Ryan Cummins named new Saugatuck City Manager

SAUGATUCK — A familiar face has been named Saugatuck's new city manager, following a vote Wednesday, May 22.

Interim City Manager Ryan Cummins was selected for the role 5-2, after a series of interviews with three finalists, contingent on a background check and contract negotiations.

Cummins, who is also a city councilmember in Grand Haven, was hired in Saugatuck in 2022 as director of planning, zoning and project management. He was named interim city manager in February after his predecessor, Ryan Heise, agreed to resign.

“Being selected for this position means a great deal to me,” Cummins wrote via email. “It represents reaching a major career goal and reflects on the collective efforts of our amazing team. I’m eager to continue building on the city’s strengths and working collaboratively to address the challenges we face.”

More: Saugatuck City Manager was paid nearly $100K in exchange for resignation. Here's what we know.

In all, the city received 48 applicants for the position, narrowing it down to four finalists. After one finalist dropped, the city completed interviews with Cummins, Michael Sheahan and William Joseph.

Heise’s resignation came a year after he received glowing performance reviews from councilmembers. According to city documents, he met or exceeded all expectations in all categories and was given a 10% raise. His resignation, and the circumstances under which it came to light, have been a source of controversy in Saugatuck — even resulting in yard signs from residents.

Not all councilmembers were prepared to name a successor on Wednesday.

Immediately after the conclusion of interviews, a motion was made to nominate Cummins, but after a lengthy discussion, Russ Gardner and ​Gregory Muncey voted no.

“I’m just not ready yet,” Muncey said. “I think we owe it to our candidates, as well as our residents, to sleep on it, to think about it and come back and vote on it.”

Both noted their vote wasn't a reflection on Cummins, but rather on the need for additional time and feedback from constituents.

A few residents voiced their displeasure with the process.

“I wouldn’t go as far as to say (they) wasted other people’s time, but if I was one of the other two candidates, I would be more than a little upset, feeling that … the fix was in,” said resident Dan Fox.

Mayor Lauren Stanton voiced her support.

"My vote was in favor of Ryan Cummins because I believe the staff supported him," Stanton said. "We've heard from staff and I've also heard from a number of constituents. ... I think he's going to do a fantastic job and I just appreciate everything he's done for us over the past few months."

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Cummins is looking ahead.

“My primary goals include working with council to enhance the city’s infrastructure and ensure the community remains vibrant, inclusive and sustainable,” he said. “I am committed to maintaining open lines of communication with the public and working transparently to achieve these objectives.”

Stanton said Cummins will continue in his planning and zoning role until he hires a replacement.

— Contact reporter Austin Metz at ametz@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Ryan Cummins named new Saugatuck City Manager