Former Mount Pleasant Administrator 'Not Surprised' By Ousting

Mike Andreasen, now the former Village Administrator for Mount Pleasant, said he's not really surprised by the board's decision on Mon., May 9, to fire him.

"It's the nature of this business," he said.

As for why his employment was terminated, Andreasen said he doesn't know why and doesn't feel comfortable speculating. Still, once the amended agenda for the 7 pm board meeting was put up at about 4 pm, he said he had a feeling something like this was going to happen. He was not present at the board meeting.

"I sensed this was happening so I stayed away from the board meeting to avoid complicating matters," Andreasen stated.

Item No. 8 of the agenda said the board was going to convene into closed session for a matter pertaining to "administrative personnel per Juliet Edmands Correspondence." Once the board was back in open session, Trustees Karen Albeck and Sonny Havn said they couldn't comment on anything beyond the "without cause" reason given for Andreasen's ousting.

A verbal request for the Edmands correspondence was refused by the village because it pertains to personnel issues. Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant Patch has filed an open records request with Clerk/Treasurer Debra Salas to obtain the letter.

In the meantime, Village President Carolyn Milkie said an interim management team has been put in place made up of herself, Planning Director Ron Meyer, and Salas.

A special board meeting is scheduled for 7 pm, Mon., May 16, so the trustees can discuss what their next steps will be. Milkie said one option they will discuss is hiring a recruitment firm to find a new administrator. This discussion will be the only item on the agenda.

"We're going to talk about our options and see where we go from here," she said.

As for where he goes from here, Andreasen said his immediate plans include a vacation, but he feels lucky for having been involved in public service.

"I've been so privileged and honored to work in public service," he said. "I've been blessed with experience in a lot of different areas, so I'll take some time to relax and recharge my batteries and find a new door to walk through."

Andreasen will receive a severage package of approximately six months salary with full benefits. His contract would have expired at the end of 2011.