Scott Adkins will report to City Manager Michael Reaves
By Barb Pert Templeton
Former Marine City Manager Scott Adkins has officially signed a new employment agreement with the city carrying the title special projects administrator.
Marine City Manager Michael Reaves addressed the topic with the members of the city commission at their recent bi-monthly meeting on Nov. 21.
“I will tell you that Scott continues to be a critical part of our team in terms of moving the city forward,” Reaves said, adding that there’s not a day that goes by that they aren’t in contact discussing any number of projects. “His background in zoning administration is much stronger than mine so I need that expertise and his knowledge of the zoning laws, where mine was more of a pass to, he has a hands-on capability in zoning.”
Reaves said they have both been working hard on identifying projects for development in the city.
Scott Adkins was once again hired by the Marine City Commission, this time to work as a part-time employee reporting to the new city manager.
“I do not want to lose that momentum we seem to be building in terms of hoping to bring some of these developments towards Marine City,” Reaves said. “He just provides a background and wealth of knowledge.”
Reaves said perhaps even most important is that Adkins has first-hand knowledge and has worked from day one on the city’s water project. The city is getting ready to start construction and it will be almost a full-time job as the project prompts the tearing up of city streets, Reaves said.
The city manager also told the commission that he will be monitoring Adkins billed hours with an eye on the city budget and he’ll be approving the hours as they will come directly to him.
“I think the wage is very reasonable and I would ask you to approve the contract as submitted,” Reaves concluded.
Commissioner Jacob Bryson said he “whole heartedly agrees” that Adkins has been amazing in getting the water project setup and lots of oversite is needed to get it across the finish line.
“We have more big projects coming up, we truly need someone to do that project management stuff to take it off your plate so you can do the day to day running of the city,” Bryson said. “It really needs to happen.”
Bryson also asked for clarification that Adkins would report directly to Reaves and the city manager said yes.
The Marine City
Commissioner Sean O’Brien said Adkins saved the city $13 million on the water project so the contract with him is a bargain for the city. O’Brien also wanted it clarified that there’s no health insurance with the contract but there is life insurance. Reaves said yes that was correct and there’s also know employer match.
“So, everybody’s happy then?” O’Brien asked.
“Scott was a bear to work on, we offered him a Reuben sandwich with extra cheese and it seemed to fall into place,” joked City Attorney Robert Davis.
“Yes, he’s a tough negotiator,” Reaves joked back.
“I just flagged those (insurance and matching dollars from the city) because I think he fought harder for the employees to have those than he’s fighting for himself,” O’Brien said.
The commission then unanimously approved the contract with Adkins.
“Thank-you sir for staying with us and helping us with all these projects,” Mayor Jennifer Vandenbossche said.
The contract details
The new part-time position for Adkins, under the title of special projects administrator, puts him under the direct supervision of Reaves.
The agreement states that the work shall include providing technical information, historical/background information, general support and assistance on city projects, programs, activities and to assist the city manager as needed. Work shall be performed at the municipal offices, city facilities or remotely as necessary to complete projects and tasks assigned or delegated to the employee.
The contract further states that Adkins will be paid at a rate of $65 an hour payable in bi-weekly installments on the same dates as other employees of the city are paid.
For each pay period a detailed list of tasks performed by Adkins will be provided to the city manager for review and each payroll submission shall be reviewed and approved by the city manager.
The agreement also states that Adkins would serve as the special projects’ administrator at the pleasure of the city manager and may be discharged at any time for any reason, or for no reason as the contract is an at-will relationship.
At the same time, Adkins is asked to provide the city with 30-days’ notice should he decide to resign the position.
