Council to negotiate contract with Watkins; interim manager confirmed

The council said it will enter private contract negotiations with Jennifer Watkins and then present the proposed employment contract in a public meeting for council consideration and final vote. The mayor said some parts of the earlier deliberations are confidential but committed to answering community questions where possible.

Council members noted that Dave Waffle has been operating as interim city manager for the last three weeks while the recruitment proceeded. The mayor said the public meeting to finalize a contract could be at the council’s September meeting depending on timing of negotiations.