WHITEHALL: City Manager Search, Community Projects, and Public Safety in Focus
On May 13, 2025, the Whitehall City Council convened for both a work session and regular meeting, addressing a wide range of city priorities — from hiring a new city manager and evaluating major community initiatives to approving budget timelines and exploring new public safety technologies.
City Manager Search Moves Into High Gear
During the work session, council members met with Nate Geinzer of Double Haul Solutions (DHS), the consultant leading Whitehall’s executive search for a new city manager. With applications closing May 30, Geinzer outlined a structured, multi-phase process:
- Candidate Screening: Written and video assessments will narrow the applicant pool.
- Council Review: A confidential packet of top candidates will be provided for closed session review.
- Final Interviews (June 26–27): Finalists will visit Whitehall for in-depth interviews, facility tours, and a community open house.
- Final Selection: The new city manager could be selected by early July with onboarding supported by DHS.
Geinzer emphasized the importance of council unity and transparency during the process. Council members also expressed strong interest in structured community input through meet-and-greets and public comment opportunities.
Community Presentations & Projects
White Lake Community Library Update
Board members Norm Kadison and Ray Vear shared an annual update, noting a clean audit, capital improvements (furniture upgrades, website accessibility), and upcoming work including tower repairs and solar panel installations. The library also celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Council members praised the library’s programming and discussed ideas for expanding historical archives.
Community Garden Proposal
Amber Marks returned with an updated proposal for a community garden on unused tennis courts. Now backed by the nonprofit The Servant Musician, the garden would use raised beds and seek funding through grants and partnerships. While the council expressed full support, they agreed to first consult city staff and legal counsel to draft a formal lease and address logistics like water access.
Budget Planning & Key Dates
Council scheduled two key dates for the upcoming fiscal budget process:
- Budget Work Session: Monday, May 19
- Public Hearing & Final Vote: Tuesday, May 27
Some members noted they would be absent for one or both dates but will meet with staff beforehand to submit comments and suggestions.
Public Safety & Infrastructure Highlights
Lake Street Repairs
Residents voiced growing concerns over Lake Street’s condition, particularly for cyclists. The road’s repair has been delayed due to pending infrastructure work and grant scheduling, but the council committed to reevaluating its repair timeline.
License Plate Camera Trial
Council supported a 60-day free trial of Flock license plate reader cameras. No final decision was made on purchasing the $18,000 annual system, but the technology will be evaluated during the trial period and revisited during budget discussions.
Emergency Preparedness Plan Adopted
Council unanimously adopted Muskegon County’s Hazard Mitigation Plan — a 700+ page document outlining response strategies for natural and human-made disasters. Council members praised the effort and suggested creating a public-facing summary to enhance community awareness.
Additional Discussions & Public Comment
Mayor Exchange Program
Council members reflected on their visit to Fremont, highlighting initiatives like senior housing downtown, integrated social worker support in police departments, and revitalized parks and libraries. Fremont officials will visit Whitehall on May 21 as part of the exchange.
Community Engagement
Public comments ranged from support for the community garden and concern over off-leash dogs at Funnel Field to road condition feedback and a request to address ongoing drainage issues. Several residents praised city services like sidewalk clearing and leaf pickup, while others emphasized the need for increased police presence and trash management in recreational areas.
Other Council Actions:
- Approved a tag day request for the American Legion.
- Revised a traffic control order to allow parking near Funnel Field with standard restrictions near fire hydrants.
- Delayed a decision on implementing traffic safety cameras until after the 60-day trial and budget discussions.
Looking Ahead
The May 13 meetings reflected Whitehall’s proactive approach to planning for growth, community wellness, and infrastructure improvements. With the city manager search underway and budget decisions on the horizon, the council continues to seek input and maintain transparency as it navigates pivotal changes.
Whitehall City Council Meeting- 4/22/2025
