2014 Meeting Dates have been set as prescribed by the City Charter.
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 at: 2014 Council Assignments.
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.”
TOM ANDERSON
Council Member Anderson has served on the City Council since 2000. He has served on various Council committees and represents the City with Muskegon Area First and WMSRDC Transportation Policy 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 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 you 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.”
COUNCIL MEMBER JAN KOENS
Councilman Jan (John) Koens was first elected to a public office in 1984 and has dedicated his life to public service in the greater Muskegon community. For twenty-nine years, he has proudly served in the roles of County Commissioner, County Treasurer, Legislative Aide, and now, as City Councilman. He has served on the boards of several local governmental and non-profit entities and takes great pleasure in helping the community that he calls home.
Prior to his time in public service, John spent fifteen years running a successful small business, Dell Television, in the City of Muskegon. He served in the US Army during the Vietnam conflict and raised two sons with his wife of 44 years, Lavonne. He is the grandfather of five and great-grandfather of three.
John prides himself on using his experience in local government to deliver common-sense, balanced, and prudent decisions on behalf of the citizens.
What motivated you to run for City Council?
“I felt I had the time and something to add to the council.”
How long have you lived in North Muskegon?
“I have lived in North Muskegon since February of 1989.”
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
“North Muskegon offers beautiful lakes and quiet neighborhoods.”
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.”
What education and/or job experience do you think is relevant to your position on City Council?
“My past experience in State & County government for the past 25 yrs.”
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.
MAYOR PRO TEM BILL MOGREN
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, and 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 .
COUNCIL MEMBER JOHN MCNALLY
Council Member McNally was elected in 2012 and will serve a three year team. He has been appointed to serve on the Public Service Committee and will be instrumental in a decision on the construction of a Department of Public Works building.
What motivated you to be a Council Member?
“I care about the residents, businesses and the wellbeing of our city”.
What do you like the most about North Muskegon?
“I attended North Muskegon Public Schools. Our family has had a residence in North Muskegon for about 40 years. I spent several years working in Silicon Valley before returning to NM in 2006”.
What would you like to improve in North Muskegon?
“The community pulls together to make our schools great and our city a fantastic place to live”.
As a Council Member, how do you foresee your role in making an impact on the quality of life of North Muskegon residents?
“Making sure that all residents and businesses receive excellent service”.
What education and/or job experience do you think is relevant to your position on City Council?
“For me it boils down to doing the right thing. For that I must give credit to my parents”.
What other information about yourself would you like to share with the residents/general public?
“I would like to provide my contact information: 231-955-8260 cell phone, . I encourage residents to contact me with ideas to improve the city or any concerns they may have”.
COUNCIL MEMBER CHUCK WOODS
Council Member Chuck Woods was elected to Council in November of 2008. He has served on various Council Committees and represents North Muskegon on a few local committees.
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, and attend a council meeting, volunteer. Make this your city”!Comments are closed.