Commission hires search consultant for city manager search and extends temporary manager agreement

The commission approved two items related to the city manager transition on March 2: a professional services agreement with Vetrino (also spoken as "Vitrano") Consulting LLC for the executive search in the amount of $15,500 plus advertising and reimbursable expenses; and a temporary employment agreement with Dana Muscott to serve as city manager through April 30, 2026.

Commissioners who interviewed consulting firms during a prior session said the selected consultant has Michigan experience and plans one‑on‑one interviews with each commissioner and public engagement during the search. "They did mention that they want to have one‑on‑one interviews with each commissioner along with public input," Commissioner Coakley said.

The temporary employment agreement for Dana Muscott is structured as an hourly contract (baseline 25 hours per week) and excludes permanent benefits; commissioners framed it as a fiscally prudent approach to ensure continuity during the search and transition. "This does not change the budget that's already allotted for the City Manager," Commissioner Cubitt said when explaining the rationale for the short term arrangement.

Both measures were adopted on roll call (9–yes). The search consultant will proceed with stakeholder interviews and public outreach; staff will execute the temporary agreement and coordinate next steps for recruitment.