Friedel will make $95,000; Starts Monday as city administrator

City Administrator Tom Friedel starts work on Monday.

The former mayor, City Council member and vice president at Twin Disc will start out making $95,000 per year, according to Friedel's contract, which was released Friday afternoon.

Here's additional details from the contract (download a copy here):

• Friedel won't receive a raise in 2010, according to the contract. He'll be eligible for his next salary increase in 2011.
• He starts with 60 sick days and accrues additional days like any other employee. If he leaves the job, he will not be paid for the 60 days he started with, but can cash out sick days accrued on the job.
  
• He'll start with 10 vacation days and accrue additional time at the same rate as an employee with 18 years of experience. He can carry over 10 unused vacation days until June of the following year.
• He receives a $100 monthly car payment.
• The city will provide him with a cellphone.
• If he's terminated, he'll receive a severance of six months salary.

Friedel's starting salary is $15,000 less than what previous City Administrator Ben Hughes made when he was hired. It's $20,000 less than Hughes' salary when he left the city.

A press release from Mayor John Dickert's office specifically noted that Friedel's contract was negotiated by the mayor and City Attorney Rob Weber with input from the City Council's Executive Committee and other aldermen. The Executive Committee is made up of the mayor, the City Council president, committee chairman and an appointment by the mayor.

Friedel has resigned his aldermanic seat representing the city's 10th District on the south side. He also leaves behind Twin Disc, a company where he's worked for 37 years.

Here's the press release from the mayor's office:

Mayor John Dickert hires City Administrator.

RACINE – Mayor John Dickert announced the hiring of Tom Friedel as City Administrator on Friday. Friedel will begin his work with the City of Racine on Monday July 13th, 2009.

Friedel, who accepted the appointment as City Administrator has signed a 6 year contract at $95,000 with no increase for 2010. The contract was negotiated between Mayor Dickert, Mr. Friedel and the City Attorney, along with input from the City Council Executive Committee and Aldermen.

The Common Council approved the appointment 12-1 on Tuesday the 7th. The appointment has met the criteria set by Mayor Dickert during his campaign. “The three goals we discussed were hiring someone locally, saving the city taxpayers money (over $40,000 in year one alone) and hiring someone experienced who can hit the ground running, have all been met as promised.”

Friedel, who worked for Twin Disc for 37 years, resigned as the Manager of Aftermarket Operation. He also resigned from the City Council where he served for 10 years to take the job with the City.

“I would like to thank the residents of the Tenth district for electing me five times to represent them. I would also like to express my gratitude to the members of the Common Council for giving me this opportunity to serve the citizens of Racine on a full-time basis. I look forward to working together with Mayor Dickert as we address the challenges and opportunities facing this city.”