LOCK HAVEN – Tensions could be felt at the start of Lock Haven City Council’s second meeting of 2026 as it passed a resolution in a 4-3 vote to terminate Gregory Wilson from his position as city manager.

The decision came after council held an executive session prior to its meeting on Monday night.

The resolution stated the following reasons for the termination, which were read aloud by Mayor Joel Long:

– Inaccurate communication to city council on governing matters within the city’s decision making or advisory purview.

– Lack of cooperation in the city’s interactions with neighboring municipalities.

– Contributing unnecessary discussion and animosity between city residents and business people.

– Lack of confidence in the city manager’s leadership direction.

– Contributing to an atmosphere of distrust between city employees and city officials.

Council Member Jeff Brinker motioned to pass the resolution, which was seconded by Councilmember Micah Clausen.

Voting in favor of Wilson’s termination was Brinker, Clausen, Councilmember Heather Alexander and Long.

Voting against the termination was Council members Rick Conklin, Barbara Masorti and Tami Brannan. All three vocalized their disagreement with the decision.

“I disagree with how this is being handled at this time,” Masorti said.

Brannan said corrective action could have been taken prior to moving to terminate Wilson from the position.

“There was a lot of opportunity before this to try and rectify this in a way that did not end in this. The people choosing to end this way chose to not do those other steps,” she said.

Conklin expressed his disapproval of the decision, referencing it as “a move of retribution.”

According to the resolution, Wilson will be placed on leave until a final resolution is passed by council. He has the opportunity to request a public hearing, which would occur “no earlier than 20 days nor 30 days of filing the request.”

After a public hearing, council would have the opportunity, if it so chose, to consider whether it would adopt the final resolution.

Wilson was entering his 11th year with the city after being first hired as assistant city manager in 2014 under then-city manager Richard Marcinkevage.

In 2018, following Marcinkevage’s retirement, Wilson was promoted to city manager.