[Southsider2k12]

AKA the worst kept secret in City... Now we will start to get a good idea of the Meer administration when we see how public of a process this is, or if some of the rumors about pre-election deals being made ends up looking true.

http://thenewsdispatch.com/articles/2011/1...89455659763.txt

3 senior-level city employees poised to retire

Staff reports
Published: Tuesday, November 29, 2011 5:07 PM CST
MICHIGAN CITY — Michigan City Mayor Chuck Oberlie announced the retirements of three senior-level management employees Monday afternoon.

Among the individuals set to retire at the conclusion of the 2011 calendar year are City Controller John Schaefer, City Engineer Bill Phelps and Michigan City Fire Chief Dave Lamb.

Oberlie said Schaefer brought “18 years of government accounting knowledge” to the city, which he said has enabled them to “continue to provide quality services with the funds we have received.”

Schaefer, who will return to the private sector and continue his public accounting practice, held the city controller’s office for eight and a half years.

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Upon taking office in 2003, Schaefer was Oberlie’s successor when the current mayor served as controller during the Sheila Brillson administration.

“We would like to thank John for his service to the community,” Oberlie said.

Phelps’ retirement comes after 11 years serving as the city’s engineer. Oberlie said his duties included responsibility for all construction projects during that span.

“Mr. Phelps brought a wealth of knowledge to the engineering department based on his previous experience as owner of Boyd E. Phelps, Inc.,” the mayor said. “He shared that knowledge with others to help (them) grow professionally and to help the city.”

Phelps has also served as an adviser to the Board of Works and as a member of the Plan Commission and Sanitary District.

Lamb retires after 24 years of service with the city’s fire department. Oberlie said Lamb has “increased fire training opportunities” for members of the department and the city work force.

“The department’s training tower is open for use by all fire departments in the seven-county state-designated district,” Oberlie said.

Oberlie thanked the three for their service to the community and wished them well in future endeavors.