Commerce City Council accepts City Manager Miller's resignation

The Commerce City Council voted in their April 6 meeting, to accept the resignation of current City Manager Dion O. Miller.

Miller was not present at the meeting.

The council adjourned into executive session for approximately 30 minutes to discuss Miller's decision to resign. When they returned to council chambers, council member Richard Hill motioned to accept it, and it was agreed upon in a 5-0 decision – effective immediately.

Miller had been an area of concern for the council, and had been suspended indefinitely with pay during a special meeting on March 4, which was requested by Mayor Pro Tem Billie Biggerstaff. The vote resulted in a 3-2 decision, with Mayor Quay Throgmorton voting against it.

During that meeting, Biggerstaff, Hill and council member Tony Henry expressed their concerns with Miller's performance since assuming his duties in July 2008, citing issues such as poor management and people skills.

"We can move on now," Hill said. "We can move forward and put this chapter behind us. Like with any form of government, there are problems. This was the last chapter in the book, and the book is now closed. We wish Mr. Miller the best as he moves forward."

Since Miller's suspension, Director of Administrative Services Marc Clayton has been acting as interim city manager.

"I will continue in that role, until a new city manager is named," Clayton said. "That process will probably begin after the elections in May."

The City Council is now reviewing their options on how to replace the city manager.

"The City Council will decide if they want to hire a search firm or handle the responsibility internally," Clayton said.

According to Throgmorton, this is something Miller both proposed and agreed to, though the details of this agreement are not available at this time.

"Considering the pros and cons of the situation, and what was in the best interest financially for the city of Commerce, it was agreed that it was the right thing to do, and that brought the 5-0 decision," Throgmorton said. "I think this is just one part of the book, the chapter is closed and all parties involved can move forward."

Miller was unable to be reached for comment at press time.