The Galesburg City Council is ready formulate the process to find its next city manager.
According to Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman, Council members will gather at a work session Wednesday to discuss the necessary steps in the search for a city manager. The position became vacant when former city manager Gerald Smith and the city agreed on a separation agreement on June 12. Smith started as Galesburg city manager Nov. 7, 2022.
Former longtime Director of Public Works Wayne Carl was appointed July 3 to fill the role of interim city manager. Carl retired from the city March 24 after 22 years in various roles.
The lone agenda item for Wednesday’s 6 p.m. meeting states the Council will enter into executive session to discuss the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees.
City Clerk Kelli Bennewitz said that after consulting with administration and legal counsel, the Council will enter executive session “to discuss this position, specifically any internal or local candidates by name.”
Bennewitz said the majority of the recruitment process will be presented in open session by Mark Peterson, the city’s GovHR consultant. She said no vote or action will be taken on any items Wednesday.
The mayor said GovHR — the previous recruitment firm used by Galesburg to find a city manager — is contractually obligated to conduct another search given Smith did not fulfill a year in the position.
At the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting, there will be an opportunity for the public to share their comments.
