The Traverse City Commission voted tonight to accept the resignation of City Manager Jered Ottenwess. Ottenwess offered to resign last week after being charged with domestic violence and attempted assault on a police officer. He has pled “not guilty” to the charges.
Ottenwess’ attorney, Matt Vermetten, said he is getting help in a treatment facility and is focused on his family.
“So he made this decision, in large measure, because … the City of Traverse City deserves to have somebody who can commit their full resources to the city and he cannot do that at this time,” said Vermetten.
Commissioner Jim Carruthers said it’s been a trying time for everyone involved.
“I hope that he gets the help that he needs and it’s too bad it went down this way but we have to move forward,” said Carruthers.
Ottenwess will receive a severance package of three month’s pay and benefits.
Assistant City Manager Penny Hill was appointed to fill in while the commission begins the search for a new city manager.