Notes of the City Manager Candidate Interviews

Brief

• City Council meets on Monday, March 16th, at 6 pm. Check here for the agendas, or when available: at City Website, Zoom Meeting, YouTube

• Planning Commission meets on Thursday, March 19th at 5:30 pm, check here for the agenda when available: City Website, Zoom Meeting, YouTube

• If you happen to know people from these communities, perhaps reach out and see what they think

A Snapshot of the City Manager Candidates

Yesterday, the Harbor Springs City Council interviewed four candidates for the City Manager position. The interviews were recorded, and the recordings are expected to be released tomorrow for public viewing.

Since candidate resumes were not made available to the public in advance of the interviews, we have done our best to summarize each candidate’s background and experience based on the information shared during the interviews. Below is a brief summary of each candidate, along with several notable quotes from their responses.

There will be an important conversation, and potentially a vote, on the next City Manager at the City Council meeting on Monday, making it especially helpful for residents to become familiar with the candidates ahead of that discussion.

Residents who would like to listen to the full interviews can do so once the City releases the recordings.

Kip Belcher

Background

• Career law enforcement officer with the Michigan State Police

• Previously worked for the Michigan Department of Corrections

• Spent much of his career in plainclothes investigations focused on felony drug cases

• Later supervised multi-agency drug task forces covering 19 counties in Northern Michigan

Selected Quotes

On leadership style

‘I don’t believe that sitting behind a desk and punching keyboard keys is representative of the best leadership.’

On Harbor Springs growth and zoning

‘You’re about tapped out right now on the number of city residents… but as far as housing goes, you don't have a whole lot of vacant areas right now. And the zoning as it exists right now, precludes some building activity from taking place.’

On planning and city priorities

‘If those priorities don't match…with the different discussions that go on and policies and ordinances that are passed, then it's all upside down.’

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Chris Kukulski

Background

• Career city manager, recently in Billings, Bozeman, and Kalispell, Montana

• Originally from Michigan, born in Caro and raised in North Branch

• Previously served as city managers or administrators in Kalispell, Bozeman, and Billings, Montana

• Experience managing large municipal budgets and infrastructure systems

Selected Quotes

On his connection to Michigan

‘I am not from Montana. I am from Michigan. I am a Michigander… my dream honestly, once I became a city manager, was to be on Lake Michigan in Harbor Springs or Petoskey.’

On infrastructure stewardship

‘I think Harbor Springs citizens probably own upwards of a quarter billion dollars worth of assets. 18 miles of streets. You got 18 miles of water mains underneath those streets. A harbor, the electric utility, 75 miles of electric lines. All of those assets have a value. And in my opinion, it is a responsibility of ours to make sure that we're properly taking care of those assets.’

On community trust

‘Everything we do is based on trust. And so, the more transparent we are, the more accessible we are in what we do and the decisions we make and how we invest their tax dollars..the higher level that confidence is. And then frankly, it allows us to do our job so much better. Because when there's not trust, everything slows down.’

On long-term leadership

‘I am more interested in a multi generational impact that we have than what might be the headline in the Petoskey paper or in our local paper here.’

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Scott Czasak

Background

• Current City Manager in Caro, Michigan

• Former staffer in the U.S. House of Representatives and the Michigan House of Representatives

• Holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration

Selected Quotes

On learning a community

‘The true way of learning a community is being in it… the people aren’t a plan. They're people that have individual day-to-day responsibilities, day-to-day concerns.’

On local government realities

‘Everyone wants stuff, but no one wants to pay for it.’

On leadership

‘Leadership is not always about being in front. Sometimes it’s about being behind.’

On stewardship

‘I'm a temporary cog in the wheel. Just like all of you are, all the staff is. The cities we work for, this city, the city I work for, they were here long before us. They'll be here long after us. We're a temporary steward…to do the best we can to make things better.’

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Gregory Elliott

Background

• Born and raised in Manistee, Michigan

• Holds degrees in Business Administration and Public Administration

• Worked 10 years in Pittsfield Township, overseeing planning, water, and sewer operations

• Later worked as a real estate and development attorney and planning consultant

• Served about five years as City Administrator in Adrian, Michigan, and current Manager of Chocolay Township, Michigan

Selected Quotes

On familiarity with Harbor Springs

‘I do know Harbor Springs… I’ve been there a lot over the years and I’m familiar with the city.’

On public policy

‘The lesson is don’t get out ahead of your constituency… if you can’t sell it to the people then you shouldn’t be pursuing it.’

On city finances

‘You have to be careful with your funds and make sure you’re good stewards of the people’s money.’

On leadership style

‘I like to have a very collaborative style with staff… the best ideas come out of everybody hanging out and talking together.’

What Happens Next

The full interview recordings are expected to be released tomorrow, allowing residents to listen to the full discussions with each candidate.

Information regarding the next steps in the selection process has not yet been made public. However, there is an agenda item related to the City Manager position at Monday’s City Council meeting.

In many municipal searches, the process can include additional steps such as independent reference checks, opportunities for department heads or city staff to meet with finalists, or community meet-and-greet sessions. It is not yet clear whether any of these steps will be part of the Harbor Springs process.

Given the importance of the role, many residents may want to take time to review the interviews and learn more about the candidates as the process moves forward. Please watch for City Hall postings of the interviews. Or reach out to City Council members to express your views.