SLEEPY EYE — By a 4-1 vote Friday, the Sleepy Eye City Council approved a resolution to offer the city manager position to Sleepy Eye Public Works Director Russell “Bob” Elston.

Councilor Larry Braun cast a dissenting vote on the motion by councilor Joann Schmidt, seconded by councilor Gary Windschitl, to offer the job to Elston, who now makes about $98,000 a year as part of a three-year contract with the City of Sleepy Eye.

The city council unanimously approved a resolution for the city finance committee and David Drown Associates consultant Liza Donabauer to work out a new contract to offer Elston, motion by councilor Nate Stevermer, seconded by Schmidt.

The decision to offer the job to Elston came on a recommendation to the city council from a search committee of councilors and public utility directors.

Elston has been the City of Sleepy Eye Interim City Manager since former city manager Kelli Truver resigned from the position last spring after a couple months on the job after she accepted a $105,000 annual salary and $325 a month expense allowance. Truver was placed on paid administrative leave by the Sleepy Eye City Council on April 24 after an 80-minute closed meeting with an attorney Brandon Fitzsimmons to discuss allegations against her.

Fitzsimmons represents, advises and provides analysis to Minnesota local government on labor relations and employment law.

The city council approved a resolution at that time for Elston to do city manager duties in addition to his public works job.

A few days later, after nearly two and one-half hours of open and closed meetings with attorneys, the Sleepy Eye City Council unanimously approved a separation agreement with Truver.

“The City and Kelli Truver felt it was in the best interests of each party that she amicably separate from employment with the City in accordance with the agreement. It provides that Truver voluntarily resigned from employment with the City on April 29, 2019,” read a City of Sleepy Eye news release.

Fritz Busch can be emailed at fbusch@nujournal.com.