New village administrator on job in Shorewood
By Clare Walters For The Herald-News September 14, 2012 8:00AM
Art Osten
Updated: October 18, 2012 6:07AM
SHOREWOOD — A seasoned city manager took over the day-to-day operation of Shorewood last week.
The Shorewood Village Board earlier this month hired Art Osten, the former village administrator for Fox River Grove with 30 years of experience in the profession, as the village’s interim administrator. Osten started Monday, and his contract will run through April, which is the end of Mayor Richard Chapman’s current term.
“Both parties hope to enter a long-term contract at that time,” Osten said.
Osten, who has master’s degrees in public policy and administration and urban and regional planning, said his first priority is to familiarize himself with the village operations, board and staff.
“The officials and staff are quite talented and knowledgeable and have a strong esprit de corps,” he said.
“Village finances are strong, and the municipal facilities and variety of cost-effective services offered are something to be proud of.”
Osten said he looks forward to “a long, productive relationship with the community” and contributing his municipal experience and perspective to village initiatives.
“The community itself has a very attractive mix of homes, businesses and parkland,” he said. “The foundations have been laid so that, as the economy strengthens, even more good things will come about. It’s truly is an exceptional place to live and work.”
Osten is earning $105,000 annually plus benefits and use of a municipal vehicle. He replaces Jeff Fiegenschuh, who worked for the village for six months before leaving in May.
Fiegenschuh was preceded by Kurt Carroll, who was employed as the administrator for 10 years before moving to a similar role in New Lenox.
With Osten’s interim status, the village board would be required to provide 60 days’ notice or 60 days of severance pay if officials chose to terminate his contract.
