NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. — Neptune Beach City Manager Stefen Wynn is out of a job. The City Council voted to terminate his position Tuesday night.
The council accused Wynn of not taking responsibility for his actions and neglecting to perform the basic duties of his position on numerous occasions. They agreed the decision was a difficult one to make, but it's the best one for the people of Neptune Beach.
"I've lost confidence that he can carry out his duties to work towards the best interest of the city," Councilor Nia Livingston said.
City Commissioners accused Wynn of neglecting his position by repeatedly failing to check emails, coordinate meetings, and regularly communicate about the design of a 181,000-gallon water tank eventually built closely to residents' homes without warning.
Emails indicate Wynn did not ask the developer about its dimensions or reply to several messages. Mayor Elaine Brown says the council should have been made aware the water tank was added to the project.
"The City Council in particular have been accused of incompetence or worse by members of the public and been threatened by the property owners regarding the water tank. These facts substantially impair or damage the interests or reputation of the city," Mayor Elaine Brown said.
He is also accused of neglecting the Neptune Beach Senior Center project which has sat unfinished for two years. Wynn didn't have much to say inside the chamber about the accusations against him, but Patricia Hazori came to his defense.
"Unbelievable...we need to get rid of some of you. This guy should not be roasted because you hired him, and he followed your instructions," Neptune Beach resident Patricia Hazori said.
However, for Robert Vannoy, who is impacted by the placement of the water tank, he agrees with the council's decision.
"He just does not have a handle on the city, what the city is needing, and he is not performing in his job. It was definitely time for him to go I was excited for that," Vannoy said.
Vice Mayor Kerry Chin says he feels for those affected by Wynn's actions.
"It seems inescapable that neglect of duty has allowed this tank to be built with adverse effects to the neighbors and I apologize to the neighbors of Neptune by the sea."
First Coast News reached out to Wynn before and after Tuesday's meeting but did not get a response. It is not known who will replace Wynn as city manager.