Town Manager Resigns At Syracuse

SYRACUSE - Syracuse is losing two familiar faces.

Town Manager Matt Vigneault and Public Works Superintendent Tom Miller are both leaving Syracuse and their jobs behind as they go on to other opportunities.

Vigneault is taking a position as town manager in New Buffalo, Mich. His official duties will end in Syracuse on March 17. He will remain on the town payroll until the end of March because he will take the 10 vacation days owed to him after March 17.

"It's a new opportunity and a new challenge. I've got 20 to 30 years left in my profession," Vigneault said after the Syracuse town council meeting Tuesday.

Vigneault is originally from South Bend. He has been the Syracuse town manager for the last seven years.

Seven seems to be a lucky number as Miller was superintendent of public works for Syracuse the last seven years also. Miller's last day as superintendent was Feb. 1 but he did not officially announce his resignation until the town council meeting.

He will become the area manager for Severn Trent Environmental Services. His area will include parts of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan. Severn Trent has been managing public works in Syracuse for the last 10 years.

Kent Thielka will become Syracuse's new public works superintendent.

The Syracuse town council approved Vigneault's resignation and separation agreement with regret. The council also approved a consulting agreement with him.

If the council needs any advice or work from Vigneault, the council can contact him and he will work for them for a fee. The consulting is set indefinitely, though Vigneault said he will have a new job to concentrate on.

Council president William Cutter told the council, "He has indicated a willingness to help us along those lines." Cutter also told Vigneault, "Matt, you've done a great job the last seven years. We wish you nothing but good luck."

The council will start their hunt for a new town manager within the next 10 days.

Vigneault said, "I will miss some of the good relationships I had around here. I am proud and satisfied with the work I have done."