Carmel city administrator quits amid calls for his resignation

Carmel residents said they’re pleased to know change is coming to City Hall. Many of them have expressed frustration over what they call, a lack of transparency from City Administrator Jason Stilwell. On Wednesday, Stilwell resigned from his position.

“It was a mutual agreement between the city and me. I think it’s a good opportunity for the city move forward,” said Stilwell.

After about four hours of deliberation, Carmel city leaders said its best to find a new person for the job.

“It’s good that things are happening when they’re happening now. But it’s sad for me to see how we had to get to this point,” said resident Carolina Bayne.

Residents said this comes after several long time employees were fired, without warning. The city is still dealing with several lawsuits out of those firings. Some said they’ve also had a hard time getting access to public information.

Carmel Pine Cone Reporter Mary Schley said things have gotten better but under Stilwell’s management she’s had to fight tooth and nail for information under the California Public Records Act.

“So for a long time it wasn’t any sort of problem at all. I mean I never had to evoke the PRA much except for salary info once a year. I would just ask for things and they world just give them to me,” Schley said.

The city clerk said Stilwell had a heavy hand in trying to keep information from the public.

Mayor Jason Burnett said he’s recommending a former city administrator, Doug Schmitz, to replace Stilwell until the position can be permanently filled. City leaders said Stilwell is being given severance pay according to his contract, which will last for 60 days plus six months.