Summary
The Northport Village Council held a Special Meeting on February 27, 2025, primarily to conduct interviews for the Village Manager position. President Pro Tempore Cook presided in the absence of President McCann. The Council interviewed five candidates—Dorando, Green, Marske, Moskovitz, and Ottenwess—and voted to advance Douglas Durando and Jared Ottenwess to a second round of interviews scheduled for March 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
Public Comments
No public comments were made during either public comment period at this meeting.
Other Business
The Council conducted structured interviews with five Village Manager candidates, covering topics including their background and career goals, understanding of the role and challenges specific to Northport, management style, budget and financial familiarity, leadership and collaboration experience, employee relations approach, commitment to zoning regulation knowledge, and overall vision for the Village.
A specific discussion arose regarding candidate Ottenwess concerning his departure from his previous role as Traverse City Manager. He stated he left voluntarily due to personal health and family challenges, not termination, and characterized past media coverage as an outdated "snapshot" from ten years ago that does not reflect who he is today. He noted that subsequent background investigations verified his current lifestyle, described his experience as a "redemption story," and stated that some media coverage, including publication of personal medical records, was misleading. He reassured the Council that his past should not be a concern.
Following the interviews, advisor Chet Janik suggested an informal selection method in which each council member wrote down their top two preferred candidates. This process resulted in four council members selecting Douglas Durando and Jared Ottenwess.
Trustee Ager moved, supported by Trustee Harper, to invite Durando and Ottenwess back for a second interview. Trustee Dean opposed the motion, stating he preferred to bring back Green and Moskovitz instead. Trustee Harper noted that the candidates interviewed differently than expected compared to their written applications. Trustee Cavendish commented on the strength of the applicant pool and the difficulty of narrowing down candidates. A roll call vote was taken: Yeas (4), Nays (1) (Trustee Dean), Absent (2). Motion carried.
The second round of interviews was scheduled for Friday, March 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
Action Items
- Conduct second-round interviews with Village Manager candidates Douglas Durando and Jared Ottenwess on March 7, 2025, at 1:00 PM.