OGDENSBURG, New York (WWNY) – Stephen Jellie plans to call it quits as Ogdensburg city manager. But, he wants to stay on in Ogdensburg as its full-time fire chief.
Jellie’s resignation will be effective July 8. He says that should give city council plenty of time to find a replacement.
Jellie and Mayor Mike Skelly have marched in lockstep, pushing for controversial budget cuts, staff cuts, and tax cuts.
“The city really needs the next leader to help bridge the divide that exists over some of the topics that have occurred and help move it on to the next phase of its revival,” said Jellie.
Skelly said he only found out about Jellie’s plans Tuesday morning.
“It’s heartbreaking for me,” said Skelly. “We worked so close together. I owe so much to him and the city owes so much to him.”
Jellie, who cited his family as a reason for wanting to make the change, carried out controversial job cuts. Those were at the direction of the council majority. But people also accused him of stirring the pot further with his own social media posts.
“For me, it was critical, particularly as the fire chief and city manager, to ensure that factual information was was always being given and that includes stopping the information that was completely unsubstantiated and really unhelpful,” said Jellie.
Councillor Dan Skamperle, part of the council minority, said Jellie told him Tuesday about his plan to resign. Jellie also told him the social media posts will end.
“It’s nice to see that will stop. Is he remorseful? Maybe. I mean that’s a question for Mr. Jellie,” he said.
Skamperle had planned to make an issue of Jellie’s posts at next week’s council meeting.
After his resignation, Jellie wants to serve as full-time fire chief. He currently carries that title in addition to his city manager one. He’s currently paid $1,500 a month for those extra duties.
Along with police, the firefighting workforce has seen the deepest cuts. The firefighter’s union alleges those cuts violated its contract.
“It will be interesting to have a fire chief being the person who orchestrated the job losses and the violations. But, like things in Ogdensburg, it should remain interesting,” said Jason Bouchard, Ogdensburg Professional Firefighters Local 1799 president.
The memo Jellie composed was directed to “Majority” council and ends with a pledge of loyalty to the “4 Horsemen.” And he wanted to talk to them before talking to other council members.
This is the memo:
Good Morning Majority Council!!
It has been a distinct honor and adventure to work for and with each of you. I hope my father is proud that I returned to his hometown to do some good for the many people that I know he cares about and truly need to see their city revive.
What started out as my wanting to help you all with the fire department certainly turned into a much greater venture and commitment for myself and my family.
As you all know, after 28 years of federal service all over the country, I began the biggest challenge of my life, having two baby boys (now 2 years old and 5 months old) and at age 52 I need to do all I can for as long as I can for them and my wife.
Effective 8 July 2022, I will conclude my time as your City Manager and resign. This notice period will provide adequate time to find a great city manager to take the baton from myself and lead the next phase of the revival of the Maple City. I will work diligently with all
of you on that search for the right person that can engage proactively with all members of city council and the public.
If you all approve, I would like to continue to work as your fire chief and advance the organization and its capability into the future, that is really where the heart and soul of my strength and talent is and I believe this group
will respond well to me when I can dedicate full attention to them.
Thank you all for the opportunity. I hope you all know I worked as hard for you all as I ever did for anyone at any assignment. I would appreciate the courtesy of talking with each of you before this is discussed outside the Majority Council members. My loyalty from the start was and always will be to the 4 Horsemen.
Respectfully,
Stephen
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