MVC sets $100K contract for director

By Janet Hefler - November 3, 2005

The Martha's Vineyard Commission (MVC) recently approved a five-year contract for Mark London, who has served as executive director since October 2002. The contract, which calls for him to be paid $100,000 this year, also provides an option for an additional two years, with an automatic one-year extension awarded on the first two anniversary dates of its signing. The commission officers drafted the contract in executive session, and 17 commissioners approved it unanimously during a public hearing on Oct. 20.

"It was an easy decision because of the confidence we have in Mark London," said Jim Athearn, Edgartown MVC commissioner, after the vote.

Mr. London has not yet signed the new contract, explaining that he needs to work out a few details in terms of committing himself and his wife to living on the Island for the next seven years. He said most likely he will sign it sometime after his birthday this week, so its expiration will coincide with the date he turns 65 and becomes eligible for a pension.

Under the terms of his contract, Mr. London will receive:

• His current salary of $100,101, plus the three percent yearly cost of living increases MVC staff receive every July.
  
  
• Four weeks vacation.
  
  
• Ninety percent of health insurance costs paid by the MVC and 50 percent of his disability insurance.
  
  
• Retirement benefits through the Dukes County retirement system.
  
  
• Two years' salary as severance pay upon termination for any reason other than cause.
  

This is the first extended contract for Mr. London since his appointment as executive director. He took a one-year leave of absence from his job as the senior planner for the city of Montreal, a position he held for 15 years, to take the helm at the MVC. He was already familiar with the Island, having summered here for 25 years with his family.

At that time, Mr. London said he told the MVC board he would renew his leave of absence as long as possible, but when it ended, he would want a long-term contract. "I am giving up a permanent position in Montreal that had better benefits," Mr. London explained.

The preparation of a comprehensive Island plan will be his main goal for the next seven years, Mr. London said. "We're now starting a major planning effort that will be the main focus of the last years of my career," he said.

He spent the last three years at the MVC dealing with issues concerning its ongoing operations, such as project review, funding, and staffing. With those on track, Mr. London said, "I will try to step back from the daily operations somewhat and help the Island community think about the longer term - where we are going and where do we want to be going - and if the two answers don't match, determine what we have to change to end up in a better place."

The MVC's operating budget for fiscal year 2006 is $1.1 million. The commission relies on town assessments from the seven towns that make up Dukes County for the largest share of its income, with some state grants providing another source.

Payroll costs, which account for almost half of the MVC's expenses, include health and disability insurance and a three percent cost of living adjustment.

In comparing Mr. London's compensation to others in similar positions, Margo Fenn, executive director of the Cape Cod Commission, receives an annual salary of $95,280. Unlike Mr. London, she does not have a contract. Ms. Fenn is evaluated annually by the Cape Cod Commission's executive committee and by the county administrator.

Andrew Vorce, director of the Nantucket Planning and Economic Development Commission, receives a salary of $90,000 annually, under the terms of a three-year contract awarded in June. He is subject to review by the five members of the planning board to which he reports prior to renewal of his contract.