City manager, assistant remain on paid administrative leave

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A City official said today that there is no change in the status of City Manager Armando Villa and Assistant City Manager Rochelle Clayton, who have now been on paid administrative leave for nearly three months.

The Menifee City Council voted 3-2 on Oct. 18 to place Villa on leave “during the completion of a comprehensive and internal personnel investigation.” No details of the investigation were released, although it was stated that “this action is not punitive or disciplinary; it is simply to allow the personnel investigation to be completed.”

An outside counsel is conducting the investigation, in which Clayton was also placed on leave. Meanwhile, city officials insist that it is business as usual at City Hall, with Assistant to the City Manager Rebekah Kramer in charge.

A statement released today by Mayor Bill Zimmerman is similar to one he read prior to the last City Council meeting:

“The personnel investigation remains ongoing, and the details must continue to be kept confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation process,” Zimmerman said. “The City will share any disclosable information with the public as updates become available.

“As was previously stated, Rebekah Kramer has been appointed by the City Council to serve as the Acting City Manager. Rebekah has over 20 years of program and operational management experience in both the public and private sectors. Prior to serving in Menifee, she was the Assistant City Manager for the City of San Bernardino, a city nearly twice the size of Menifee.

“Rebekah has the full confidence of the City Council to manage City operations during this time frame. Having her serve in this role also allows our Department Directors to continue to focus on managing their department operations and providing city services.

“City business is continuing as normal without interruption and the City is continuing to move forward with the implementation of our strategic plan initiatives, vital infrastructure projects, community programs, and other essential services that enhance the quality of life of our community.”

Kramer was selected as Acting City Manager over Jonathan Nicks, who as Deputy City Manager ranks above her on the city’s organizational chart. Nicks also serves as Director of Community Services.

Villa, who was hired away in December 2017, is working under a contract extension that is scheduled to pay him through 2026 at a salary of more than $380,000 per year, including benefits. This current three-year contract extension was awarded Villa by the City Council two years before the previous contract had expired.

Villa’s contract also includes a six-month severance package if he is terminated by the City.