Ontonagon village fires manager in split vote
On Feb. 25, at the special meeting of the Ontonagon Village Council, Joseph Erickson’s employment as the village manager was terminated on a split 3-2 vote.
The council emphasized that the termination, “with cause,” was in reference to Erickson’s alleged mismanagement of a $282,000 Michigan Department of Natural Resources grant, which had partially paid for the dredging of the Ontonagon Village Marina. A recent audit revealed a shortage in the marina fund of $119,000. It appeared that the manager had failed to complete the paperwork to receive the final payment from the MDNR.
An MDNR official was contacted and indicated that he had reached out to the manager on three occasions about this matter and had received no response. The deadline for final submission of the paperwork was Dec. 31, 2020.
The MDNR agreed to amend the closing date of the grant so that the village can recoup the grant funds and the council passed a resolution accepting the new terms.
A heated discussion followed the adoption of the resolution and this matter as well as other past issues with the manager. Trustee Sarah Hopper introduced a motion to terminate the Erickson’s employment, with cause, and this was supported by Trustee Donald Chasten.
Erickson, speaking in his own defense, pointed to several projects he has completed successfully, his preoccupation with the Village MERS (pension liability) issue, the many meetings he must prepare for, and his very busy general work load.
Trustee John Hamm spoke against firing the Erickson stating that even with his faults, he is one of the better managers the village has had. Trustee Elmer Marks suggested some disciplinary “time off” and added that everyone forgets things once in awhile. Marks also pointed out that a “full council” was not present. The council is short two members due to a resignation and a death, and though replacements have been appointed, they will not be seated until March 8. (see previous article Late Edition Feb. 28)
Marks suggested not voting on this matter until that time, however, the motion was already on the floor.
President Tony Smydra, indicated that a legal quorum was present, and as there was an obligation to vote on the motion, he called the question. The final vote was Aye; Hopper, Chasten and Smydra. Nay; Hamm and Marks. The motion was carried.