The Clintonville City Council has officially authorized the search for a new city administrator.
The authorization was unanimous at the Feb. 10 council meeting. Alderman Mark Doornink was excused from the meeting.
The recruitment packet was put together by interim City Administrator Chuck Kell. The packet includes background information about the city of Clintonville, as well as requirements and expected qualifications for candidates.
In addition, the packet includes information about the opportunities, challenges and issues that the city administrator will face. It addresses that there were disagreements between the city council and the previous city administrator. It also includes information about disagreements between council members and with the mayor.
Interested applicants are to submit a city application, resume and cover letter by April 3. Along with that information, contact information for five work-related references are to be included.
Kell said the recruitment announcement will be placed on several web sites, including the International City Managers Association, Wisconsin City Administrator Manager Association, and the League of Municipalities. The job description and application will also be placed on the city’s web site.
Alderwoman Lois Bressette questioned the timing of recruiting a city administrator, considering the city is currently investigating Mayor Judy Magee.
“I have concerns about that,” Bressette said.
“I think there’s no doubt that the climate in the community over the past year and the current things that are going on are going to be impediments to some candidates,” Kell said. “I don’t have any doubt in my mind.”
Kell recommended the council see what type of candidates apply.
Bressette asked if it was possible to postpone the recruitment.
Alderwoman Mary-Beth Kuester said to delay recruitment and leave the position vacant would be “irresponsible to the community.”
Kell said some candidates may want the challenges of the job.