Retired Solana Beach city manager may return until position is filled

Although David Ott officially retired as Solana Beach city manager Nov. 28, he may be back soon.

Ott provided more than a decade of service to the city, and the council, staff and community members bid farewell to him during the Nov. 19 council meeting. Deputy City Manager Wendé Protzman stepped in to serve as interim city manager until the council fills the position.

During a closed session Dec. 10, the council directed City Attorney Johanna Canlas to negotiate and finalize a professional services agreement for the recruitment of a new city manager. The agreement will be brought back to council for approval.

At that time, the council also directed Canlas to ask Ott whether he would consider serving as interim city manager until a new city manager is hired.

“Such an arrangement would be ideal because, as we know, Mr. Ott is very familiar with the organization, the community needs and pending projects that would require attention in the next few months,” said Mayor Lesa Heebner.

“Such an interim appointment would ensure that the transition is seamless, with the hopes that all negotiations could be completed as soon as possible.”

With a 5-0 vote, the council adjourned to discuss the matter again at 6 p.m. Dec. 17 at City Hall.