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.
“I will start on March 31 at the county, but I will continue to do what’s necessary until Jered’s able to start. There’s not going to be any lapse… If he’s able to start sooner, he’ll start as soon as he can,” Dyer said. “Anytime after the approval of the contract that he’s able to start he will and we’ll work those details out when he knows more.”
Ottenwess will be paid an annual base salary of $90,000 in his new position, and will have additional financial allowances including: Being compensated for any approved travel at the approved IRS rate; a cell phone for official village business, or may elect to receive $60 per month as a stipend; and an annual allowance of $500 or another amount as may be appropriated or approved by the village council, for use in conjunction with obtaining or maintaining professional memberships related to the work of the village manager and/or zoning administrator. If Ottenwess resigns from the manager or zoning administrator positions, the contract states he must give the village 60 days advance notice.
To read the full contract, go to villageofnorthport.net/villagecouncil.
