14 years as.the city's first manager. The ale p- to pay for existing services and duties ant forced years because hk to resign from his police previously approved programs, . duties after 19 years bec state law prohibits him such as concession stand operations from holding dual offices. at Central Winds Park and one-time Monday's vote came on the night commissioners merit bonuses of up to 5 percen had planned to discuss the qualifications of 11 top outstanding city employees. contenders from among 211 applicants seeking the The$20.2 million budget also job, which pays $59,111 a year. Commissioners also. I includes$5.1 million for water and final were expected to pare down the list to a group sewer operations and continued of candidates to interview for the job. expansion of the city's reclaimed Commissioners said Govoruhk has been doing a water system.That system allows good job and was familiar with several upcoming some property owners to litigate projects involving the city,including a Police Depart- their lawns with highly trued ment complex, a new Fire Department building, ex- pansion wastewater. of Central Winds Park and construction of a Commissioners ne following an expected to new high school. In two weeks commissioners will sign a contract Bearing that begins it 790 pm with Govoruhk on the length of his term as city man- Sept 27 at the municipal building. ager. They are expected to discuss hiring an assis- on State Road 434. tent city manager,possibly as early as next year. On Friday, Govoruhk initiated a citywide person- nel reorganization and sent termination notices to five-employees,effective the end of this month. Notices were sent to city engineer Leonard Koslov, city planner Greg Kearns, public works superinten- dent Steve Spencer, public works foreman Richard Klinko and computer operator Jeanine Porter. gso2 /(o 53 o5 / y Editorials A hasty decision city may regret ❑ A wiser Winter Springs would have looked more closely at all candidates before appointing its new manager. The Winter Springs City that, even though he never ap- Commission abandoned plied for it. Mr. Govoruhk was a nationwide search for a the best person for the job. city manager in midstream Still, how can the City Corn- last week, instead appointing mission know that without former police chief John Go- comparing him with others? voruhk, interim manager since The search drew a whopping January. 211 applicants, which was That's unfortunate, because eventually narrowed to 11 top although the city certainly prospects be a lection corn- could do worse than Mr. Go- voruhk, it will never know managers. Those candidates whether it could have done boasted cities years and could have better. brought a fresh perspective to After firing Dick Rozansky, Winter Springs. their city manager of 14 years, in January, city commissioners Commissioners say they embarked on a national search were pleasantly surprised by for a professional manager. Mr. Govoruhk's performance They said at the time appli- during his time as interim manager. But why should they cants should have a master's be surprised at his manage- degree in public advanced de- ment skills? He was not exact- tion or a similar advanced de- l an unknown quantity after gree, plug 10 years of experi- y ence as a manager. They also spending that much time run- asked that the administrator ning the police department. be familiar with water and sew- It would have made more er operations. sense to have Mr. Govoruhk But commissioners decided apply and be subject to the last week that Mr. Govoruhk same scrutiny as the other can- has done a good job during the didates. And if he still past nine months and ought to emerged as the best choice, t stay on. That's troublesome for the city mowould dohave been had several reasons. done a thorough job. The tax- No doubt Mr. Govoruhk,who payers deserve no less. was Winter Springs' police chief for 19 years, has many Besides, Mr. Govoruhk is fine qualities. He doesn't have ready to retire. The city is the degree or experience in seeking at least a two-year con- dealing with water and sewer tract so it won't be looking issues. But he is, by all ac- again this time next year. counts, a good manager and But after his contract ex- He has even city inside and out. pires, commissioners may be He has even made some ci- in the same boat as before. 93 D / popular but reline city d gov-to streamline city eci- only the next time the city ernment during his time on goes hunting, those well-quali- the job. Certainly, degrees are fled candidates who made the no guarantee of job perfor- final cut during this search will mance or even ability. undoubtedly think twice be- fore tossing their names in the So commissioners decided hat again. Govoruhk makes good on plans for retirement ❑The Winter Springs tioned during the city manager's manager says he report that he had given commis- city g Y sioners a resignation letter. wants to call it quits at After the meeting, Govoruhk the end of October. said he was looking forward to spending time with his family. "My wife and I have been mak- By Will Wellons ing plans for some time," he said, OF THE S971NEL STAFF adding that he plans to visit his grandchildren more often. WINTER SPRINGS — City "It is time for my wife and I to Manager John Govoruhk has said have time to ourselves,"he said. for months that he might an- The announcement came just a week after Govoruhk hinted in pounce his retirement any day. the budget that he would be leav- Monday was the day. ing. Next year's budget includes Govoruhk, a fixture in the city for more than two decades, said paying the city manager more he wants to retire from his post at than $74,000 in accrued vacation the end of October when his con- and sick days. tract expires.However,he may re- Commissioners said little after the announcement. Several said main until spring as a consultant to help the next manager make a Govoruhk had been wrestling smooth transition. with the decision to retire for In classic Govoruhk style, he sometime. said little publicly about his retire- Commissioner John Langellotti, ment.On Monday he simply men- Please see GOVORUHK, 1-5 Friends talked him out of retirement in past in 6/2 9 /9S' GOVORUHK from I-1 goodbye' search for a manager. As the city's police chief for 19 At their July 10 meeting, com- years, Govoruhk was thrust unex- missioners will debate how to con- a staunch Govoruhk supporter, pettedly into the manager's job duct the search. They could use has talked the city manager out of when the City Commission fired the same process the City Corn- retirement several times. Dick Rozansky in February 1993. mission abandoned in 1993, in "I'm not going to talk him out of Commissioners named Govoruhk which current and former city .i it this time," Langellotti said. "He interim manager. managers from other cities re- i has served the city well.I think he The City Commission conduct- viewed applications. is getting a lot of pressure from ed a national search that drew 211 Commissioner Larry Conniff the family." applicants who wanted to manage suggested that Mayor John Bush the city of 24,000. Commissioners, head a search committee.But Fer- Commissioner John Ferring did however, aborted the search and ring said the city needs an outsid- not have much to say about the promoted Govoruhk to the job. er with city management experi- announcement, although he said Two and a half years later, the ence to screen the applicants for he is not ready to tell Govoruhk city again will embark on the the City Commission. 9SO6A9 Govoruhk to retire in October as Winter Springs City Manager BY TIMOTHY ALLEN CONKLIN had previously served as city police After months of hinting that his chief for nearly two decades,and had days as Winter Springs City Manager been considering retirement when he were numbered, John Govoruhk an-. took the city manager's job. nounced at Monday's City Commis- The commission will now begin sion meeting that he had tendered his the task of searching for Govoruhk's letter of retirement,effective at the end replacement.Govoruhk has agreed to of his current term in October. stay on with the city on an interim In his usual soft-spoken manner, basis as a consultant until his succes- Govomhk waited until the end of his saris selected. seat to make his announcement,sim- In other commission action, the ply stating that he had submitted a preliminary engineering plan of a letter concerning his retirement plans housing development west of Fisher to the commission and that he was Rod,east of the power easement and available for any questions its mem- south of Panama Road was approved bers might have. 3-1,with commissioner John Ferring Commissioner Larry Conniff dissenting. Ferring was concerned then moved to accept Govomhk's let- with the irregular sizing of some of ter, saying, "This man has sen-ed us the proposed lots. well in top management for 20 years, t-angellotti did not vote on the and I would like to see us have a John matter, nor any other presented be- 'GovomhkDayandsuitableretiremem fore the commission at the meeting Pam" The question was raised as to whether Govomldc's letter was then read or not tangellotti was entitled to vote aloud by commissioner John if he was serving in the capacity of Langellotti, who in his capacity as mayor at the meeting. It was decided deputy mayor presided over Monday's that Langellolti would not vote at this meeting in mayor John Bush's ab- meeting,but that the question would Bence. "My years with the City have be looked into by city attorney Frank been vent' rewarding and extremely Kmppenbacher. interesting,"the letter read in part. The The commission also voted,4-0, wish I could stay forever,but I under- to approve the plat and second supple- stand that the City and I are matur- mewl of covenants for the Deersong 3 ing, both needing to find new chal- housing development, located at the lenges. intersection of Moss Road and SR 9,5- o G 9 "I appreciate the opportunities 419. that have been afforded me by the Some slight modifications to Or- City, and I will miss being at City durance 585,which gives thecemmis- Hall" - sion the authority to dismiss elected Conniff then led the commission or appointed city officials who engage and assembled audience in a stand- the city in litigation, were also ap- ing ovation to salute Govoruhk,who Proved,3-1,with commissioner Cindy rose from his chair to embrace and Gennell dissenting. The tweaking of shake hands with his colleagues. the ordinance included a caveat smt- Govomhk has served as the city ing that such dismissal was subject to manager for the past two years. He applicable law. Winter Springs manager announces retirement WINTER SPRINGS — City Manager John Govoruhk an- nounced Monday night he is retir- ing when his contract expires Oct. 31, although he could stay on as a consultant into next year. In a letter given to commission- ers,Govoruhk,63,advised the city to begin an immediate search for his replacement. He said he will leave the city with sadness. "I wish I could stay forever, but I understand that the city and I are maturing. Both need to find new challenges,"Govoruhk wrote. He has served as city manager for more than two years. For near- ly two decades he was police chief. Govoruhk, who makes $65,846 a year, was considering retiring be- fore he took the city manager's job. Commissioners and the audi- ence gave the manager a standing ovation after Deputy Mayor John Langellotti read Govoruhk's resig- nation letter.They delayed discus- sion of his replacement until a lat- er meeting. 95oG 02 7 Govoruhk to stay on as consultant Retiring Winter Springs city manager will assist with transition BY TIMOTHY ALLEN CONKLIN past November 1, his contract as a The commission unanimously The Winter Springs City Com- consultant will be reduced by one passed Ordinance 587 on second read- mission voted Monday to retain retir- month. ing,which provides for a schedule and ing city manager John Govoruhk as a The commission approved the procedures concerning the filing of consultant for a six-month period fol- independent contractor consulting comprehensive plan amendment lowing his retirement at the end of agreement by a 4-1 margin.Commis- (CPA)applications. Spring submittals October. sioner Cindy Gennell was the lone must be made no later tha115 p.m.on Effective November 1,Govoruhk dissenter,stating that she was not pre- the first Wednesday in February for will serve as a consultant to the new pared to approve the agreement, April review by the Local Planning city manager and continue to work on which commissioners saw for the first Agency.Fall submittals must be made projects he is presently involved with. time at the meeting, on such short no later than 5 p.m. on the first Should a new city manager not be in notice. Wednesday in August for October re- place by that date,Govoruhk will con- Mrs. Gennell also cast the sole view. tinue to serve as city manager under nay vote on the approval to some mi- Also approved unanimously was the terms of his present contract on a nor modifications to Ordinance 585, a request to the Land Planning month-to-month basis. which allows for the removal of city Agency to consider the deletion from Govoruhk will be paid$6400 per officials who independently or as a the comprehensive plan various pro- month for the six-month period (a member of the board of directors of posed collector roads and to recon- total of$38,400) as an independent an organization engage the city in liti- sider the Transportation Impact Fee. contractor, meaning that he will be gation. The word "automatic" was Monday's meeting was also the responsible for deducting his own removed from the ordinance,and the scene of some heated discussion dur- applicable taxes.For each month that mayoral post was added to those of- ing the public input session. he continues to serve as city manager fices eligible for removal. Sparks fly at city meeting Continued from Page 1 sit here and have you impugn me,Mr. Ray Bradshaw, a former em- Govoruhk and anyone else you want ployee of the city, took exception to without responding to it. It's a dis- the planned issuance of accrued va- grace you're here." cation and sick pay to Mr. Govoruhk Bradshaw countered by saying,"I upon his retirement. Bradshaw said would like for you to open[my case] that he was"cheated"out of such pay- up,and I hope that you have a full set ments when he was fired by the city of documents regarding this." for what he called"political"reasons, Kruppenbacher responded, "I and that he held then-police chief wouldn't spend another minute of my Govoruhk partly responsible for his time wasting it with you." dismissal. The commission also received an Mr. Bradshaw's comments drew answer—for now—on the question a sharp response from city attorney of whether commissioner and deputy Frank Kruppenbacher,who defended mayor John Langellotti is entitled to Govoruhk and the city's decision to vote on issues when acting as the fire Bradshaw. "The prior city man- mayor. Kruppenbacher said that his ager handled your matter correctly, interpretation of the city's charter was ^ you were handled appropriately in that in mayor John Bush's absence, I.7 rO / accordance with the policies in effect Langellotti becomes the acting mayor, for the city at that time, and out of and as such could not vote except to respect for you and everyone in this break a tie. room, I won't go into the depth of Commission members may seek knowledge I have regarding your con- to change the charter in the future to duct as an employee,"Kruppenbacher allow the deputy mayor to vote when said tersely. "But I am not going to sitting in for the mayor.