Short-lived manager is back

Township rehires Steinel, but only for interim position, By Jan Baker Vernon — Catherine Steinel’s back in Vernon, but this time as interim township manager. Steinel was initially hired as manager on April 1, with a full-time start date of April 26. Under a special arrangement, she was to put in four days over two weeks in Vernon and attend council meetings, while continuing her work as administrator in Hopatcong. She did attend two council meetings. But by April 19, she said goodbye to Vernon and was rehired at Hopatcong. On April 22, she was back under a new arrangement in Vernon, but only until a full-timer can take the reins. Finding the right person As soon as Steinel gave up the position in Vernon, the township advertised again for a new manager and has already begun reviewing resumes, said Mayor Sally Rinker. In fact, four interviews have been scheduled, she said. But there’s too much at stake to keep the position open until someone new comes on board. “There are a lot of duties day to day and we need a manager,” Rinker said. The post of interim manager had been held for three months by Township Clerk Robin Kline, while Vernon sought a replacement for the last manager, Melinda Carlton. Re-enter Steinel Under the terms of a new shared services agreement between Vernon and Hopatcong, Steinel will work two days a week as interim manger in Vernon. She will not be required to attend council meetings. She will be paid a “per diem salary based on her Hopatcong salary, or $589.32 per day,” said John Ursin, Vernon’s township attorney. The vote Council members Valerie Seufert, Harry Shortway and Mayor Rinker voted in favor of the plan; council member Michael Pier was absent.