City Council Meeting

Detailed briefing

CITY COUNCIL — March 14, 2026 ATTENDEES: City Council members, interim city manager Kyle, consultant Frank by Zoom, and city manager finalists Kathleen Walter, Scott Zaback, Greg, whose surname was unclear in the transcript, and Chris Buchholz. • Council conducted four structured interviews for the city manager position. Each finalist was asked the same set of questions about leadership, financial stewardship, customer service, teamwork, consensus building, grants, community involvement and first-year priorities. • Capital planning and infrastructure were central themes. Candidates discussed the city's capital improvement plan, electric utility investments, water and sewer systems, roads, buildings, grant opportunities and the importance of matching long-term projects with sustainable revenue. • Candidates brought different experience. Walter emphasized Michigan State Police leadership, team supervision and federal grant work. Zaback discussed his current municipal management experience, infrastructure projects and tailoring projects to available grants. Greg described experience in municipal administration, planning, law, utilities and development. Buchholz emphasized long-term asset management, team development, public engagement and experience leading larger municipal organizations. • During public comment, one resident urged council to consider whether candidates who had already retired would remain long enough to avoid another hiring process in one or two years. Council did not respond with a decision during public comment. • After the interviews, council members said all four candidates had strengths. Some indicated they could narrow the field, while others said they needed more time to absorb and compare the information. Council did not select a finalist, narrow the field or record a formal vote. • Consultant Frank said the advertised salary range is $140,000 to $150,000 and that candidates were informed the city would remain within that range. He estimated that a background check and contract negotiations could take about two weeks after an offer, potentially requiring a special meeting. • Council agreed that all four candidates should receive two supplemental questions: why Harbor Springs is their preferred opportunity and where they expect their careers to be in five to ten years. Frank will collect the responses, and Kyle will distribute them to council. Worth watching: 1. Whether council selects one candidate Monday or schedules follow-up interviews. 2. How each finalist addresses long-term commitment specifically to Harbor Springs. 3. Contract terms, background review and any special-meeting schedule if an offer is made. Upcoming: Candidate responses are requested by Sunday at 6 p.m.; council plans to resume consideration Monday night. Why it matters: The next manager will oversee city staff, major infrastructure commitments and implementation of Harbor Springs' budget and long-term plans.

No open public follow-ups are linked to this meeting yet.