MARGATE — Peter Rowley, the director of the city’s often turbulent Utilities Department, has been fired by new City Manager Sam Moschella as part of a reorganization of the city staff.
Rowley, 62, said Moschella handed him a letter terminating his employment as a result of a “philosophical difference.”
“I’m rather dazed,” Rowley said on Tuesday. “This came as a complete surprise. I never knew we had any sort of philosophical difference, but I guess he wants to reorganize. I guess that’s the reason.”
Rowley, who made $52,000 a year, was hired in January by former City Manager Tom Hissom. He is the second department head Moschella has fired since becoming city manager in April. Kimberly Glass, who had been personnel director for less than a year, was fired right after Moschella became city manager.
“I’ll do whatever it takes to provide the most effective structure here,” Moschella said of the firings. He would not say whether he planned more staff changes.
Moschella said he plans to appoint someone already on staff to be utility director. He said he will announce the replacement at tonight’s commission meeting.
