Oak Forest community development director Adam Dotson can’t blame anyone but himself for having his job and department outsourced to a private company this week.
That’s because it was Dotson’s idea.
Dotson and Oak Forest city planner Marisa Munizzo will continue with their community development and planning duties for the city, but they will do so as employees of Vernon Hills-based Manhard Consulting.
The city council Tuesday approved a contract with Manhard by a 5 to 1 vote. Ald. Rich Simon (2nd) cast the vote against, and Ald. Nancy Hullinger (5th) was absent.
The move is being described as a win-win situation by those involved.
“We’re still providing the same services as before. There is an expansion of our resources and network by being hired by Manhard. They have a very large staff and deal in many different disciplines,” Dotson said.
Dotson and Munizzo’s salaries and benefits will be paid by Manhard. The difference between what the city will pay Manhard and what it paid for Dotson and Munizzo in salary and benefits will save the city about $53,000 annually.
Mayor Hank Kuspa said Dotson came to him with the idea about a month ago.
“Adam said he wants to still be part of Oak Forest. But this will open other doors and avenues that we otherwise would not be exposed to. I’m trying to give Adam all the rope I can to rope in some good deals for the city,” Kuspa said.
Simon said he voted against the measure because he was concerned about potential conflicts if Manhard were to represent neighboring towns. In that event, he said he wasn’t sure if the company would give its allegiance to Oak Forest.
The move is expected to take effect immediately. The city’s contract with Manhard runs through April 30, 2013.
The consulting firm has its headquarters in Vernon Hills but also has offices in nine other states, including Arizona, California, Colorado and Indiana.
Source:http://www.southtownstar.com/news/2551492,080110ofvb.article
