Rolling Meadows kicks off search for new city manager, but without a firm
Rolling Meadows officials will put a job posting for the open city manager position on the city website and other sources, but they won't use a search firm, at least for now.
The recruitment process for a new administrator formally began this week, some three weeks after Barry Krumstok was dismissed on a 5-2 vote of the city council.
During a special meeting Wednesday night, aldermen directed the city attorney to work with the city staff to post the job to the city website and other online directories, including ones managed by the Illinois Municipal League, International City/County Management Association, and GovHR. Officials say they are seeking internal and external candidates.
Alderman Kevin O'Brien agreed with the need to start the job search process but said the city should retain a search firm "to do this in the correct manner." O'Brien was the lone alderman to vote against posting the job listing, and he and Alderman Jon Bisesi were the two who voted against Krumstok's firing July 13.
"Based on some resident feedback, and my own, rightfully so, we're under intense scrutiny both from a legal perspective and a resident perspective," O'Brien said. "From my expertise level, I don't have the expertise to conduct a job search for a city manager. I'm not one for spending money that wasn't budgeted for, but this is a case where I think we need to, based on the rightful scrutiny we are all under for this."
O'Brien estimated hiring a search firm could cost $7,500 to $10,000.
Mayor Joe Gallo said he's not opposed to using a firm at some point but believes the first crucial step is to post the job now.
"Let's see what comes back, and if we find we have to move at an expedited pace based on the quality or quantity that is not coming in, then we can make that determination at that time," Gallo said. "But to make a commitment for an additional expense I think is unnecessary as of today at this point in time."
Under the search process outlined by Gallo, candidates would submit cover letters and resumes to city hall, and those who meet the initial job qualifications would be evaluated by the mayor and two aldermen. The trio would review candidates and forward names on paper to the full council, which would determine which candidates to invite for interviews.
Krumstok, 51, a city employee since 1999 and city manager since 2010, had seven months left on his $195,794-a-year contract. The day before the council voted on his termination, he sued the mayor and city, alleging employment retaliation and discrimination. Gallo has called the accusations "meritless."