Nelson Resigns as Seal Beach City Manager

City Manager Robert Nelson, caught in the middle of this coastal community’s battles over new development, has resigned for personal reasons, officials said Tuesday.

Residents said that Nelson’s resignation had been rumored for several weeks because of differences with council members elected in May who have opposed Mola Development Corp.’s controversial Hellman Ranch housing project, as well as other projects.

Nelson, 51, who lives in Del Mar, was not available for comment. He said in a prepared statement that he will miss working for Seal Beach but wants to devote more time to his children, ages 27, 24, 6, and 2.

His resignation takes effect Oct. 31.

“In my own opinion and in that of some of the other residents, he had trouble making the adjustment that the Mola project was not wanted by most of the city,” said Galen Ambrose, president of the Wetlands Restoration Society, which opposes the Hellman Ranch project. “We feel this now will give the council confidence in hiring somebody they feel will carry out their directives.”

Seal Beach is beset with problems, including a recent Orange County Grand Jury report that sharply criticized the Police Department and lawsuits against Mola’s proposal to build houses on the Hellman Ranch.

The previous council approved Mola’s plans, but the new council rescinded that approval.

Councilwoman Gwen Forsythe, a member of the new council majority, said she did not want to comment on residents’ speculation.

“In my short term on the City Council, Mr. Nelson has provided me with the information necessary to make important decisions for the city of the Seal Beach. He will be missed,” she said. “I understand that it is a personal decision to spend more time with his young children.”

Nelson worked as city manager in Del Mar before coming to Seal Beach four years ago, Councilwoman Edna Wilson said.

“We’ve been through an awful lot of things with him,” said Wilson, the only council member remaining from the time Nelson was hired. “We’ve had an awful lot of problems, and he’s been very good. I’m just very sorry to see him go.”

Wilson said she was notified last week of his resignation while she was in the San Francisco Bay Area visiting her ill sister. She said she was uncertain why city officials waited until late Tuesday to announce the resignation, which was discussed by the council in closed session following its regular meeting Monday night.

“There were some final points that had to be decided on,” Wilson said. “I’m not sure why it wasn’t announced last night. I don’t know whose decision it was.”

Wilson said she was not certain what Nelson plans to do next or who will act as city manager after he leaves.