By Marty Proctor
On Wednesday, August 19, the Mascotte City Council voted, once again, to terminate the contract of Jim Gleason, its city manager for 9 years. The City Council and Manager have been locked in a debate and series of rule implementations to separate. Attendees at the meeting were very vocal in their discontent on how the city manager and council have been managing the city of Mascotte. “You can’t hold one man accountable for what’s been going on”, said one irate speakers addressing council.
The City Council meeting ended after more than 2 hours of intense, emotional, and loud discussions during the City Council meeting. The final action was a 3-2 vote not to reinstate the contract of the City Manager.
The meeting ended with a seemingly routine adjournment. However, the City Manager was seen on video making obscene gestures toward the citizens in attendance. The attendees including the Mascotte Fire Chief, Council Person, and members of the public had assembled outside after the meeting. The City Manager went out to the porch area as well.
According to the police report compiled by Mascotte Police Department officer Michael Suro, a disturbance between a victim identified as an elected official serving as a City Council member ensued. The disturbance degraded to a profanity-filled tirade. The encounter was escalated by physical contact between the city manager Jim Gleason and the victim. A city official and members of the public were required to intercede. They removed the council person and city official back inside the Civic Center to prevent further interaction between them.
The victim was visibly shaken and in physical and emotional pain due to having been battered by the defendant. The victim stated to police that she wished to prosecute for battery. Probable cause for the offense was cited in the police report.
The City Manager James Patrick Gleason left the scene during the ensuing chaos. He was arrested later by Clermont Police. He was transferred to custody of the Mascotte Police
Department and transported to the county jail for booking. Mr. Gleason was charged with battery on a specified official or employee as well as disorderly conduct. Mr. Gleason posted bail and was released early on the morning of August 20.
The City held another emergency virtual-only meeting on August 20. The City Council voted unanimously to assign Finance Director Dolly Miller acting city manager. They also empowered her with certain powers to ensure the safety and security of the City employees. The Council also approved the process to employ a legal specialist to ensure the correct and legal continuation of proceedings in this delicate and complicated matter.
All council voted to proceed with the city manager contract termination and plans to proceed was unanimous at the emergency meeting on Thursday.
