Interim City Manager Named: City Clerk To Carry Both Roles

The Olivette City Council appointed City Clerk Myra Bennett Tuesday to fill the role of Interim City Manager, effective February 28, once Mike McDowell's resignation to take a similar position in Wentzville takes effect.

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch was first to report the news.

Accoding to council documents, Bennett will receive an additional $15,000 annually and use of a vehicle until a full-time replacement is named.

According to an audio recording of the meeting, McDowell's resignation takes effect February 27, before he begins in Wentzville in early March. After McDowell read his resignation letter at the meeting and reiterated that "a large part of my heart & soul" will be in Olivette, Council members praised his tenure. "May Wentzville be successful in the way you've been successful here," Councilwoman Missy Waldman said.

Council also voted to approve an agreement with the East-West Gateway Partnership for services in finding a permanent replacement. Council members voiced their support for a process that will have them actively involved instead of handing over the process to a search firm.