Mailander Formally Appointed Interim Manager

The Ridgewood Village Council took a brief break from closed session meetings on the future of the village manager’s office Tuesday evening to formally appoint Clerk Heather Mailander to the post on an interim basis.

Mailander, the village clerk for over two decades, will temporarily take over the town’s top administrative post Sept. 1 following the last day of Ken Gabbert, who was ousted in a split council vote two weeks ago.

Mayor Paul Aronsohn announced the selection of Mailander to the interim post last week following a closed session discussion of the position, speaking highly of the longtime public employee’s abilities.

Mailander previously assumed the role in 2009 for about five months, after the resignation of former manager James Ten Houeve and before the appointment of Gabbert.

Prior to the unanimous council vote, officials discussed additional compensation for the Mailainder, who will assume the managerial responsibilities in addition to her role as clerk.

The council approved a $1,800 stipend for each twice-monthly paycheck for the duration of her time as interim.

By law, Gabbert is provided 20 days from his termination to request a public hearing, but has not yet indicated whether he will appeal the council’s decision.

Following the vote on Mailander's appointment, the council returned to closed session to discuss the search for Gabbert's permanent replacement.