Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
By P.J. GLISSON
BESSSEMER — At their Monday evening meeting, members of the Bessemer City Council voted to table posting an opening for city manager.
It was the second time that members tabled the matter, with the first vote having occurred at their April 8 meeting.
Monday’s discussion explored whether to seek a traditional city manager or whether to split the job into more than one role to best suit the city’s needs.
“We need a grant person,” said councilman Adam Zak.
“Perhaps we should consider seeking someone, not with a city manager skill set, but with an economic management background,” said Zak. “I think we can get an economic development specialist cheaper than we can get a city manager.”
He added that Mandy Lake, who now serves as the city’s interim city manager while also retaining her role as clerk/treasurer, would meet those qualifications but that the city would need to lessen her overall burden if she resulted in being hired in a new capacity.
When he asked Lake her opinion as to how much time the city has to consider its hiring options, Lake said, “We have a great staff right now, so you have time to look outside the box.”
Councilwoman Linda Nelson suggested that the city could hire a grant-writing specialist on a commission basis and provide a percentage payment for every grant the city received. Nelson said that could allow for a lower base salary and an incentive to excel.
Zak suggested posting both a traditional city manager position, as well as a “hybrid position” that focuses on economic development and grant writing. Then, he said council members could “see what we get.”
“I like the idea of posting both because at least it gives us options,” said councilman Mark Movrich, who added that council members then could “see where we want to go.”
Mayor Peter Tacconelli rounded out the input by suggesting that the city manager position could be posted with an expanded description. “We should make it clear what we’re looking for,” he said.
“I think we need to explore the options,” said Nelson. “I don’t think we should post the city manager position if we’re even thinking about something else.”
She added, “I think it’s worth taking some time. I don’t think we’re in a big hurry to get someone right now.”
Movrich ultimately motioned to table the issue, and the vote was unanimous.
The council voted on March 25 to appoint Lake as interim city manager. That action followed a March 11 vote to give former City Manager Christopher Frazer 48 hours to resign or be terminated. Frazer, whose last day was March 11 and who was characterized by Zak as not being a good “fit” for the city, opted for termination.
Zak thanked Ben Tucker, who leads the city’s Department of Public Works, for suggesting to him that the city explore nontraditional options in fulfilling its city management needs.
Council members will discuss the issue again at their next regular meeting.
