The City Charter states that all powers of the City shall be vested in the City Council, except as otherwise provided by law or this charter, and the Council shall provide for the exercise thereof and for the performance of all duties and obligations imposed on the City by law.
The City Charter also states that the Council shall meet regularly at least once in every month at such times and places as the Council may prescribe…… The Council has set its meeting schedule for the year. To view the schedule in its entirety click the link 2012 Meeting Dates.
In December, City Council amend their rules and regulations if needed and all appointments are made to various boards and commissions. The City Council has it’s own committees – Public Safety, Public Service and Finance. You can find the most recent Council Committee assignments here.
MAYOR CHRIS WITHAM
Mayor Witham has served on City Council since 1997 and has been Mayor since 2004. He has served on various other committees for the City such as the Finance Committee, Recreation Board, Planning Commission and meets with various County organizations as needed.
Mayor Witham has a Mechanical Engineering degree from General Motors Institute and an M.B.A. from Ball State University. He enjoys work, maintaining his home and yard and running. He and his wife Stephanie have one son and two daughters.
Since becoming a member of Council, “I like continuing to create new activities for all residents such as the Taste of the Northside and the concerts that gets people together to enjoy each other.”
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I enjoy working for the community and trying to make North Muskegon a better place to live and work.”
What do you like most about our community?
“People who live in our community care about our City and are willing to work together to make things happen.”
What would you like to improve in the community?
“I would like to continue the work we have been doing on the infrastructure – water, sewer, and roads.”
MAYOR PRO TEM TOM ANDERSON
Council Member Anderson has served on the City Council since 2000. He has served on the Finance Committee, Public Safety Committee, Recreation Board, WMSRDC Transportation Policy Committee, and the joint City/School Committee.
Council Member Anderson attended Muskegon Community College, MILW School of Engineering, and Grand Valley State University. He has worked in local industries for 14 years before becoming owner of “The Bicycle Rack”, formally known as “Moran’s Bike Shop” of North Muskegon in 1976.
Council Member Anderson has been a resident of North Muskegon since 1957. He has been active on various boards and committees of the greater Muskegon area. He currently co-hosts on two locally produced television shows promoting this great area. He has served on numerous festival committees with all surrounding communities and is currently executive director of Northside Summer Spectacular and has been part of the festival since its conception in 1982. He is concerned about health and fitness; therefore maintaining a healthy exercise program.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I was asked to consider running, then realized I wanted to better serve the community in which I live and offer my experience and knowledge gained from serving with numerous organizations and communities.”
What do your like most about our community?
“The “smallness” and family atmosphere of our residents. The outstanding school system, the excellent level of service provided by our City, the public areas (parks) provided for all citizens, and our geographical splendor!”
What would you like to improve in the community?
“Continue cooperation of departments and services such as Fire and Police Departments with other Muskegon County governments to improve our levels of abilities and experience, and to work with area planning organization to further enhance opportunities for our residents.”
1. What motivated you to run for City Council? Felt I had the time and something to add to the council.
2. How long have you lived in North Muskegon? Since Feb. of 1989
3. What do you like the most about North Muskegon? Beautiful lakes and quiet neigborhoods.
4. As a Council Member, how do you foresee your role in making an impact on the quality of life of North Muskegon residents? Be a good listener.
5. What education and/or job experience do you think is relevant to your position on City Council? My past experance in State & County government for the past 25 yrs.
6. What other information about yourself would you like to share with the residents/general public? Married to my wife Lavonne for 41yrs. Have two grown married sons living in the Muskegon area.
I am a lifelong a resident of the City of North Muskegon. My wife Sheila and I have enjoyed the benefits of raising our four children in this community all of whom came through the North Muskegon Public School system and have gone on to successful careers of their own.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
I have had interest in serving the city in an official capacity for some time. Friends and colleagues have at various times urged to me run and my recent retirement now affords me the time and opportunity to do so. My goal is to give something back to the community through positive impact as a council member.
What do you like most about our community?
North Muskegon is the ideal place to live and raise a family: Safe and attractive surroundings, strong sense of community, small town atmosphere and terrific schools.
As a Council Member, how do you foresee your role in making an impact on the quality of life of North Muskegon residents?
The combination of being both a longtime resident of the city and a newcomer to the council will allow me to present a new face and a fresh perspective regarding important issues facing the community. I am strongly committed to preserving the long standing traditions of fiscal responsibility and efficiency in city government as well as the continuing efforts to enhance and beautify our surroundings.
What education and/or job experience do you think is relevant to your position on City Council?
My background as a senior level business executive along with my formal technical and business training (B.S. Engineering – Western Michigan University / Master of Business Administration – University of Notre Dame) form the basis of my fact-based /data driven approach to decision making. Along with this comes a sense of urgency to find timely and cost effective solutions to issues facing the city, keeping in mind the unique character of North Muskegon and the overall best interests of the community.
What other information about yourself would you like to share with the residents/general public?
I truly appreciate the confidence North Muskegon voters have placed in me and look forward to being an integral part of a city council which is responsive to community needs and expectations.
_______________________________________________________________________
COUNCIL MEMBER PATRICIA MCKIBBEN
Community encouragement initiated my candidacy for the North Muskegon City Council. My core platform is to represent the citizens of North Muskegon with fairness and respect with commitment to the highest level of government performance.
I moved here five years ago with my husband. He lived in the area intermittently during his school years. We chose North Muskegon because of the location and the core values of this community. I am humbled by the warmth and welcoming nature of the people in North Muskegon . The rich history of our community, the beautiful location, and four seasons make North Muskegon a fine place to live and a privilege to call home.
In my new role as a council member, I am available and approachable to listen, answer and inform our citizens. I will provide leadership in accountability and transparency in city government and I am committed to the highest level of government performance.
My professional and community experience has provided me with speaking, listening, negotiating and decision making skills. My background as a School Principal, serving on a Federal Credit Union Board of Directors, and community involvement has given me experience in finance, human resources, management and communication skills. Having worked in both the public and private sector gives me a unique perspective. Demonstrating a strong work ethic, I will give my utmost to the Community.
Having the privilege to meet you in my door-to door campaign, you opened your doors, voices and hearts to me. As our journey continues, I look forward to further engaging with you. I can be reached at patriciamckibben78@gmail.com .
COUNCIL MEMBER MARY FISHER
Council Member Fisher has served on City Council since December of 2006. She has served on various committees of Council such as Public Safety, Public Service and Finance and she has served on the Recreation Board and Planning Commission.
Council Member Fisher is an Optometrist and practices at North Muskegon Eye Care. She completed her Doctor of Optometry degree and Residency in Secondary Ophthalmic Care at the Southern California College of Optometry. She received her BS in Biology degree from St Mary’s College of Notre Dame, Indiana.
Council Member Fisher moved to North Muskegon and has lived in North Muskegon since 2001. She and her husband Gene have a son, who attends North Muskegon Public Schools. Her interests include participating in triathlons, hiking and reading.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“As a business owner, a commercial property owner, and a homeowner in North Muskegon, I am invested in our community. I want to contribute to the future planning of the city.”
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
“I like the small town atmosphere, the excellent school system and the friendly, safe environment of North Muskegon.”
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
” I would like to improve the Four Corners to make it an area that the community is proud of and to create the best opportunity possible for businesses to succeed in North Muskegon.”
COUNCIL MEMBER CHUCK WOODS
Council Member Chuck Woods was elected to Council in November of 2008. He has served on the Public Service and Public Safety Committee and is currently on the Finance Committee. Chuck volunteers his time to many county committees and organizations as well.
Educational Information:
1966 Mona Shores High School Diploma
1969 Muskegon Business College Associate Degree General Business
1971 Ferris State University BS in Business Education
1977 Masters in Business Administration
Occupational Information:
1980-2008 Bristol-Myers Squibb—Pharmaceutical Representative
1973-1980 Mona Shores Public Schools—Business Education Teacher
1971-1973 Cambria-Friesland Public Schools—Business Education Teacher
1976-1980 Muskegon Community College—Instructor Business Education
2005-2008 University of Phoenix—Accounting Instructor (General, Managerial, Cost)
My spare time is consumed with family activities, traveling with my wife, hunting, fishing, boating, genealogy, collecting of various types, walking, bicycling, and mentoring/tutoring of young persons.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
Motivation to run for North Muskegon City Council comes from a desire to enjoy being a servant to the citizens of North Muskegon. After retiring I immediately looked for ways to serve the community. The original plan was to serve on an appointed city committee and then run for City Council in 2009. There were no appointed committee positions available and, being one to try doing yesterday what could be done today, I picked up a petition application and talked with friends and neighbors. One hour later, I had the necessary signatures and submitted the completed petition . It really is all about helping people in any way possible!
Having decided to run, I was faced with asking people to put their confidence in me and asking for votes. Being initially shy, this was difficult at first. It took a while to realize that citizens wanted to talk about their problems and concerns about city government. After just a few citizen contacts, it was obvious that citizens would provide the issues they wanted addressed and provide me with the items they wanted addressed. I heard and am attempting to respond to issues on everything from assessments to zoning. One person is concerned with animal issues, another is concerned with four corners beautification, and another has traffic concerns. ALL are important and provide opportunities for me to serve.
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
What makes North Muskegon so desirable to me? Everything! As a city, we seem to have a perfect blend of quality and quaintness. Our departments of public works, fire, and police, as well as city administration are all outstanding and strive to provide the best of service to all citizens. As a small community, we seem to have a special quaintness that is expressed at city, school, church, business, and other social events. People just seem friendly and willing to share the benefits of the community with each other and those from outside our fair city.
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
As great as things are, there are always items and areas to improve. My list would include: library expansion, street projects (main and secondary), increase in number of city social events (concerts, parades, etc.), sewer rerouting for Muskegon Conservation Club, four corners beautification, utilization of MERRS as city resource, developing green initiatives for both city government citizens (wind, solar, geo thermo, etc.) and increasing citizen involvement in all phases of city government (appointed committees, council meetings, all other forms of input). Your input is necessary. Your needs list should be the city council list of needs. Make a phone call, go to city hall, attend a council meeting, volunteer. Make this is your city!
