Tomball City Manager Jan Belcher resigned Nov. 16 after a contentious three months during which the Tomball City Council refused to extend her contract.

During a Nov. 16 council meeting, members met in executive session for about 30 minutes to discuss Belcher’s employment with the city before reconvening in an open session to take action.

Councilman Mark Stoll made the motion to accept her voluntary resignation, which was seconded by Derek Townsend and unanimously approved by the council. They also approved the terms of a separation agreement, which was not available to the public at press time last week.

However, City Secretary Doris Speer said the agreement would “take the place” of Belcher’s contract with the city, which was set to expire in September 2010.

In September, the council voted 4-1 not to extend Belcher’s contract another year, with councilman David Quinn being the only dissenting vote.

At the Nov. 2 meeting, the council, again with Quinn dissenting, voted to put on its next agenda an item to terminate Belcher’s employment, or accept her resignation.

For the past three months, council members Stoll, Bill Webb and Townsend have called into question Belcher’s job performance. Councilman Warren Driver also voted to consider her termination, but has opted not to discuss her job performance publicly or with the media.

Stoll, Driver and Townsend each have stated they have heard from Tomball residents who they say expressed discontent with Belcher. None have named anyone specific. Townsend stated at the Oct. 19 meeting that he has received e-mails from Tomball residents regarding Belcher’s job performance.

The Tribune made an open records request to the City of Tomball Nov. 18 to view the e-mails Townsend stated he has received, but have not received them as of press time.

Belcher’s contract with the city was set to run for the next 10 months and pay her $130,000.

Immediately after the council’s vote to accept her resignation, Mayor Gretchen Fagan ordered a 10-minute recess, which allowed Belcher to leave city hall. Assistant City Manager Christal Kliewer took Belcher’s spot at the council table.

Speer said Kliewer will serve as the city’s interim City Manager until the council hires someone to fill the position full time. Kliewer was hired by the city on Aug. 31 of this year.

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