City council hears four finalists’ 180‑day plans with housing, development and community engagement front and center

At a special Page City Council meeting on Oct. 20, 2025, councilors heard presentations from four finalists for the city manager position; each candidate outlined a 180‑day plan that prioritized housing, workforce retention and strategic partnerships to support Page’s tourism‑driven economy.

The presentations began with Frank Chapeti, who described his experience as a superintendent and current Gallup city manager and summarized his approach as “housing and beyond.” Chapeti said, “Housing is the backbone” tying workforce, economic development and tourism together and proposed an initial five‑year study to map land, infrastructure and workforce needs. He recommended partnerships with regional development groups and state housing programs, developer incentives such as deferred infrastructure costs and programs to promote first‑time homeownership and financial literacy.

Ivonne Kimble framed her six‑month plan as “Uniting people, pride and potential,” citing prior experience managing large infrastructure and energy projects. Kimble said she has worked on projects including a $900 million battery storage project and a $160 million wastewater/recycled‑water program and emphasized early listening sessions, stronger finance monitoring, a citizens academy and clearer communications (including resolving where a PIO position fits into the organization).

Frank Marberry presented a four‑phase 180‑day model—an introductory month to listen, a month to set strategy, a month to generate quick wins and a longer execution phase—stressing measurable milestones, routine short check‑ins with staff and council, and targeted housing options (ADUs, duplex conversions, multifamily infill) tied to specific workforce needs such as nurses and public safety recruits.

Kelsey Young highlighted finance and process controls and said the first 180 days should focus on department and council one‑on‑ones, budget analysis and community engagement. Young suggested quick, visible wins while the city pursues longer projects (modular housing pilots, master‑lease units for targeted workers) and proposed dashboards so residents can track progress. She also urged that the council decide what long‑term identity it wants for Page—growth targets, target industries or a focus on preserving character—so implementation can be aligned to that goal.

Councilors generally praised the candidates’ experience and asked operational questions: Councilor Auggie commended Chapeti’s first‑responder background and outreach, and others asked presenters about prior use of 180‑day plans, reporting cadence to council, coordination with semi‑autonomous utilities and community programs such as bulky‑item collection and trash cleanup events. Several presenters pointed to regional partners, state housing programs and grant opportunities as sources of funding and technical support.

The council recessed for lunch and scheduled private executive‑session interviews with each finalist later in the day; no hiring decisions or formal votes were taken during the public session. The council’s next steps are the executive interviews and subsequent deliberations in closed session before any public action is announced.