Grosse Pointe Farms City Clerk to Leave After 8 Years

After more than eight years with , Assistant City Manager and City Clerk Matthew Tepper will be leaving the post later this month to accept an opportunity that has surfaced yet again.

Tepper declined to provide specific details but said the opportunity has presented itself before and he has turned it down more than once. When it came up again this time, Tepper said he decided to accept it believing it would be his last chance.

"It's an exciting opportunity," Tepper said from his Grosse Pointe Farms office. "It's a little bit of a risk, but it's worth it. It's going to be a fun adventure."

Tepper gave his notice to Farms City Manager Shane Reeside early last week. His last day will be July 31.

Tepper has had some involvment in just about every project the Farms, Reeside said. "It is a great loss for the city," Reeside said of Tepper's departure. "Matt has been here for eight years and has done an excellent job. He is highly intelligent and hardworking....He will be missed."

Among some of the projects Tepper recalls working upon include:

• the Pier Park Community Building
• the Kerby Field House
• restoration of the Joy Bells
• the removal of the 18-foot sidewalk in front of the former Kroger
• the warming building at the ice rink

Tepper said his new opportunity is not related to government operations but he will miss being in the field. "It's been a part of my life since I started out as an inspector to determine the feasibility of buildings for non-profits," Tepper said.

He said he has put "his heart and soul into my job," noting that his dedication will remain through the end of his employment. He believes the transition between his departure and the start of his replacement will be smooth considering the strength of the Grosse Pointe Farms staff as well as its residents.

Reeside said Tepper's job as the assistant city manager and city clerk is an "essential position for city operations." His intent is to advertise the position through the Michigan Municipal League and to "move on it quickly."

While it would be desirable to have Tepper's replacement hired and on board before his departure, Reeside said, "we'll hae to move at a pace to obtain the best fit for the community."

Reeside is thankful for the lengthy amount of notice given by Tepper. "In the interim, his responsibilities will fall back to me," Reeside said, noting some elements of the position may be handled by various staff members as well.

Tepper's resignation comes seven days before the August primary election.

Reeside said he has previous experience as a clerk, which is a benefit given the circumstances but he will also look to have the support of staff and other local clerks for that election.

"Matt has had some involvement on every project I've taken on as a city manager," Reeside said, listing of many of the same projects listed by Tepper and more, including the harbor expansion.

Additionally, Tepper has served on a variety of committees and as a community liasion for the Hill Association, the Farms Beautification Commission, PAATS and Services for Older Citizens, Reeside said.

"He's left his mark in the community."