RICHMOND — Days after City Manager Carlos Martinez was abruptly fired, Richmond has appointed former Oakland City Manager Henry Gardner to temporarily take his place until a more permanent replacement is found.

During a special meeting Saturday, the City Council unanimously tasked Gardner to act as city manager for a few weeks until the council picks an interim city manager. Mayor Tom Butt has called another special meeting Aug. 13 for City Council members to pick an interim city manager, who would take over the position until the city hires someone to take Martinez’s place.

Gardner held the position of Oakland city manager from 1981 to 1993, and worked as assistant city manager before that, Richmond Mayor Tom Butt said in an email newsletter.

Last Tuesday, the City Council voted 4-3 during closed session to fire Martinez after union leaders accused him of unfair labor practices. Martinez had worked as the Richmond city manager for less than a year, and per his contract, will be paid a lump-some severance package of a year’s salary, $260,000.

The City Council had initially appointed Community Services Director Rochelle Polk as acting city manager, but she declined.