Ortonville-Village Manager Paul Zelenak made it official last week? he is leaving to become the city manager of Bloomfield Hills.
Zelenak signed a contract with Bloomfield Hills April 19 and background checks were finalized last Wednesday. He will begin his new position May 16.
‘It’s a tremendous opportunity,? Zelenak said. ‘Bloomfield Hills is a very prestigious community.?
Bloomfield Hills has nearly 4,000 residents in five square miles. Zelenak will oversee 40 employees and an $8 million budget. In comparison, Ortonville has a population of about 1,535 over 1 square mile, 10 employees, and a budget that is just under $1 million.
‘This will be a challenge and a step up,? said Zelenak. ‘There’s great housing there and the community has a lot to offer its residents and businesses.?
Zelenak, who has a background in engineering in public services, adds that the city has storm water, sanitary sewers and a water main.
Zelenak was first approached about the Bloomfield Hills position in January by Mayor Michael Zambricki. He was formally asked to become the city manager after front-runner candidate Alex Allie declined on April 5.
Zelenak became Ortonville village manager in October 2001, replacing Pete Auger. When asked what accomplishment he is most proud of, he cited the work he did helping to get the Main Street designation for Ortonville.
‘The Main Street designation will be beneficial to the community,? he said. ‘Citizens may not see the immediate benefit, but they will over time.?
Zelenak was also pleased with a capital improvement plan he implemented for expenditures and improvements to the village over a five-year period and with what he called ‘little things,? such as Ortonville Night at the Movies.
He said he will miss working with residents, businesses and the schools.
‘I appreciated the opportunity the council and residents gave me in this position,? Zelenak said. ‘Without their support, a lot of things wouldn’t have been accomplished. I’m going to miss the people I worked with. The people in this community are very friendly and helpful. It’s not an easy decision.?
Zelenak will be missed, too.
‘I will miss Paul,? said village councilman Bob Flath. ‘He was a very efficient manager and I hope that he continues to have success in his new position. I will be anxious to meet new applicants with the council so that we can fill Paul’s position and continue to strive to go forward with the projects we have already selected.?
Projects such as Main Street and South Street will continue to move forward as planned, as well as other planned improvements, such as the paving of Pond Street next year and maintenance of the Old Mill and Old Town Hall.
The village council has posted the village manager position on the Michigan Municipal League website as well as in the MML magazine.
‘We will expedite it as much as possible,? said council president pro-tem Kay Green, who noted that the village council asks managers to stay at least three years and is always happy when they stay longer. ‘I understand why he would jump at this opportunity. I think he will be a good fit for Bloomfield. You always hate to see people leave, but for people to grow, you have to make moves and changes. It also gives the village an opportunity to grow. Every manager brings something new to the table.?