Bessemer City Council again poised to hire city manager

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — In a special meeting on Monday evening, members of the Bessemer City Council voted to offer the position of city manager to Christopher Frazer of downstate Imlay.

The vote was unanimous with Terry Kryshak absent.

City Clerk/Treasurer Mandy Lake reported the news by phone on Tuesday.

Regarding Frazer, she said, “He had already looked at the contract and approved everything on it, and his tentative start date is Nov. 6.”

Regarding the prospective hiree, Lake added, “We’re excited.”

According to Lake, Frazer has experience in government and grant writing and most recently has worked with nonprofit interests. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science/public and nonprofit administration and a master’s degree in public administration, both from Central Michigan University.

The city had received more than 30 applications for the city manager position.

In related news, Samantha Dorr has moved from her previous position as secretary to her new job as deputy clerk.

“Mandy appointed me last Thursday,” said Dorr by phone on Tuesday. “It feels good.”

Dorr also has been serving as coordinator of the Downtown Development Authority.

The position of deputy clerk had been posted internally in response to Kelli Stutz resigning from that job, effective Oct. 25.

In other news, council members authorized a raise in compensation for members of the new city council, which will result from the Nov. 7 election.

Monthly payments now will be $200 for the mayor and $150 for council members, up from $110 and $85, respectively.

According to Lake, Councilman Robert Coleman — who opted not to run for reelection — voted no on the motion while stating that his own time as a councilman had been based on a desire to serve the community rather than to earn income.

Lake added that Mayor Adam Zak and council member Linda Nelson had reached out to other local cities and determined that those locations either were on a par with Bessemer’s new rate or exceeded it.

She said the determination to raise the rates was based on a desire to attract more candidates to run for office.

The council voted unanimously to accept a bid of $15,000 for a 1989 Klauer SNOGO snowblower that no longer is in use by the city. The sole bid was from Bessemer Small Engine.

The council’s next regular meeting will be on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall.