Board comments on search for new manager

Laketown Township will discuss interim manager solutions as well as determining when the board will re-start the search for a full-time professional manager at its next workshop.

The meeting is at 5 p.m. February 5, 2025, at the township hall, 4338 Beeline Road.

The meeting follows the withdrawal of candidate Bob Genetski on Jan. 30.

When reached for comment. Trustee Mark Timmerman addressed the issue of the ongoing search for a new manager. He wrote:

“Given the recent changes to the board of trustees and the retirement of the township manager, we have to actively consider our needs for a manager and the expectations we have for our staff. Hiring a new manager is a significant decision that requires careful consideration, and the process does not always proceed as smoothly as we might hope,” he said.

“The transition has brought new opportunities for collaboration among board members and staff. It is crucial to establish stability amidst these developments. I am confident that both the board and the staff will rise to the occasion and serve Laketown effectively in the coming months. Ultimately, I believe Laketown will emerge stronger and better-positioned for the future.”

Jim Delaney, township clerk, when reached for comment, wrote, “Laketown has a great staff. The board is working with the staff to deliver the high-quality services and attention that Laketown citizens deserve. Ultimately the board will select an exceptional manager for Laketown Township.”

Trustee Mike Koeman wrote, “When this board took over the process of hiring a new manager, each of the five of us had strong feelings about what was best and needed for our community. Working together, we now see and understand each other’s perspectives a bit more which will allow the board as a whole to find the perfect person to fill the role of Laketown manager.” 

Jim Johnson, treasurer, wrote, “While I am disappointed that we have not hired a new full-time manager for Laketown, I have complete confidence in the staff, and in our interim manager, and they will keep delivering top-notch services to our residents. We have a great board of trustees, and we will hire the best manager for Laketown later this year.”

Steven Ringelberg, supervisor and interim manager, commented, “Ryan Cotton and MGT will continue to assist the board in identifying and retaining a professional manager for Laketown Township at no additional cost – MGT is engaged under the original flat-fee contract until we hire a new full-time manger.

“My own sense is that we should take some time to make sure we are all aligned on Laketown’s requirements for the position, and the most important qualifications that a new manager must possess,” Ringelberg said.

Ringelberg commented, “Laketown was blessed to receive many high-quality applications from candidates for the manager position last August and September. I want to thank all of the candidates for applying, and I especially want to thank Bob Genetski, Brandon Mersman, and Karen Sherwood, our three finalists — I enjoyed getting to know them and I learned from each of them. The board did not handle the recruitment and hiring process as well as we should have, and I am sorry that the candidates each paid a price for that.”