Assuming he accepts the appointment, Clarkston’s new city manager will bring a great deal of experience to the table when he steps in to fill the shoes of retiring Art Pappas.
The Clarkston City Council voted 6-0 Monday to offer the city’s top position to resident Dennis Ritter, who they hope will replace Pappas beginning June 30.
Councilman Mike Gawronski, who did not attend the city manager candidate interviews, abstained from the vote.
Ritter served as Waterford Township treasurer from 1978-88, then served another 8 years as township supervisor.
During his administration, Ritter oversaw development of Waterford’s new library, as well as a $10 million township-wide water filtration system.
In the cover letter accompanying his resume, Ritter wrote: ‘My interest in becoming the city manager is of both a personal and professional nature. I am a resident of the village; I chose to build my home here because of the historical character and strong community spirit that is unique to Clarkston. As city manager, my commitment will become a reality.?
Ritter also owned and operated Ritter’s Farm Market from 1976-78 and currently works as an independent landscape designer.
In addition to giving Ritter the nod, the council voted unanimously to offer the position of clerk/treasurer to Independence Township resident Jan Gillespie. Gillespie recently retired from Bloomfield Hills School District, where she served a 20-year tenure as the district’s accountant.
Pappas, 75, currently holds all three positions, but told the council last fall to begin looking for replacements.
Several members of council said they’d like to give the incoming city manager a voice in the selection of the incoming clerk/treasurer, as required by the charter. Ultimately, it was decided they would invite Ritter to sit in during contract negotiations with Gillespie.
See next week’s print edition or visit ClarkstonNews.com for a more in depth look at the council’s decision.