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Commission updates manager's contract to an indefinite term; mortgage-point purchases deemed moving expense
Summary
The Lapeer commission voted to make the city manager an at-will, indefinite-term employee consistent with the charter and approved language to allow mortgage-point purchases to be counted as a moving expense up to the existing $3,000 moving reimbursement.
The Lapeer City Commission voted Monday to amend the city manager’s contract to make the position an at-will appointment for an indefinite term in accordance with the city charter, and it approved additional contract language allowing mortgage-point purchases to qualify as reimbursable moving expenses.
Commissioner Glisman moved to change the contract so the city manager "is an at-will employee and serves at the pleasure of the city commission," citing charter language; Commissioner Brady supported the motion. The commission voted verbally in favor and the motion carried.
Separately, the commission approved a motion to clarify that the existing $3,000 moving-expense reimbursement may include the purchase of mortgage points to lower a mortgage interest rate, with any unspent moving expense funds eligible for that purpose. The motion was offered by Commissioner Brady and supported by Commissioner Glisman and carried by voice vote; commissioners asked the city attorney to finalize wording and to add a defined radius for any residency expectation.
City Manager Mike Womack had asked the commission for three contract changes: (1) convert the four-year fixed term to an indefinite term to match the city charter; (2) standardize the severance language (he proposed an 18-month severance, a request commissioners did not approve at this meeting); and (3) allow assistance to buy down mortgage points as a relocation aid. Womack said the indefinite term is his highest priority, because it allows him to buy a home in or near town without the risk of being required to relocate again shortly after purchasing.
The commission did not adopt any change to severance at the meeting. Commissioners said they will ask the city attorney to draft final contract language reflecting the indefinite employment term and the expanded definition of moving expenses; they also discussed but did not approve a larger severance package.
What happens next: the city attorney will draft final contract language for the mayor's signature and will return any severance-related proposals for a separate, future vote.
