Des Plaines hires interim development director

The Des Plaines city council this week hired an interim director to head the community and economic development department until the council finds a permanent replacement for former director Michael Conlan.

Conlan was asked to resign by Acting City Manager Jason Slowinski on July 8 after having served more than three years with the city. His employment with the city ended Aug. 31. Conlan was making $118,000 yearly.

Interim director Martin Bourke will manage the operations of the community and economic development department for the next two months. His consulting services agreement with the city runs Sept. 8 through Nov. 5 and can be renewed on a two-week basis if needed.

Bourke previously served as interim city administrator and later as city manager for Oakbrook Terrace from June 2001 to July 2010.

He will be paid $67 hourly, which is higher than the hourly rate Conlan received. However, the city will not be paying health insurance benefits or making pension contributions for Bourke.

City administrators are in the process of reviewing 54 applications for the community and economic director position.