By BOB MARTIN
Eagle Times Staff
CLAREMONT, N.H. — After 30 months of serving the city of Claremont, the city council voted 9-0 to remove Yoshi Manale from the position of city manager during a non-public section of an emergency meeting on Monday night.
“The Claremont City Council would like to announce that, during last evening’s meeting, the Council voted to remove City Manager Octavian “Yoshi” Manale from his position,” a press release from the city council stated. “In accordance with his contract, the city will provide 30 days’ notice and place him on administrative leave. We would like to thank Mr. Manale for his efforts over the past 30 months. During his tenure, the city has made continued progress on infrastructure improvements and other important initiatives.”
The firing of Manale comes on the heels of Manale’s administrative review, as well as Mayor Dale Girard writing a scathing letter regarding the city manager’s performance. The letter, at points, called out his sincerity and claimed that Manale was keeping the city council in the dark.
The letter was read aloud during the previous city council meeting, and members of the council also spoke out about their concerns regarding Manale’s performance. Girard also called for a 5% cut for the upcoming budget, which was something Manale said would not only be difficult, but would mean cutting jobs and affecting infrastructure.
Girard explained that the special meeting on Monday began at 5 p.m. and started as public before quickly shifting into a non-public session. The entire meeting was about an hour-and-twenty minutes long and Girard declined to comment on what was discussed during non-public.
The city council released a resolution that listed four areas of concern that led to Manale’s removal:
Honesty
The city council stated that they have brought to the city manager’s attention a pattern of inconsistent communication with councilors. This included discrepancies in answers given to different council members regarding the same questions.
“This inconsistency undermines transparency and trust,” the resolution stated. “Additionally, a memo presented to the Council regarding carrying costs, the manager requested changes which raised serious concerns about the accuracy and timeliness of the information provided.”
Council Packets
The city council stated that it has “consistently requested” that in order to make informed decisions they must have detailed and informative council packets. The packets include status reports and other information that is provided to the council before meetings.
“Despite the City Manager’s assurance that he would review council packets prior to their release to confirm that all requested and necessary information is provided, significant gaps in critical information remain,” the resolution stated. “This includes essential details necessary for thorough evaluation of agenda items are still being omitted. The withholding or failure to provide information hinders the City Council in its ability to perform its duties.”
Lack of follow-up communication with “entire council”
The resolution stated that “from time to time,” councilors have made inquiries on their own to the city manager regarding a number of issues. In an effort to promote “clarity and efficiency,” Manale was reportedly directed to share responses with the entire council. However, the council alleged that he has “failed or refused to consistently follow this directive.” This has resulted in a “lack of shared understanding of city affairs that interferes with the council’s ability to effectively perform its duties.”
Lack of departmental control and accountability
The city council stated that Manale was directed to provide better communication and oversight to departments, as well as assess and improve departmental management and performance. However, the council has seen “little to no measurable improvement.”
“The Council has observed that city departments under the direction of the City Manager proceed with projects without appropriate planning or adherence to established processes,” the resolution stated.
Manale’s Response
Manale responded to the council’s decision to remove him, saying that it has been a “pleasure and learning experience” in serving the city. He said the city is filled with “dedicated public servants and passionate residents who care deeply about Claremont’s future.
“Together, we’ve built a strong foundation for continued growth, resilience, and opportunity,” Manale said. “Claremont is fortunate to have an extraordinary team of dedicated public servants—employees who are deeply committed to serving this community with professionalism and heart.”
Manale continued: “From Public Works and Fire, to Planning, Parks, Police, Welfare, Library, Administration and Finance—each department has contributed meaningfully to our shared progress. Our staff are the backbone of this city and I’m proud to have worked alongside them.”
Manale feels that Claremont is well-positioned for the future and he took a moment to commend city officials for their work.
“The City Council, department leadership, and community are aligned in their dedication to making Claremont a vibrant and welcoming place for all,” Manale said. “I leave knowing this city is destined for better days and I look forward to following its success in the future.”
Moving Forward
Girard thanked Manale for his work in bolstering the economic development in the city, saying that there were “no hard feelings” and that it was time to move on.
“We were very thankful for the work he did for us for 30 months, and again, I hated to see where we ended up last night, by all means,” Girard said.
He added, “We enjoyed working together. As with anything, sometimes changes need to take place, but we do appreciate everything he was able to accomplish.”
In the interim, Police Chief Brent Wilmot and Finance Director Nancy Bates will be co-city managers. Mayor Dale Girard said there has not been a shift of pay and hours discussed yet, but this is something that will be coming down the line. Wilmot will continue as police chief, and Bates will be the finance director, which is important as the city’s budget season is right around the corner.
Girard explained that the reason for the dual interim managers was because it was the formula currently used by the city manager if he was out of town. The prepared statement said that the city council will be developing a plan for a permanent appointment soon.
“We are committed to ensuring a smooth transition and maintaining focus on the needs of our residents and the progress of our community,” the statement read.
Requests for comments from Wilmot and Bates, as well as each member of the city council, were made, but messages were not returned by deadline.
For those looking to reach the city manager’s office can do so through email at [email protected] or by calling city hall at 603-542-7002.
