PORTAGE | Portage Public Marina harbor master Al Ekdahl will be replaced at the end of the year.
Both Ekdahl and Mayor James Snyder confirmed the change Wednesday.
Ekdahl, who has held the post since January 2008, said he received an email from Snyder last week asking for a meeting. He met with the mayor Friday afternoon.
"He told me my services would no longer be needed and I would be replaced," said Ekdahl, adding Snyder also told him it was "time for a change."
Ekdahl, husband of Portage Township Schools board member Debra Ekdahl, said Wednesday that he was "a little upset" about losing the job. He said he received no compensation for the position, but spent between 16 and 30 hours a week at the marina during the summer and between eight and 10 hours a week there during the winter months.
Ekdahl works full time as a project analyst with ArcelorMittal in East Chicago.
His last day will be Dec. 31.
"We are replacing Director Ekdahl. Harbor master is a volunteer position and Al devoted five years of his time there, including the treacherous flood of 2008," Snyder said in an email.
Snyder declined further comment, saying he wanted to speak with the Port Authority at its meeting at 5 p.m. today before making additional comments.
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