Retiring St. Charles official to stay on as adviser

St. Charles' retiring community development director will remain on the city payroll for another 10 months, but as a consultant.

In return, Bob Hupp will help ease the transition to his interim successor in the city planning office at a monthly salary of $6,400, officials said.

The city council approved the agreement, 9-0, at a meeting Monday. Ward 5 Alderman Ed Bessner was absent.

Mayor Don DeWitte said the additional expense, which follows the city's first budget deficit in more than a decade, is worth every penny.

"With almost 25 years of experience, (Hupp's) historical perspective to the city is priceless," DeWitte said. "I'm pleased he's agreed to stay on and help see us through the transition."

DeWitte noted that Hupp is perhaps more familiar with zoning, planning, development and affordable housing issues than anyone else at city hall.

Hupp also played key roles in code and zoning map revisions that will still be ongoing upon his official departure at the end of June, the mayor said.

"If I can be of help, I'm glad to do it," Hupp said, adding that he planned to remain in the area anyway.

In addition to a flat salary, Hupp is eligible to receive up to $50 a month in reimbursements for out-of-pocket expenses, according to the contract, which takes effect July 1 and terminates April 30, 2009.

In the immediate future, development coordinator Rita Tungare, who previously worked under Hupp, will act as interim community development director at a salary of about $115,000. City officials say they hope to fill the post permanently within a year.