Ypsilanti City Clerk Frances McMullan appointed acting city manager
Following the quick resignation of former interim Ypsilanti City Manager John Hansen, City Clerk Frances McMullan is now the acting city manager.
City Council Tuesday unanimously approved McMullan's appointment at its regular meeting.
Hansen started with the city on Jan. 20 when former City Manager Ed Koryzno left the city after 16 years for a job with the State Treasurer’s Office. But Hansen abruptly resigned on Feb. 3.
Per the city charter, the city clerk becomes the acting city manager in an emergency. City Council could have opted to search for a new interim city manager, but instead is focusing on finding a permanent replacement.
No timeline has been set for bringing in a permanent candidate, but McMullan said that position will be posted with the Michigan next week.
McMullan was hired in Ypsilanti in 2007, and she previously worked 16 years in a variety of capacities with the City of Ann Arbor.
She and Mayor Paul Schreiber weren’t immediately certain how the situation would affect her salary.
“I feel like I’m prepared for the position. I’m aware of what’s going on with city business, and there will be new things to learn, but I feel I’m very prepared and have a strong foundation," she said.
“As Ed K. used to say, it wasn’t him (who made the city successful), but it was the great staff. We still have that great staff.”
Schreiber said he was pleased to see McMullan take on the position.
“I think Frances has earned my respect and the respect of a lot of the employees,” he said. “She will do a fine job as the interim city manager and shepherd us through until we appoint a permanent city manger.”
Mayor Pro Tem Lois Richardson also expressed confidence in McMullan.
“I do believe Ms. McMullan is capable of filling this position until we get permanent city manger,” she said.
In her absence in the clerk’s office, deputy clerk Felicia Rutledge will become the acting clerk. She previously worked for three years as the deputy clerk in Pittsfield Township where she had experience running elections by herself. She will likely have to run the May 8 special elections for the income tax and Water Street debt retirement proposals.
“I do have that experience and I’m very capable of running those elections,” she told council.
Comments
racerx
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 1:48 p.m.
I've worked with Ms. McMullan in another capacity. Though she is a dependable, competent person, her work experiences doesn't actually qualify her to become City Manager. Although this is a stop-gap for the city until another city manager is found, pay her the same salary and save the money. At this rate with the city, who's next? Police Chief? Assessor? HR Director?
Tracey McMullan
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 10:53 p.m.
I've never known Ms. McMullan to be rude ever. She is one of the nicest persons in city hall. She is very knowledgeable too. She has changed the atmosphere in city hall and restored trust in the Clerk's Office. I've found her to be most helpful whenever I'm doing business at city hall. She is honest and goes beyond the call of duty to help customers and residents. I am glad she was appointed as Interim Manager and wish her the best.
Joe
Thu, Feb 9, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
I doubt you have any bias in your opinion at all!
Michael Bodary
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 6:27 p.m.
I echo Glen S. comment. Ms. McMullan is an outstanding person and is quite capable of handling the position. She is well thought of in her field and often asked to assist other governments when the need arises. To have these two people Frances and Felicia available at this time is fortunate for the City of Ypsilanti.
Glen S.
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 5:49 p.m.
Ms. McMullen has done a fantastic job as our City Clerk, and I'm sure she'll serve us very well as our interim City Manager. Congratulations!
LC
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
I've had several dealing with Mrs. Mcmullen and found her to be very rude. I once saw her yell at an employee in front of four customers.
Martin Church
Wed, Feb 8, 2012 : 5:34 p.m.
Let's pull the plug if we don't find something in 30 days and we see no problems on the search for a city manager. Offer her a training wage 30% less then what we paid the last full time manager. we can save the funds from the search efforts and get the city back on track. We can no longer afford long search's involving search companies or highly paid managers.