Palmer’s new city manager facing possible removal over ‘imminent threat’ of employee lawsuits

What you need to know:

• Palmer City Manager Stephen Jellie faces possible censure and removal by the City Council after putting the city at an "imminent threat" of lawsuits through a series of recent personnel directives, including an order Tuesday that placed the city's police chief on administrative leave for questioning those decisions.
• An emergency council meeting is scheduled for Wednesday to discuss Jellie's administrative leave, with a resolution for his removal set to be considered later this month. Jellie’s contract allows for his termination with or without cause. He said he wants to meet with the council to respond to the allegations.
• Jellie joined Palmer in August after resigning from similar positions in Wyoming and New York, both of which ended with substantial severance packages. 

PALMER - Palmer's new city manager is facing possible censure and removal by the City Council after putting the city at "imminent threat" of lawsuits through a series of recent personnel directives, including an order Tuesday that placed the city's police chief on administrative leave for questioning those decisions.

Update: Embattled Palmer city manager resigns with $75,000 payout after 53 days in job

“I am highly concerned and legally obligated to tell you about the rapidly growing legal liabilities. He is potentially violating employment law, constitutional rights of employees, and opening up avenues for both criminal and civil lawsuits,” City Attorney Sarah Heath told the Palmer City Council in a letter sent by email and presented during a council meeting Tuesday evening. “I’m obligated to warn you of the significant legal consequences and the imminent threat that this poses for the city of Palmer.”