The Northport Village Council unanimously approved the employment contract for its new village manager and zoning administrator, Jered Ottenwess, at a special meeting on March 19. A four member quorum was present at the meeting which included village council president Chris McCann, and trustees Susan Ager, Laura Cavendish, and Hugh Cook.
The agreement states that the contract for Ottenwess will go into effect on May 5 and will continue for a term of three years, subject to satisfactory performance evaluations which can be conducted from time to time. On or before the conclusion of the third year, prior to May 5, 2028, both parties will have the opportunity to renew, renegotiate, or extend the terms of the agreement.
Current Northport Village Manager Jim Dyer said he is still set to begin in his new role as Leelanau County Administrator on March 31. Dyer will continue to assist in the manager role until Ottenwess can assume fulltime responsibilities While the manager contract states that it will commence May 5, it also takes into consideration Ottenwess’ transition from his current employment, with Dyer adding that Ottenwess can start at an earlier date if he is available.
