The Coachella City Council voted Tuesday to place City Manager Dr. Gabriel Martin on paid administrative leave, effective immediately. The vote was 3-2. Mayor Pro Tem Denise Delgado as well as Councilmember Frank Figueroa and newly-elected Councilmember Yadira Perez voted in favor of placing Martin on leave. Mayor Steven Hernandez and Councilmember Stephanie Virgen were opposed.
“Shame on you!” members of the public shouted after the vote.
The vote was preceded by a five-hour closed session meeting and another five-hour public comment session, attended by around 100 people.
No reason for the decision was provided. While Martin is still employed, the council appears to be pushing for his ouster.
Residents who spoke at the meeting praised Martin’s work as a city manager and expressed concerns that the city’s progress could be rolled back by this decision. They also raised questions about the meeting’s abrupt time change. It was moved to 10:00 a.m. when most constituents are at work.
Public Works Director Maritza Martinez has taken over as Acting City Manager. Next Wednesday, the council plans to appoint former city manager Bill Pattison to the acting role.
Read more from KESQ and The Desert Sun.