The council held a closed session following its regular meeting to discuss having Police Chief Kevin Burke act as the city's interim manager while City Manager Jerry Gillham is sent to Iraq for a year-long deployment.

Last week, Gillham – a member of the Army National Guard – announced that he'll leave for Iraq late next month.

He previously was in that country from 2005 to 2006, serving in an administrative capacity for his unit.

Following the closed session – which lasted about 25 minutes – City Attorney Steve Brookes said the council decided to take no action just yet.

Councilman Bob Rumfelt was absent from Tuesday's meeting, and his fellow council members wanted him there for a decision, said Brookes.

The council also wanted a chance to talk with Burke, who was not at the meeting Tuesday night because he is in Texas on vacation this week, said Brookes. Gillham also was absent Tuesday.

Brookes said the discussion is expected to continue in a closed session following the council's July 1 meeting.

Utilities/Community Development Director Mark Brannigan also has been named as a possible candidate to fill Gillham's job on an interim basis. However, Gillham said last week that the council didn't want Brannigan taken from his other duties.

Gillham has said that if Burke filled the slot temporarily it would save the city money, and would mean the police department wouldn't have to face cuts that could result in loss of officer positions.

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