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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
PENTWATER — The Pentwater Village Council fired its village manager without cause last March, and the ousted manager fired back with a lawsuit.
The council, in a split vote last month, agreed to settle the lawsuit by paying former village manager Chris Brown a lump sum of $67,000 and nearly $27,000 in severance pay, according to the employment separation agreement. The village agreed to pay Brown $26,824.80 minus a 20 percent copay for health care, his retirement contribution, taxes and social security.
The village council voted 4-3 during a special meeting last month to direct Village Attorney Brian Monton execute an employment separation agreement and release. Voting in favor of the agreement were Phil Frame, Jared Griffis, Dan Nugent and Kathy O’Connor. Voting “no” were Dave Bluhm, Don Palmer and Village President Jeff Hodges.
“The parties mutually wish to avoid any further disputes arising out of the termination of the village manager contract and Brown’s employment and enter into this agreement in full settlement of any and all claims between the parties,” states the agreement. The village agreed to continue providing health care benefits to Brown through the end of June.
“Brown agrees he shall not file or institute a lawsuit, legal action, or any charges or complaints of employment discrimination or any other claims or charges with any state or federal court and/or administrative agencies against the village. To the extent Brown has instituted any such actions, those actions shall be dismissed with prejudice.
“The parties agree that the execution of this agreement shall not be construed as an admission by either party of any act of wrongdoing or any liability of any kind, all liability and wrongdoing being expressly denied.”
The village has been without a manager since Brown’s March 11 termination, and President Hodges has been serving as the acting manager as “chief executive officer.”
The council has scheduled a special meeting for Thursday, May 30, at 6 p.m. The first new business item listed on the agenda is “interim village manager.”
Hodges previously confirmed that a candidate has been interviewed for an interim manager, but declined to provide that person’s name. “We have interviewed one prospect (for the interim) that looks good, but the whole council has not met (the candidate) yet.” He said that he is expecting the council to vote on hiring an interim manager soon. “We have a strong candidate for the interim position — that we will know within two weeks.” Hodges said a consulting company will be hired within two to three weeks to help find a permanent village manager.
The settlement paperwork was obtained by OCP though a Freedom of Information Act request.
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