ludington city manager

But a South Haven Safety Survey, conducted by Western Michigan University between October 2019 through January 2020, received more than 700 responses and found that fewer than half 44% -- of respondents definitely or somewhat supported returning lifeguards to the city. LUDINGTON Mitch Foster has been on the job as city manager since March 18. West Michigan has its own kind of tempo, he said. City of Ludington 400 S Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-845-6237 info@ci.ludington.mi.us; Helpful Links. Ludington also, after about a year of effort, got approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to place a gate on its north breakwall that was installed this year, said Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster. Once you get up north things seem to slow down a bit and people are more neighborly. The county collected resumes for about three to four weeks, then began interviewing candidates. Piers can create dangerous currents and, without barriers on most of them, provide an inviting opportunity for a stroll to unsuspecting visitors four of whom were swept off piers into the water and drowned this year. Police Chief Timothy Kozals official last day is Sept. 2. He had served as Ludington city manager for 15 years. The candidates are James Van Ess, Patrick Reagan and Mitchell Foster, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock, who provided to the Daily News the resumes and cover letters of the three interviewees. Football fans have likely seen Shay on the field, while officiating games for the Michigan High School Athletic Association and the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. He has served as Ludington city manager for 15 years. MCSO ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE WEEKEND OF 07/20/2018 thru 07/22/2018: 07/20 @ 6:45 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US10 west of Tuttle (Custer Township), 07/20 @ 7:10 AM Car/Deer crash, no injury, US31 north of Chauvez (Pere Marquette Township), West Shore Art Fair returns for golden anniversary Saturday at Rotary Park. Shay also served as village manager of Almont for five years. Muskegon generated $500,000 this year with paid beach parking at its beaches the first time the city charged to park. The committee explores Mason County to choose the annual award winners, and this year its selected two businesses and one civic entity. The citys contract with R. Bogner has an option to renew again for up to three years. Chad Rushing kicks off intimate concert series at LACA. Shay has previously served as city manager in Ludington, village manager in Almont and has worked in local government for 25 years, according to a release from Wyoming. I watched Jackie Steckel walk out of here, and she was hurt, Barnett said. Recruitment and training remain the toughest hurdle for keeping guards on the beach in New Buffalo. DuBOIS A City of DuBois resident asked the DuBois City Council, at its meeting on Monday night, if the city has paid a significant amount of money for the private defense of Manager John . No, they cannot be out in the water when red flag conditions persist, and by the time they are alerted and respond, it is too late, McGinnis said. Phone messages MLive left with a spokeswoman for the authority seeking comment about lifeguard liability were not returned. We will be making a succession plan a high priority. 1:00 John Shay, who currently serves as city manager of Ludington, was named Ottawa County's new deputy administrator on Thursday. since 2015. Prior to coming to Ludington, he was the director of public safety for the City of Manistee for three years. More than 14,000 people have since signed the petition, and the effort calling itself the South Haven Lifeguards in Full Effect or L.I.F.E. Some said later she was last seen clinging to a swim zone buoy, fighting the force of an underwater rip current, he said. The public meeting will begin with an update on the search to hire a new Ludington city manager presented by Jeff Mueller, an executive recruiter for the Michigan Municipal League, who has been finding and screening applicants for the job. I have a hard time believing that she would need to consistently put in 14- to 16-hour days to manage Ludington during that time.. Ludington City Manager John Shay currently works on a year-to-year contract. Emergency call stations, information kiosks, social media posts, lifejackets and life rings are other safety measures Olson mentioned in an email to MLive. The state of Michigan, which operates a dozen state parks with beaches along the lakeshore, had pulled all its lifeguards by 1993. A search committee will narrow down the candidates. She doesnt ask how many hours she has to work she just does it Whatever she said she did, she did it. Link: City Manager Page. This story is copyrighted 2019, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. Liability concerns were the reason lifeguards were removed from state park beaches, which havent had them since 1993, according to Ron Olson, chief of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division. The mayor serves a four-year term, and Miller will take office once the term expires on Dec. A memorial to the fallen and remembered soldiers of World War I was revitalized Thursday at Stearns Park beach in Ludington. In California, where Sartini said hes chosen lifeguarding as a career, the presence of lifeguards is just expected, he said. Parents, sons and daughters, observers, politicians, activists and educators were just some of the people that could be seen Saturday afternoon along West Ludington Avenue, holding signs, clapping, cheering and waving to passersby in the 90-plus-degree heat. She returned on Monday, Oct. 19, again asking for more beach safety measures, and lifeguards, and citing the drownings of three people, including Patterson, as well as unbelievable amount of close calls there this summer. For more of this story, pick up a copy of the print edition of The Ludington Daily News or buy our e-edition. Theyre seen as a necessary function of public safety, said Brian Bailey, director of Berrien County Parks which operates Silver Beach. The Marillats won the competition, and the foundation raised roughly $37,000 with the proceeds going toward the Ludington Area Schools' robotics program. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. DuBois, PA (15801) Today. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who. The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the elected City Council. In January, Steckel was appointed to serve as the acting city manager until the new city manager, Mitch Foster, was hired and began work. The council awarded the bid for the citys stump grinding work to the Ludington-based company R. Bogner Tree Farms and Service. That case involves a swimming pool lifeguard and the drowning death of a man with a disability. Like others, Olson mentioned costs and difficulty in recruitment as other barriers to lifeguard programs. Thats going to be a big change but a good one. From Jan. 29 to March 17, Steckels typical work days were 14 to 16 hours, and she had to use her personal vehicle to attend daily meetings for the city, she stated. Cody Morgan Denton, 23, 2630 N. Sherman Road, Ludington, was sentenced in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday to 47 months minimum to a maximum of 15 years in prison on charges of breaking and entering with intent and larceny of firearms, habitual offender second offense. He explained that New Buffalos lifeguards could give a false sense of security to swimmers while also putting themselves in danger. The candidates are James Van Ess, Patrick Reagan and Mitchell Foster, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock, who provided to the Daily News the resumes and cover letters of the three interviewees. When it comes to a drowning, lifeguards likely are their only hope.. I am very excited to begin work as Ottawa Countys next Deputy County Administrator and to join a dedicated team of public servants, providing excellent public services in a cost-effective manner, Shay said in a statement. He said he wants to the citys government to be more open about how it communicates with the residents, much of which will take place with a greater social media presence. Tim Kozal offered job after national search After a nationwide search, the City of Muskegon says, it has found its next Director of Public Safety. That person could then chose to seek election. At the north end of the park sits a large stone with a plaque inscribed with the words, These elms were planted by the Auxiliary of Edwin H. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced that beginning Monday Ludington State Park will begin the annual process of lowering Hamlin Lake to its winter water level. Names of Ludington city manager candidates announced. The MMRMA provides liability insurance to most municipalities in the state. Shes kept the city going for a lot of years. Alan Wernette, Ludington State Park interpreter led the program with five participants. Those are questions city officials are pondering as they evaluate a proposed change to Ludingtons zoning, which would allow more short-term rentals renter stays of less than 28 days to be created downtown. Steckel stated in a memo to the council that she picked that wage percentage because thats what other city employees have been paid when holding the place of their superintendent. "West Michigan has its own kind of tempo," he said. But the citizens have demanded them and the risks of not having them are too great. Foster has been village administrator of Winneconne, Wisc. With the paid parking, the city brought enforcement officers on all-terrain vehicles to Pere Marquette beach who could help respond to water emergencies, Peterson said. The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on approving submitting an application for a $150,000 grant to help finance the proposed splashpad and fishing pier replacement at Copeyon Park. Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett also insisted on speaking not as the chief but as a resident of the city. LUDINGTON The Ludington City Council has formally announced the names of the top three candidates for city manager. After the position was vacated, Vanderberg said the county would look internally and externally to fill the position. During the worst of the nine summers that Marcus Schillachi worked as a beach lifeguard, he pulled 10 struggling swimmers from Lake Michigan. Sonja Blakney of South Haven agrees. Lifeguards at Silver Beach entered the water for a swimmer rescue/assistance once during 2020, Jill Adams, environmental property manager for the county parks department told MLive. After the hike we will have an appetizer potluck near the bridge to celebrate National Trails Day. Foster said there are several items he knows he will be facing in the near future. HAMLIN TWP. Shay will begin his duties as deputy county administrator on July 23 and the position pays $123,468. Ludington City Council meets at 6:30 p.m. tonight at Ludington Municipal Building, 400 S. Harrison St. in Ludington. All rights reserved (About Us). The names of the candidates will remain confidential for the time being and will be published in the Daily News when they become available. His parents, Dave and Jody Foster, owned Fosters Market. Wishing him all the best at his new position. Instead of lifeguards, Lake Michigan communities have instituted a variety of lifesaving measures primarily the posting of rip current warning signs, making life rings and life jackets available, and using a warning flag system. Capt. The Ludington City Council on Monday will vote on adopting a proposed ordinance that would formally establish and define the duties of the citys four standing committees. He also said he doubted Steckel told the truth about the hours she worked, and said she should have to submit documentation to account for her extra hours. Fiscal responsibility, civic engagement, economic development and infrastructure were some of the issues discussed by primary candidates Tuesday evening during a public forum for primary candidates at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts. The presentation was in connection with a proposed amendment to the citys recycling contract with Republic, which is expected to be addressed at the next council meeting, Biolette said. The West Shore Art Fair marks its 50th anniversary this weekend with two days of fine art in Ludingtons Rotary Park. When the lifeguards are called upon to help, were worried that theyre young enough that they dont understand the risk involved in risking their lives.. Shay was replaced by former GOP congressional candidate John Gibbs. Three reasons most often cited for the lack of Lake Michigan lifeguards are costs, liability and trouble recruiting. City Council members have the authority and are responsible for passing municipal ordinances and budgets Qualifications City Council members must be a citizen of the United States and at least 18-years of age. A lot of times people wont be aware theyre in trouble, Sartini said. Its to prevent an accident., Bailey said Silver Beach has not had a drowning for I cant remember how many years.. On Saturday, Oct. 27, Macunovich will come to Ludington to conduct an all-day seminar for local gardeners. They get good compliance from swimmers, he added. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. Shay was selected from a pool of 118 applicants, according to a statement from the county. Such was the message of Ludington painter Mary Case as she gave instructions to participants Thursday evening in the Sable Dunes Chapter of the Audubon Societys See and Sketch Michigan Beautiful nature sketching workshop at Ludington State Park. Brian Keith Petro was sentenced to one year of jail, two years of probation and other punishment by 51st Circuit Court Judge Susan Sniegowski for possession of methamphetamine Tuesday at the Mason County Courthouse. We are thrilled to have John Shay join the Ottawa County team, Ottawa County Administrator Al Vanderberg said in statement. Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Ludington City Manager Mitch Foster said the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) plans to repave Ludington Avenue and Lakeshore Drive in 2020, but he is recommending a complete reconstruction to solve the underlying road issues. Entering into week three, he's learning many aspects of the community. Concerns about liability were repeatedly mentioned to MLive by managers of Lake Michigan beach communities. In all, Schillachi pulled 16 people out of the waters off Muskegons Pere Marquette beach. The decision to place the PNC building for sale was made at the nonprofit organizations most recent board of directors meeting in late October, said Vic Burwell, president and co-founder of the Mason County Sports Hall of Fame. City Manager City of Ludington, Michigan Mar 2019 - Present4 years 2 months Ludington, MI I oversee the day-to-day operations of a full-service city with 65 full-time employees and with. Green flags were flying, indicating favorable swimming conditions. Study shapes, shadows, lighting. Contact 911 immediately upon discovery of an overflow or backup. In January, Steckel was appointed to serve as the acting city manager until the new city manager, Mitch Foster, was hired and began work. The council, mayor, and staff in the city are all great people and the citizens are wonderful.. Foster said, in addition to the committee, a firm has been hired that will assess the candidates. Its time we have some serious, frank, and open discussions with the public on what we need to do. The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City of Ludington. More than 300 people came to the event, each of them donating canned or other non-perishable food, which was given to the Ludington Area Schools Resource Center. Municipal Executives Profiles It is the editors discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. Shay is currently the vice president of the Michigan Municipal Executives. Its critical because those communities have an obligation to protect tourists, many of them out-of-towners with no knowledge of the lakes power, he said. In the public comment period, resident Tom Rotta criticized the council for paying Steckel retroactively, since prior to starting the work, she had agreed to the wages. He is from Big Rapids. Shay won the position among 48 candidates. During its meeting Monday, the Ludington City Council approved additional compensation for Jackie Steckel for her time as acting city manager. The 2018 Ludington Gus Macker 3-on-3 Charity Basketball Tournament has extended the registration deadline to June 3, 2018. The Ludington Senior Center hosted a week-long open house ahead of Christmas last week as a way to show the community not only what is available, but what could be, too. Ludington (/ l d t n / LUH-ding-tn) is the largest city and county seat of Mason County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The job was posted in international city and county management association magazines, local and regional newspapers, and across other platforms. SCOTTVILLE Its all about bringing families and communities together at Family AfFair, and thats exactly what area businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies did Saturday at Mason County Central High School. Community Development I think the lifeguards are the difference between life and death in many drownings that happened this year, said David Benjamin, executive director of public relations and project management for the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. Shay last served as administrator in Ottawa County from August 2021-January 2023, when he was ousted during a shakeup by the county board. Congratulations to John Shay! Before that, he served as deputy county administrator. Its wrong to accuse people of stealing from the city never having to submit a shred of evidence of the crimes youre alleging., Barnett added, It just seems wrong to me, and it seems like we can interact without being hateful, and I would challenge all of us to do that.. Daugherty appeared before the South Haven City Council about a year ago asking it to return lifeguards to the citys North and South beaches. City Manager Amy Williams said she recently met with Police Chief Mark Barnett and Ludington City Manager John Shay. Following Fridays closed session, with no discussion, the council took action to request interviews from its top three. Ludington City Manager John Shay currently works on a year-to-year contract. Its complicated, and unique in Holland. Both Bailey and Richards said recruiting lifeguards is their biggest challenge. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Shay was named a finalist for Holland Township's vacant manager position in February. And by the time you can start heading toward shore the storm and the wind is on you.. As lakeshore residents brace for the impending arrival of fall, the Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) is adding a new and intimate performance series to its roster of events to accompany the change of season. The Ludington State Park hosted a program about reading fossils and rocks as part of Heaven and Earth Day Saturday. Van Ess has been Tallmadge Township supervisor since 2005. We will be setting the next generation up for success.. Our infrastructure needs outweigh the amount of revenue this city brings in, and has for many years. He said park staff are trained to respond to water emergencies and to monitor lake conditions and post warnings at park entrances, including the use of warning flags. In that time, Mike said, theyve fallen in love with the lakeshore and its people. City Treasurer The City of Ludington Treasurer's Office is responsible for the accounting and collection of all money due to the City including property taxes, water bills, special assessments, invoices and permits. Its always been in the back of my head that Id really like to support the cause of getting lifeguards in my hometown just all those unnecessary deaths, Sartini said. Sources told WGVU Tuesday that the job is being offered to Tim Kozal, who has been serving as the Chief of Police in Ludington, Michigan since 2020. This years competition features entries from Todd and Brad Reed Photography, Ryan Reed, Rachel Gaudette, T.J. MANISTEE A 20-year-old Pentwater man died and a 23-year-old Ludington man was critically injured when they were struck by a car Tuesday afternoon in Bear Lake. They are great people but there is going to be some significant turnover in the next five or six years as people retire. City Manager Mitch Foster said the city has posted the position on multiple sources with an application deadline of Sept. 20. Sentinel reporter Mitchell Boatman contributed to this report. He is also glad to be back in west Michigan, and specifically Mason County, where he grew up. Her last day was Aug. 24. The tours will include baking cookies from scratch and holiday lights, sights and sounds in small towns that span the west coast of Michigan from Whitehall, Hart and Pentwater, to Ludington and Bear Lake. Once a swimmer starts struggling, they typically become submerged within a minute, he said. The West Shore Blades figure skating club hosted its fifth annual Christmas on Ice food drive and skating party at the West Shore Community College Ice Arena Sunday afternoon. In April, the position was vacated by Keith Van Beek, who was appointed Holland city manager. Scottville City Commission will begin with a public hearing at 6 p.m. addressing the brownfield authority and then will hold its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall, 105 N. Main St. in Scottville. Shay oversaw day-to-day operations while serving as Ludington city manager with 65 full-time employees and 14 departments. City Staff View a directory of city staff and retrieve contact information. LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) Louis Martinez will never have to embellish the proverbial fish story after confirmation that he set a new state record for the largest Chinook salmon ever caught in Michigan. He said the councils decision was a misuse of taxpayer money. "The city of Ludington is excited and appreciative of the MEDC's decision to provide matching funds under the Public Spaces Community Places program for the city's From West End to Best End project," said Ludington City Manager John Shay. DETROIT (AP) A Michigan city violated the U.S. Constitution by chalking tires to enforce parking limits, but it won't be forced to refund thousands of tickets in the class-action case, a judge said. Enter your email address to subscribe to this site and receive notifications of new posts by email. In New Buffalo, the recruitment process begins for the next season right after the current one ends. That proposal, estimated to cost $70,000, eventually was scrapped for lack of funding and concerns of neighbors. A search committee will narrow down the candidates. At that meeting, the councilors went into closed session to review the top 10 out of 37 candidates under consultation of a representative of the Michigan Municipal League. At some point in the recent past, our insurance carrier has helped us understand that theyre more of a liability than they are a help, he said. Its complicated, and unique in Holland. The candidates include: James Van Ess, supervisor of Tallmadge Charter Township in Ottawa County, Patrick Reagan, city manager of Crystal Falls, and Mitchell Foster, village administrator of Winneconne, Wisc. For example, they might move swimmers away from a hazardous rip current area. Were competing with McDonalds thats paying $15 an hour, said New Buffalo City Manager David Richards. But lifeguards, which city officials said cost $26,000 when they were eliminated in 2010, arent on the table, Peterson said. Winneconne is located in between Lake Winneconne and Lake Butte des Morts near Oshkosh and Manitowoc in WInnebago County. Due to the larger container, collection times would also be reduced from once per week to once per month. There are some similarities between the two towns. Im not saying that to pull at anybodys heartstrings Im just saying thats wrong. Right now, were going to continue to have discussions on whether lifeguards are needed, she said. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. The block of North William Street by House of Flavors will become a one-way street, the Ludington City Council decided Monday. Update: Delays have been extended until 11 a.m. or later. City Council members can, as the entire council, hire the City Manager. On Lake Michigan, theyre pounding you one right after the other real close together.. Nine west Michigan bed and breakfasts will host the West Michigan B&B Christmas Cookie Tour Dec. 7-9 and 14-16. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 4/4/2023), Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (updated 1/26/2023). Reagan has been city manager of Crystal Falls since 2016. Chance of rain 100%. Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: (231) 845-1522 cartierpark.ludington@gmail.com Park Managers: Russell Soper Cartier Park is owned and operated by the City of Ludington. Wyoming City Council said it hopes to approve an employment agreement by mid-May. All three of the top candidates for the position of Ludington city manager have agreed to be interviewed by the city council on Jan. 24, said Interim City Manager Steve Brock. The city removed lifeguards about 15 years ago, after spending a year studying the safety, liability and logistics of keeping them, she said. The names of the three top candidates for city manager that the Ludington City Council selected to be interviewed were announced during the council meeting Monday night. Dr. Perry Marillat lifts up his wife Wendy during their dance routine Saturday night at Lincoln Hills Golf Club. Please consider helping to fund local news. About 1,000 people descended the on downtown Ludington area during the weekend to participate in the annual Octoberfest celebration, which peaked with a craft beer, wine and music festival in James Street Plaza Saturday afternoon. Because the position is an elected position, even an appointed treasurer must be a resident of the city, who has lived in the city for at least one year. The City of Ludington is requesting contractor bids for the construction of improvements to the area on Ludington Avenue west of Stearns Drive. To read the full story, check out the print or E-edition of Tuesdays Ludington Daily News. Employee Intranet. Reagan, who is from Muskegon, worked in Iron Mountain in 2008 as a Downtown Development Authority director and Main Street manager. Rain. I am very excited to begin work as Ottawa Countys next Deputy County Administrator and to join a dedicated team of public servants, providing excellent public services in a cost-effective manner, said Shay in a press release. Ludington is receiving a $17 million loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for upgrades and expansions to aeration, filtration and storage systems at the wastewater treatment facility. Click here to sign in or get access. Its not easy to keep lifeguards there, officials say. Foster said modern government operations require qualified personnel to handle treasurer and clerk duties. The wind was ripping out of the north pretty hard, but the lake wasnt rough yet, Brusse said. Departments. Staff Directory. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new follow-up story. We all know what kind of worker Jackie is, said Planning Commissioner Kaye Holman. FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) The northern Arizona city of Flagstaff has been chosen as the site for a new plant for manufacturing parts for electric vehicles, city officials announced Thursday LUDINGTON, Mich. (AP) A coal-fired ferry that carries people and cars across Lake Michigan between Michigan and Wisconsin has been sold A proposed housing development saw its preliminary plans approved by the Ludington City Council Monday night, but not before some of the discussion became heated during the councils regular meeting hosted via the video-conference application Zoom. In New Buffalo, the city council is aware of the liabilities, but listened to the community when it wanted lifeguards after they were eliminated for one season a couple years ago due to budget concerns, said Richards, the city manager there.

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ludington city manager

ludington city manager