Olivette's City Manager One Step Closer to New Position in Wentzville

Olivette's city manager is one step closer to becoming Wentzville's newest city administrator.

On Wednesday evening, the Wentzville Board of Aldermen approved the first reading of a bill establishing a contract for McDowell's employment.

McDowell has been the city manager of Olivette since 2004.

McDowell was in the audience at the meeting in Wentzville and stayed for almost an hour until a problem with microphones forced Mayor Nick Guccione to call for a break.

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As Wentzville City Administrator, McDowell's annual salary will be $122,400. He is required to take up residence in Wentzville within six months and the city will pay up to $3,000 in relocation expenses, with provisions for him to reimburse the city if he is terminated within the first year.

If the city terminates the contract within the first two years, McDowell will receive six months of severance pay and health coverage. No severance pay will be awarded if the new city administrator resigns or abandons his position.

Provisions in the contract state that McDowell may not be employed at any other position and provide for a yearly performance review. McDowell will have the use of a city-owned vehicle since he is on call at all times.

The bill for the employment contract will receive a second reading and final approval at the Jan. 23 regular meeting of the Wentzville Board of Aldermen. McDowell is scheduled to assume his duties in Wentzville on March 4.