The Lake Orion Village Council picked a new manager on Monday. Now all that remains is ironing out the salary and a background check.
Paul Zelenak, who resides in nearby Springfield Township (Clarkston), was the council’s choice after talking with all five potential candidates in an interview setting on Saturday.
Zelenak currently works as director of community development in Garden City. His previous jobs include city manager in Bloomfield Hills (2005-06), village manager in Ortonville (2001-05) and various duties in Rochester Hills (1987-2000).
He narrowly beat out current Standish City Manager Tori D. Kelly, after it became apparent that those two were the clear front-runners.
In the end, Zelenak’s local ties and contacts seemed to persuade the council. He was their first choice by a 6-1 margin, with President Rob Reetz casting the dissenting vote.
Reetz? top choice, Kelly, was selected as the council’s second choice (should negotiations with Zelenak fail), by a 6-1 vote.
Council members said they were impressed with Kelly’s finance background and turnaround job in Standish, but they were equally impressed with Zelenak’s connection with the community, particularly in Ortonville, where he remains active.
Zelenak, who had attended multiple council meetings in the past months, was in attendance for the vote and thanked the council for their confidence in him.
He added that he had spoken with Kelly earlier in the day and said she ‘is an excellent, high-quality candidate.?
The council directed Reetz to negotiate a contract with Zelenak in the salary range that was advertised with the position, $55-70,000.
Look for more details on Tuesday at www.lakeorionreview.com.