Mt. Prospect, Janonis preparing to part company

After more than 20 years as Mount Prospect village manager, Michael Janonis' tenure is apparently nearing its conclusion.

Mayor Arlene Juracek confirmed Friday there is a separation agreement being worked out between the village and Janonis, who has been on personal leave since November.

"There is no final agreement yet to approve," she said, adding, "I think we're just about there."

It's just a matter, she said, of putting the terms down in writing and making sure everything conforms to federal labor laws. The village board will not have an agreement to vote on at its Monday meeting.

"We're trying to do everything right under the Fair Labor Practices Act," she said.

When asked how Janonis' exit could be characterized, she said, "It's a separation. It's a separation agreement. It will all be explained once we have got a package that is finalized."

Juracek said there could be a special meeting when the agreement is ready to be approved, but said it is more likely the board will vote on it at a regular meeting in April.

"Obviously we want to get it done quickly, but we want to get it done properly," she said.

Unless there is a special meeting, the earliest the board could act would be April 8.

Janonis has been on leave for unspecified reasons under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Under FMLA, Janonis received his salary for a specified period of time, but that time has expired, and he is now dipping into personal time to remain on leave.

Assistant Village Manager David Strahl has been serving as acting village manager during Janonis' absence.

Janonis has been village manager since 1992. He currently makes over $184,000.

Trustee Paul Hoefert confirmed earlier Friday that the village has hired an attorney to talk with Janonis and work through issues related to his employment. Hoefert is one of two trustees who has met with Janonis during his leave.