Council votes 5-2 to not renew town manager’s contract

Peter Jankowski
Peter Jankowski

CAVE CREEK – As the last item on a lengthy agenda, council voted 2-5, with Mayor Ernie Bunch and Vice Mayor Ron Sova the only two to vote in favor of renewing Town Manager Peter Jankowski’s contract.

There have been recent discussions in executive sessions regarding Jankowski’s performance and council was set to decide whether or not to renew his employment agreement for another year.

Councilwoman Mary Elrod, who went home sick after Monday night’s executive session, appeared telephonically to cast her “no” vote.

Sova made the only comments as he moved to renew Jankowski’s contract, stating he believed retaining Jankowski was vital to what is going on in the town and to provide continuity.

He said, “It makes sense to me. For me, it’s the right thing to do, for now.”

Bunch, breaking from the tradition of casting the last vote, headed off the roll call vote by voting yes.

However, with the other five members of council voting no, without any fanfare or discussion, Jankowski’s employment will terminate at the end of June.