UPDATE: Vallejo council backs plan to name Malone as interim city manager

VALLEJO – Multiple sources have confirmed that the Vallejo City Council has directed staff to open negotiations with Mike Malone for possible appointment as interim city manager.

The council voted 5-2 during a special closed session Tuesday night to begin the process of naming Malone, who currently serves as the city’s water director, as interim city manager. Councilmembers Mina Loera-Diaz, and Christina Arriola were opposed, according to the sources.

Interim City Manager Anne Cardwell couldn’t be immediately reached regarding the council’s decision. All seven members of the council also couldn’t be immediately reached for comment on Wednesday.

Sources previously said that Cardwell, who is leaving Vallejo on Oct. 7., recommended Malone for the position.

If appointed, Malone will be Vallejo’s third city manager in 2021. Cardwell, who entered the year as assistant city manager, was named interim city manager in late July – about two months after then-City Manager Greg Nyhoff suddenly left City Hall.