Naperville official to keep job for now

Naperville Assistant City Manager Bob Marshall is taking over day-to-day operations of the municipality and will be appointed manager pro tem at today's council meeting.

Outgoing City Manager Peter Burchard announced his resignation two weeks ago and will stay on in a "consultative capacity," city officials said. Burchard's last day is Dec. 7.

Marshall has been Naperville's assistant city manager for more than two years. Before that, he was a captain in the city's police department.

He would not say whether he planned to apply to be Burchard's permanent successor.

"At this point, the question is premature," he said. "My immediate focus is to be the best city manager pro tem I can be."

Several councilmen said Marshall was a unanimous choice to fill the temporary spot.

Marshall also will receive a bump in pay with the new title. He'll make $157,000 a year as long as he holds the job, according to city documents. In 2006, his salary as assistant city manager was $120,000. Burchard's salary was a little more than $167,000 that year.

The council also is expected to hammer out the details and timeline for replacing Burchard during a two-hour closed session meeting prior to the 7 p.m. regular meeting tonight.

"My preference is to go slow," said Councilman Bob Fieseler. "I don't see any need to take specific action until the early part of next year."

Marshall said he's talked with Burchard about the transition.

"In the past 10 years, Peter has built a solid organization dedicated to providing excellent city services and put together a talented team of department directors," he said. "I am excited about the opportunity to keep our government moving forward and helping the city council through this transition period."

Burchard's resignation surprised the council. He has been city manager for 10 years. He said he is leaving for a job opportunity in the private sector.

He is currently recuperating from back surgery, but is expected to return to work before his final day.

Marshall has been serving as interim city manager in Burchard's absence. City Attorney Margo Ely said the designation of city manager pro tem is provided in the city code when the position is expected to be vacant for more than 30 days.