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Dahlke informed the village council on Wed., Sept. 17, that he has accepted a job with Center Line Electric, Inc., in Center Line. His last day with the village will be Sept. 26.

He has offered to continue to work for Lexington as a part-time consultant, 10-15 hours a week, for a $40 hourly wage. Either he or the village could terminate his employment at any time.

"I made an offer to council that I could continue to work with them in the evenings and on weekends, toward solving some current issues - such as continuing negotiations with the LWTUA (Lexington Worth Township Utility Authority), setting water and sewer rates, fire and rescue rates and contracts," Dahlke said.

Dahlke said the most recent controversy over the abrupt suspension of 11-year clerk Karolyn McEntee by Village President Dan Maliniak, and her subsequent termination by the village council last week, had nothing to do with his decision to resign.

Nor was he actively seeking a job change, he said.

A friend of the family suggested he submit his resume to Center Line after the company's controller of 22 years left unexpectedly. The company decided to divide the controller's position between three people and has hired Dahlke as an accounting manager.

"It was an offer too good to pass up," he said.

While the lighthearted Lexington Days festival was going on outside on Huron Avenue, the village council met with Dahlke on Sept. 20 in city hall to hear Dahlke's proposals. More discussion on ways to fill both the village manager's and now-vacant clerk's positions will take place at the regular council meeting on Mon., Sept. 29.

"The resignation of Ron Dahlke came as a big surprise and we wish him the best on his new job," village President Dan Maliniak said.

"Meanwhile, we will work with him and the council to take our time to formulate a plan that will suit the village for replacing the manager and the clerk."

Said Trustee Tom Constantineau, "There is still an open door for us to look at candidates for a full-time position. But it gives us the timing not to have to rush into hiring somebody."

Lexington has had a long history of being unable to keep a village manager. Prior to Dahlke taking the post in March of this year, the village operated without a manager for more than a year.

Dahlke told council members that 75 percent of his time was spent answering questions from residents and only 25 percent working on projects. Working outside of the office would allow him to concentrate more on projects.

"It seems to me like a win-win scenario," he said.

He believed village staff could handle the every day operations of the village.

"I have a lot of faith in the staff that's there. They are a dedicated staff and have the experience that is needed for what runs through that office," he said.

Council members considered taking turns spending time in the office to answer residents' questions.

"I hate to see Ron leave," Maliniak said. "He was the fit we looked for. He worked good with employees and he worked good with the council."

Trustee William Oldford said, "Ron always complained he had seven bosses, but we all have input. Even the best of friends disagree."

Prior to Saturday's meeting, Dahlke was quite frank in expressing some concerns.

"Just as I told council, I love my job. I hate the environment that's developed in the past two-three months," he said.

"I still love Lexington. And I like politics. But internal management is not where politics belongs. It's where management belongs, for the good of the village.

"With most of the council, I couldn't have a greater working relationship. I've really enjoyed my time here, my involvement with residents. It's a good town. There are a lot of good people here. But people, village wide, need to work better together."

Dahlke agreed that polarization on the council and within the community has tended to slow the village's progress.

"The polarization did affect me in that it gave me more to do. But it was time that might have been better spent," he said. "My concern is that the village does not go backward."

He said progress has been made on some longstanding issues, including finally settling a lawsuit over land next to the cemetery.

"There is no doubt in my mind that everyone who sits on the council wants to do what is best for the village," he said. "There are just differing opinions as to how to bring that about."

Maliniak said the council is working as a team, is in control, and is committed to moving the village forward.

"Failure is not an option," he said. "This council is committed to do what is best for its residents."