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City manager to leave July 26; council votes to seek interim placement through League
Summary
The city manager notified the council of a resignation effective July 26, 2024. The council voted to accept the notice and approved pursuing interim manager placement services through the League, while discussing the possibility of using existing staff in the short term.
The city manager told the Lowell City Council that they had sent a notice of resignation dated June 26, 2024, and that their last working day would be July 26, 2024. “I sent out the notice of my resignation dated June 26, 2024 and in accordance to my employment contract it’ll be the last day effective July 26, 2024,” the city manager said.
Councilors asked about transition logistics and leave balances. The manager said they had six days of paid time off available to transfer and that they would send an email outlining what days they expected to be in the office so operations would not be interrupted through the July 26 departure.
A council member moved to accept the city manager’s notice of resignation; another member seconded the motion and the council approved it by voice vote. The council then considered how to fill the vacancy on an interim basis.
A speaker described the League’s interim city manager placement service as an option for member municipalities, explaining the League refers candidates—often retired managers or experienced interims—who would typically work up to 20 hours per week and be contracted directly by the city rather than through the League. The speaker said the League requires the council’s approval before it will assist in recruiting candidates.
“We’ll contract those services with the League to look for an interim,” a council member said, and put that motion before the body. Council members discussed whether an internal staff member could temporarily fill duties instead of bringing in someone from outside who is unfamiliar with the city. One councilor noted past instances where a retired manager served in an interim capacity.
After discussion the council voted to proceed with the League placement service; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with “all in favor” recorded. Councilors said they would interview any candidates the League forwarded and retained the option to select a qualified internal staff member if one emerged.
A procedural motion to adjourn followed and carried. The council did not record individual roll-call votes in the transcript for the personnel and placement motions.
Next steps: the city will accept the manager’s resignation effective July 26, and staff will pursue interim-manager candidates through the League while evaluating internal coverage options.
