Former Hopewell city clerk, manager seek legal counsel following terminations

HOPEWELL, Va. (WRIC) — Following a Hopewell City Council vote to fire them from their positions, both former city clerk Brittani Williams and former city manager Concetta Manker have sought legal counsel.

In a special meeting held on February 12, city council tied 3 to 3 when voting on whether or not to terminate Manker from her position as city manager. While the council is usually made up of seven members, councilman Ronnie Ellis did not vote on the matter.

During a May 1 special meeting, the council reconsidered the vote on Manker's firing and added the termination of Williams. Councilmembers voted 4 to 3 in favor of the terminations.

"There was no reason given from the four who voted to have them terminated," said councilman Dominic Holloway. "Both [Williams and Manker] have stated backgrounds to show that their work performance has been excellent."

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Some councilmembers voiced their belief during the May 1 meeting that the votes in favor of termination were racially motivated.

Councilwoman Yolanda Stokes said she and the other two Black council members were not consulted by the four white council members prior to the vote.

“And then to not consult with the seven of us — that’s right — discrimination, racial lines,” Stokes said. “I consider that to be an extended part of discrimination, because you left the Black members of the council out of the entire decision."

Holloway also expressed concerns about race being a factor behind the votes, telling 8News there is a clear divide -- the three who voted against the terminations were Black, while those who voted in favor of the terminations were white.

Mayor Johnny Partin, one of the four who voted in favor of the firings, disagreed with this interpretation in an interview with 8News.

"Racism, race in general — none of that had anything to do with the decision," Partin said. "The decision has to do with the city going in a new direction."

8News obtained an email from the Hopewell Commonwealth's Attorney, Richard Newman, that was sent to all city council members.

In that email, Newman expressed concerns over the May 1 vote, citing rule 36 of Robert's Rules of Order, which states that only someone on the prevailing side can move to reconsider a vote -- and only on the same or next business day.

"It appears that Council’s Motion to Reconsider is untimely and therefore void. In addition, Councilor Ellis was not qualified to Make the Motion to Reconsider. Councilor Ellis left the meeting before the original motion and vote to terminate was made. As previously stated only a member of the majority at the original vote can make the Motion to Reconsider. " Richard Newman, Hopewell Commonwealth's Attorney

Newman said that he believed the May 1 vote on Manker's termination was invalid based on these rules.

"In my opinion, the matter taken up concerning the City Manager was untimely, made by an improper party, and therefore illegal. It would be my further opinion that Dr. Manker is still the City Manager because your actions are null and void.

What I am most concerned about is that while I understand you may be trying to change the course of this great City, I feel that your actions have accomplished nothing more than placing another arrow in Dr. Manker’s quiver to sue the City as well as each of you individually." Richard Newman, Hopewell Commonwealth's Attorney

8News asked Partin about Newman's statement.

"We have a differing legal opinion from our city attorney and that's all I can comment on that," Partin said. "His [Ellis'] vote was legitimate and Mr. Ellis is a full-fledged member of the City Council and he can vote on these matters."

8News reached out to Manker, who referred further questions to her attorney after providing this statement:

"It was an honor to work for the city of hopewell as the city manager. I appreciate the support that city staff and the citizens have given me and wish everyone the best of luck." Concetta Manker, former Hopewell city manager

Manker's attorney, Richard Hawkins, confirmed Manker is seeking legal action.

"Dr. Manker, through her attorney, is currently preparing the necessary paperwork for moving forward with legal proceedings against the City and/or some of its individual Council Members." Richard Hawkins, Attorney representing Concetta Manker

Williams also confirmed to 8News that she has sought legal counsel, adding that she has an appointment coming up soon.

Rallies regarding these terminations, hosted by various organizations, have been scheduled for Tuesday, May 13.

This is a developing story. Stick with 8News for updates.