Columbia city leaders see no problem with interim city manager residency

Columbia city leaders said they saw no issue with interim city manager John Glascock living outside city limits, despite a city charter provision requiring the manager do so.

The city charter requires the city manager to ” reside within the city while serving as city manager.” A review of Boone County property records shows that Glascock owns a house on Rangeline Road, south of the city. Glascock does not appear to own property within the city, according to the records.

Glascock said he told the city council about his residency when they discussed his appointment to interim position in November. Glascock has served as interim city manager since Nov. 26, when the council accepted Mike Matthes’ resignation.

City attorney Nancy Thompson said she interpreted the charter to apply only to the permanent city manager. The same charter provision calls for the city manager to be hired for “an indefinite term.” Thompson said the provision does not apply to someone serving a temporary role in the spot.

Council members told ABC 17 News that they saw no issue with Glascock’s residency. Sixth Ward councilwoman Betsy Peters said Glascock and Thompson discussed the issue several months ago with the council. Peters said she agreed with Thompson’s interpretation that the charter residency requirement would only apply to the person they select.

Councilman Michael Trapp said requiring Glascock to move into the city to work as the interim city manager would be onerous.

“It wouldn’t make sense to demand residency for a temporary position,” Trapp said.