By CHRISTOPHER TUFFLEY
christopher.tuffley@newssun.com
AVON PARK -- City Manager Julian Deleon asked the council Monday night for an extension of the clause requiring him to live within Avon Park. He currently lives in Lake Placid.
With the market depressed, he told the city council, he has not been able to sell his home in Lake Placid.
His request upset Councilor Garrett Anderson. "Why couldn't you move," he asked Deleon. "Why is it our problem? Rules are rules." He said he would not vote an extension.
The rest of the council spoke strongly in support of Deleon -- partly because members feel he is critical to the town's progress, and partly because of the sluggish real estate market.
Jim Barnard, who ran for the council in 2012, said he knew Deleon had lowered the price on his home $20,000 in an effort to move the process along. He added that it would be hard for Deleon to replace what he has -- a house on Lake June with six bedrooms, on about two acres.
Deputy Mayor Brenda Gray said, "He has done the best I've seen in 12 years. An extension is called for."
Councilor Parke Sutherland took the argument to the philosophical level.
"I am not in support of any geographical limits (for anyone)," he said. "We need the best people for the job. I do not think setting limits benefits the city."
Sutherland made a motion to delete the city limit home requirement from Deleon's contract completely, rather than simply extend the deadline.
"But now he's not bound by anything," Anderson said. "It's irresponsible and I hope you know what you're getting into."
Former councilor Paul Miller, speaking from the audience, expressed faith in Deleon. "Julian loves this city," Miller said. "He has had multiple offers of higher paying jobs, and he stays here."
"I think when Julian sells his home, he'll be here," Councilor Terry Heston said.
Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - www.newssun.com/011613-ct-APCC-Deleon