The Portage City Council will not take further action on a complaint brought by a city employee against Acting City Manager Laurence Shaffer. Shaffer is one of three finalists for the permanent city manager job. The complaint, which became public at a council meeting last night, alleges that Shaffer made an inappropriate remark to the employee at city hall a few weeks ago.
An investigation found the complaint credible, though it also found the alleged remark did not amount to sexual harassment. Three council members voted against the decision not to pursue the complaint. They said they were concerned because the person who complained still feels ill at ease at work after the reported incident.
Meanwhile, Portage Mayor Pete Strazdas says he will recommend a candidate for the permanent city manager position – but not yet. At a city council meeting last night he said he first wants the public to have another chance to meet the three finalists.
That’s even though the council voted against holding another round of interviews. Acting City Manager Laurence Shaffer is one finalist; the others are Sturgis City Manager Michael Hughes and Paul Brake of Grand Blanc. Some council members pressed him for a date but Strazdas would only say the meeting would happen soon. As mayor, it’s up to Strazdas to name a candidate. The council then votes on whether to hire that person.
