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NEGAUNEE -- Gerry Peterson is on his way out as Negaunee City Manager.  He announced his resignation last month and gave his 90 day notice.

A majority of the city council members wanted Peterson to leave immediately, but that would violate his contract.

Several council members and the public made comments on his resignation at the council meeting Thursday night.  Nearly 30 people turned out for the meeting.

Council members voted to make Gerald Koski, head of the Electrical Department, the interim City Manager.  The first nomination was for the city D.P.W, Director, Dan Czarnecki, but that motion was defeated.  The four who voted for Koski wanted Peterson to leave immediately.

But Peterson is a contract employee, and that contract states that he will manage the city 90 days after his resignation.  So, Koski will take over as interim manager on April 15.

"I think the city has had a catastrophic blow tonight by losing Mr. Peterson," said Mayor Paul Gravedoni.  "I think he's been the best manager we've ever had.  And I think looking toward the future, we have to collectively pick ourselves up and move on."

Peterson also told the council that it's his job to administrate city affairs, and that any meddling from council members is a crime.

Peterson, who will remain in office until April 14, said he hopes the city can come up with bold visions to move it forward in the future.