Stockwell promoted to Onaway city manager
by Peter Jakey
Managing Editor
The vote to have longtime Onaway city employee Kelli Stockwell to take over as city manager was unanimous Tuesday at the city commission meeting. The contract would run through 2019.
Outgoing city manager Joe Hefele, who will take over in Rogers City, has worked with Stockwell at City Hall for 15 years.
“In terms of transition, you would have the benefit of 19 years of knowledge and everything that brings with it in terms of knowing the people, the lay of the land, the local politics, the budget, projects that have been completed,” Hefele told the commission. “We will be 20 miles apart, but one phone call away.”
“We have talked in the past about institutional memory, and you cannot overstate the value of 20 years,” said mayor Gary Wregglesworth.
Commissioner Chuck Abshagen had no objections with the contract. “I have tremendous respect for Kelli and I have heard nothing – nothing. For all the complaints we here about this or that, I have never heard a complaint about you (speaking to Stockwell).
“Everything has been positive from your greeting of people when they come in to the way you conduct yourself in the office.”
Stockwell was hired to get the records in order at Elmwood Cemetery. She did that for two years before moving up the chain of command. “I never thought it would work into something like this,” she said.
Stockwell believes the next six months will be the toughest, especially bringing in a new part-time clerk/treasurer. A help wanted ad appears in this week’s edition of the Advance. Applications/resumes can be submitted until Feb. 9.
“And still stay on top of all the stuff that is coming up with the parks and rec and the new trailhead,” said Stockwell.
All of Stockwell’s vacation and holidays off remained the same. The only difference was a few added personal days. She will receive an annual sala
“We are bringing in a person with great knowledge,” added Abshagen.
“Joe, you eluded that you knew a lot about what was going on (in the city) from covering it in the paper, but she has been with us for 19 years. She is bringing in a great deal of knowledge and will be hitting the ground running, just like the president when he took office a few days ago. He wanted to hit the ground running and has. She will likewise, hit the ground running.”
Immediately after making the comment, Abshagen made the motion to accept the contract. It was seconded by commissioner Matt Dunn.
Her first official day is April 1.