saint clair shores, michigan · southeastern michigan, st. clair shores is about 13 miles northeast...

Saint Clair Shores, Michigan

Position Profile

for a

CITY MANAGER

of 20 Saint Clair Shores City Manager Recruitment The Mercer Group, Inc. 2013

POSITION PROFILE

SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MICHIGAN CITY MANAGER

____________________________________________

THE MERCER GROUP Phillip G. Robertson Senior Vice President

3443 Highway 39 North Louisburg, North Carolina 27549

Telephone 919-496-2080 [email protected]

Send resume, cover letter, and detailed salary history no later than

May 24, 2013 (Electronic Submission Strongly Preferred)

The City of Saint Clair Shores is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants must request confidentiality to assure that all materials will remain confidential until finalists are named for interviews.

.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION …..…………………………………………………..4 FOREWORD …..…………………………………...…………………..5 COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS ………..……..…………………..6 SAINT CLAIR SHORES AT A GLANCE …...……….………………7 CITY COUNCIL ………………………………………………………..9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT ST. CLAIR SHORES ..10 ISSUES FACING THE POSITION …………………………………10 PROVISIONS OF THE POSITION……………………..……...……14 THE IDEAL CANDIDATE ………………………………..………….16 POSITION ADVERTISEMENT …………..…………………………19


INTRODUCTION This is an exceptional opportunity to manage one of the most family focused, responsive, and business-receptive municipal governments in the upper mid-west. Located at the intersection of I-94 and I-696 in Macomb County, Saint Clair Shores is about 13 miles northeast of Detroit, containing eight miles of shoreline on Lake Saint Clair. With a population of approximately 60,000, Saint Clair Shores sits within the Detroit metro area which contains 4.3 million people. The City is politically, geographically, economically and strategically positioned to grow as a family oriented, business friendly municipality that values its citizens’ spirit of volunteerism and pride in their neighborhoods.

Most of the residential housing is single-family,

constructed during a period of post-WWII

growth. However, many neighborhoods are

mixed with older homes dating from the city's

pre-war "cottage-era". There are pockets of new

construction throughout the city. Image dates 2009,

©2013 Google


FOREWORD

The City of St. Clair Shores is often called "The Gateway to the Great Lakes" or "The Boating Capital of the Michigan". Whatever title you choose, make St. Clair Shores your homeport! The city offers a retreat from the metropolitan rush and unlimited access to an abundance of recreational opportunities both on the land and on the water. Located in Macomb County in southeastern Michigan, St. Clair Shores is about 13 miles northeast of downtown Detroit. Centered on the intersection of I-94 and I-696 along its western borders, the city is within an easy drive to the entire tri-county area. Over 90% residential, St. Clair Shores boasts a family-friendly atmosphere with tree lined streets and well cared for homes. The City offers house hunters a variety of different styles of homes ranging from single family to lakefront to golf-course view condominiums. Recreation abounds for all ages and interests, from boating and water related sports to an 18-hole municipal golf course and two world class ice skating facilities. Three complete award winning school districts and a number of private schools serve the educational needs of our residents. Curriculums are fully aligned with state standards and benchmarks and lay claim to modern technology and science facilities. In fact, St. Clair Shores students consistently post some of the highest MEAP scores in Macomb County. Business development along the famed Nautical Mile and the ongoing revitalization of Harper Avenue brings a smorgasbord of restaurants, retail establishments and services to attract residents and visitors alike. The City of St. Clair Shores also enjoys a reputation for providing exceptional city services. Three strategically located fire stations assure that an emergency vehicle will be on the scene within three to four minutes following a call. Over 90 Police officers work around the clock to keep St. Clair


Shores one of the safest communities in Macomb County. First rate water and sewer facilities and a large, well-stocked library help make our services second to none.

St. Clair Shores is above all a place where people have time for people. Ask our residents and they will tell you that St. Clair Shores makes an extraordinary homeport for you, your family, or your business!

COMMUNITY DEMOGRAPHICS As of the census of 2010, there were 59,798 people, 26,977 households, and 15,932 families residing in the City. The population density was 5,139.4 per square mile (1,984.3/km²). There were 28,467 housing units at an average density of 2,449.8 per square mile (945.9/km²). The racial makeup of the City was 92.7% White, 3.9% African American, 0.3% Native American, 1.0% Asian, 0.02% Pacific Islander, and 1.70% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race was 1.70% of the population. There were 26,977 households out of which 22.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.6% were married couples living together, 11.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.4% had a male householder with no wife present and 40.1% were non-families. 35.1% of all households were made up of individuals and 15.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.90. In the City the population was spread out with 21.1% under the age of 20, 4.9% from 20 to 24, 24.9% from 25 to 44, 29.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44.2 years. Females comprised 52.2% of the population while males comprised 47.8% The median income for a household in the City was $52,775, and the median income for a family was $67,311. Males had a median income of $53,325 versus $40,957 for females. The per capita income for the City was $28,774. About 7.1% of families and 8.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 12.4% of those under age 18 and 5.3% of those of age 65 or over.

HISTORY OF SAINT CLAIR SHORES The area was inhabited by French settlers as early as 1710, at which time it was called L'anse Creuse. (L'anse Creuse was also the name of a stop on the now-defunct interurban railroad off of Jefferson Ave near Nine Mile Road, and the name lives on today in the L'Anse Creuse Public Schools in central Macomb County, MI and L'Anse Creuse High School in Harrison Twp.) From 1843 until 1911, St. Clair Shores was a part of Erin Township, parts of which make up today's Eastpointe, the Grosse Pointes, and St. Clair Shores. In 1911 the township's name changed to Lake Township. Lake Township existed until 2009 when residents of the village of Grosse Pointe Shores (that portion of Grosse Pointe Shores in Macomb County located within Lake Township) voted to incorporate as a city. The city once was home to an amusement park named Jefferson Beach. Built in 1927, it featured the longest roller coaster in the United States. In 1955 a fire destroyed several buildings in the


park. While Jefferson Beach attempted to rebuild, its owners slowly converted the park to a marina. In 1959 the remaining amusement park buildings were destroyed to make room for the marina. With help from its location along the shores of Lake Saint Clair, St. Clair Shores grew from a resort community to a suburban city rapidly after World War II. Prior to the city's incorporation in 1951, St. Clair Shores was recognized as the largest village in the United States. The tallest building in St. Clair Shores is the 28-story Shore Club Highrise, known locally as "9 Mile Tower", located on Nine Mile Road and Jefferson Avenue near Lake Saint Clair. Each year St. Clair Shores hosts a popular Memorial Day Parade. The city is also known for its "Nautical Mile" - a strip of Jefferson Avenue between Nine Mile and ten Mile roads featuring many retail establishments, boat dealers, and marinas. St. Clair Shores is home to one of the longest running local pageants as a member of the Miss America Organization. The Miss St. Clair Shores program offers scholarships to young women in the community between the ages 17 and 24. Miss St. Clair Shores volunteers and serves her city during her preparation to compete at the Miss Michigan Pageant. St. Clair Shores is also well known for its hockey association which features more state championships than any other rink in the entire state. High school hockey during the 1970’s dominated the competition; the Lakeview High School Hockey team went undefeated in 1975 with a record of 31 wins-0 loses winning the state championship. The City also has 2000 Little Leaguers, over 1000 Soccer players, as well as successful special needs sports programs.

ST. CLAIR SHORES AT A GLANCE... LOCATION: 11.5 square miles with 8 miles of shoreline on Lake St. Clair. Centered on the intersection of I-94 & I-696 in Macomb County. ECONOMIC BASE: 96% residential (2012 tax year) with retail, services & light industry. HOUSING: $88,134 average market price. Mix of styles from single family to lakefront to golf course condos. INCOME: $52,034 median household (2010 Census data) POPULATION: 59,798 (2010 Census data). TAX RATE: 19.4518 mills. Ranks in the middle of Macomb County cities


SCHOOLS: Lake Shore, Lakeview & South Lake school districts plus a number of private/faith-based schools AMENITIES: 3 waterfront & 10 neighborhood parks, 2 City Marinas, pool, waterslide, Splash Zone, Dog Park, Kyte Monroe Park with 7 baseball fields, 2 tennis courts, horseshoe pits, 2 basketball courts, batting cages, City golf course, 2 ice arenas, Senior Center for Active Adults with weight room, covered bocce ball court, senior programs & trips, transportation service, organized athletic & special interest programs.

© 2013 Google


CITY COUNCIL

The mayor and City Council members are elected to four year staggered terms of office ending in odd years.

The St. Clair Shores City Council will hold their 2013 regular meetings the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 27600 Jefferson Circle Drive, St. Clair Shores, Michigan.

Meetings are broadcast on SCSTV as well as online.

City Council has primary responsibility for setting policy and law for the present and future of the city. City Council recognizes that its role generally is that of a policy-making body and appreciates the distinct roles of city management from city council. One of the most important tasks each year for Council is approving the annual City budget and setting accompanying tax rates.

The City Council and the Mayor appoint the City Manager. The City Manager is responsible for all management functions of the City, including preparation of the budget, delivery of services, hiring of personnel, and implementation of capital projects. The City Manager needs to provide pertinent information to the City Council concerning issues facing Saint Clair Shores. Moreover, the City Council expects the City Manager to keep the council informed on all relevant information.

CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS

Mayor Kip C. Walby: elected to City Council in November 1999 and elected as mayor in November 2011.

Mayor Pro-Tem Ron Frederick: appointed to City Council in September 2005, and last re-elected in November 2011

Council member Candice B. Rusie: elected to City Council in November 2009.

Council member Peter Rubino: elected to City Council in November 2009.

Council member John D. Caron: appointed to City Council in December 2011.

Council member Anthony Tiseo: elected to City Council in November 2011.

Council member Christopher Vitale: elected to City Council in November 2011.


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT SAINT CLAIR SHORES

For further information about Saint Clair Shores, Michigan, please visit the following:

City’s Home Page: http://www.stclairshores.net/index.aspx

Municipal Financial Summary

https://www.accessmygov.com/MunicipalDashboard/FinancialData?uid=261

https://www.accessmygov.com/MunicipalDashboard/Performance?uid=261

City Council Rules and Procedures: http://www.stclairshores.net/DocumentCenter/View/

Archived City Council Minutes: http://www.stclairshores.net/Archive.aspx?AMID=41

Listing of Boards and Commissions: http://www.stclairshores.net/DocumentCenter/View/11

ISSUES FACING THE POSITION

(The following issues were identified through interviews with the Mayor and Council and selected Staff. Successfully addressing these issues will be of primary importance to the new City Manager.)

HOUSING AND PROPERTY VALUES

Partly as a function of the demographics of current long-time property owners, previous long term family-owned housing is becoming more rental based. It will be expected that the new Manager will develop, implement, and enhance marketing and infrastructure development efforts to bring more families into the City through targeting for sale the City’s desirable homes. An expected by-product of this effort will be the stabilization and ultimate increase of the value of the existing housing stock and attendant property values.


ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT There is a strong emphasis and interest in economic development in Saint Clair Shores. The new Manager will be charged with unifying the various interests and creating a culture of “enable rather than over–regulate” with regard to economic progress; this will involve encouraging private investment while remaining sensitive to citizen concerns. The City currently relies heavily on residential property tax revenue for the vast majority of its funding. This revenue stream needs to be diversified through business and commercial development and other revenue sources to ensure financial sustainability that is compatible with the City’s policies and goals regarding the quality of life for its residents. Through a team based effort, the new Manager will have the opportunity to lead these efforts in developing, implementing and administering programs and policies that will attract and shape expanded commercial and industrial development and the attendant tax revenues. It will be crucial for the new Manager to develop a consensus among all interests within the City regarding the types of and location for commercial and industrial development that are desired, as well as educating all community segments regarding the priorities essential to balance residential and business growth. FINANCIAL STABILITY The City government is currently in a stable financial situation that needs to be nurtured through strong financial stewardship. The existing economic climate has necessitated a “do more with less” operational philosophy that will require the new Manager to identify, prioritize, and address all budgeting, spending and revenue issues along with identifying new non-tax revenues. The new Manager will be looked to by the Mayor and Council for advice, options, and guidance regarding ways to increase revenues, identify opportunities for operational savings, and exploration of alternative funding sources. Regulatory caps on the City’s ability to increase the taxable value of residential property, even as this appraised value may increase as the local economy turns around, means that the rise of residential tax revenues to their previous levels will require many years. The new City Manager will be expected to develop a plan for long term maintainability of infrastructure and the establishment of a revenue stream which effectively deals with this complex and crucial issue.


COUNCIL – MANAGER RELATIONS The present Mayor and City Council are strong in their support of the professional Manager. They rely on the Manager for strategic and operational continuity within the City. Council members are actively interested in the services and functions of City government and working with the City Manager and staff in policy development, long and short term planning, and budgeting. They regard the planning for Saint Clair Shores’ future as a partnership between the Council and the Manager. The Mayor and Council members will expect the City Manager to facilitate their policy role through careful research, presentation of options and analysis, as well as recommendations for possible decisions in the development and implementation of public policy. It will be important for the new Manager to provide the same information in a timely manner to all Council members, so that they are equally well prepared and informed. EMPLOYEE MORALE AND CONTINUED PRODUCTIVITY During the past several years, the City’s workforce has decreased by approximately one third. This has resulted in increased workloads, curtailment of some services, and a concern among the remaining employees regarding job security. The City Manager will be challenged to present clear and persuasive explanations to City Council and the public regarding the value of services received for taxes and fees paid; in effect, identifying, pricing, and attaching staffing levels to core services. TRUST, CREDIBILITY, AND LEADERSHIP It will be important for the new City Manager to develop trust and credibility with the residents and business community. Residents and business leaders wish to cultivate an open, accessible administration and they want to feel comfortable talking and working with the new Manager. This will entail the new Manager becoming involved with, and in, the community to the same extent as other prominent community leaders. The City Manager will be expected to facilitate an involved, democratic process of government, welcoming the participation of a variety of interested citizens and groups. This will include facilitating the effective role of City Boards and the City Council.


Of crucial importance is the expectation that the City Manager will promote and model open, thorough and clear communications between the City Manager’s office, Elected Officials, and the City staff. The usual dilemma of separation of powers versus the desire for information need not result in choking the flow of information “up and down”. Council members are typically enthusiastic and interested in City business, while staff members are equally enthusiastic and well qualified. All share the expectation that the City Manager will welcome the exchange and share the resources offered by both groups in a forthright, consistent, and fair manner.

SUCCESSFUL LABOR AND EMPLOYEE RELATIONS The Manager must be sensitive to and experienced in the day to day relationship between collective bargaining units and the functioning of a city. Further, the Manager must be able to identify common ground in negotiations and other formal actions that will enable all involved to agree on terms and continue with the business of the City with the least disruption. INFRASTRUCTURE AND THE LAKE FRONT The City has many recreational and leisure opportunities that are currently under-utilized. The new Manager will be expected to offer new ideas regarding the marketing, funding, and use of the lake front, the parks, and other attractions in order to restore Saint Clair Shores’ long time reputation as a destination for recreation and fun. DIVIDED POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT On various issues, there is currently a divided political environment among politically active groups within the community. The new City Manager will be expected to effectively and apolitically bridge the gaps and identify common ground.


PROVISIONS OF THE POSITION

The City Manager is appointed by the Mayor and City Council, based on professional training and qualifications, to carry out the Council’s policies and decisions and to ensure that the entire community is being efficiently and effectively served. The City Manager’s duties and responsibilities will include the following:

• Sees that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced.

• Advises the Council of financial conditions and current and future needs, including well articulated options.

• Administers the annual budget as adopted by the City Council.

• Manages and supervises departments of the City.

• Appoints and removes, with Council notification, Department Heads and staff of the City.

The city features a walkable downtown area, a marina district,

many successful bar/restaurants, and North/South industrial

districts adjacent to Interstate 94. Image dates 2009, ©2013 Google


• Provides leadership and direction in the development of short and long range plans.

• Coordinates activities with other elected officials and boards, departments and agencies.

• Provides professional advice on City administration and organization to Council and Department Heads.

• Communicates official plans, policies and procedures to elected officials, City staff, and the general public. Facilitates effective communication between the Council and City management, and the Council and the public.

• Studies and standardizes procedures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations.

• Receives complaints from staff, residents and the general public and assists in resolving conflicts.

• Prepares studies, reports and related information for decision-making purposes.

• Attends meetings of the City Council, and events at which the Council’s attendance may be required.

Compensation: Salary is negotiable depending upon qualifications and experience; there is an attractive and competitive fringe benefits plan. Performance Planning and Appraisal: A new City Manager can expect to establish mutually agreeable performance goals and measures with the Mayor and Council within the first few months of employment. This may be facilitated by The Mercer Group. The City Manager will be expected to submit a yearly work plan to the Mayor and Council. Residency, Community Involvement: Within 180 days of the end of his/her probationary period, the City Manager must move his/her residence within a reasonable proximity of the City limits, with strong encouragement that the City Manager reside within the city limits. The City Manager will be expected also to take part in and support community events, programs and activities that are related to the quality of life in the community. At Will Employment Status: The City Manager serves at the pleasure of the Mayor and City Council within the provisions of the employment contract.


Interview Process: After screening and qualification by The Mercer Group, Inc., and approval by the Mayor and Council, candidates will be invited to Saint Clair Shores for introductions and interview with the Mayor and Council, and possibly staff or others. Intensive background investigations will be conducted, which may include visits to the home city of the final candidate(s) as part of the selection process.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Education and Experience

� Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration or a field closely related to government management. A Master’s degree in a related field is desired.

� Minimum of seven years' progressively increasing executive responsibility for revenue enhancement, organization, management, policy formulation and service delivery in a full-service organization approaching the size and complexity of Saint Clair Shores or larger.

� A record of successfully dealing with elected and appointed officials and boards, other than and in concert with the City Council.

� A proven record of safe guarding and enhancing the public’s trust in local government.

� Fiscally astute with experience in the principles and practice of governmental management, including taxation, budgeting, finance, grantsmanship, environmental protection, human resource management, and program and service delivery and evaluation.

� Solid experience and skill in revenue enhancement, financial management, financial planning and administration of budgets.

� Experience with a broad variety of services, including economic and commercial development, regional governmental collaboration, utilities, land use planning, community development, transportation, and parks and recreation.

� Experience with focused economic development and revitalization programs and initiatives.

� A record of effective hiring and of promoting employee development and leadership, including delegation, accountability, training and rewards for performance.


� A record of customer service and responsiveness to residents, establishing an organizational practice of customer-friendly services.

Working Style, Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

� A participative leader who is comfortable among highly competent and successful people in both the public and private sectors.

� A results-oriented and apolitical Manager who can make difficult strategic decisions and communicate them in a respectful, compassionate manner.

� An individual that keeps the Mayor and Council apprised of potential problems and attendant options, being detail oriented but understanding the amount of detail needed for each interaction or discussion.

� A leader who sets direction, then remains in regular communication with Department Heads to hold them accountable for accomplishments.

� A Manager who supports policy development by the Council and is skilled at translating policy into practice with staff members.

� A person who will represent the City and appear at community meetings and events, regional planning and service partnerships, and neighborhood meetings, and is available for evening or weekend public meetings.

� A leader with the foresight to imagine and anticipate trends, opportunities, and problems. A person who can help to articulate to residents and staff the Council’s vision for Saint Clair Shores.

� Someone with a thorough approach to examining alternatives, and presenting well-documented options and recommendations to elected officials in a timely manner, including explanation of alternatives, pros and cons.

� A person who will use demonstrated skills in interpersonal, written and verbal communications to build strong trust with the Council and the public, while enhancing the credibility of City government and the position of City Manager.

� A person who promotes teamwork, shares information willingly, and encourages an open and transparent government.

� A leader who can make a quick decision under pressure when the situation demands.

� A skilled public speaker and presenter with an understanding of the media and the importance of positive public relations.

� Someone familiar with trends in technology useful for city functions. � A Manager who is aware of local, regional, state and national issues and

practices.


Personal Characteristics

� A person of unquestioned honesty, integrity and ethics who demonstrates the highest standards of professional conduct.

� A strategic thinker who serves as a catalyst in developing and implementing initiatives that benefit all residents.

� Someone who is not interested in who gets the credit for good things happening; not a “monument builder”.

� A person who is accessible and forthright and respectful with the Council, residents and City staff.

� A person who remains professional in all aspects; has the ability to listen without prejudice.

� Someone with a well-developed sense of humor. � Someone who understands the need to listen and learn before acting upon

initiatives or making significant changes. A person who will tackle approved projects and programs with a “can-do” attitude.

� A relationship-builder with community members, the City Council and staff, and other colleagues. One who brings people together across traditional boundaries and helps to build consensus.

� A person who is sensitive to community history and values, and who enjoys becoming involved in community events and groups.

� Someone with the self-confidence to welcome the experience and expertise of the Council and staff, helping both groups to focus their resources on long-term gains.

� A leader who builds an open rapport with staff members, welcoming consultation on new ideas and problem-solving. A person who respects individuals and values professional development for each.

� An innovative individual of high energy. � A person who comfortably combines drive and diplomacy.


St. Clair Shores has an active beautification

committee and gardening club. It hosts one

of Michigan's largest and oldest Memorial

Day parades, a July fireworks show and an

annual Christmas tree lighting event.

(Left photo credits: SCS patch.com)


POSITION ADVERTISEMENT

CITY OF SAINT CLAIR SHORES, MICHIGAN CITY MANAGER

This is an exceptional opportunity to manage one of the most family focused, responsive and business-receptive municipal governments in the upper mid-west. Located at the intersection of I-94 and I-696 in Macomb County, Saint Clair Shores is about 13 miles northeast of Detroit, containing eight miles of shoreline on Lake Saint Clair. With a population of approximately 60,000, Saint Clair Shores sits within the Detroit metro area containing 4.3 million people. The City is politically, geographically, economically and strategically positioned to grow as a family oriented, business friendly municipality that values its citizens’ spirit of volunteerism and pride in their neighborhoods. Saint Clair Shores has a professional staff budgeted at 245 employees. The manager is appointed by the seven-member Mayor and City Council. During the past ten years Saint Clair Shores has had three city managers. The total budget for fiscal year 2012-13 is $96,247,000. The Saint Clair Shores City Council seeks a professional manager to provide strong strategic, financial, and operational leadership. The ideal candidate possesses an agile financial mind and proven experience with economic development, demonstrated success with marketing a City to families seeking good housing and a safe environment, fostering trust and transparency in government, enhancing employee morale and productivity, increasing the value of housing and property, implementing meaningful strategic planning initiatives, relating effectively with all segments of a diverse community and the capacity to manage organizational change. Competitive salary DOQ, plus excellent fringe benefits. Bachelor’s degree (Master’s degree in public administration, business, or a related field preferred) with a minimum of seven years of experience in high level management positions. If chosen for an interview with Mayor and Council, a candidate will be required to cooperate with The Mercer Group, Inc. in its conduct of background checks. Send resume; cover letter that demonstrates how your qualifications, interests, and experience coincide with this posting; detailed salary history; and, if desired, a request for confidentiality no later than May 24, 2013, to Phillip Robertson, The Mercer Group, Inc., [email protected] (electronic submission strongly preferred) or mail to 3443 Hwy. 39 North, Louisburg, NC 27549. View an in-depth profile of the position at www.MercerGroupInc.com by clicking on the “Current Searches” tab on the left of the screen. EOE

saint clair shores, michigan · southeastern michigan, st. clair shores is about 13 miles northeast...

Documents