Glen Ellyn board renews village manager's contract

After several months of discussion, Glen Ellyn Village Manager Steve Jones' contract was renewed by the village board Monday.

His salary will remain at $140,000, which was agreed upon earlier to keep the village's budget in check.

Jones' contract expired in May by state statute after the new village president was elected. The new contract runs through the end of Village President Mark Pfefferman's term, with an option to add an additional year.

The board spent a considerable amount of time in executive session discussing the contract, and at least one trustee was not happy with the outcome.

Pete Ladesic, who previously has said Jones was not fit for the village and had changed its environment, voted against the contract renewal Monday. He said the board put together goals for the village manager that weren't included in the contract.

"This is not in the best interest of our community," he said.

Pfefferman made some remarks that connected the contract discussions to a vote in December, when the board decided against demoting two department heads who used village phones to text message each other. Jones recommended the demotions, prompting a public outcry.

Pfefferman said he wanted to address "the elephant in the room," but hoped the board's confidence in Jones marked the end of drama over personnel decisions.

Although he commended the board for taking its time in making the decision, Pfefferman said it could now move on to more pressing matters, such as finances.

The other four trustees present Monday echoed Pfefferman's sentiments, showing strong support for Jones.

"I have the utmost confidence in this decision," Trustee Carl Henninger said.

Although the list of goals for Jones was not immediately released, Pfefferman said it included fiscal integrity, expanded economic development and courteous and efficient service.

Jones said the long process of reviewing his goals was a reminder of why he came to Glen Ellyn in the first place.

"I appreciate the fact that you've put faith in me," he said.