CAPE CORAL, Fla. —
Cape Coral City Council voted to terminate City Manager Michael Ilczyszyn’s contract without cause during a surprise vote Monday night, prompting walkouts and raising questions among council members and residents.
The decision led to strong reactions from those who watched it unfold, including Cape Coral resident John Telisky.
“It’s disgusting. It’s discouraging,” Telisky said. “Why wasn’t this put on the agenda? Why wasn’t anybody given any notice?”
Cape Coral voters expressed concerns about the timing of the decision.
“To make a big decision like that, that’s going to affect the future of the city — less than 24 hours before an election — I just think that’s really strange,” Cape Coral resident Kelly Mahan said.
Rumors also circulated that Ilczyszyn might become the next Fort Myers city manager, but Fort Myers officials denied the speculation.
Fort Myers officials stated they have not started their city manager search and provided a link to their job site, which showed no postings for the position.
“We have to abide by the Sunshine Law. So, we don’t talk to each other. So, we get here and it’s not on the agenda, pow. We just have to react, and then you have to carry out your job,” said council member Dr. Derrick Donnell, who voted in favor of Ilczyszyn’s termination.
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