Canby council hires airport manager Matt Wagner as probationary city employee to resolve insurance coverage

The City of Canby on May 6 voted unanimously to hire Matt Wagner as a probationary city employee to serve as airport manager while council and staff review contract language and liability coverage.

Matt Wagner, who spoke to the council about multiple accomplishments over roughly 20 years in his current role, said his status as an independent contractor requires him to obtain a separate liability insurance policy that he described as costly. According to the council discussion, hiring Wagner as a probationary employee is intended to allow time for staff to confirm whether liability coverage would fall under the League of Minnesota Cities insurance program.

Councilmember Diana Fliss moved to approve the hire; Susan Cram seconded. All members present voted in favor. The motion’s approval was recorded after council members asked staff to review contract language and insurance implications before finalizing any longer-term employment terms.

Bonnie Merritt, City Administrator, was present during the discussion and will coordinate follow-up on contract wording and insurance verification, the council said. The council did not set an effective date beyond the probationary hire action and left details of permanent employment and benefits to be resolved after the insurance review.

The action follows routine administrative oversight: council members said the hire was a practical step to ensure the city’s liability framework covers airport operations without requiring the applicant to maintain his own costly separate policy.

The council is scheduled to consider other business and bids at its next regular meeting on June 3.