Libertyville village administrator hired in 2016 on paid leave

Libertyville Village Administrator Christopher Clark is on paid administrative leave for unspecified reasons.

Mayor Terry Weppler confirmed Friday the action against Clark was taken was taken Tuesday. Clark started his position in Libertyville in December 2016.

"It's a mutual agreement that he is currently on administrative leave," Weppler said. He declined to discuss details and wouldn't say whether it was the village or Clark who requested the leave.

The next step also is unknown.

"We'll talk to Chris, the board will talk and we'll go from there," Weppler said.

A message on Clark's cellphone said the number had been changed, disconnected or was no longer in service.

Clark was hired from among 54 applicants after a national search to replace Kevin Bowens, who retired after 25 years in the position. Clark brought 20 years of municipal experience to the job and served as village administrator for five years in Cary before being hired in Libertyville.

He was one of four finalists interviewed by a three-member village team. At the time, Weppler cited Clark's team leadership style as a good fit for Libertyville. His base annual salary is $170,000.

In the interim, Deputy Village Administrator Kelly Amidei is in charge of day-to-day operations, Weppler said.

Longevity is a trademark in Libertyville. Clark was the third village administrator in 51 years when he started Dec. 19, 2016.

According to the village's employee handbook, an employee can be placed on administrative leave with pay before an "informal, pre-discipline meeting" is held.

Discipline procedures may also be applied to an employee who is experiencing "a series of unrelated problems involving job performance and/or conduct," according to the handbook.