Grace Kirchner, Leader Correspondent
The Clintonville Common Council wants to keep Chuck Kell as the city’s administrator until at least June 2017.
The council met in closed session with Kell on Feb. 24 to discuss his contract. He was asked to continue working until June 30, 2017, or later and to help hire a new full-time city administrator by that time.
Kell receives hourly pay and no benefits. He is reimbursed for mileage only for meetings outside of Clintonville.
According to the original contract, Kell will work an average of 24 hours a week at $75 per hour, and hours may increase during the city’s budget process. He does not receive benefits.
At the Feb. 24 meeting, the council approved amendments to Kell’s contract that require the city to give Kell at least six months written notice of termination of his contract. It also includes a provision that requires the city to compensate him at $275 per calendar day if he is terminated before June 30, 2017.
In a press release, prepared by Kell, from the city, he states that he has been satisfied with the working relationship with the council and city staff, and with the progress that has been made addressing important city issues.
Kell was hired as interim administrator following the resignation of former administrator Lisa Kotter in September 2014. The city took off the “interim” tag in August 2015.
Kell served as village administrator for Little Chute from 2005 until June 2013 when he retired from public service. He previously served as planning and zoning director for Portage County for 20 years and also as president for the village of Whiting from 1999 to 2005.
The council voted in February 2015 to authorize a search for a new city administrator. Seven applicants expressed interest, but the council was not satisfied with any of the other applicants and decided not to interview.