For more of this story, pick up a copy of the print edition of The Ludington Daily News or buy our e-edition. The three candidates were selected last week during a special meeting of the city council. The county waded through 188 applications before selecting Shay for the position. We accept the responsibility and the obligation of the liability, he said, later adding, We dont feel a financial liability. They have a duty to protect their patrons.. On Saturday, Oct. 27, Macunovich will come to Ludington to conduct an all-day seminar for local gardeners. Prior to coming to Ludington, he was the director of public safety for the City of Manistee for three years. Kozal began working in Ludington in May 2020, replacing Mark Barnett, who retired after serving the city for 19 years. Although Steckel was offered to be paid her regular salary as assistant to the city manager plus the difference between her salary and the city managers wages, she chose instead to be paid her salary and just 75 percent of the difference in wages. 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. 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. Entering into week three, hes learning many aspects of the community. Last modified on Sunday, 10 June 2018 20:45, SUBSCRIBE TO MIBIZ TODAY FOR WEST MICHIGANS FINEST BUSINESS NEWS REPORTING. They are great people but there is going to be some significant turnover in the next five or six years as people retire. He received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Boston College and Master of Public Administration from Oakland University. Ludington | AP News 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. Foster said there are several items he knows he will be facing in the near future. The Ludington City Council will consider changing its charter to allow for the city manager to serve a term of three years at a time. In some instances, untrained bystanders risked and at times lost their lives in futile rescue attempts. Ludington seeks new police chief, treasurer. The names of the candidates will remain confidential for the time being and will be published in the Daily News when they become available. And then there is Michigans unpredictable weather, which can stir up the lake within moments. Shay oversaw day-to-day operations while serving as Ludington city manager with 65 full-time employees and 14 departments. He said the councils decision was a misuse of taxpayer money. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. Crowdfunding campaign launched for "From West End to Best End" project According to a press release from Manistee County Sheriff John OHagen, the accident occurred on U.S. LUDINGTON Mitch Foster has been on the job as city manager since March 18. Lake Michigan is as dangerous or more dangerous than the ocean because storms come up so quickly, Torregrossa said. Just like if a house is burning, youd expect firefighters would show up. Its to prevent an accident., Bailey said Silver Beach has not had a drowning for I cant remember how many years.. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. A search committee will narrow down the candidates. Agendas and Meeting Minutes; Community Voice; Current Projects; Three reasons most often cited for the lack of Lake Michigan lifeguards are costs, liability and trouble recruiting. Notice should be mailed to the City of Ludington City Manager's Office at: 400 S Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-845-6237 Failure to provide the required notice will prevent recovery of damages and filing a claim does not guarantee payment. Every year the Mason County Garden Club searches out local businesses that do an outstanding landscaping and civic beautification effort. 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. He started looking, and saw shadowing on the lake floor, dove in and pulled out 19-year-old Jazmyn Patterson. Shay was selected from a pool of 118 applicants, according to a statement from the county. City Hall Hours. The council awarded the bid for the citys stump grinding work to the Ludington-based company R. Bogner Tree Farms and Service. She doesnt ask how many hours she has to work she just does it Whatever she said she did, she did it. Scottville's Lee Schwass was the top overall winner of the half marathon with a time of 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39.85 seconds. The block of North William Street by House of Flavors will become a one-way street, the Ludington City Council decided Monday. Shes kept the city going for a lot of years. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Wishing him all the best at his new position. 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. The Ludington City Council Monday evening hired a new city assessor. 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. Republic is recommending changing the recycling container from an 18-gallon bin to a 96-gallon cart, which would cost recycling subscribers an annual rental fee of $15 per cart, in addition to the 2.7723 millage rate Ludington property owners already pay for solid waste services. Its complicated, and unique in Holland. And whats the right balance? LUDINGTON Mitch Foster has been on the job as city manager since March 18. 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 job was posted in international city and county management association magazines, local and regional newspapers, and across other platforms. We dont have a clear mandate on what the city should do, South Haven Interim Manager Kate Hosier said. Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. Staff Directory Ludington, MI CivicEngage The MMRMA provides liability insurance to most municipalities in the state. Previously, Mitchell was the Village Administrator at V Read More Contact Mitchell Foster's Phone Number and Email Last Update 3/19/2023 5:57 PM Email m***@ci.ludington.mi.us Engage via Email Contact Number (231) ***-**** Engage via Phone Mobile Number 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. Ludington Police Chief Mark Barnett also insisted on speaking not as the chief but as a resident of the city. On Lake Michigan, theyre pounding you one right after the other real close together.. A lifeguards duty is not to react to an accident, he said. 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. Johns many successful years in municipal management will serve the County well.. The project will reconstruct the area to be more multiuse and better suited for pedestrians and for hosting events, said Heather Tykoski, City of Ludington community development director. 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. Click here to sign in or get access. 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. 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. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. We have been lucky to have qualified people in those positions, but anyone can run for election, Foster said. I am looking forward to getting to know the residents and the community and learning more about how we can work together.. Potential for heavy rainfall. Ludington to extend city manager's term? | AP News Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. You have to have eyes on the water in real time, he said. Staff Directory Ludington, MI CivicEngage Due to the larger container, collection times would also be reduced from once per week to once per month. Foster said he would like to have a new police chief in place by the Nov. 14 meeting of the city council. Hard to say, said Schillachi, who was a beach captain for about five of the years he worked as a lifeguard between 2000-09. Hosier estimated it would cost between $100,000 and $200,000 to restart a lifeguard program. Police Chief Timothy Kozals official last day is Sept. 2. See related story about MCPs claim that the council violated the Michigan Open Meetings Act. The Ludington City Council will consider changing its charter to allow for the city manager to serve a term of three years at a time. Police Department City of Ludington 400 S Harrison Street Ludington, MI 49431 Phone: 231-845-6237 info@ci.ludington.mi.us; Helpful Links. 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. After a particularly deadly summer on Lake Michigan, grassroots calls to bring back lifeguards are growing louder. Wyoming City Council said it hopes to approve an employment agreement by mid-May. 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. 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. That person could then chose to seek election. 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. During its meeting Monday, the Ludington City Council approved additional compensation for Jackie Steckel for her time as acting city manager. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 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! Other equipment will be replaced as well, including pumps, blowers, valves, pipes and the motor control center. This article is available to paid digital subscribers. WEST OLIVE Ludington city manager John Shay has been hired by Ottawa County to serve as the lakeshore municipalitys deputy administrator. But more than enter the waters to save a life, Sartini said lifeguards also save them with warnings and education. After the position was vacated, Vanderberg said the county would look internally and externally to fill the position. Beachgoers dont realize the power of a 4- or 5-foot wave, meteorologist Mark Torregrossa explained in MLives documentary video The Deadliest Great Lake., Out on the ocean, you might have 6-foot waves, but theyre spread apart, Torregrossa said. The citys charter currently states the treasurer and clerk are to be elected. High 57F. A search committee will narrow down the candidates. 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. 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. City Council members can, as the entire council, hire the City Manager. Hiring a headhunter if necessary to find lifeguards is critical for beach communities, said Benjamin of the Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project. MCSO ACTIVITY REPORT FOR THE WEEKEND OF 05/18/2018 thru 05/20/2018: With election season looming, A Few Friends for the Environment of the World (AFFEW) and Bridge Magazine are joining forces to give Mason County residents a chance to have their voices heard by candidates vying for seats in November. Shay will begin his duties as deputy county administrator on July 23 and the position pays $123,468. Daugherty appeared before the South Haven City Council about a year ago asking it to return lifeguards to the citys North and South beaches. Majestic lions, horses in mid-gallop, massive elephants with piercing dark eyes. ArtPrize 2018 is in full swing in Grand Rapids through Oct. 7 and several Ludington natives are showcasing their own unique pieces of art for the festival. We feel an emotional liability to both the swimmers and the lifeguards.. Once you get up north things seem to slow down a bit and people are more neighborly. 1:00 John Shay, who currently serves as city manager of Ludington, was named Ottawa County's new deputy administrator on Thursday. 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. Why most Lake Michigan beaches don't have lifeguards despite repeated The committee consists of Foster, Jackie Steckel, assistant to the city manager, Kathy MacLean, chair of the downtown development authority, John Henderson, fire chief, and Les Johnson, third ward councilor and chairman of the personnel and finance committee. Related: South Haven residents push for lifeguards after rash of Lake Michigan drownings. Ultimately, the final decision is up to the city manager. I felt like I had failed (Patterson) and I failed her family because somehow, I wasnt able to push this town I love so much hard enough to step up our beach and pier safety protocol, Daugherty told the council. "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. He also worked at city as interim city manager and Downtown Development Authority director in Portland. In all, Schillachi pulled 16 people out of the waters off Muskegons Pere Marquette beach. Another 37% definitely oppose or somewhat oppose the city providing lifeguards, and 19% were neutral or had no opinion. 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). Two communities still have lifeguards on Lake Michigan Silver Beach in St. Joseph and New Buffalo Beach. Ludington, Michigan, are you ready to party? Eric Sage, founder and frontman of country and classic rock tribute band Young Guns, asked as his bandmates stepped onto the Waterfront Park Pavilion stage. Trees and power lines were knocked down from the City of Ludington to Riverton, Custer, Hamlin and Branch townships. 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. The Ludington City Council will hold a special meeting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at city hall to choose which candidates for city manager to interview at a later time. His parents, Dave and Jody Foster, owned Fosters Market. From 2013 to 2015 he was Kingsley, Michigans village manager. The City of Ludington is requesting contractor bids for the construction of improvements to the area on Ludington Avenue west of Stearns Drive. The City Manager serves as Chief Administrative and Executive Officer of the City of Ludington. In some ways, Lake Michigan can be even more dangerous to swimmers than larger oceans where lifeguards are common. In that time, Mike said, theyve fallen in love with the lakeshore and its people. One of the major issues this town faces is the need to update infrastructure, he said. 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. RELATED: Could these lives have been saved by lifeguards along Lake Michigan? Due to lightning and approaching thunderstorms, The Ludington Gus Macker 3-on-3 basketball tournament has been delayed again, this time until 11 a.m. After eight years of working with the City of Ludington to make it a reality, the Ludington Fire Department saw ground broken Wednesday evening for a new fire station that will be located on Tinkham Avenue behind the Lakeshore Resource Network. "West Michigan has its own kind of tempo," he said. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent. 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. WEST OLIVE -- Ludington city manager John Shay has been hired by Ottawa County to serve as the lakeshore municipality's deputy administrator. City Staff View a directory of city staff and retrieve contact information. Are there enough short-term and long-term rentals in downtown Ludington? Ludington, Scottville, PM Twp. to take action on establishing The city removed lifeguards about 15 years ago, after spending a year studying the safety, liability and logistics of keeping them, she said. The City Manager is appointed by, and serves at the pleasure of the elected City Council. The citys contract with R. Bogner has an option to renew again for up to three years. Foster said the committee is searching both internally and externally. since 2015. Hailing from Owosso in the Lansing area, and now living in Northville, Michigan, the couple has been coming to the Ludington area for years. Treasurer Mary Jo Wittingen accepted a job position with the Mason County Treasurers Office. They do need to put some people on that beach," Blakney said. 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. 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. A 42-year-old Ludington woman suffered injuries after the vehicle she was driving left the road, hit a power pole head-on and rolled. However, Kozal is currently using up paid time off and was sworn in Monday, Aug. 29, as the City of Muskegons director of public safety. 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. More: Former Ottawa County administrator John Shay a finalist for Wyoming city manager, More: Ottawa County Board abruptly fires administrator, hires former GOP candidate John Gibbs. Contact | Ludington, MI - Official Website Ludington, MI - Official Website | Official Website Government Services Residents Visitors How Do I. Online Payments Notify Me COVID-19 Information Citizen Requests Weather Open Government Visit Downtown City Calendar Forms Ludington News Calendar of Events Tree Advisory Board Meeting Read on. There were 65 students with diplomas or were GED exam qualifiers from Mason County to use the Mason County Promise. 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 also served as village manager of Almont for five years.
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