KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Tensions between the Kalamazoo Township Board and their manager Dexter Mitchell have apparently been slowly growing since they decided a few years ago to hire their first CEO, rather than elect them.
It all boiled over for some trustees after his decision to terminate two Fire Chiefs without consulting the board first.
The township used to rely on an elected supervisor to run day to day operations, like most other area townships. The switch to professional management has apparently resulted in communications issues and fuzzy lines of authority, at least according to Mitchell’s latest board evaluation.
Trustee Mark Miller says it’s something they have to work on and resolve.
Mitchell responded by saying that the board has to be more realistic in what they expect from him, and give him clearer goals and deadlines.
The township board also got an earful from citizens Monday night, unhappy that the board might reinstate Battalion Chief Matt Mulac and Fire Chief David Obreiter after they failed to take action when a female firefighter complained to the Chiefs about verbal and physical abuse.
The board’s decision on reinstatement of the two fire chiefs may not come until sometime next month.
