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Commission approves severance for departing city manager; names acting manager and hires MML to lead search
Summary
The commission approved a severance and release agreement for departing City Manager Brian Chapman, unanimously appointed Robin Troyer as acting city manager under an interim agreement, and authorized the Michigan Municipal League to conduct the executive search, voting 4–3 on the MML contract and approving a $19,200 budget amendment.
The commission approved a severance and release agreement for City Manager Brian Chapman, which the mayor said had been pre‑signed by Chapman as of Oct. 1. Residents at the meeting urged transparency about Chapman’s departure; one said, “Before our mayor signs this severance contract…we the people…are given some explanation as to why.” Another commenter questioned offering severance when a departure appears voluntary.
Commissioners then approved an acting city manager agreement for Robin Troyer, who is also serving as city clerk and HR director. Troyer has been handling multiple duties since the manager’s resignation; commissioners praised her responsiveness and the commission authorized the mayor to execute the interim agreement.
On the city manager search, commissioners debated whether to run an in‑house 30‑day posting or engage the Michigan Municipal League (MML) for a professional search. Supporters of an internal post argued it could save money and still reach qualified candidates. Supporters of hiring MML said professional vetting increases the chance of finding a highly qualified finalist. The commission voted 4–3 to authorize the mayor to execute an agreement with MML for the executive search and later approved a $19,200 amendment to the city manager budget to cover search costs.
Public commenters asked that any severance or agreement be transparent and justified in the public record. The commission accepted the agreements and directed staff to proceed with the search process as authorized.
