Sturtevant Approves Administrator Contract

Sturtevant trustees Wednesday night unanimously approved the contract for Mary Cole, officially making her the village administrator.

Cole was named interim administrator last July after former Administrator Mark Janiuk took the same position in Caledonia.

Village President Steve Jansen said he was glad to approve Cole's contract and appoint her fully into the position because even though she still has things to learn, she's grabbed the reins.

"Mary is smart and she catches on quickly and she's proven time and again these last few months that she's ready to take on the role of administrator," he said. "Especially with the way she jumped in and helped guide us through the negotiations with United Natural Foods, I think she's doing an outstanding job."

Jansen also said promoting from within the village provides a level of continuity that will only prove more beneficial as time goes on.

Cole said she's having a good time and enjoying the challenge of serving as the village administrator.

"I'm up for the challenge and look forward to continuing to serve the village," she added.

Included in Cole's contract:

• Annual salary of $70,000;
• 14 percent of her salary contributed to her retirement;
• Four weeks of vacation as of Jan. 2014;
• No residency requirement;
• Annual reviews starting Oct. 1, 2013

Promoting Cole to the administrator's spot also saves the village money, Jansen added.

"We're not really increasing our payroll because we budgeted the right way," he said. "By hiring a part-time clerical position, Mary gets the help she needs. It's a fair deal on our end, and we recognize that."