City Council

MANISTEE CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 11, 2015 – 8:30 A.M. - COUNCIL CHAMBERS I. Call to Order. a.) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. b.) ROLL CALL. II. Citizen Comments on Agenda Related Items. III. New Business. a.) INTERVIEWS FOR THE POSITION OF CITY MANAGER. Michigan Municipal League Lead Search Facilitator Kathie Grinzinger will be present to review question technique and process for city manager candidate interviews. Interview Schedule: 9:00 a.m. Mr. Timothy Wolff 10:30 a.m. Mr. Anton Graff Noon Lunch Break 12:30 p.m. Mr. Ryan Heise 2:00 p.m. Mr. Patrick Jordan 3:30 p.m. Mr. Kevin Bookout b.) CONSIDERATION OF CONDITIONAL OFFER OF EMPLOYMENT TO SUCCESSFUL CITY MANAGER CANDIDATE. Once all interviews have taken place, it is expected the Council will engage in public discussion with the goal to select one of the candidates for a conditional offer of employment. Before the final stage of the hiring process can be executed a motion should be offered to make a conditional offer to the candidate who secures the majority of support from Council members. The offer is conditional to allow CITY COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 11, 2015 PAGE 1  other due diligence steps to occur and to enable withdrawal of the offer depending on the results of that research. The due diligence steps include a background investigation, a physical, drug and alcohol screening, and additional reference checks. The Michigan Municipal League will conduct a background investigation of the primary candidate through a third-party professional firm. The investigation will include college transcript verification; criminal history, civil court case history; lien and driving record check, credit/financial record review and social security number trace. Because of the invasiveness of the background check and medical screens, only the top candidate moves through this phase. If the candidate successfully completes the final background hurdle, negotiations between the individual and the City can commence leading to a contract and a start date. At this time Council could take action to make a conditional offer of employment to the top candidate. IV. Concerns and Comments. a.) CITIZEN COMMENT. This is an opportunity for citizens to comment on municipal services, activities or areas of City involvement. Citizens in attendance shall be recognized by the Mayor for comments (limited to five minutes). Letters submitted to Council will not be publicly read. b.) OFFICIALS AND STAFF. c.) COUNCILMEMBERS. V. Adjourn. RBB:cl COUNCIL AGENDA ATTACHMENTS: Candidate Resumes MML – Manistee Brochure MML – Community Profile CITY COUNCIL – SPECIAL MEETING AUGUST 11, 2015 PAGE 2 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY City Manager City of Manistee MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE City Manager CITY OF MANISTEE Michiganders are rightfully boastful of all the grand peninsula has to offer. And, nowhere do all the state’s attributes merge more acutely than on the west shore in the Victorian-era jewel that is Manistee. For the decisive leader who has dreamed of living and working in an outdoor lover’s paradise, the perfect opportu- nity is now available. Manistee seeks a new city manager, only the fourth in 36 years, who has the ability to facilitate and communicate a new vision for the future of this historic port community. Over 6200 residents and 1000’s of visitors praise the two miles of publically accessible Lake Michigan beach front, other natural as- sets, events, and cultural attractions within the almost 4.5 square miles of this Community of Bridges. In Manistee “everything is about the natural environment” for its hard-working, friendly residents who profess small-town values of honesty and straightforwardness. Only those who truly enjoy reaching out, meeting and engaging the citizen- ry need apply to this community where involvement and dedication is the  POPULATION norm resulting in community-wide volunteer building projects each year 6,226 like he teen center, skateboard park and playgrounds.  SIZE 2.84 SQ MI Manistee is a full-service city, the only one in the County with a full-time fire and ALS crew, and operates under the Council/Manager form of gov-  BUDGET ernment by Charter. Its $6.2 million General Fund and $10 million in other 6.2 MILLION funds support 58 full-time employees and several seasonal and part-time positions.  SALARY RANGE $85,000 - $100,000 Manistee will offer a competitive compensation plan including medical and dental insurance, a generous contribution into a defined contribution pen- sion plan or MERS and a salary range of $85,000 to $100,000 depending on qualifications and experience. 2 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  THE COMMUNITY Manistee was incorporated in 1869. Valued for Museum, the Waterworks Museum and the SS its deep water port, the city rose to prominence City of Milwaukee. with the logging industry that swept Michigan’s Alternative educational choices are available to northern forests. Its well-preserved Victorian Manistee’s families. The Class B public school residential and commercial architecture are system has new facilities and offers a wide testaments to the resiliency and prosperity that range of extracurricular activities including carried Manistee through several economic hockey, swimming, and ski programs. Man- rebirths over the last 150 years. istee Catholic Central offers a pre-K through 12 program and Trinity Lutheran Academy has Today, continued evidence of the community’s K-8 classes. Higher education offerings are commitment to its heritage can be found in available by short commute through West Shore the authentic downtown district, the restored, Community College, Baker College, North West- publically-owned Ramsdell Theatre and Hall, ern University and Spring Arbor University. and the Fifth Avenue Pier and Lighthouse. Without a doubt, however, it is the natural as- The community is tied inexorably to Native sets of the area that push Manistee well above American culture as well. Part of the city sites the ordinary. Cuddled between majestic Lake within reservation of the Little River Band of Michigan on its west side and Manistee Lake the Ottawa Indians and a positive relationship, on its east, the city is traversed by the Little based on mutual respect and understanding, is Manistee and the Big Manistee Rivers, famous an on-going priority. for superior trout and salmon fishing. Multiple public boat launches and pavilions along with A strong sense of volunteerism and community several marinas make the water fronts available involvement is another of the threads uniting the to all. A highly bikeable and walkable commu- different neighborhoods, long-term residents, nity, Manistee has built 3.5 miles of universally and new transplants in this clean, quaint city. designed trails to cement its reputation for ac- Active service clubs, a highly involved Chamber cessibility. of Commerce and energetic Convention and Visitors Bureau, host a myriad of events each The City sits on the edge of the 1 million acre year including the Victorian Sleighbell Parade Manistee National Forest and neighbors one of and Old Christmas Weekend; Forest Fest, the the most beautiful places in the state, Sleep- Chocolate, Wine and Walking Tour, Props and ing Bear Sand Dunes National Park. Manistee Hops Classic Boat Show, Tight Lines for Our County counts eight golf courses. A bird sanc- Troops, and Support of the Shores, an initiative tuary, Orchard Beach State Park, mountain to advance the walkability of the community by bike trails, ice skating rink, 13 in-city parks and connecting people to the area’s water resourc- a community pool further attest to this area’s es. allegiance to a year-round enjoyment of the outdoors. Culture, education, and the arts have a strong root-hold in this safe community with diverse Residents of Manistee are a sturdy lot first housing stock. The Ramsdell Theatre hosts the drawn to the area by the logging industry and an Manistee Civic Players who sponsor a roster of economy was built around shipping freight from live performances; a beautifully appointed ball- the deep water port. Later manufacturing come room; and Hardy Hall, home to the Manistee Art to town lured by accessibility to the water and Institute. The restored Vogue Theatre brings built plants along the shores of Manistee Lake. classic and first-run movies downtown. The city is also the base for the Manistee Historical 3 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  THE COMMUNITY (CONT) A solid blue-collar industry sustained the com- munity’s prosperity and defined its personality for decades. In recent years industrial jobs have dramatically declined. Manistee’s economy is now built around a mixture of tourism dollars, (the trib- ally–owned Little River Casino is just five miles to the north), family-owned businesses, state cor- rections employment, and hospital and healthcare positions. Manistee’s evolution has not only been one of a changing market-place. For years, the community had been a homogenous strong-hold of families with roots generations deep. Today, the com- munity is aging as its young people move away and a new citizen contingent of active, involved retirees and second-home owners have moved in. The median age is 47 (42% of residents are above the age of 50) and incomes have become more diverse. Manistee is in the midst of a transition both eco- nomically and culturally. The best possible future has yet to be determined and the new manager will be expected to engage all diverse partners in a long-term dialogue to achieve consensus around an optimal direction. 4 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  THE ORGANIZATION This organization has adopted an outcome-driven the roster and four unions represent the full-time culture that regularly reports on performance to hourly employees: POAM, COAM, IAFF, and Steel- each other and the council through open sharing of workers. all information. Five of the 58 full-time employees report directly to the City Manager and meet on a Department Directors regularly attend council weekly basis in “round-table review” to review the meetings and respond to questions from elected council agenda, report on task progress and brain officials about their area of expertise. The City storm around city-wide issues. The input of the Council is made up of seven members who serve highly experienced and professional staff is always staggered two-year terms and elect a Mayor from sought and considered when tackling policy devel- within the membership. Each member represents a opment and determining the best way to move the specific district but is elected at-large by all citi- council’s plans forward. zens. The last two races for council were con- tested. The new Manager will bring expertise in economic development to the skill set of the administrative To fit in with these advocates for superior service team as well as sensitive and highly developed delivery, the new Manager must have unquestion- negotiation talents in working with other units of able ethical standards and be willing to interact governments particularly townships and Native personally with all employees and the citizens they American tribes. serve. He or she will be an inspirational leader who recognizes and appreciates the contributions Employees describe Manistee as a “great place to of others, is committed to team building and capa- work” with no silo mentality. Department Direc- ble of taking charge of continuous forward move- tors work across organizational chart lines and ment. demonstrate an extraordinary level of peer support. Directors have budget responsibility and indepen- dent authority to dedicate resources in meeting objectives. The City Manager serves as the Director of Human Resources responsible for all labor/management and personnel functions and leads an executive team consisting of: • Public Safety Director managing police, the only full-time fire service in the County, EMS/ALS and the Marina • Director of Public Works with responsibility for parks, streets, utilities, wells, waste treatment, and bridges • Finance Director supervises functions of the Treasurer, the Ramsdell Theatre and the Clerk and Assessor (the latter two hires are con- firmed by council) • Contracted Engineer • Planner Seasonal and part-time employees supplement 5 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  OPPORTUNITIES Manistee possesses a great many strengths upon which to build. Its sense of place is primarily intact with a solid historical and architectural foundation and a richness of natural resources. Along with its deep water port, the city has access to rail and a local airport with commuter service to Chicago. Land use is diverse with 28% devoted to residential, 10% to industrial and commercial, 19% of the land is held by the public and/or parks, 10% is vacant. Several historic properties are ripe for redevelopment in and around its astounding downtown district. The Council is committed to building collaborative rela- tionships with neighboring governments to tackle larger issues and moving forward to the next stage in the com- munity’s prosperity.  CHALLENGES This community is in need of defining its next economic engine and identity. It wishes to become a “community of choice” in order to attract and retain residents, par- ticularly younger people and families. Occupancy is low in the existing industrial park and incomes have not rebounded to previous levels. Funding constraints make service provision decisions trying. 6 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  THE IDEAL CANDIDATE The City of Manistee will only consider applicants who demonstrate superior interperson- al and written communication talent with a strong sense of personal integrity. To be considered a qualified applicant, respondents must first have: • A Bachelors’ Degree (MBA or MPA is preferred) in an applicable field such as public administration, business, finance, or a related field of study, AND • Three years’ experience as a city, village manager, or assistant manager OR five years of governmen tal service as an administrator/leader with a wide-span of responsibility over multiple function or ser vice areas • Appropriate combination of expertise, education and professional governmental leadership will be considered Qualified Applicants will also possess provable expertise or history in: • Developing and managing governmental personnel, human resources policies and procedures, and labor negotiations • Aggressive economic development with the ability to offer innovative solutions to existing situations Any applicant who moves to the level of candidate will be financially savvy and well versed in in the use of technology as a presentation, communication, and analytical tool. Among the other skills that are to be illustrated in a resume and letter of introduction are these: • History in forging regional collaborations and/or agreements • Proven negotiations skills and success in developing win/win resolutions • Ability to incite healthy dialogue among diverse partners and achieve consensus around best possible solutions • Experience in building well-working teams • Highly developed organizational skills • Familiarity with tribal governments will be considered weighted plus The new City Manager of Manistee will be a decisive leader who conveys an air of pro- fessionalism and offers pro-active choices to forecasted issues rather than reactive posi- tions to problems. He or she must be: • Approachable, able to relate to many types of people; a person who enjoys reaching out to others • A good listener, patient, and accepting • Capable of seeing many sides to an issue • Self-confident • Able to express and communicate a vision • Calm and collected • Creative • Possessing of an internal sense of personal accountability 7 MICHIGAN MUNICIPAL LEAGUE  APPLICATION PROCESS APPLY BY CLOSE OF BUSINESS JULY 3, 2015 Please submit resume, cover letter, salary history, consent form, and five professional references to: execsearch@mml.org, Subject Line: Manistee Search OR mail to: Michigan Municipal League, ATTN: Manistee Search, 1675 Green Road Ann Arbor, MI 48105 Questions can be directed to MML Lead Executive Recruiter Kathie S. Grinzinger at kgrinzinger@mml.org or (989) 289-1084. Candidates desiring confidentiality of their interest, as allowed for and provided by Michigan law, must indi- cate such in a separate subject line above the body of the cover letter. This search is conducted by an Equal Opportunity Employer. 8 Manistee City of Manistee City Manager Profiling Sessions April 28, 2015 two sessions Council responses Staff Add-ons (much agreement) Per additional information Community Profile Stats Population 6226 (tri-township population 12,500) (down from 6586 in 2000) Size 4.47 square miles; 40 miles of streets Land Use Residential 28% Commercial 4% Industrial 6% Parks/Public 19% Transportation 23% Vacant 10% Wetland/water 9% Form of Govt. Council/Manager by Charter Council: 7 members Staggered 2 year terms Represent district BUT elected at-large Mayor elected from within Last two races contested Demographics: very little racial diversity 30% of population educational degrees beyond high school Median age 47; 42% residents above the age of 50 (70% of EMS patients are elders); youth numbers declining Median income close to state average 18% of residents seasonal Employment *tourism Casino (#1) Family-owned businesses Prison (400 jobs) Hospital and healthcare 3 industrial plants lakeside Budget: FY 2015 $6.2 Million GF FY2015 $ 16.2 million All Funds 1 Manistee Identifiers, Culture, Traditions  “Community of Bridges” (Manistee River Channel runs thru the center of town)  “Four Season Playground”  “Outdoor Sports Paradise”  “Victorian Port City”  “Everything is tied to the natural environment”  Incorporated 1869; Logging heritage  Blue-collar (union background): did have strong industrial base; job decline  Small town values: honest, straightforward, hard-working  Four of five area public schools inside city  Wonderful people, welcoming and friendly  New transplanted residents; higher income levels than long-term residents; highly involved  Younger people leaving for jobs; active city life; retires come home  Dedicated volunteers, community-minded, active service clubs  Community-wide Building projects (supported/team-led by city) o Playgrounds o Skateboard park o Teen Center  Active Chamber of Commerce and CVB  Segment of population resistant to change  Family-owned businesses  Many churches  Quaint, clean  Diverse housing stock, many second homes  Diverse employment base (see above)  Neighborhoods distinctly identified  Offers wide range of municipal services including full-time police, fire and EMS (strong citizen support for public safety); perception in some circles that tax level is high  Public transportation (call on-demand)  Exceptional Victorian architecture;  Historic, well-preserved downtown, Historic District Commission  Highly walkable, bikeable community  Very safe, low crime rate  Manistee Recreation Assn. (collaboration between city and townships)  Notable tribal influence (part of city in reservation) Little River Band of the Ottawa; good relationship between city and tribal government  Community in transition from founding culture (polish catholic families) and economy (industrial, manufacturing) to new residents (transplants, seniors, seasonal) and the new economy which is yet to be determined 2 Manistee Attractions/Events  Several marinas  Rail system  Near-by institutions of Higher Education: West Shore Community College; Baker College; North Western University; Spring Arbor University  Educational choices: Class B public school with new facilities; hockey, swimming and ski programs; Manistee Catholic (preK-12) and Trinity Lutheran (K-8); Casman Alternative Academy (7-12)  Light house  Freighter traffic  SS City of Milwaukee  Full-time Coast Guard Station  Community pool  Riverwalk (1.5 mi from Lake Michigan to Manistee River, one of best in state)  Casino  Teen center  Local Hospital and strong medical community  13 parks in city; universal accessibility  8 golf courses in Manistee County  Airport  Natural Resource Assets “Everything is tied to the natural environment” o 2 miles of beach front on Lake Michigan with pavilions; all accessible to public o Manistee Lake o Rivers: Little Manistee, Big Manistee o Boat launches o Deep Water Port o Edge of Manistee National Forrest (1 million acres) o Superior trout and salmon fisheries o Charter Fishing, river guides o Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Park nearby o Biking, hiking trails (3.5 miles of trails in city) o Bird sanctuary o Ice skating rink o Mountain bike trails  Culture and Arts o Ramsdell Theatre for live perfomances  Manistee civic Players  Hardy Hall; Manistee Art Institute  Ballroom o Restored Vogue Theatre downtown, classic and first-run movies o Shoreline Showcase (performances on the River) o Manistee County Historical Museum o Waterworks Museum 3 Manistee  Festivals o Sleigh Bells festival (with horse drawn carriage) o Forrest Fest o Chocolate, Wine and Walking Tour o Tight Lines for Troops o Support of the Shores (initiative to connect people to the H20 resources) Opportunities  Historic properties ripe for development  Location and rich natural resources  Deep Water port  Building new collaborative relationships with neighbors to tackle issue Challenges  Need jobs and new economic base (new identity as a community of choice)  Low occupancy in industrial park (need creative solutions)  Funding constraints to maintain service level  No direct access to major trunk lines  Keeping and attracting young people Corporate Culture Staff  58 FTE plus seasonals and part-timers  5 direct reports to City Manager o Public Safety Director (police, only full-time fire in County, EMS, advanced life support; Marina) o DPW Director (parks, streets, utilities, wells, treatment, bridges o Finance Director (Treasurer, Clerk* Assessor*, Ramsdell Theatre) *confirmed by Council o Contracted Engineer o Planning and zoning o City Manager serves as HR Director  4 Unions: POAM, COAM; IAFF; Steelworkers  Oopen positions: assessor; some hourly; deputy DPW Director (likely filed before Mgr) Operating Style  Great place to work  DDs work across table; very little silo division  Outcome driven, regularly report performance 4 Manistee  Highly experienced, professional staff both in government service and private sector  Independent authority vested in DDs; budget preparation responsibility  Extraordinary peer team; supportive  Communication Style o Weekly staff meetings “round-table review” to review council agenda, report on task progress, address city-wide issues o DDs input always sought on larger/city-wide issues, policy, how to move council strategic plan forward o Informal morning meetings Expectation for New Leader (to fit in and fill in)  High ethical standards  Smart  Advocate for superior service delivery and employee service providers  Comfortable with people; citizens often start with the City Manager to voice their concerns  Strong in building relationships  Good communication skills; understand the individual needs of employees for delivery of information  Understand and appreciate the human side of the business  Decisive; take charge of forward movement  Team builder  Leader with ability to inspire people to do their best  Recognize and verbalize appreciation for good work  Consistent application of policy including HR  Open and shares information  Ethical  Good listener  Critical Skills Needed to Fill-In o Understanding principles of economic development (Mgr. sits on several boards) o Sensitive negotiator to work with Tribe and townships o Understanding of infrastructure impact on development and health of community (severely aging infrastructure; new permits required)  Non-starters  Micro-manager  Arrogant (citizens expect to know manager on personal level) 5 Manistee Ideal Candidate Profile Knowledge and minimums  Required Bachelor’s Degree; Master’s Degree preferred  Fields of study: Public Administration, Business, Finance, or related field  3 years’ experience as city, village manager or assistant manager; OR 5 years of governmental service as an administrator/leader with a wide-span of responsibility over a multiple functions or service areas  Appropriate combination of expertise, education and professional governmental leadership will be considered Skills  Financial savvy  Knowledge of governmental personnel and human resources policies and procedures  Strong economic development background with ability to offer innovative solutions to existing issues  History in forging regional collaborations and/or agreements  Technological know-how particularly in the use of communication tools  Proven negotiation skills and success in developing win/win resolutions  Ability to incite healthy dialogue among diverse partners and achieve consensus around best possible solutions  Highly developed interpersonal communication skills; strong written communication capability  Experience in building well-working teams  Well-developed organization skills  Familiarity with tribal governments a plus Attributes  Person of integrity  Decisive  Aire of professionalism  Approachable and able to relate to many types of people  Patient and accepting  Pro-active rather than reactive  Can see both sides to an issue  Self-confident  Can express and communicate a vision  Calm, collected  Able to and enjoy reaching out to others  Creative  Internal sense of accountability 6