The Vancouver City Council approved a preliminary resolution Friday morning, removing City Manager Lon Pluckhahn, who has been placed on administrative leave — with pay — for the next 30 days. It is the intention of the council to officially fire Pluckhahn in December.
Lon PluckhahnVancouver city manager
There was no explanation given at the special city council meeting that was called Friday morning. This preliminary resolution, labeled under consent agenda, was the only thing on the agenda. Because this was not a public hearing, it was not necessary for councilors to discuss the issue nor give reasons for the move.
The meeting started at precisely 9 a.m. Two people spoke in support of Pluckhahn during community communications.
After public comment, Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle introduced the reason for the special meeting: The one item under consideration.
Councilor Ty Stober moved to approve the resolution. It was seconded by Councilor Sarah Fox. Every councilor voted in favor of the resolution.
The city business of this meeting — after community communications — took 40 seconds.
“Motion passes unanimously. That is the work of the city council. It is 9:05, and we are adjourned,” McEnerny-Ogle said.
Pluckhahn was in attendance, sitting among the public.
Deputy City Manager Lisa Brandl was sitting in the City Manager’s chair on the dais. Brandl is the acting City Manager.
After the meeting, Pluckhahn respectfully declined to comment. He did thank those who came to the meeting to show their support for him.
Also after the meeting, Fox said the resolution provides 30 days for Pluckhahn to request a hearing with the council.
“If he requests a hearing, we could provide more of a basis for our decision,” Fox said.
“There was definitely a lot of good sentiment that we have for Lon. He’s done a lot of good work for the city,” Fox said. “But I would imagine folks that have watched council meetings over the past year probably could have picked up on some things without calling them out. … I’d love to tell you more, but I’m not really allowed to.”
She said if the council was looking to fire Pluckhahn for cause, the council would have listed the reasons.
Instead …
“Us saying that it’s the will of the council, then we don’t need to provide a cause,” Fox explained.
The official resolution notes that the city council intends to “remove City Manager Lon Pluckhahn and terminate the Employment Agreement for the convenience of the City, effective December 14, 2026.”
“We’ll be able to say more if he requests a hearing in the next 30 days,” Fox added. “We won’t be releasing any more information unless he requests a hearing.”
McEnerny-Ogle also read a statement to the media from the city a few minutes after the meeting.
“Today, the Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to adopt a preliminary resolution removing City Manager Lon Pluckhahn and designating an acting City Manager until a successor is appointed.
“Following ongoing evaluations of the City Manager's performance and the city’s long-term strategic direction during Executive Sessions over the past year, the City Council has voted to terminate Pluckhahn’s employment agreement for the convenience of the City, in accordance with the City Charter and resolution adopted today.
“The City Council will consider a final resolution regarding the termination of Pluckhahn’s Employment Agreement at its regular Council Meeting on Dec. 14; until then, Pluckhahn is on administrative leave with pay. The City Council has asked Deputy City Manager Lisa Brandl to step in as Acting City Manager, effective immediately.
“The City continues to deliver the municipal services the community relies on and is focused on adopting the 2027-28 biennial budget on Monday, Nov. 16.”
The Mayor also noted that she swore in Brandl immediately after Friday’s meeting.
To read the entire preliminary resolution, go to: https://vancouverwa.portal.civicclerk.com/event/1764/files/attachment/5502
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