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Politics & Government

Objections Raised Over Hiring Process, Des Plaines to Have New City Manager

Aldermen and resident raise concerns over process that caught some by surprise.

City council approved despite some concerns about how the city went about the appointment.

Aldermen should have been more involved in the discussions and the city should have gone through the same hiring process it is currently using to find a new police chief, said Fifth Ward Alderman James Brookman.

Earlier:

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Mayor Martin Moylan said he saved the city about $20,000 by foregoing a search process, and Bartholomew’s experience and expertise “exceed expectations.”

“It was my duty to appoint the city manager,” Moylan said.

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Brookman said the council as a whole should have decided whether the city would go through with the hiring process for this position.

Moylan appointed Bartholomew as the city manager earlier this month

“How can we justify those costs for the same searches for police and fire chiefs? It’s a false economy,” Brookman said.

The measure was approved in a 6-2 vote. Brookman and First Ward Alderman Patricia Haugeberg opposed the resolution. Haugeberg was one of two aldermen not present at the meeting on April 2.

Resident Brian Burcross expressed concern that a search wasn’t done, given the city’s governance structure and heavy dependence on its city manager.

“My tax dollars are going to pay for Mr. Bartholomew’s salary,” Burcross said.

Bartholomew will officially assume the role on April 21. Bartholomew met residency requirements to hold the city manager position, whereas Slowinski did not.

. He said the city manager position is a “natural fit” given that he served as the assistant city manager in Sterling Heights, MI before coming to Des Plaines at the end of 2010.

Bartholomew said Sterling Heights was a bigger city than Des Plaines, and he has years of experience in city administration.

“I look forward to working with the council more closely and helping them establish goals,” Bartholomew said.

 

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