City manager Ted Staton's contract is scheduled to be renewed through 2012 at today's East Lansing City Council meeting.

Staton, who has been the city manager for 11 years, had been in negotiations for several months to get the renewal before it ended in late June.

"We can hopefully get this all concluded by tomorrow," Staton said. "The nice thing about longer term agreements is that it settles terms of employment for a while."

With this contract, Staton would receive a 2 percent increase to his $131,414 salary, performance pay based on criteria set by the city, other employee benefits and a car for "business and personal use," the contract states.

Performance pay can be given to Staton by the City Council and cannot be any more than 2.5 percent of his base salary. According to his contract, he could receive this bonus after the council assesses his job progress.

As a city manager, Staton's position in the city government is considered the job that keeps things rolling, East Lansing Mayor Sam Singh said.

"In city government, Ted is considered the chief executive and makes sure the city is running," Singh said.

Singh said he's confident in Staton and the experience he brings to the table.

"Ted has had an 11-year history with us and has brought diverse experiences from previous jobs," Singh said. "Longevity in itself is a very positive thing because most city managers are around for four or five years.

"To have someone with this much experience and this much understanding of the community and its relationship with the university is very important to us."

Jean Golden, the deputy city manager, said Staton's experience has resulted in many achievements for the city.

"Since Ted has become city manager, the city has nearly doubled in size," Golden said. "The taxes have stayed down, and the city keeps growing, and that comes from a lot of accomplishments he has had."

Staton said the main reason he is renewing his contract is the positive work environment.

"There are a lot of things that have kept me here, but a big part is a City Council that works well together," Staton said. "Coupled with other things, like the high quality of life in East Lansing."

Staton said with this new contract, he can focus on work and the plans he has for the coming years.

"There are plans to add more housing and hopefully get plans for the new MSU Museum building and plans to improve Valley Court Park," Staton said. "I am glad that I am now able to see these things through."

Staton said that while work influenced why he wanted to stay here six more years, another important factor is his family's appreciation of the area.

"I have two kids in the school system who enjoy that, and my family has such a great love for this area," Staton said. "This is just a great place to raise a family."