Wentzville Board Approves First Reading of Contract for New Administrator

On Wednesday evening, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of a bill approving a contract for the employment of a new city administrator, Michael McDowell. McDowell is currently serving as the city manager of Olivette.

McDowell was in the audience at the meeting and stayed for almost an hour until a problem with microphones forced Mayor Nick Guccione to call for a break.

READ MORE: Wentzville Hires New City Administrator

As City Administrator, McDowell's annual salary will be $122,400. He is required to take up residence in Wentzville within six months and the city will pay up to $3,000 in relocation expenses, with provisions for him to reimburse the city if he is terminated within the first year.

If the city terminates the contract within the first two years, McDowell will receive six months of severance pay and health coverage. No severance pay will be awarded if the new city administrator resigns or abandons his position.

Provisions in the contract state that McDowell may not be employed at any other position and provide for a yearly performance review. McDowell will have the use of a city-owned vehicle since he is on call at all times.

The bill for the employment contract will receive a second reading and final approval at the Jan. 23 regular meeting. McDowell is scheduled to assume his duties on March 4.

Interim City Administrator George Kolb, as part of his contract through Interim Public Management, will continue at city hall for an additional 45 days in order to help with McDowell's transition.