Chadbourn Mayor Pro Tem Tony Jordan requested a closed session on “code enforcement and water bills”, then changed his request to include “personnel” during the town’s August meeting.
State law allows for the mayor, mayor pro tem, or two council members to request an executive session, but it does not require that the session be held. Notices and agendas must contain the reason for the closed session if it is approved.
Town policy calls for the town manager to be contacted by board members with agenda requests, so he has time to research and assemble information to the town council prior to a vote. The mayor generally has the final say on what proposed agenda items will be included, rejected or delayed until a future meeting after consultation with the manager.
Water bills and zoning are not topics that can be discussed in closed session under most circumstances. Closed sessions are only allowed for items of specific attorney-client privilege, potential litigation, personnel discussions, economic development, and contract negotiations.
Emails received as part of a public records request show that Jordan contacted Town Attorney Sharon Lin “to request a close (sic) session” without the knowledge of Town Manager David Wise. Lin apparently advised Jordan to contact Wise with the request.
“Town manager Mr. David Wise please add to the agenda personnel meeting on August 3rd,” Jordan later wrote on July 16, after contacting Lin.
Sources close to town hall said the personnel session was requested because Jordan, along with councilmembers Avala Nealy and Tony Clewis, are seeking to fire Wise, less than two months after he started work with the town. His contract states that Wise’s job performance will be evaluated at six months.
Lin contacted Wise about the request on July 16, and he emailed the board about the policy and the process.
“This is very disconcerting to me professionally as there have been two incidents of council members circumventing my statutory and contractual employment duties within the first month of employment with the Town of Chadbourn,” Wise wrote.
On July 8, Wise sent an email to the board regarding an exchange between former interim town manager John Bauer and a member of the council. Lin informed Wise of the exchange, according to the email.
“Mr. Bauer is no longer employed by the town for his services as of Wednesday, June 17th , 2026,” Wise wrote. “If any council members have a concern, or issue, I am the point of contact. (original emphasis)”
Bauer apparently reached out to Lin after concerns were expressed by a councilmember to Bauer regarding Lin’s participation in a meeting. Lin lives and works in the Raleigh area, and per an agreement with the town, sometimes attends meetings remotely to save travel costs for the town. Lin is paid by the hour plus travel expenses when she attends meetings in person.
Lin was on the phone during the meeting in question Wise wrote, and could hear and participate in the meeting.
“If this was a concern from a council member it was not brought to my attention before, during, nor after the meeting,” Wise wrote.
The town previously skirted notice rules about meetings when Nealey, Jordan and Clewis were attempting to oust Police Chief Ken Elliot before the March primaries. Elliot was running for sheriff at the time. Jordan called for the meeting without the knowledge of Britt or then-Town Manager Jason Robinson.
At that meeting, which was not properly advertised, then-Town Attorney Mike Stephens walked out and resigned. Clewis also stormed out of that meeting. Since board members Rashad Roberts and Colene Kelly were unable to attend that day, the meeting ended without being formally adjourned, due to a lack of quorum.
Clewis, Nealey and Jordan have been at odds with other members of the board as well as Britt and Wise over several high profile issues in recent months.
Nealey has been highly critical of Wise after the town cited a seafood market that has been operating outside of town rules and state regulations. Nealey has also been advocating for a mobile home to be moved onto property that is not zoned for an additional trailer.
Clewis, Nealey and Jordan previously voted against a proposal suggested by Wise that would use funds from an unfilled position and contributions from employees to maintain their current plan. At their July meeting, Roberts and Kelly voted to override the new plan and adopt Wise’s suggestion instead.
The agenda for the August meeting has not been finalized. It will be published on the town’s website and posted at town hall when it is complete.
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