ROCKLAND, Maine — The City Council is scheduled to vote Monday evening on the resignation of City Manager James Chaousis.
Mayor Louise MacLellan-Ruf said the council could vote to waive a requirement in the manager’s contract that requires him to provide a 30-day notice or forfeit any accumulated sick or vacation time.
The mayor said she did not know if Chaousis would be at the Monday meeting. The council is scheduled to take final action on the proposed 2016-17 municipal budget at that session.
The mayor answered questions after the council’s two-hour, closed-door meeting with the council’s outside labor attorney, Linda McGill of Portland. The council took no action at the meeting.
Chaousis submitted his resignation letter to the mayor on Wednesday.
“I recently underwent successful surgery for a brain tumor, which has caused me to really consider the toll this job has had on me,” Chaousis said in the letter. “This life-changing experience has caused me to focus on the aspects of my life which are most important to me, and therefore, I offer my resignation.”
He said after his letter was released that he would work the next 60 days as was included in his contract.
Earlier Thursday, MacLellan-Ruf said Chaousis plans to meet with the staff upon his return and say goodbye. She said he also would coordinate with the staff to identify the status of all city projects such as the reconstruction of Old County Road.
“An exact date for his last day of work has not been determined,” she said.
She also issued a statement praising Chaousis.
“Jim brought change to Rockland. There are many positive things that have occurred since his hire,” the mayor said.
She cited the institution of a new snow plowing plan that increased efficiency and decreased overtime.
She also pointed out the approval of an employee handbook. She said the lack of one cost the city additional insurance premiums.
“The city has never been cleaner. Public services is now a combined department. Employees are being trained internally to complete projects. Thus the city does not need to subcontract out work. Union contracts were renegotiated. A win win for the city and the unions. Much has changed. As a taxpayer I appreciate the many positives shifts that Jim has made,” MacLellan-Ruf said.
“I wish Jim and his family the best of luck wherever the road takes them,” she said.