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CITY OF MUSKEGON
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION
MEETING
SEPTEMBER 24, 2007
CITY COMMISSION CHAMBERS@ 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
The Special Commission Meeting of the City of Muskegon was held at City Hall,
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Michigan at 6:00 p.m., Monday, September 24,
2007.
ROLL CALL FOR THE SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING:
Present: Mayor Stephen Warmington, Vice Mayor Stephen Gawron,
Commissioners Sue Wierenga, Chris Carter, Clara Shepherd, and Lawrence
Spataro, City Manager Bryon Mazade, and City Clerk Ann Marie Becker.
2007-81 NEW BUSINESS:
A. Interview of Ward 4 City Commissioner Candidates
The following candidates submitted a letter of interest to fill the unexpired term of
the Ward 4 City Commission seat:
Steven T. Wisneski
Stephen Holdeman
Ian Davis
Motion by Commissioner Spataro, second by Vice Mayor Gawron to nominate
Steven T. Wisneski to fill the Ward 4 Commission seat.
ROLL VOTE: Ayes: Carter, Gawron, Shepherd, Spataro, Warmington, and Wierengo
Nays: None
MOTION PASSES
8. 2008 PROPOSED BUDGET
The City Commission discussed the proposed 2008 Budget. The budget will be
considered at its September 25, 2007 meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: The City Commission Meeting adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
CITY OF MUSKEGON
SPECIAL CITY COMMISSION MEETING
th
A "Special" City Commission Meeting is being scheduled for Monday, September 24 ,
2007, at 6:00 p.m., at Muskegon City Hall (933 Terrace Street), City Commission
Chambers to conduct the following business:
AGENDA
1. Conduct interviews for Ward IV vacant seat and possible appointment.
2. 2008 Proposed Budget.
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cc: City Manager
City Commissioners
Chronicle
Post
AMERICAN DISABILITY ACT POLICY FOR ACCESS TO OPEN MEETINGS OF
THE CITY COMMISSION AND ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES OR
SUBCOMMITTEES
The City of Muskegon will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services,
such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being
considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities who want to attend the meeting,
upon twenty-four hours notice to the City of Muskegon. Individuals with disabilities
requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the City of Muskegon by writing or
calling the following:
Ann Marie Becker, MMC
City Clerk
933 Terrace Street, Muskegon, Ml 49440
(231) 724-6705 or TDD (231) 724-6773
pb\COMM\COMM SPECIAL MTG 091907
INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
SPECIAL COMMISSION MEETING
September 24, 2007
6:00 P.M. Steve Wisneski
6:30P.M. Stephen Holdeman (Mr. Holdeman may be unable to attend due to an eye
surgery scheduled the same day. He will speak to his physician and see
how he is feeling.)
7:00 P.M. Ian Davis
From the Desk of:
Steven T. Wisneski
2321 Wickham Drive
Muskegon,MI 49441
(231) 759-8604
September 12, 2007
Ms. Ann Marie Becker
City Clerk
City of Muskegon
PO Box 536
Muskegon,MI 49443-0536
Dear Ms. Becker,
Please consider this letter as my formal request for consideration for appointment to fill
the vacant position of Ward 4 City Commissioner.
I am enclosing a brief biography which details some of my experience and background. I
will be happy to provide further information upon request.
Sincerely,
Steven T. Wisneski
2321 Wickham Drive
Muskegon, MI 49441
Home (231) 759-8604
Office (231) 726-2600
Cell (231) 578-3920
steven.wisneski@yahoo.com
Candidate for Muskegon City Commission
4 th Ward, Precincts: Glenside, Lakeside, Bluffton, Pere Marquette
Steven T. Wisneski
2321 Wickham Drive
Muskegon,MI 49441
759-8604
Community Service:
Current: Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce, Board Secretary
Muskegon Chamber Government Affairs Committee, Co-Chair
Michigan Pine and Dunes Girl Scout Council, Treasurer
Leadership West Michigan, Executive Committee
Muskegon Main Street, Board of Directors
Boy Scouts of America, Friends of Scouting Committee
Hume Home of Muskegon Board of Trustees, Past President
Muskegon Rotary Club
Baker College Employment Advisory Committee
Past: Nelson Neighborhood Association, Vice President
Boy Scouts of America, District Finance Chair
Troop 1, BSA, Bluffton School, Assistant Troop Leader
Child Abuse Council of Muskegon, Personnel Committee
City of Muskegon, various committee assignments
(over)
Employment:
1999 - Current Owner of Creative Benefit Systems, Inc.,
An employee benefits consulting company, founded in 1980, with
offices in East Grand Rapids and Downtown Muskegon.
4 Partners, 7 employees.
1987 -1999 Human Resources Management:
Bennett Pump of Muskegon
Worden Furniture of Holland
National Heritage Academies of Grand Rapids,
1976-1985 A. Krautl,eim Jewelers, Downtown Muskegon
Education:
1976 Graduate of Muskegon Senior High School
1978 Graduate of Muskegon Business College
Associates Degree, Business and Computer Science
1987 Graduate of Grand Valley State University
Bachelors Degree, Business Administration
2000 Graduate of Leadership Muskegon
2002 Graduate of Leadership West Michigan
Professional Affiliations:
West Michigan Association of Health Underwriters, President
Michigan Association of Health Underwriters, Board of Trustees
National Association of Health Underwriters, National Delegate
The Employers Association of West Michigan
Muskegon Area Chamber of Commerce
Miscellaneous:
Eagle Scout,
Two teenage daughters,
Recipient of Optimists International Respect for the Law A ward,
Backpacker and Environmentalist
Member of Harley Owners Group,
Stephen E. Holdeman
2011 Letart Ave.
Muskegon, Mi. 49441
231-755-6155
9/17/07
City Clerk
City of Muskegon
Michigan, Mi. 49443
To: Honorable Mayor and City Commissioners
Subject: Application to fill the Muskegon City Commission seat of the late Kevin
Davis.
I wish to be considered to serve the balance of Mr. Davis' term.
I am a former City Commissioner having served from 1986 through 1989,
including two years as Vice Mayor and a short time as acting Mayor.
During my term we lost two Mayors, several commissioners and the city
manager. We also hired Byron Mazade as the new City manager.
It was an extraordinary time and many difficult decisions were made.
I am a retired businessman, a WWII vet, and a nearly life long resident of
Lakeside.
I would be honored to serve the balance of Mr. Davis' term.
I would not run for another term. My appointment would leave the playing field
open for candidates to run as write-ins.
Thank you for your consideration.
J:;)J{k(h
Stephen E. Holdeman
Muskegon City Commission
City Hall
933 Terrace
Muskegon,MI49440
Dear Mayor Warmington and the Muskegon City Commission,
I am writing to express my interest in filling the position of Ward 4 City Commissioner
that was left vacant due to the untimely death of my father, Kevin Davis. I feel that I am
obligated not only morally, but as a citizen of Muskegon and of Ward 4 to apply for this
position.
Throughout the past four years, I have worked side by side with my father when
discussing issues that concern the city. He always relied on my opinions, not only
because I am a political science scholar, but because he knew that I care about our
community as much as he did. We would chat on the phone on a weekly basis, and until
his death, I was heading up his reelection campaign. We all know how diligent he was in
expressing his love of our community, and I can only hope that I demonstrate half the
heart he did.
In considering me for the position, there may be some apprehension due to my age, but I
believe that my age is to my advantage. My concerns for the city and for Ward 4 go
much deeper than what is best for the city now. I would like to concentrate on how the
decisions of today will affect our community in the future. Aside from the fact that I will
be an active member of this community for many years to come, my presence may
compel the youth of our city to begin participating in local government. Too few of our
city's young adults realize that they are indeed adults and can have a voice in our
community.
I am applying for this position because I feel it necessary to continue pursuing the goals
that my father and I shared. This position would be much more than a job, it would be a
message. Life continues, and the spirit of those who were passionate about what they
pursued shall be carried into the future.
. ,,
Ian Kelly Davis
3290 Wilcox Av~nue, Mu~kegon, MI 49_441
(231)578-4402
iankellydavis@gmail.com
Objective To obtain the position of City Commissioner of Ward 4
Profile Six years experience at high-end private marina in customer service and reception
Excellent verbal and written communication skills ·
Strong loyalty to the company and customers
Self motivated and strong team player
Employment Harbour.Towne Marina, Muskegon, MI 05/01-Present
Marina Attendant
• Specialized in customer service in a private high-end setting
• Handled transi~nt resetvations and att~nded to the needs of guests and
slip owners . .
·• Operated an.cl supervised the service station which included fueling and
setvicing of .yachts ·
• Participated in general marina maintenance and upkeep
Flossie'~ Cafe, Kalamazoo, MI 01/06-06/07
Customer Service
• Serviced customers in a !ugh volume setting
• ·Maintained and stocked goods provided
Muskegon Yacht Club, Muskegon, MI 05/97-05/01
Food Service/
. Yard and Dock Attendant '
• P.repared and served food in a high-end/high volume setting
• Maintained and se1viced yard·and docks
Education Western Michiga11 University, Kalamazoo, MI
• B.A. in English/Political Science Summer2007
Kalamazoo .Valley Community College, Kalamazoo, MI
Associ~te b _egree in Liberal Arts Spring 2005
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Two individuals have contacted me and indicated they have an interest in filling the
unexpired term of Commissioner Davis. They are as follows:
Ian Davis
Steve Wisneski
John Page
1853 Cherry Street
Muskegon, Michigan 49441
Home: (231) 759-2316
Cell: (231) 670-7943
Lugeman7@Verizon.net
September 9, 2007
Muskegon City Commission
933 Terrace Street
Muskegon, Michigan 49440
Dear Muskegon City Commissioners,
Please accept this as my letter of intent to run as a write-in candidate for the seat
of Ward Four Muskegon City Commissioner vacated by the late Kevin Davis.
I am also available for appointment by the Commission to serve out the
remainder of Mr. Davis' term if needed.
Respectfully,
John Page
PROPOSED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS
FOR APPOINTMENT TO FILL WARD IVACANCY ON THE CITY COMMISSION
I. What experience have you had or what activities have you been involved
in that has prepared you to be a City Commissioner? Give examples from
your professional or personal life, your involvement in the neighborhood
(i.e., years in Ward IV and membership in Neighborhood Association),
your involvement with City Board/Committees, attendance at City
Commission meetings or otherwise.
a) Briefly give an overview of you education backround.
2. Describe the role and qualities of an effective City Commissioner.
a) What qualities do you possess that make you best suited for this
appointment.
3. What is your vision for the City of Muskegon?
a) Your vision for Ward IV?
4. What, in your opinion, are the three most important issues facing the City
of Muskegon?
5. What are your suggestions for improving downtown?
6. What ideas do you have to encourage neighborhood revitalization
including addressing the following:
a) Blighting influences (deteriorated houses, junk cars, trash, etc.).
b) Re-use of vacant city lots.
c) Use of City ordinances to reduce crime, loitering, etc.).
7. How would you address differences of opinion with other Commissioners,
staff, and citizens?
8. What steps should the City take to improve race relations within the
Greater Muskegon community:
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