Wakefield makes city manager offer

By P.J. GLISSON

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Wakefield - The Wakefield city council voted Monday to offer a contract to Robert Brown, Jr. of Belding, Mich., who interviewed for the position of city manager.

The council met with Brown, 36, on Jan. 14. Three other candidates were interviewed on Jan. 17, after which the council met on Jan. 23 to determine their first choice to fill the role from which Richard Brackney will retire on May 24.

Brackney said mayor John Granato drew up the contract, which was reviewed for legalities by city attorney Ray O'Dea.

"We don't know if it's going to be accepted or not," said Granato to the council Monday. "But it's officially going to be offered."

Brown has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in political science with a concentration in campaign leadership from Southern New Hampshire University.

He works with the three-county Fred Meijer River Valley Trail in Belding while also engaging in political campaign organizing.

Belding is in Ionia County, about 100 miles west of Flint. Brown was the only city manager applicant from Michigan.

Council members were impressed with Brown's experience with Michigan laws and grant preparation and also liked his public persona.

Marijuana ordinance official

In other news, the council also voted to accept Ordinance No. 226, which prohibits the establishment of marijuana establishments within the city, and which also underscores a state law prohibiting the sale and consumption of marijuana in public.

The vote followed a second reading of the ordinance and a related public hearing, which drew no public interest.