Photo by Megan Decker • Vassar city manager Brad Barrett reads his written response to the performance evaluation he received from the city council Monday night.
By Megan Decker
Staff Writer
VASSAR — Vassar city council members reviewed their evaluation of City Manager Brad Barrett during their regular session on Monday.
Although Barrett’s evaluation could have been discussed in a closed session, he chose to rescind the request for a closed session and read the evaluation’s comments along with his response during the public forum.
On his evaluation, Barrett received a 2.47 out of 4 rating which fell between “needs improvement” and “meets expectations.” In his previous two years, he has received a 3.93 out of 5 rating and a 3.88 out of 5 rating, he said.
“I interpret (this year’s evaluation) as poor,” Barrett said during the session.
Following the evaluation, city council members voted to go into a closed session to consider material (city attorney legal opinion) exempt from discussion or disclosure by state or federal statute. City councilman Henry Hornung voted against going into closed session and opted out of attending the session. Barrett was also not present during the closed discussion.
Following the closed session, city council members voted to extend a proposed contract to Barrett for his review. The contract will be reviewed and discussed at a later time, Mayor Roger Bacon explained during the session.
“I’ve been advised by my attorney to thank you for the contract. It is my intent to review the contract with my attorney and get back with you at a later time,” Barrett said.
The Tuscola County Advertiser has submitted a FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to the city’s FOIA officer for the city manager’s evaluation, written response and severance package value. A follow-up story will appear in the Advertiser when the information is provided for review.
Among other action, city council members recognized city retirees Dennis Fent, Leads DuBois, Tina Bacon and Myra Piazza during the session.
Jim McCloskey (for State Senator Mike Green) presented State of Michigan Service Recognition Certificates both signed by Green and Gov. Rick Snyder to the retirees. Tuscola County Clerk Jodi Fetting also presented a certificate to Tina Bacon for her service as clerk.
City council members also voted to allow the city manager to hire a part-time clerk rather than combine the duties of treasurer and clerk. Merri Lemcke will serve as interim clerk from July 1 until the position is filled by the city manager.
The next regular meeting of the Vassar City Council will be held at 7 p.m. July 7 at Vassar City Hall.