While the City searches for a permanent replacement for former Interim City Manager Terry L. Childers, we now know who will be filling in at City Hall.
Bob Cowell has been appointed as the new Interim City Manager, for the City of Amarillo. Cowell, who currently holds the title of Deputy City Manager, will now be taking over the role of Interim City Manager, following the departure of Childers.
As we previously reported, Terry Childers was hired by the City of Amarillo, in 2015, to take over following the departure of City Manager Jarrett Atkinson. During last week's City Council meeting, Childers used a profanity to describe local resident James Schenck. After an outcry from members of the public, Childers tendered his resignation.
Cowell's new role as Interim City Manager will focus primarily on managing City operations. Cowell will also be responsible for implementing propositions 1 and 2, which passed during November's municipal bond election.
Also during Tuesday's meeting, the Council passed the final reading of the proposed Trap-Neuter-Return policy. In the most heated moment of the evening, the City Council passed a tire regulation ordinance, by a vote of 3-2, with Councilmember Elisha Demerson and Councilmember Randy Burkett voting against the proposal. The proposal's presentation also saw intense sparring between Mayor Paul Harpole and Amarillo Building Official, Scott A. McDonald.
During the public forum portion of the meeting, multiple Amarillo residents addressed the Council.
The full video of last night's City Council meeting can be found on amarillo.gov/granicus.
Photo by KFDA