August 20, 2008

A SURPRISE motion by Councilman Michael Douglass Monday, Aug. 18, was approved 4-3 for Mayor Cameron Canute to negotiate with Amy Roddy, currently serving as both Durand City Clerk and interim City Manager, to permanently take on the combined positions. Douglass noted that she has been with the city for 22 years and said he likes “the continuity.”

When asked after the motion was seconded by Brian Boggs, Roddy said she was willing to take the co-positions, but “staffing in the office must be worked out. We need a fulltime support staff.”

Voting yes besides Boggs and Douglass were Canute and new Councilman Jim Schuyler. Mayor Pro-Tem Ken McDonough, Tina Hildebrandt and Deborah Doyle voted no, with McDonough and Hildebrandt saying they felt Roddy can do the job, but that the council was “jumping the gun” at this point. Doyle said she would like to see a proposal first and isn’t comfortable with a combined permanent position. “I think we need both (positions) to be fulltime. I don’t want the work to be compromised.”

Joining Roddy in her office after the meeting were (from left): Canute; Schuyler, who was attending his first meeting as councilman for a second time; Boggs as supporter of the motion; and Douglass who made the motion.

(Independent Photo/DONNA KLEIN)

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