city manager By Brian C. Louwers CENTER LINE — The search for a new city manager has ended with what officials described as a good fit and an easy choice in Center Line. John Michrina, a veteran Monroe police officer who worked his way up to hold the titles of that city’s chief of police for the past nine years and its acting and interim city manager in 2005 and 2006, was sworn in as Center Line’s new top administrator during the City Council’s meeting on March 1. Officials said Michrina actually began work a few days earlier, moving into an office formerly held by Nancy Bourgeois, who retired after 30 years in 2005 but stayed on in an interim capacity until January, when she began a new job as Warren’s assistant director of community, economic and downtown development. “Although I didn’t have to retire I had the opportunity,” said Michrina, 49, of his decision to leave Monroe for Center Line. “I told my city manager I’d leave if I found a dream job.” Michrina grew up and went to high school in Madison Heights. He moved to Monroe when he was hired as a police officer there in 1984. He said a dream job is exactly what he found in Center Line and that he and his family have wanted to move back closer to metro Detroit. “It wasn’t so much where I wanted to work, it’s where we wanted to live,” Michrina said. “There’s a real feeling of community here. You feel like you’re living in a small town. That’s really nice.” Center Line Mayor David Hanselman and members of the City Council unanimously signed off on Michrina’s hiring after an extensive search for a new administrator. Michrina will also serve as the city’s clerk, a position also held previously by Bourgeois, and he’ll make approximately $75,000 annually. Hanselman said the field had been narrowed to three or four candidates, but Michrina rose to the top. “I was very pleased on the quality of individuals we had applying for this position,” Hanselman said. “He’s it. He was the guy.” Center Line City Council member Ron Lapham said Michrina’s experience and desire to come to Center Line made him an appealing candidate. “His relationship with the council and the mayor, and the employees, he’s really shown he’s going to fit like a part of our puzzle,” Lapham said. “I think the only way we’re going to survive all these problems is having a mutual respect for each other, not just employees, but with the city manager, as well. He was an easy choice. He really was.” Michrina said he knows the road ahead won’t be an easy one in light of the economic challenges facing the city and the region. He said he’s already scheduled meetings with the leaders of individual city departments ahead of the upcoming budget process. “We’re going to have to reassess everything we do. The trick is to cut without impacting services to the community. That’s my goal,” Michrina said. “We have to keep our services to the community. That’s what we’re here for.” Michrina was welcomed with cake and punch after the March 1 meeting. His wife, Judy, daughter Jennifer, parents and other family members attended the session. You can reach Staff Writer Brian C. Louwers at brianlouwers@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1089. |
