March 13, 2025 Regular Council Meeting Minutes, Approved.Corrected (Minutes)

Executive Summary:

Sections:

1. Village Manager Candidate Interviews
– The Village Council conducted interviews for the Village Manager position, offering interviews to five candidates: Dorando, Green, Marske, Moskovitz, and Ottenwess.
– The candidates were asked a series of questions covering their background, understanding of the Village Manager’s role, management style, budget and financial management, leadership qualities, employee relations, and their overall vision for Northport.

2. Discussion Regarding Mr. Ottenwess
– Mr. Ottenwess was asked about his departure from his previous role as Traverse City Manager, and he stated that he left voluntarily due to personal challenges, not because he was fired.
– He acknowledged media reports but characterized them as a “snapshot of one day in my life from 10 years ago” and emphasized that he has since undergone multiple background investigations that verified his current lifestyle.

3. Candidate Selection for Second Round Interviews
– Following the interviews, the Council used an informal method to determine which candidates would move forward to a second round.
– Four council members selected Douglas Durando and Jared Ottenwess, and the Council voted to invite them back for a second interview.
– The Council noted that the decision was challenging, as multiple candidates had strong potential for the role.

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