Main Street board exercises at‑will provision, terminates DDA director with three‑month severance

The Main Street Board of Directors voted on Feb. 11, 2026 to exercise the at‑will provision in the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Main Street director’s employment agreement, ending the director’s tenure immediately and triggering a three‑month severance payment.

Darcy, serving as interim chair, introduced the motion to exercise Article 8 of the employment agreement, saying the action follows contract language negotiated in 2022 and that the director “serves at the pleasure of the board.” The board moved and supported the motion and opened the floor to discussion.

An unidentified city administrator told the board the city “fully support[s] the motion,” describing the situation as “uncomfortable” but within contract limits and the law. A board member also acknowledged Darcy’s leadership and called the decision a difficult one.

The board conducted a roll‑call vote. The recorded votes were: Pomodoros — yes; Dylan — yes; Elliot — yes; Henning — yes; Reiter — yes; Rosebrock — yes; Roth — no; Mayor Heath — yes; acting chair — yes; Board member Carl was absent. With eight yes votes, one no and one absence, the motion carried and the board declared the action approved.

The chair described the severance as a three‑month provision set by the contract. The board did not announce additional personnel actions, transitional staffing plans or who will perform director duties going forward. The meeting record shows the remaining agenda items were tabled to the next meeting.

Under the Michigan Open Meetings Act, the board kept the public comment portion of the meeting open before tabling other agenda items. The board did not provide further details about financial handling of the severance during the session.

Next steps noted at the meeting: the board will resume remaining business at its next scheduled meeting, and any pressing items in the interim would prompt a special meeting.