Poway’s city manager resigns

Poway City Manager Dan Singer resigned Thursday afternoon after the City Council voted unanimously not to renew his employment contract that was to expire next May 31.

All five members of the council met in closed session for about 40 minutes. Afterward, City Attorney Morgan Foley announced the unanimous vote and a prepared press release was handed out.

“While it was not my desire to leave Poway this soon, I respect that one of the consequences of being a city manager is that the Council and manager don’t always find themselves on the same page,” Singer is quoted saying in the release. “I am extremely proud of the accomplishments of this organization these past few years and I have every reason to believe the organization will continue to realize good things in the years ahead.”

Singer’s last day at City Hall will be July 21. After that, he will be on vacation leave through Sept. 1. Under terms of his employment contract, Singer, who makes $236,281 per year, will receive up to nine months’ salary. However, under an agreement reached between the council and Singer, the amount owed will be made in three payments, on Sept. 1, Dec. 1 and March 1. The payments will stop if and when Singer gets another job.

“Though Council feels that new leadership will better position us to accomplish our objectives, we are grateful for Dan’s service and wish him the best,” Mayor Steve Vaus said in the release.

Singer’s contract specifically says that if he is let go that the only comments that can be made about the move must be through a press release pre-approved by both sides.

Assistant City Manager Tina White will serve as interim city manager. She performed the same duties for several months before Singer was hired in June 2014. There was no statement made as to how the council plans to replace Singer, White is widely considered to be the front runner for the job.