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Indian Rocks Beach to look over city manager

The interim official, whose background is being reviewed, will serve for six months as the city does a search.

By SHEILA MULLANE ESTRADA
Published August 3, 2005

INDIAN ROCKS BEACH - The City Commission will review on Thursday a background investigation and possibly approve a contract with Al Grieshaber Jr., selected last week to serve as interim city manager.

A formal report on the background investigation is expected to be completed by noon Thursday. The special meeting to discuss Grieshaber's employment will begin at 9:30 p.m., after a budget workshop.

If Grieshaber's background check is positive and he is hired, Grieshaber will serve for the next six months while the commission searches for a permanent replacement for former City Manager John Coffey. Grieshaber says he intends to be a candidate for the permanent position.

Grieshaber showed up at City Hall on Tuesday to meet with employees and talk with commissioners, but will not begin his formal duties until officially appointed.

If appointed, he will be paid a combined salary and housing allowance of $8,000 a month for six months. He will also receive a $400 personal car allowance, use of a city vehicle for city travel, use of a city cell phone, and a prepaid E-pass for state tolls.

Grieshaber won the post over three other candidates interviewed by the commission last week: former Bay County Manager Pamela Brangaccio, former Jasper City Manager Ralph O. Bowers, and current Redington Shores Town Administrator Don Lusk.

Grieshaber resigned his post as city manager in Sanford in April after a public controversy over his firing of his assistant city manager.

Coffey resigned his post in Indian Rocks Beach in similar circumstances. Coffey's firing of popular building official Steve Andrews was criticized by commissioners and residents. Andrews was rehired after a formal commission investigation.

Before becoming Sanford city manager in 2003, Grieshaber was city attorney for Albany, Ga., for 12 years. He is retired from the U.S. Marines as a lieutenant colonel after serving in a series of legal posts, including as executive assistant to the commanding general of Camp Butler in Okinawa, Japan. He holds a law degree from Washburn University, as well as a master's degree from Georgetown University and a bachelor's degree from Penn State University.

[Last modified August 3, 2005, 00:36:17]