Chelsea council withdraws offer to one manager candidate and directs negotiations with another

Mayor Jane Pacheco opened the May 15 Chelsea City Council meeting by reviewing the recent vacant city manager post and next steps for recruitment. The council noted City Manager Roy Atkinson resigned effective April 21 and described a process that included soliciting applicants, interviewing finalists and extending an offer that was later withdrawn.

Council Member Kate Mehuron moved and Bill Ruddock seconded a motion to withdraw the offer of employment to Mr. Bell; the motion passed with all ayes. Following discussion, Council Member Peter Feeney moved and Eric Keaton seconded a motion directing the Acting City Manager and the City Attorney to proceed with contract negotiations, pending a background check, with candidate Elke Doom. That motion also passed unanimously.

Council members discussed re-engaging Walsh Municipal Services, the recruitment firm previously used by the city. Mayor Pacheco reminded the council of a clause in the prior Walsh agreement stating that if a hired candidate did not remain for a year, Walsh would provide a second search at no cost; council voted, by motion of Feeney and second of Tony Iannelli, to re-engage Walsh Municipal Services.

The council’s actions were procedural and directive: the withdrawal removed a prior offer, the negotiation direction initiates contract talks with a specific candidate pending a background check, and the Walsh vote authorizes re-starting a formal search process with the firm. The motions were recorded as carried by unanimous vote.

Next steps identified by the council include completion of the background check and continuation of contract negotiations. The council did not specify a timeline for concluding negotiations or for when an interim or permanent appointment would take effect.