Oxford Village Manager Mark Slown called it quits at last night’s council meeting.
Council voted 4-1 to accept Slown’s resignation effective July 1.
However, as part of the motion, Slown will continue to receive his regular bi-weekly pay of $2,311 until July 1 with the expressed understanding that beginning immediately he’s to no longer to attend work or perform the duties of village manager.
Immediately following the motion’s approval, a 10-minute recess was called during which Slown turned in all his village keys to Clerk Rose Bejma, whom council later voted 5-0 to appoint as ‘acting village manager.?
Slown, who was hired in 1999, then quietly left the meeting, preferring not to comment on his resignation.
Councilman Dave Bailey said he voted against the motion on Slown’s resignation because he didn’t want to accept it and he didn’t wish to ask the manager to stop work immediately.
Bailey had attempted to discuss the resignation motion prior to the vote, but council took a separate 4-1 vote to call for the question ? which means the issue was not discussed by officials ? then voted on the motion itself.
Just prior to the acceptance of Slown’s resignation, council voted to accept and file the 2003 Manager’s Evaluation, which was performed in closed session April 13.
Resident Sue Bossardet, a vocal critic of Slown’s performance, asked if there would be any report regarding the evaluation.
‘Personnel issues are closed,? replied village President Renee Donovan.
In a telephone interview following the meeting, village President Renee Donovan made it clear ‘it was Mark Slown’s decision to resign.?
‘I can honestly say council was not planning to fire Mark,? she said.
Slown drew public criticism Feb. 24 when a group of village business owners and members of the Oxford Community Development Authority went before council, complaining about his management skills and style, and urging village officials to look for someone new to fill the position.
Apparently, village officials also had problems with Slown.
‘Council has not been real happy with his performance,? Donovan said.
Donovan said the village’s ‘needs have grown? and ‘I don’t believe he (Slown) has the background to help move us forward.?
‘We need a municipal manager with experience,? she said. Someone with ‘a little bit more vision.?
The village president said an ‘active, aggressive search? for a new manager will be conducted.
Donovan said council will address the issue of hiring an interim village manager in the near future.
‘Rose (Bejma) is not there for the long haul (as acting manager),? the president said. ‘Rose has made it very clear . . . She has her hands full.?
While serving as acting manager, Bejma will simultaneously continue her duties as clerk. However, she won’t be paid extra for her acting manager role.