MILL CREEK – Former Mill Creek City Manager Steve Nolen was asked to step down from his post because the City Council disagreed with how he was running the city, council members said.
Nolen, who lives in Brier, abruptly quit his job June 28 after two years at the city’s helm. The council demanded his resignation during a closed-door meeting, Mayor Donna Michelson said.
“The council had irreconcilable differences on management styles and goals,” she said.
Nolen received an annual salary of $100,364 and oversaw about 70 employees in the city of nearly 17,500 people. He signed a three-year contract when he started as city manager in July 2005.
The City Council voted this week to approve a separation agreement with Nolen that will pay him $16,727 – or two months of his base salary. Nolen will also be paid for his unused vacation time.
In return, Nolen waives his right to file any claims against the city, according to the separation agreement.
Nolen could not be reached for comment.
The City Council also voted to sign a letter of recommendation for Nolen. Councilman Terry Ryan was the only one of the four council members at the meeting who voted against it.
“A letter of recommendation is something that has meaning to me,” Ryan said. “Just on principle, I don’t want to put my name to it.”
Council members would not elaborate on their differences with Nolen’s management style. Ryan said the problem was a culmination of different things.
“I appreciate his efforts while he was here,” Ryan said.
Public works director Tim Burns has been appointed the acting city manager until the City Council hires an interim manager. An interim city manager could be in place within a few weeks, council members have said.
Reporter Scott Pesznecker: 425-339-3436 or spesznecker@heraldnet.com.
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