PORT ANGELES — Fire Chief Dan McKeen has begun preparing himself for his new job as interim city manager and has named Assistant Fire Chief Ken Dubuc to take his place while he’s engaged in being the city’s top administrator, McKeen said Wednesday.
The seven-member City Council on Tuesday unanimously named McKeen to serve a maximum of 120 days as a temporary replacement for Kent Myers, whose last day is May 2.
That’s when Myers, 59, a Texas native who has been Port Angeles city manager for three years, leaves for his new job as city manager of Fredericksburg, Texas.
McKeen, 56, has been fire chief for the past 12 years. He now makes $9,379 a month, which equates to $112,548 annually.
He will make $11,255 a month as interim city manager.
Myers received salary and benefits of $15,500 a month.
Mayor Cherie Kidd said the City Council had not discussed hiring McKeen, in open or executive session, before Tuesday night’s decision.
There was no interest expressed among any other city staff for the interim position, Human Resources Manager Bob Coons said.
McKeen, 56, said other council members had asked him to consider applying for the interim post, including the mayor.
Continuity, stability
“I just think it’s better for our continuity and stability right now that we have someone we all know and trust rather than hiring an interim,” Kidd said Wednesday.
“This helps us pull together as a team.”
McKeen said he joined city staff members for their regular meeting with Myers on Wednesday morning.
He was to meet privately with Myers 11 a.m. that day and again that afternoon to begin going over current projects and issues that are facing the city, McKeen said after the staff meeting.
McKeen expects to meet daily with Myers and spend as much time with him as he can between now and May 2.
“The main focus is making sure we move forward with daily activities,” McKeen said.
“It’s important to focus on those things we currently have going that are important to go forward with and don’t bring on anything new.”
Myers could not be reached for comment Wednesday.
The city manager oversees all city departments and is responsible for managing the city’s budget.
Acting fire chief
McKeen said Dubuc will become acting fire chief and retain his current duties.
Dubuc, who earns $8,332 a month for an annual salary of $99,984, will probably get a 5 percent increase in pay, McKeen said.
In an interview after the council meeting, McKeen said: “I don’t have any intention of applying for the permanent city manager position.”
Kidd and Councilman Dan Di Guilio, the former mayor, spoke in support of McKeen’s appointment during Tuesday’s council meeting.
“I have been giving it quite a bit of thought,” McKeen said before the council vote.
“If it is the wish of the council, I would be glad to serve in the capacity of interim city manager.”
The city manager oversees all city departments and is responsible for management of the city’s budget.
Search firm hired
The City Council voted 5-2 to hire the Prothman Co., an executive search firm, to find qualified applicants to find a permanent replacement for Myers.
The Issaquah-based executive recruitment firm was selected from among four bidders for $17,500 plus expenses.
Councilmen Brad Collins and Max Mania voted no.
Collins and Mania had joined Councilwoman Sissi Bruch in voting in favor of Collins’ earlier failed motion to involve the City Council more in the selection process.
Collins had proposed that for 30 days, the city advertise for applicants and that the council review applicants’ qualifications before the city — if need be — hired a recruitment firm.
Collins suggested the city could advertise for the opening just as easily as recruitment firms.
But Coons said the process would take at least a month longer under Collins’ motion.
“We are not going to get people to come into our city if we recruit,” Coons said.
“That’s why we hire these folks.”
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5060, or at paul.gottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
