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Indian Rocks firing causes a firestorm

After a power struggle, the popular building official is let go. That begets another power struggle.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published January 30, 2005

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH - Last August, Steve Andrews was praised for his "valiant effort" in preparing the city for Hurricane Charley.

Last week, Andrews was abruptly fired as the city's building official.

That action, which has shocked citizens and commissioners alike, is the subject of a formal investigation that could pit the powers of the City Commission against those of the city manager.

The issue came to a head during Tuesday's commission meeting, when a number of residents protested Andrews' firing.

"I hate for the city to lose good people," said Michael Davis, who as a member of the city's Board of Appeals dealt with Andrews on a regular basis. "Steve did a wonderful job. I'm not trying to meddle, but can we revisit this?"

After a lengthy and sometimes heated discussion, the commission ordered an immediate investigation of how and why Andrews, a popular four-year city employee, was fired.

But even if commission members eventually find that they disagree with the firing, it is unclear what action they can take.

The city's charter gives City Manager John Coffey the right to hire, suspend and fire most city employees "for the good of the city" and for "just cause" without the City Commission's approval.

The charter also explicitly prohibits the commission from dictating the employment or removal of any employee under the city manager's supervision.

The commission does have the power, however, to "express its views" about the hiring or firing of employees. And it can investigate management actions by subpoenaing witnesses, taking testimony under oath, and requiring the production of evidence.

"This was rather shocking. I want to look at all the facts," said Commissioner Jeremiah Carmody, who called for the commission investigation. "I want to understand the reasons for the termination."

Carmody said he has "heard nothing but good things" about Andrews from the "large number" of residents who called him to protest Andrews' firing.

"I'm not convinced we did the right thing," Carmody said. "Maybe we fired the wrong person."

At the same time, Carmody said that although he sometimes disagrees with the city manager, he has "no problems" with how Coffey has run the city.

Commissioner R.B. Johnson is worried about the consequences of the investigation: "This is a matter for the administration. The City Commission should tread very warily. We don't have very many options. It is not our task to micromanage things. Either we have confidence in the city manager or we don't."

Andrews was officially fired Monday for "discourtesy," "insubordination," "immoral, unlawful or improper conduct or indecency" and "incompetence or inefficiency."

He denied the charges Tuesday, telling commissioners, "I have always done my work and been kind and helpful. It is not in my nature to be insubordinate."

According to documents in Andrews' personnel file, he argued with both Coffey and his immediate superior, Community Development Director Peter Pensa, since the fall over a probationary employee Andrews felt should be fired for "inappropriate behavior" and inadequate job performance.

His superiors disagreed, although they did extend the employee's probation status. According to memos from Coffey and Pensa, Andrews did not provide the employee with adequate supervision or training.

At one point Andrews decided to personally investigate the employee's job history in another city. He repeatedly met with, telephoned and e-mailed Pensa and Coffey in a continuing attempt to have the employee fired.

Andrews was disciplined for his actions in November. He was suspended for three days without pay, was told to be more involved with supervision, and was required to attend managerial and people skills seminars.

According to Coffey and Pensa memos, Andrews continued to ignore their directives and continued to lobby for the employee's firing.

The final memo from Pensa says, "Mr. Andrews' conduct has not improved since his suspension in November. ... (He is) subtly hostile and demeaning ... (has) created a hostile work environment ... (and) is unable to work with department staff in a courteous and professional manner."

On Monday, Coffey acted on Pensa's recommendation that Andrews be fired.

Andrews is formally appealing his firing and was scheduled to meet with Coffey on Friday.

The city manager is required to give Andrews a written response within five business days. No date has been set for the commission's investigation, which will occur whatever the result of the appeal.

[Last modified January 30, 2005, 00:10:19]