The Macomb Township Board voted 4-3 to keep the Attorney-Human Relations Director on for a month while reviewing his contract.
Macomb County Circuit Court Judge Diane Druzinski ruled the contact of Tom Esordi was null and void because it was approved by the board last December in closed session in violation of the Open Meetings Act.
Esordi stayed in the seat of attorney at the township board meeting Tuesday night, even before the board voted to keep him on.
Township Trustee Tim Bussineau questioned whether he should stay in that seat. Township Supervisor Janet Dunn said the judge’s ruling was not in effect for 21 days.
But the former Supervisor who filed the lawsuit, Mark Grabow said the 21 days was for an appeal, the judge’s ruling took immediate effect.
Several residents blasted board members. Board members took on each other before voting.
Esordi’s contract provides an annual salary of $150,000 a year, 5 1/2 weeks paid vacation, he can do outside legal work, he can hire outside legal counsel without board approval, the contact has no end date and Esordi can only be terminated for just cause.
Former Deputy Macomb Township Clerk Jim Gelios says this is a sweetheart deal because Esordi can do outside work while on the taxpayers dime.
7 Investigator Jim Kiertzner first reported the judge’s ruling on Tuesday. Esordi would not comment on whether he was out of a job or whether he got a sweetheart deal.
Copies of the lawsuit and the ruling are below.
Macomb Township ruling by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
Macomb County by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd
