Bradenton Beach Commissioner Janie Robertson admits she erred last week when she made a claim that newly appointed Bradenton Beach city clerk Terri Sanclemente was fired from her city job in 2012.
Robertson’s claim came after Mayor Jack Clarke promoted Sanclemente with a $20,000 pay raise.
Sanclemente announced she had not been fired, but rather resigned. Her personnel file backs up her claim.
But the situation brought forth two former clerks, both reminded of the troubled past at Bradenton Beach City Hall.
Former clerks Audra Lanzaro and Tammy Johnson talked exclusively with The Islander, saying they wanted to set the record straight.
Lanzaro, who was deputy city clerk at the time, and Johnson, who was hired to replace Sanclemente, agreed: Sanclemente was never fired.
“I was working in city hall when all this happened,” Lanzaro said. “ I was there for everything.”
Johnson said Sanclemente asked Idso for her job back shortly after resigning, but the request was denied, and that may have resulted in the misunderstanding.
Robertson apologized for the misunderstanding and said it was an “erroneous assumption from a personal conversation with Sanclemente over three years ago.”
However, Robertson is holding fast to her claims that Sanclemente does not meet the city’s requirements for a clerk.
The charter lists numerous duties for the clerk, but does not state the position’s qualifications.
The city posted a job description in December 2013 before hiring and firing two clerks, and several other staff changes in the clerk’s office.
It included: “All applicants should have exceptional organizational and personnel skills. The city clerk will be hired by, serves at the pleasure of, and reports directly to, the mayor. The city clerk supervises the daily activities of assigned employees, including deputy clerks and assistants. The ideal candidate should have a two-year degree, experience in Florida local government with general understanding of statutes, ordinances, and record-keeping requirements.
“The ideal candidate should also be a Florida notary and a certified municipal clerk, or be in the process of obtaining certification.
“Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job may be acceptable in lieu of education or certification. The candidate may be subject to a thorough background check, including a credit check.
“The pay range for this position is $45,000 to $65,000 annually. Starting salary will be market competitive, and will be based on the experience and qualifications of the individual chosen for this position. The city of Bradenton Beach offers a full benefits package.”
— Tal Reeve