Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
PERCÉ – Michel Fréchette, who has been the director general of the Town of Percé since July 29 surprised the municipal council when he submitted his resignation a few minutes before the start of the February 4 public meeting.
Once the council was seated, Michel Fréchette handed the mayor and each of the councillors a four-page letter in an envelope, explaining the reasons for his resignation.
The decision of the town’s top civil servant is surprising, as he had signed a five-year contract, which included a one-year probation period and required two evaluations before he could become permanent in his position.
Moreover, the initial agenda of the council included the hiring of an external resource to conduct “a summary mid-term evaluation of the general management,” an item that was removed after Mr. Fréchette’s letter was submitted.
“I am as shocked as you are. We knew from the start in his letter of intent that he did not intend to make a career at the Town of Percé. He came to bring back a certain stability.
I have not read his letter of resignation, which is quite long. We will study it in council and we will take note of it,” comments the mayor, Daniel Leboeuf.
The announcement of this departure, which will be effective March 6, creates another gap in the organizational structure, considering that currently there is no clerk or director of public works and urban planning in the public administration.
“One complication does not wait for another,” the mayor commented.
The Town had ordered an organizational diagnosis in January. The work began the same day his resignation was announced.
“They’re coming to give us tips on how to get organized. We really need them. They’re going to help us with the process of hiring a director general. Maybe it’s coming at the right time to question everyone’s responsibilities,” says Mr. Leboeuf.
Mr. Fréchette’s hiring was not a unanimous decision within the council. He replaced Jean-François Coderre, who left the position by mutual agreement on June 21.
Mr. Fréchette declined to comment on February 4, giving the council time to review his resignation letter.