Boyne City holds second-round interim manager interviews; commission directs negotiations with John Matthews

Boyne City commissioners conducted second-round interviews for interim city manager candidates and authorized staff to begin negotiations with John Matthews, the former village manager of El Rapids.

The four-hour session brought three finalists before the commission: Ken Stra Beach, Chris Brown, and John Matthews. Commissioners emphasized the short-term operational role of an interim manager and the June 10 charter deadline for filling the post.

Ken Stra Beach, who described himself as a local with police and school-board experience, framed his candidacy as a short-term “stabilizer.” He told commissioners he would prioritize clear communication, guard staff from undue commissioner interference and keep the commission informed, saying, “I won't surprise you.” Stra emphasized hands-on problem solving, weekly budget checks and a preference for rapid familiarization so staff and the next permanent manager can hit the ground running.

Chris Brown, who has municipal operations and wastewater experience, faced the most intensive scrutiny when commissioners read background-check records that included a TransUnion entry showing a 2008 lien and several older civil judgments. According to the record presented by commissioners, one TransUnion entry listed a $3,325 lien at an M County Register of Deeds. Brown told the commission he believed some records related to other people with the same name and said a house-fire insurance claim he described was resolved years ago; he also offered to provide a redacted credit report for verification. “I was totally aware of it and I've never lived in M County,” Brown said when asked about the specific lien. Commissioners said the board needed clarity on whether records attached to Brown were directly his and requested supporting documentation.

John Matthews, who described his municipal experience in El Rapids and earlier corporate finance roles, stressed budgeting, capital-improvement planning and grant management. He summarized work on a 10-year capital improvement plan, seasonal utility rate studies to balance tourist-driven demand and models for bond financing. Matthews told commissioners he sees an interim manager’s first duties as keeping operations steady, supporting staff and preparing the organization for a permanent leader; he added he could “pick up and start sort of moving” the city’s master plan and CIP forward if asked to do so.

After interviews, commissioners discussed the candidates' strengths and liabilities. Several members praised Matthews's depth on financial modeling and capital projects; others highlighted Brown's operational experience but raised concerns about unresolved items in the background reporting and sought documentary confirmation. Commissioners agreed to instruct the city administrator to open negotiations with John Matthews on an interim contract and to report back to the commission. The motion authorizing staff to begin negotiations with Matthews was seconded and carried in the meeting’s deliberations.

Next steps: staff will negotiate terms with Matthews and return with proposed contract language and compensation figures; commissioners noted the charter deadline of June 10 and discussed timing for a final decision, including the possibility of taking action at the commission’s May 29 meeting or scheduling a brief special session to finalize an agreement.