INDIAN ROCKS BEACH -- There is a collective holding of breath in Indian Rocks Beach over the future of John Coffey, the city manager.
Coffey received low marks -- particularly from Commissioners Jim Palamara and Jeremiah Carmody -- at a public May 3 evaluation.
As a result of that evaluation which also included less than high marks from Mayor Bill Ockunzzi and had only positive remarks from R.B. Johnson (Commissioner Jean Scott, brand new at that point in her return to the commission, did not participate), the city attorney was directed to design a remedial program for Coffey.
A week later, on May 10, Coffey informed the commission, in accordance with the terms of his contract, that he was seeking other employment.
More discussion was expected on Coffey's status at last week's commission meeting, with a program of "remedial training" including communication with staff and commissioners; personnel management and morale; anger management; city policies, the Sunshine Law, and handling of public records.
But Carmody asked that the matter be continued because "new information" had been developed.
Andy Salzman, the city attorney, quickly ratified this and said that matters had come to his attention that required looking into.
There has been no further word from Coffey on any job seeking he was pursuing.
At last week's meeting more sniping at Coffey came from Palamara and Carmody who expressed dissatisfaction with his job performance.
Coffey had been assistant to Tom Brobeil, who became the city manager in Gulfport. He was in the job on a probationary basis until the commission gave him the job permanently.