Contract with new manager approved 6-1

In a 6-1 vote Monday, Tecumseh City Council approved the contract for new city manager Daniel Swallow, who is currently serving as City of Monroe’s economic development and community director. Councilmember Ron Wimple was the dissenting vote.

“I guess my concern with the new city manager’s position is that we are giving him more than what he had asked for to come here as city manager,” Wimple said. “We ask our department heads to watch their dollars… and I think that we as council have to do that too.”

Swallow’s yearly salary is $92,500 with a $400 per month car allowance and additional benefits as laid out by city ordinance. Council decided to initially offer Swallow a starting salary of $90,000 when he was selected for the city manager’s position. The contract gives Swallow a one-time reimbursement of up to $5,000 for moving, a severance of six months pay, and 20 vacation days and two personal days starting July 1, 2016.

“I just wanted to say thank you for this opportunity, and certainly thank you for your vote of confidence this evening,” said Swallow, who attended the meeting with his wife and two children. “Becoming city manager for a premiere community like Tecumseh has been my career goal for some time and I’m excited it finally came to fruition tonight.”

Swallow said he has already been in contact with Tecumseh Acting City Manager Joe Tuckey and has met with Mayor Jack Baker for a tour of the city.

“I am confident I can work well with city council and the city staff going forward,” Swallow added. “Again, thank you for this opportunity. I can tell you I will work tirelessly to make sure Tecumseh continues to be known as an innovative, timeless and inviting community.”

The motion to approve the contract was made by councilmember Laurence Van Alstine Jr. and seconded by councilmember Gary Naugle. The approval of the contract is conditional to Swallow’s pre-employment physical. Swallow has a tentative start date of December 7.

The entire employment agreement can be viewed in Monday’s city council agenda, which is available online at http://www.my-tecumseh.org/ under Government, City Council.

Van Alstine Jr. complimented Tecumseh Attorney Scott Baker for negotiating the contract and representing the city.

In other business, council:

• Presented a certificate of appreciation to retiring deputy clerk Julie Craig after 17 years with the city 

• Entered into closed session for labor negotiations