The Lake Orion Village Council picked a new manager on Monday. Now all that remains is ironing out the salary and a background check.
In a story first reported at lakeorionreview.com, Paul Zelenak, who resides in nearby Springfield Township (Clarkston district), was the council’s top choice after they talked with all five potential candidates in an interview setting last 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 duties in various departments within 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.?
After selecting Zelenak, the council discussed and directed Reetz to negotiate a contract with Zelenak in the salary range that was advertised with the position, $55-70,000.
‘Keep in mind that the person I’m negotiating with is sitting here in the audience, so I’m losing my chips as we speak,? Reetz noted.
Zelenak was optimistic that a deal could be struck quickly.
‘I’m looking forward to working with the council,? he said. ‘I know they need to have everything in place by mid-March.?
In his interview, Zelenak noted his continued connections with the Ortonville community, and a desire to get back in a similar setting.
‘I missed the small downtown, the economic development and redevelopment,? he said. ‘I enjoy working with the residents and promoting the downtown.?