Sault Ste. Marie City Commission unanimously authorizes conditional offer to Patrick Reagan for city manager

The Sault Ste. Marie City Commission voted unanimously on June 4 to extend a conditional offer of employment to Patrick Reagan as the city's next city manager and directed the Michigan Municipal League to complete a background investigation and further reference checks.

Fire Chief Miller, who led candidate tours during the finalists' visit, told the commission he recommended Reagan based on how the candidate engaged with staff and handled the on-site visit: "I would have to recommend that Patrick Reagan would be the next city manager," Miller said. Community Development Director Kelly Freeman told the commission the administrative panel—composed of department heads including City Engineer Boyle, Director Toews and Director Parent—had "unanimously decided at the end of the day that Patrick Reagan was our pick."

The vote capped a multi-stage, MML-assisted recruitment that produced 14 applicants, narrowed to five and then to three finalists who took part in a community panel, staff interviews and a public meet-and-greet. Commissioners said they weighed local ties and community rapport against operational experience; several commissioners said Reagan's management experience and emphasis on strategic planning made him the best fit to "hit the ground running." Commissioner Marvel urged unity around the majority's choice as the commission moved from deliberation to formal action.

During the meeting an official read excerpts from feedback forms submitted by panelists and community attendees. Recurring positive notes about Reagan included city-management experience, regional knowledge and a focus on strategic planning; written feedback that favored Wayne Schmidt highlighted community connections and communication skills. One panel summary recorded a 60% vote for Reagan but also noted a late form that may have affected that tally.

The motion to extend a conditional offer directed the Michigan Municipal League to complete background and reference reviews; it passed on a voice vote. The commission then authorized the MML to initiate discussions with Reagan on terms of a mutually acceptable employment agreement and amended that motion to authorize the mayor to engage in those discussions; the roll-call on that motion was unanimous. Any employment agreement will be returned to the full commission for approval prior to signature.

Glenn Anderson of the Michigan Municipal League attended the meeting and was thanked by commissioners for facilitating the search process. Commissioners also praised staff for managing the interim period and for coordinating the panels and tours that informed the final decision.

Next steps: MML will complete background and reference checks and begin negotiating employment terms with Patrick Reagan; any proposed agreement will come before the full commission for final approval.