Orzech signs extension with city

SANDUSKY — This past week, Jose Ramirez and the Guardians signed a new long-term deal, which likely keeps the fan-favorite, superstar baseball player in Cleveland throughout — what's universally considered — his entire hall-of-fame career. And — days later and in a similar move — John Orzech and Sandusky also agreed on a contract extension, which allows this nearly lifelong city employee to continue hitting home runs benefiting his longtime employer and, more importantly, the community at large. During a recent public meeting, city commissioners unanimously supported Orzech's new deal, which overrides his pre-existing contract, set to expire in August. The new contract — which pays Orzech about $148,600 annually, making him the city's highest-paid employee — runs through April 2028. "In January 2028, there will be up to four new commissioners seated," said city law director Stewart Hastings, who oversaw the deal's framework. "April of 2028 gives the commission time to either renew the contract again or search for a new city manager." This extension lengthens Orzech's stay in the city's most powerful non-elected position. The city manager acts like a CEO, reporting to the elected commissioners but overseeing Sandusky's department heads and 240-plus employees. After a long career with the city's police department, Orzech became the: • Assistant city manager in 2020 • Interim city manager in 2022, succeeding Eric Wobser • Permanent city manager in 2023 Commissioners cited Orzech's experience, stability and track record for reasons why they want him to stay. Among those zealously speaking included ex officio mayor Kate Vargo. "John, we are just so thankful that you are willing to stick this out with us," Vargo said. "Your leadership — since I've been (on the commission) and before that, being a resident of the community — has been stellar," Vargo added. "Your leadership with our staff has been just second to none. I look forward to the next two years with you. I'm really excited about the future." Just as they brought on Orzech, commissioners, at any time, can vote among themselves to renew or let go of a city manager. But Orzech won't let that distract him from carrying out his obligations, which he outlined. "A city manager needs to be open, transparent, accountable and responsive to the citizens' needs and the direction that the commission provides in their leadership," Orzech said. "It's really a partnership between the commission and me, as the manager, as well as being responsive to the citizens, which I've done for quite a while." Police career prepared him Orzech, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, began his long-tenured career with Sandusky's government back in 1997 as a police officer. He ascended through the ranks, ultimately acting as chief from 2013 through mid-2020 when he was named assistant city manager. City leaders credit Orzech — who previously served with Sandusky police as an officer, lieutenant and detective — with changing the dynamic of police relations between officers and locals. Among the most important initiatives he adopted: community policing. While still responding to emergency calls, officers' daily responsibilities now involve quelling budding problems between residents before they escalate. They also patrol neighborhoods atop bicycles or on foot and host community functions, such as Touch-a-Truck, to familiarize themselves with people in non-emergency situations. Even minor changes, like letting officers sport beards and tattoos, make a major impact to humanize law enforcement officials, which can help earn trust from residents. Sandusky's community relations commission, tasked with solving disputes raised by people about city government, has received only a few complaints, almost all minor in nature, about police operations during and since Orzech's time as chief. Before Orzech's promotion as chief, this board would obtain a few complaints each month about police operations. It's a philosophy maintained by his police successor, Jared Oliver. And, as city manager, Orzech has, thus far, kept his promise, maintaining the same level of integrity he brought to his police work. "I'm a man of my word," Orzech said. "Also, if I get asked a question, I will give that person my honest opinion and answer, and that is what they can expect from me. I have honesty in all of my dealings." Orzech — married to his wife, Jean, he has four children and 15 grandchildren — appreciates the support he's received thus far from commissioners and promises to pivot that passion into representing residents. "I'll come in to work every day for them to make sure their quality of life is as good as possible and that our staff is responsive for the services that we are going to provide or should provide,' Orzech said. "I'm honored and humbled to continue serving and look forward to the future," Orzech said. Speaking up Orzech talked about why he wanted to stay with Sandusky, his proudest achievements to date and what he aims to accomplish next with staff support: Q: Why do you want to stay with Sandusky's government? JO: I am very grateful for the support and trust that the commissioners have given me, allowing me to continue to serve in my role. I have the pleasure of working alongside employees who care deeply about their roles in the organization and strive every day to make Sandusky a better community. There has been much accomplished over the last decade and more to strive and achieve in the next decade. I want to continue serving because I continue to enjoy coming to work every day and working with a team that makes it rewarding to do so. Q: As city manager, what have been your proudest achievements to date? JO: Any accomplishments are the result of a very skilled and dedicated staff who strive every day to make Sandusky a better community. One project I'm especially proud of is the investment in water and sewer infrastructure and the improvements to the MacArthur Park neighborhood on the South Side. This effort took years of planning and community engagement along with federal support from Congresswoman (Marcy) Kaptur and Senator (Sherrod) Brown and local funding. Because of that investment, the neighborhood is now better positioned for future housing development. Another major achievement has been expanding affordable housing and homeownership opportunities through the Welcome Home Ohio program. This work was led by (community development director) Colleen Gilson and (chief planner) Arin Blair. The $3.5 million grant will allow us to build about 28 new homes as we continue to focus on affordable housing opportunities for our residents. Finally, our work to execute the agreements reached with Cedar Point in 2021 has been an accomplishment with long-term benefits for Sandusky. Those agreements included the annexation of Cedar Point–owned property in Perkins and Huron townships, bringing the sports center and all indoor and outdoor sports facilities within the city limits. The agreements also provided for us to: • Take ownership of the historic Boeckling Building • Coordinate on the reconstruction of the Cedar Point Causeway • Continue development of the Sandusky Bay Pathway and the Landing waterfront park • Invest in our public safety and transportation infrastructure • Begin construction of a new recreation center Q: What are some objectives you want to achieve and accomplish during the next two-plus years? JO: My primary goal is to continue making sound decisions guided by the city's strategic plan. That plan serves as the framework for how we evaluate priorities, investments and opportunities. Over the next few years, our focus will remain on advancing work in the plan's key areas: strengthening neighborhoods, expanding housing options, making strategic waterfront investments, supporting economic development, delivering reliable municipal services and continuing to invest in arts and culture. Our goal is steady progress that positions the city well not just for the next few years but for the long term. It is imperative that we continue to make sound investment decisions for our local streets through our resurfacing program, water line replacement and combined sewer and storm separations. Additionally, ensuring that our water and sewer plants continue to operate efficiently. Making capital investment in both the plants is necessary. Continuing to deliver these essential services — by replacing our aging infrastructure, repaving streets and delivering quality drinking water — will continue to be a focus of our investments. My last goal is to remain fluid in my decision-making. The commission has changed dramatically over the last two years. I want to allow them ample time to give me their thoughts, feedback and input and discuss what the will of this commission is to build on the momentum and continue to move Sandusky forward. Adapting to change is critically important for an organization, so I want to be flexible and execute the vision and will of the commission during these next two years.