WINDERMERE, Fla. — Windermere's town manager is about to be off the job.
On the heels of the scandal, involving the former police chief Daniel Saylor, the town council voted on Thursday night to cut ties with Cecilia Bernier and offer her a settlement.
The town attorney helped negotiate with Bernier's attorney and indications are she will accept the offer of $37,000.
Even though some town hall members don't believe she deserved anything, all said they will be glad to have this scandal behind them.
Bernier submitted a resignation letter in March after her husband was accused of attacking and knocking out Mayor Gary Bruhn at a council meeting. But she never set an exit date.
Then, Bernier threatened to sue the town for a quarter million dollars over her severance package.
It's been four months since Chief Daniel Saylor was arrested, accused of covering up his friend, Scott Bush's sex crimes. Both are out on bond. The incident led to questions about how Bernier was running the town.
Some, like Councilman Mike Pirozzolo, didn't think she deserved any payment.
But Councilwoman Norma Sutton almost broke down in tears defending Bernier and her 28 years of service.
"I don't understand what you think she's done that's so wrong, to hang her out like a lynch mob," Sutton said.
In the end, council voted 4-1 to essentially fire Bernier, effective next Wednesday.
And they unanimously voted to offer her the settlement that makes sure no one involved in this mess sues anyone else involved.
"I'm glad to have it behind, but not the way it should have gone," said Pirozzolo.
By law, Bernier has 21-days to accept the settlement.
At one point, there was a motion to make Police Chief Mike McCoy interim town manager.
Instead, the council plans to have another meeting next week to decide how to fill the gap until they can hire a replacement.
Previous Stories: May 19, 2011: Windermere Town Council Could Fire Manager May 13, 2011: Windermere's Town Manager Files Lawsuit April 14, 2011: Windermere Town Manager To Face Deposition April 12, 2011: Windermere Council To Discuss Ex-Town Manager's Severance April 8, 2011: Windermere Town Manager's Transition Agreement Released March 29, 2011: Windermere Votes To Accept Town Manager Resignation March 28, 2011: Windermere Council To Discuss Town Manager's Resignation Letter March 25, 2011: Windermere Town Manager Announces Resignation
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