Former City Manager Mike Mallinoff is on the move again and Eye On Annapolis has learned from a source that has spoken with Mallinoff and other Annapolis officials, that he is one of two finalists for the City Manager’s position in Monterey, CA, a city very similar to Annapolis. Mallinoff has been credited with helping to steer the City of Annapolis away from the brink of insolvency prior to his termination last week.
Mallinoff, a professional and capable City Administrator, had previously applied for and been a finalist for positions in Snowmass, CO, and Gaithersburg, MD. It is not a surprise that with the change in the Annapolis administration that Mallinoff would be looking for a new job. The City Manager’s position in Annapolis is appointed by the Mayor and many believed (rightfully) that Cohen was vulnerable in last year’s election. Mallinoff flew to Monterey late in the afternoon on January 8th (the date of his termination) for a final round of interviews The City of Monterey issued a press release yesterday announcing that they had decided on two finalists.
While Mallinoff’s termination and timing was criticized by several Aldermen, both former Mayor Joshua Cohen and current Mayor Michael Pantelides were aware that he was indeed looking to make a move, and had been for several months. The argument can be made that there was value in holding Mallinoff in the position until the budget was finalized; but if offered the job in Monterey, he likely would not have stayed. In Annapolis, Mallinoff was a City Administrator for six years and was named as director of the Department of Neighborhood and Environmental Programs in 2002. Under City Code, Mallinoff should receive 3 months severance from the City. His 2013 salary was $153,000.
The job qualifications for Monterey could have easily doubled for Annapolis. According to the release, “The Monterey City Manager serves as Chief Executive of a $105 million organization with more than 400 employees. The City is looking for a City Manager who is knowledgeable in the areas of tourism, education, the military, shared services, water issues and historic preservation. The Council has set a base salary range of $200,000- $235,000 for the position.
Monterey is a popular tourist destination. The City operates a Conference Center, Harbor and Marina, and works closely with the tourism industry. The City’s year-round population of 30,000 residents doubles in size during the summer tourist season. Monterey also is a military community with the City providing maintenance services at the Presidio of Monterey for the Department of Defense, Defense Language Institute.”
Unlike Annapolis, the position is a true City Manager position. The City Manager is hired (and presumably fired) by the council and is responsible for hiring his staff including the City Attorney, Police and Fire Chiefs and Human Resources. From the City of Monterey website:
The City Manager serves as the professional administrator of the City and is responsible for coordinating all day-to-day operations and administration. Duties include personnel and labor relations, the preparation and administration of the City budget, inter-governmental relations and organizing and implementing the City Council’s policies. The City Manager is hired by the City Council and serves as the Council’s chief advisor.
The City Manager appoints a professional staff to help manage the organization. The City’s Executive Management team includes:
- City Manager
- City Attorney
- Assistant City Manager – Human Resources Director
- Deputy City Manager, Plans and Public Works
- Director of Information Resources & City Clerk
- Finance Director
- Fire Chief
- Library and Community Services Director
- Police Chief
