The new head of the Village’s DPW could soon be Michael Barnett of Center Line, pending the results of an interview with Council President Bill Siver and President Pro-Tem Ken Van Portfliet.
The council postponed the issue of hiring or not hiring Barnett as new DPW director on Feb. 27, until the next meeting on March 13.
At the Feb. 27 meeting, Siver expressed his disappointment that he was not involved in Barnett’s initial interview with the village. That interview was conducted by Village Manager JoAnn Van Tassel, who said she felt time was of the essence.
‘I felt the need to move expeditiously,? she said. ‘We were without a director. I apologize.?
Van Portfliet suggested the council postpone action on hiring or not hiring Barnett until a review could be done by Siver.
The village attorney indicated that the village manager brings the recommendation to the council.
‘So even though I asked to be involved in the (interview) process, you can just override me and say no,? Siver said.
Barnett could be hired at an annual salary of $49,400, if he passes pre-employment tests. He previously worked as DPW director in Center Line, a small community surrounded by the city of Warren.
Van Tassel said she did not check references for Barnett, but instead used contacts and checked with an engineering firm that did work for Center Line.
‘I got good reports from going to those sources,? she said, adding that the village had received six letters of interest about the DPW position, and had four people actually apply.
Van Tassel said she had spoken to the manager of Center Line, who told her about Barnett.
She said Barnett was ‘removed? by the Center Line Council, after they decided to outsource snowplowing and Barnett objected.
‘He said he wants to move to the (Lake Orion) area,? said Van Tassel. ‘He meets the licensing requirements.?
Council member Douglas Dendel felt Barnett was overqualified.
‘He’s used to big budget things,? Dendel said. ‘And I have a problem with how he exited (Center Line).
‘I can tell you right now, I won’t approve this…To me, there is more negative on here,? he said.
Siver noted that former DPW director Scott Baker, who lasted less than six months at the village, was ‘overqualified too.?
‘It’s hard for them to adjust to a small community,? he said.
Van Tassel said it was fine with her if the council wanted to have Siver interview Barnett.
‘Then if the president is satisfied, give the authority to go ahead and hire him,? she said.
The council wants to hear a review from Siver and Van Portfliet after they interview Barnett, before council decides what action to take.