Scarcely bending its elbow a short distance across the Westside, City Hall has tapped 56-year-old Lamont Ewell to serve a four-month stint as interim City Manager.
One of two candidates interviewed by the City Council — others were evaluated — he was selected by the Council before last Monday’s meeting.
He will receive the same salary — pro-rated and minus a benefits package — as his predecessor, the departing Mark Scott, who earned $233,000 annually, plus benefits.
Mr. Ewell’s agreement is for about $80,000, according to Human Resources Director Serena Wright.
He returns to active duty less than two months after declaring his retirement from Santa Monica, where he served just under four years.
Santa Monica City Councilman Kevin McKeown said of Mr. Ewell:
“You are fortunate to have acquired the services, albeit temporarily, of an extraordinarily talented manager, who will win Culver City friends easily with his gracious integrity.
“Lamont is an inspiring leader, a skilled administrator, a potent negotiator, and, always, a consummate gentleman.”
Mr. Ewell’s potential 120-day term is arbitrary, depending on how quickly the city lands a permanent replacement for Mr. Scott.
Six weeks ago, Mr. Scott rocked Culver City when resigned without warning.
He will move 200 miles away, to his hometown of Fresno, as City Manager, second in command to the Mayor. The Mayor had heavily pursued Mr. Scott since she took office 14 months ago, about 4 ½ months before Mr. Scott started at City Hall.
In the revolving door position that the City Manager’s chair has become in the last 12 months, Mr. Scott was starting his ninth month on a three-year contract when he told the stunned City Council he was leaving. He said it was imperative to return home to be near his ailing and aging parents.
