Elmhurst City Manager Makes the Case for a Second-in-command

Aldermen on Monday again circled around the idea of hiring a full-time assistant city manager during a review of the 2012-2013 budget. This time, City Manager Jim Grabowski made it known that the person he would like in the role was sitting right behind him.

Grabowski told the council that in the eight months he has been the city's chief administrator he has studied the need for a second-in-command and has determined that not only is the position needed, but current Fire Chief and part-time Assistant City Manager Mike Kopp should get the job.

“He's the best option for the city of Elmhurst,” Grabowski said, citing Kopp's accomplishments in economic development and other areas during his 30 years with the city.

The assistant city manager's salary would start at $108,000 and would be funded by eliminating a police sergeant position and a position in the planning and zoning department. Both are currently unfilled.

The assistant city manager would be responsible for overseeing economic development, planning and zoning, information technology, human resources and special projects, such as serving as a liaison to the consultants studying districts.

Second Ward Alderman Norman Leader told the council he supported creating the position.

“What sufficed in the past may not be adequate for the present,” he said. He added that the council needed to allow Grabowski to decide how best to staff the city.

“Not to do this would be a vote of no confidence in Jim's leadership and judgment,” he said.

Fifth Ward Alderman Scott Levin addressed questions about why the city might not conduct a search for the position. Levin said the city effectively did search for the assistant city manager position when they hired Grabowski.

“Mike Kopp was our No. 2 candidate,” he said.

Fifth Ward Alderman Chris Healy also said he supported the position. He wanted Grabowski to tell the council if it was needed, and he did, Healy said.

However, 3rd Ward Alderman Michael Bram objected to focusing on any potential candidate during what was still a discussion of the need for the position. And 1st Ward Alderman Paula Pezza, referring to Leader's comments, said she believed she “was elected to pass judgment” and wondered how the creation of the position would affect the city's pension obligations.

Aldermen will continue to discuss the need for an assistant city manager as they finish the budget review.