Fort Lauderdale commission approves mutual separation with City Manager Raquel Williams; names Christopher Cooper acting city manager

Mayor Dean J. Trantellis opened the July 2 meeting by announcing a walk-on agenda item: City Manager Raquel Williams had requested termination of her employment under the terms presented to the city. Williams addressed the commission, thanked staff and residents for their support and service opportunities, and said she was satisfied with the proposed terms.

The city attorney summarized the material terms laid out in the separation agreement: the manager would receive 60 days’ notice with pay, immediately cease manager duties and turn in city equipment, receive 20 weeks’ severance (the maximum permitted under Florida law), be placed on unpaid administrative leave from September through November while remaining available to assist transition work if requested, and be paid accrued vacation, sick leave and any other earned benefits. The proposed effective date discussed by the commission was July 3.

Commissioners debated procedure and timing before allowing public comment. The public comment period drew sustained, emotional support for Williams from neighborhood and association leaders including Vanessa Apothecar (District 4 representative for the Council of Fort Lauderdale), Beverly Chambers, Tina DeMarco and others who praised Williams for negotiations with firefighters, efforts to reduce police overtime, the sandbag prefill program, and a perceived improvement in transparency and professional culture.

After discussion, the commission introduced a resolution to approve the mutual separation agreement and authorize the mayor to execute it. The resolution passed on a 4–1 vote (Vice Mayor Sorenson cast the sole no vote). Immediately following that action, the commission appointed Deputy City Manager Christopher Cooper as acting city manager, a motion the commission approved unanimously. Cooper accepted the appointment and thanked the mayor and commissioners.

What happens next: Williams will be paid per the separation agreement and the city will implement the acting manager plan while pursuing an interim or permanent replacement process as spelled out in the city's charter and personnel rules.