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CITY OF EVART

COMMUNITY PROFILE – CITY MANAGER SEARCH 2021

“The City of Evart welcomes your interest in serving as our next City Manager. Evart is the crossroads of exemplary schools, high-tech employers and abundant waterfront”.

Chris Emerick, Mayor

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WELCOME TO EVART

HOME OF THE WILDCATS!

Located in the heart of Osceola County, Evart, Michigan awaits your interest in leading our beautiful waterfront community.

Residents and visitors enjoy the vast opportunities available in our vibrant, close-knit community. Whether you enjoy a stroll down the Pere Marquette River Trail, a visit to the county’s largest farmers’ market, an adventure in the community splash pad, or a day of tubing on the Mighty Muskegon River, Evart offers a perfect hybrid of proximity to urban centers and rural life.

In addition to the many recreational opportunities, Evart is the proud home of major employers and the award-winning Evart Public Schools. The Evart Promise Plus offers every high school graduate $10,000 towards their college education or trade school. Our small town highly values education and our future.

Our next City Manager will inherit a well-maintained city that is perfectly located in close proximity to Big Rapids, Cadillac and Mount Pleasant. The alluring shoreline of Lake Michigan is an easy drive west to Ludington.

Premier schools, high-tech industry, public waterfront, community festivals and small town charm await you in memorable Evart, Michigan!

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THE CITY’S GOVERNANCE MODEL

● POPULATION

1,903

● SIZE

2.4 sq. miles

● GENERAL FUND BUDGET

$1.1 million

● STARTING SALARY

$88,000 - $92,000

The City of Evart (population 1,903) is a municipality that operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The City Council is elected in staggered terms and comprises five members. All members are elected by the citizens of Evart. The City Council is charged with hiring a professional manager to oversee the daily operation of the organization.

The City Manager is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the City, which includes several departments such as Administration, Police, Assessing, Economic Development, Finance, Public Services, Airport, Planning and Zoning.

The City’s Budget is slightly over $3,500,000, with a general fund of $1,128,900. The City Manager is responsible for overseeing 12 full-time, and eight part-time team members. The police department budget encompasses $454,100 of the $1,128,900 general fund. The City Council is proud of the City’s outstanding financial standing and is searching for a leader that will protect the city’s vast assets.

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EVART’S EVENTS & CULTURE

OSCEOLA COUNTY FAIR

Evart is proud to host the annual Osceola County Fair. The community rallies around the July reunion with plenty of livestock, amusement rides, small animal barn dance, AG Olympics, tractor pulls, Farm Bureau Chicken Barbecue and rabbit, chicken and livestock costume contests. The Osceola County Fair has been a community staple since 1875.

DULCIMER MUSIC FESTIVAL

Evart is home to the world’s largest hammered Dulcimer Festival. In July of each year, approximately 220 music workshops, stage shows, vendor sales and thousands of visitors dot the landscape at the Osceola County Fairgrounds. The Dulcimer Festival is a must-see for music buffs looking for a non stop jamming event!

THE TIMBER BEAST ADVENTURE RACE

The Timber Beast Adventure Race is held annually on the second Saturday of August. The race was created to promote fitness and celebrate Evart’s historical roots in the logging industry. Participants enjoy the scenic views of central Michigan while running, biking, canoeing and kayaking.

THE CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL

The Christmas Carnival is the official start of the holiday season. The event is sponsored by the Evart Chamber of Commerce, SpringHill Camps and Crossroads Church. Participants enjoy Euro Bungee, Hayrides, Face Painting, Ornament Making and

Caroling.

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EVART’S PRIDE: OUR PARK SYSTEM

The City of Evart’s Park system is outstanding and mirrors that of much larger Michigan communities. Here’s a snapshot of our vast amenities.

Riverside Park West

Riverside Park East

Evart Skate Park

Located on the Mighty Muskegon River, this 17 acre jewel offers active recreation including basketball, baseball, fishing, pavilions, beach volleyball and shuffleboard for the whole family. Riverside West is a favorite picnic spot for the entire region.

First opened in 2005, the Evart Skate Park provides

rollerblading, skateboarding and BMX biking. The

Evart Skate Park is the epicenter of compelling, action-packed community recreation.

Guyton Park is a quaint park located near the City’s

central business district. The park is named after the first

soldier killed on foreign soil in World War I. Visitors enjoy

a calm, passive experience as the Evart community pays

tribute to those that lost their lives in military service.

In 2003, the City of Evart purchased 33 acres to

expand Riverside West Park. The “East” is

partially wooded and is a local favorite for

walkers, joggers, bikers and all outdoor enthusiasts. It also features 15 primitive campsites.

Guyton Park

Evart Skate Park

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“THE RIGHT FIT” FOR EVART

The Evart City Council recognizes the importance of education and experience. However, the elected body is most interested in finding the “right fit” to lead Evart. We

are seeking a leader who will embrace our Pure Michigan quality of life.

The ideal candidate will bring the following personal characteristics:

Be bold and ambitious, without losing sight of our small town charm.

Be visionary by always looking out the windshield rather than in the rearview

mirror.

Be a hands-on manager, but trust and support our talented team.

Be a solid listener, even during those times you disagree with the presenter.

Become the fabric of our community. Don’t just work here. Live Evart.

Be connected to state organizations, agencies and people. Put relationships with the community members first.

Be a skilled communicator with the experience and maturity to lead.

Be driven. Enhance Evart in every decision you make.

Bring a proven reputation of providing excellent customer service.

Bring a proven history of collaboration in every aspect of your current role. We seek a bridge builder, not a bulldozer.

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OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

The City of Evart is in excellent condition for the incoming City Manager. As with any community, there are a few opportunities and challenges awaiting our new leader.

Here is a snapshot of the major issues facing Evart:

Develop a funding plan that is practical and affordable to update the City’s aging infrastructure.

Work with the City Council and community members to redevelop the Evart Farmers' Market.

Create a community vision that fosters the development of quality, affordable family housing.

Complete the Redevelopment Ready Community Certification through the MEDC.

Continue to work with the Michigan Department of Transportation to upgrade our community branding by implementing a wayfinding signage program.

Use the recently completed sidewalk assessment process as the basis for implementing citywide sidewalk enhancements.

Be a conduit between the Planning Commission and City Council to review zoning maps and updating the Master Plan particularly along the US-10 corridor.

Bring a fresh perspective to the City’s code and blight enforcement with a goal of enhancing the city block by block.

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WHY EVART?

While there are hundreds of Michigan communities to serve as the top appointed official, here are the Top 10 reasons to choose Evart!

1. Evart is a Michigan Main Street Community.

2. Evart is a recreational haven located on the Mighty Muskegon River.

3. Evart Public Schools offers the Evart Promise Plus.

4. Evart offers the opportunity to live in a rural setting with plenty of nearby urban amenities.

5. Evart’s Depot! A great historical piece of Michigan history.

6. Evart’s Rails to Trails. If you enjoy the outdoors, Evart is your community of choice.

7. Evart’s Splash Pad. It’s huge and it’s fun!

8. Evart’s community festivals, led by the Dulcimer, are Pure Michigan!

9. Evart’s bustling downtown is a fun place to eat, shop and relax.

10. Evart’s significant high-tech industry. Small town with major employers.

11. Did we mention the opportunity to work with a united City Council and staff!

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EVART IN 10 “STATEMENTS”

Ten common statements appear when local residents and community stakeholders are asked to describe Evart.

“We have a welcoming and generous spirit.”

“Evart is a four seasons mecca, with something for all ages.”

“Evart is proud to be known as a hardworking community with hometown

values.”

“I just love our Farmers’ Market, it’s a weekly family reunion.”

“Evart offers outstanding waterfront opportunities with a unique blend of industry

in Northern Michigan.”

“Evart offers such a wide array of community festivals from the Dulcimer Festival,

Timber Beast Race, Labor Day Car Show to the Christmas Carnival.”

“Evart is defined by our friendly people and can-do culture.”

“Our park system is a great reason to live in Evart.”

“Evart is a beautiful place and we are surrounded by incredible inland lakes.”

“Evart has so much potential. The next five years are critical for our community in

so many ways.”

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THE EVART PROCESS

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2021

Please submit a cover letter, resume and five professional references to Frank L. Walsh, Walsh Municipal Services, LLC. Applications will be received at walshmuni@gmail.com. Please indicate in your cover letter whether you are requesting confidentiality as allowed under the Michigan Open Meetings Act. The City of Evart is an Equal Opportunity Employer.