ARUNDEL — In a vote that one dissenting selectman described as “malfeasance,” selectmen voted not to renew Town Manager John Fraser’s contract Monday.
The board voted 3-2 against renewing Fraser’s contract following an executive session of nearly an hour. Selectmen Thomas Danylik and Velma Jones Hayes voted in favor of renewing Fraser’s contract for one year only, with the same salary of $83,400 plus benefits. Selectmen Mark Paulin, Dana Peck and Phil Labbe were opposed.
The decision makes it likely that Arundel will be without a town manager after Dec. 31.
“The action the board just took, in my judgment, is irresponsible given the budgetary times we are about to enter,” said Danylik, who was visibly upset. “(Considering) his performance over the years ”¦ To me, to end the contract at this time demonstrates malfeasance of this board.”
The three selectmen in opposition declined to comment in public session on their reasons for rejecting the contract, though Peck said they “had no choice but to vote this way.”
“We had several considerations to work with Mr. Fraser to transition, and those were rejected,” said Peck. “We looked at ways we could work together.”
Danylik said the vetting process to find a new town manager is lengthy and by not renewing the contract, the board has left the town vulnerable.
“We could be in a world of hurt,” said Danylik. “You can’t just snap your fingers and get a town manager.”
Fraser is the town’s first manager, having taken the job in the early 1990s shortly after the charter was changed to support a town manager form of government, said Town Clerk Simone Boissonneault. Prior to that, the town had an administrator, she said.
Danylik told the board that Fraser is earning less than managers in surrounding towns who have less experience.
“I think we’re getting a good deal,” he said.
Fraser said he did not know what his next step would be and declined to comment further, as he left the meeting promptly after its close.
Several letters were sent to the town in support of renewing the contract, said Danylik, who listed the names of nine supporters. Peck and Paulin also noted three letters that had been submitted to the town in opposition of the contract.
“In talking with people in town, there were several other people who had not written letters who did not express interest in renewing the contract,” said Peck.
Some of those in attendance at the meeting also expressed their opposition to renewal of the contract.
— City Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 322 or kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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