By Theresa-Marie Wilson ~
About a year after resigning under a slew of controversy, former Arroyo Grande city manager Steve Adams is posed to take the lead role in King City.
A news release issued by the city states that Adams was selected as city manager after “an extensive recruitment process” that included a statewide search conducted a leading executive search firm; an extensive interview process involving the city council, and panels with staff and members of the community; and a comprehensive background investigation.
“Based on the excellent results of the process, the city council has unanimously concluded that Mr. Adams is the best candidate to serve in this important position,” the new release stated.
Adams is expected to be formally hired post press time on Tuesday Oct. 27.
In June of last year, Adams, who had served as city manager for more than 14 years, was at the heart of a controversy that caused a rift between police officers and the city over several months of public debate during city council meetings.
Police reportedly discovered Adams in a questionable situation with a female subordinate in city hall after hours.
The City Deputy Attorney who investigated the incident determined that no violations of city policy including sexual misconduct had occurred.
The public was not satisfied and demanded an independent investigation and the Arroyo Grande Police Officers Association issued a vote of no-confidence in Adams as well as then mayor Tony Ferrara.
The Ventura based Sentra Group conducted a second investigation. During the interviews, investigators said that both Adams and McClish “adamantly denied being involved in a romantic relationship and adamantly denied that any inappropriate conduct” occurred.
Further, surveillance videos did not offer any indication that inappropriate behavior had taken place either.
In conclusion, the report stated that investigators were unable to find and substantive evidence, either physical of testimonial, that would point to an inappropriate or romantic relationship between the two City employees.
However, their summery did state that Adams and McClish exhibited “poor judgment” when decided to go to City Hall after consuming alcohol. The report also stated that a manager and a subordinate employee behind closed doors gives the perception of “some form of inappropriate behavior.”
King City officials said that the incident had been investigated and they were satisfied that no inappropriate behavior had occurred.
The King City press release commended Adams for leading the City of Arroyo Grande and the community “through the difficult recession. During that time, the city’s streets, facilities and infrastructure were upgraded; services were enhanced; financial reserves were substantially increased; and a number of quality new businesses, developments and affordable housing projects were constructed.”
If approved, Adams is expected to begin work on Nov. 9.