St. Charles extends city manager's contract for another four years

Even in a tough economy, there still are jobs to be found in government, as shown in St. Charles Monday night.

St. Charles locked City Administrator Brian Townsend into his job for another four years and prepared to say goodbye to its economic development manager.

The city council unanimously approved a four-year contract extension for Townsend. Highlights of the deal:

• A current base salary of $175,021.

• Raises at the same time and rate as the city's other nonunion employees.

• A monthly vehicle allowance of $600.

• The city will contribute 5 percent of his base salary (about $8,750) to a deferred-compensation plan.

• Townsend's salary will be reduced or frozen along with any other pay freezes or cuts that apply to other employees.

• Twelve months of severance pay if Townsend is terminated, except in instances such as gross misconduct.

Mayor Don DeWitte said he expected nothing less than a unanimous approval of Townsend's contract extension.

"In the last four years, I believe Brian Townsend has (helped) make St. Charles the great community it is today," DeWitte said.

Townsend's contract is handcuffed to DeWitte's term as mayor, expiring after the next election. If DeWitte does not finish his current term for any reason, the city council would have the option of terminating the contract early, DeWitte said.

Townsend's main task at the moment is working out a new contract with the city's police officers and sergeants.

In the meantime, the city will also begin the search for a new manager of economic development.

The current director, Brian Pabst, has accepted a job as the city administrator of Berwyn. Pabst has been with St. Charles for only about a year.

The position is key for the city right now as it looks to usher in new development on First Street and along Randall Road, as well as breathe new life into existing development such as the Charlestowne Mall.

Because the position is so vital, the job may revert to having the additional designation of department head so the person can work directly with other departments. Right now, the economic development manager serves under department head Rita Tungare, the city's community development director.