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Eastpointe council names Brian Woods preferred city manager, authorizes contract negotiations
Summary
After interviewing four finalists, the council voted unanimously Oct. 7 to make an offer to Brian Woods as its preferred city manager and named Ryan Mattis as the alternate; the city attorney will negotiate terms including a proposed relocation incentive and three‑year term.
Eastpointe’s City Council voted Oct. 7 to make an offer to Brian Woods as the city’s preferred city manager and authorized the city attorney to draft contract terms and begin negotiations.
Consultant James Vitrano of Vitrano Consulting told the council the recruitment produced 39 applicants, of which four finalists were interviewed in person; department‑head and public feedback had been provided to the council in advance. After a round of discussion about strengths and fit, councilmembers identified Woods as their first choice and Ryan Mattis as a backup. Councilmember Baker moved to direct the city attorney to work on contract terms and make an offer to Brian Woods; the motion passed in a recorded roll‑call vote with all present councilmembers voting yes.
Councilmembers cited candidates’ community engagement, leadership style and communication during interviews. Mayor Kleinfeld said he valued succinct answers and candidates’ willingness to follow up when they did not have immediate answers; other members praised community engagement and boots‑on‑the‑ground approaches. Vitrano recommended the council identify a primary and a second choice in case the first candidate cannot reach agreement on terms.
Council discussed contract parameters before the vote. Members indicated a preference for a three‑year contract and debated relocation incentives intended to encourage a manager to buy a home inside Eastpointe. Mayor Kleinfeld proposed an upfront incentive in the neighborhood of $30,000 payable over a three‑year commitment, subject to pro‑rata repayment if the manager leaves early; the city attorney will draft specific language. The council also directed the attorney to prepare a draft employment agreement consistent with prior contracts and the posting’s stated salary range.
The council voted separately to name Ryan Mattis as the alternate candidate in the event Woods declines. According to the council, the attorney will negotiate terms and bring any final employment agreement back to the council for approval.
Next steps: the city attorney will draft and negotiate an employment agreement with the preferred candidate and return the proposed contract to the council for approval. No final employment contract was approved at the Oct. 7 meeting.
