Leadership shake-up in Pacific Grove

The clock is ticking as Pacific Grove city leaders try to figure out a game plan to replace City Manager Tom Frutchey and Police Chief Vicky Myers. Councilman Rudy Fischer said he will be sitting down with the mayor and other councilmembers Wednesday to start the search.

“What do we want to do? Do we want to look for a full time city manager directly, or do we want to get an interim while we look for a city manager while we take a little bit more time?” asked Councilman Fischer.

The same questions go for finding a new police chief, after Vicky Myers said she’ll be leaving the department in December. Most residents said they aren’t too worried about big changes.

“On the city manager front, I think we face some challenges particularly having enough revenue to pay everything that the city wants to do,” said Pacific Grove resident Donald Murphy.

The city will hire a search firm to find a permanent city manager. Mayor Bill Kampe said he hopes to have a replacement within four months.

Once Paso Robles city leaders make an official decision about Frutchey, Frutchey will have to give a 60-day notice. In that time, he will help search for a suitable candidate to take over his job.

The question is… can a big change like this impact the city?

“It’ll change it a little bit, but not drastically. The city’s going to continue running and be the city that it is. I think what’s going to be important is for the council to find someone who fits in with the spirit of the city,” said Fischer.

Fischer said they don’t have any potentials just yet, but whoever is chosen has big shoes to fill.