Three City Council Members Sign No Confidence Statement Concerning City Manager's Performance

University City Council members Terry Crow, Arthur Sharpe Jr. and Byron Price have signed a statement of  No Confidence in the performance of City Manager Lehman Walker.

The statement was signed after an Executive Session on Monday night which was held to evaluate Walker's performance. The Executive Session followed a contentious Monday night meeting where the City Council voted 4-3 to formally adopt a resolution reprimanding Council member Price for his behavior during a February 14th council meeting.

The statement reads "Lehman Walker has failed to meet the standards of performance," as prescribed in the Charter and Ordinances of the City, and as assigned to him in compliance with all Council directives, state and federal laws, and policies and rules thereof."

The document goes on to state that "The undersigned council members (Price, Crow and Sharpe) adopt a position of No Confidence in the performance of Lehman Walker in carrying out his duties as city manager."

When reached for comment by University City Patch, Walker said "It is my opinion that this (No Confidence Statement) is retaliation for the reprimand to Council member Price."

In a letter of reprimand dated February 17, University City Mayor Shelley Welsch accused Council member Price of "bullying and disorderly behavior.

Council members Lynn Ricci, Stephen Kraft,  L. Michael Glickert and Mayor Shelley Welsch did not sign the No Confidence statement.  

The statement urges Walker to "consider the significance of this Statement" and "take action to remedy performance deficiencies."

Walker told University City Patch "As the city manager it is my responsibility to perform the duties as described in the City Charter. I’ve submitted to city council a balanced budget where the expenditures do not exceed the revenues. I do not think our residents should have to shoulder highers taxes to support city services.”  

He goes on to say "When I was hired for this position, I took over an organization that needed significant changes. Unfortunately, change is difficult for some people to accept.”