Question 1: Was the Manager entitled to receive medical coverage for his family since every other person working for the City received it and the Council elected not to provide it?

Actually, the answer is no. The person must ask. Does this arise to the level of tenant 3 which requires a person should serve two years, but can leave sooner under special conditions? Although not providing the benefit is a symptom of problems with the City Council, it was not included in any written agreement.  This does not provide justification on its basis alone to terminate the agreement.  The Manager should discuss the situation with the Council Members on a one-to-one basis and attempt to show through his/her performance over time why that benefit should be provided.

Correct! The person must ask. Does this arise to the level of tenant 3 which requires a person should serve two years, but can leave sooner under special conditions? Although not providing the benefit is a symptom of problems with the City Council, it was not included in any written agreement.  This does not provide justification on its basis alone to terminate the agreement.  The Manager should discuss the situation with the Council Members on a one-to-one basis and attempt to show through his/her performance over time why that benefit should be provided.

Question 2: Since the two newly elected officials had campaigned to changes in the Administration needing to be made, would the Manager be justified in submitting his resignation?

Actually, the answer is no. Although this is an indication that they are referring to the city manager, the description administration does not mean it is the city manager.  It could be some of the department directors, members of the City Council or Mayor.  It would be better to meet one-on-one with each member and determine to whom they are referring.  If it is the city manager, there is a need to speak one-on-one with the other Council Members to attempt to understand their position.  Even if it looks like the majority wants to terminate, until they discuss publicly it would not be appropriate to leave the city unless it was with the clear understanding that resignation would avoid termination.

Correct! Although this is an indication that they are referring to the city manager, the description administration does not mean it is the city manager.  It could be some of the department directors, members of the City Council or Mayor.  It would be better to meet one-on-one with each member and determine to whom they are referring.  If it is the city manager, there is a need to speak one-on-one with the other Council Members to attempt to understand their position.  Even if it looks like the majority wants to terminate, until they discuss publicly it would not be appropriate to leave the city unless it was with the clear understanding that resignation would avoid termination.

Question 3: With the decision and statement by the City Council, would this justify submitting a resignation?

Actually, the answer is no. Although this would indicate that the Council had some type of problems with the City Manager, it would be premature if it was not discussed with the Council Members one-on-one, or in a public meeting.  Unfortunately, sometimes a council will say that they want to wait for a period.  If that is the case, a definite time should be established with the clear understanding that if the benefit is not received at that time, it would be appropriate to consider leaving.

Finally, if all of the above occurred to a manager in the first year without any possibility of situations changing, it would be appropriate to give notice and leave.  If this occurred, it would be important to advise ICMA, before resigning, and explain the circumstances.

Correct! Although this would indicate that the Council had some type of problems with the City Manager, it would be premature if it was not discussed with the Council Members one-on-one, or in a public meeting.  Unfortunately, sometimes a council will say that they want to wait for a period.  If that is the case, a definite time should be established with the clear understanding that if the benefit is not received at that time, it would be appropriate to consider leaving.

Finally, if all of the above occurred to a manager in the first year without any possibility of situations changing, it would be appropriate to give notice and leave.  If this occurred, it would be important to advise ICMA, before resigning, and explain the circumstances.