Kersten to leave position on Sept. 2
By Bert Lehman
The Clintonville City Council has accepted the resignation of Clintonville Public Works Director Toby Kersten, effective Sept. 2.
The council accepted the resignation after meeting with Kersten in closed session at the Aug. 9 council meeting. When voting on the resignation, it was clear members of the council were disappointed that Kersten was resigning.
After the council meeting, Kersten told the Clintonville Tribune-Gazette that he was resigning so he could spend more time with his family.
In a follow-up interview with Clintonville City Administrator Chuck Kell, Kell stated Kersten submitted his resignation on Monday, Aug. 8. Kell also described Kersten as a good employee who did a great job and saved the city of Clintonville money during his time as public works director.
Kell said the city has already begun searching for a new public works director, hoping to have one in place as soon as possible. The city is soliciting internal and external candidates.
To help transition to a new public works director, Kell said Kersten offered to work with the city part-time as an independent contractor for a period of time. This would allow Kersten to help train the new public works director. Kell said there is a lot to learn in the position, especially in regard to paperwork the state of Wisconsin requires.
Once a new public works director is hired, details of Kersten working as an independent contractor will be finalized.