The City of Vandalia has approved a consultant to help bridge the gap until a permanent Economic Development Director is hired. But, one alderman was not happy with how the appointment was handled.
The City Council approved the appointment of Todd Thoman as consultant for a 12 month period and for $2,000 per month–and either side can give 30 days notice to terminate the agreement. Mayor Doug Knebel says Thoman will bring a lot of experience to the table and help the City move forward in a few different areas.
Thoman spoke on his experience, which includes being Economic Development Director in the City of Vandalia in the 1980s, then working for the City of Pekin, Ameren, and then Agricel before retiring with 40 years of experience. He said he would be a bridge until a fulltime Economic Development Director is hired. But, Alderman Bob Bowen was not happy with how the appointment was handled.
Mayor Knebel said he believed he’d been transparent on wanting to bring in Thoman, but Bowen didn’t agree.
Every Aldermen spoke on the matter. The overall opinion was they did understand and respect Bowen’s position but did believe Thoman was a good appointment for this position. The City Council voted 6 to 1 in favor of approving Thoman with Bowen voting not and Alderman Mike Hobler absent from the meeting.
Comments