CITY OF NORTON SHORES CITY ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH
“Welcome to one of Michigan’s premier communities. Beautiful Norton Shores, located on the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan, welcomes your interest in serving as our next City Administrator. Our City is proud of its reputation of being safe, welcoming and picturesque. Our next City Administrator will inherit a wellmanaged city committed to effective governance.”
Gary Nelund, Mayor City of Norton Shores
§ POPULATION 25,030 § SIZE 24 sq. miles § FULL-TIME STAFF 126 § TOTAL TAXABLE VALUE $1,200,000,000 § SALARY RANGE
$125,000 - $155,000
CITY OF NORTON SHORES, MICHIGAN
WELCOME TO NORTON SHORES
“IT’S IN OUR NATURE”
The City of Norton Shores, Michigan (population 25,030) is accepting interest from candidates who want to lead a vibrant and growing community located along the sandy shoreline of Lake Michigan. The current City Administrator is retiring after 28 years of exemplary service, with 19 years having served as Administrator.
The next City Administrator will inherit a young, growing full-service city that prides itself in some of the most pristine waterfront in Michigan. Norton Shores, and Muskegon County, are known for natural scenic beauty, recreational opportunities and high-quality school systems. The City encompasses 24 square miles and up until April 16, 1968 was Norton Township. Waterfront enthusiasts will tell you that Norton Shores is graced with numerous public access points on Mona Lake and Little Black Lake. In addition, Hoffmaster Park is one of the most admired state parks in Michigan.
Norton Shores might be best described as a rural/suburban environment with a balance of industrial, commercial and residential development. Growing but controlled industrial parks are attracting high tech manufactures which, while adding to the employment opportunities in the community, does not detract from the city’s beautiful suburban setting.
Norton Shores was originally organized in 1845 by settlers of the Village of Mill Pond (now Spring Lake). The township was named in honor of Col. Amos Norton.
MISSON STATEMENT
The Mission of the City of Norton Shores is to provide effective and efficient services that afford our residents every opportunity to experience an exceptional quality of life. We strive to create a diverse and welcoming community under the leadership of visionary individuals who work well together in a professional, team -oriented environment.
VISION STATEMENT
The City of Norton Shores is a municipality committed to providing:
• A high quality of life for residents to enjoy;
• A safe and secure community;
• Services of the highest quality at the lowest cost achieved through efficient operations and a dedication to innovation;
• Long-term economic and environmental sustainability;
• Opportunities for citizens to be actively involved in the process of governing; and
• Continuous, positive development of our elected and appointed citizen leadership.
STATEMENT OF CORE VALUES
The City of Norton Shores will:
• Operate in an open and accessible manner
• Display a positive attitude toward and be respectful of our citizens, neighbors, and visitors
• Consistently be willing to explore opportunities for inter -governmental collaboration and cooperation
• Demonstrate sensitivity to the natural environment
• Emphasize innovation, creativity, and efficiency in our operations while anticipating and addressing issues raised by our citizens
• Seek out and hire individuals who are committed to public service
• Treat both our external and internal customers with the same level of respect and commitment to service
• Respond with equal promptness and concern to all requests for service and/or assistance from city residents
• Be good stewards of our financial, human, facility, and infra-structure resources
NORTON SHORES CORE
VALUES
OUR MAIN ATTRACTIONS
MONA LAKE
Mona Lake is a breathtaking sandy bottom 695acre lake that is one of West Michigan’s most popular attractions. Mona Lake is exceptional for fishing and allows for public access, along with a boat launch, a covered picnic shelter, lighted fishing pier and beach and sporting activities. On the south side of Mona Lake is Ross Park, which is a 43-acre park featuring beachfront, paved walkway and volleyball.
P.J. HOFFMASTER PARK
P.J. Hoffmaster Park is situated on three miles of stunning Lake Michigan shoreline and features a modern campground, towering dunes, 10 miles of scenic trails and the Gillette Sand Dune Visitor Center. One of the park’s main attractions is the dune climb along the Dune Overlook Trail, an approximately half-mile round trip climb with about 220 steps and benches along the way.
THE NORTON SHORES DISTRICT LIBRARY
The Norton Shores branch of the Muskegon Area District Library (MADL) welcomes over 10,000 visitors per month. Norton Shores is proud to serve as the largest branch in the MADL system. Opening its doors in 1974, the library has grown in size due to its overwhelming popularity. In 2003, the city of Norton Shores added the name Jacob O. Funkhouser to the Library to honor longtime Mona Shores high school teacher and Muskegon County Commissioner.
DUNE HARBOR PARK
Muskegon’s County's Dune Harbor Park is a jewel for the entire region. The park recently opened and has turned the former Nugent Sand property into miles of trails through forested dunes, and an inland lake perfect for kayaking, fishing and natural viewing. Dune Harbor Park was funded through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund, the generous past landowner, the Land Conservancy of West Michigan and the County of Muskegon.
WHY CHOOSE NORTON SHORES?
Ten common statements appear when local residents and community stakeholders are asked to describe our local community.
• “We have low crime, diversity and a welcoming spirit.”
• “Norton Shores is one of the most stable local governments in Michigan. Our community has been well served by only six Administrators in 55 years. Our current Mayor has been in office since 2009.”
• “There are so many outstanding family activities in our region including, Michigan Adventure, USS Silversides Submarine Museum, Craig’s Cruisers and the Muskegon Museum of Art. Norton Shores is a familyfriendly community.”
• “Our award-winning local schools are the epicenter of our community”. Traditionally, the Norton Shores area schools are rated as some of the best Michigan has to offer.”
• “Love our treasured community amenities and low cost of living. No commute!”
• “Our City cares for us. We have exemplary public safety and services.”
• “Unlike many areas in Michigan that are suffering from an exodus, Norton Shores is thriving and growing in population. People desire a safe community with excellent public education.”
• “Is there a community in Michigan that boasts such a beautiful and wellmaintained park system? The stunning beauty of our wooded hiking trails, bike paths and inland lakes make for a picturesque four season setting.”
• “Norton Shores offers residents that small town charm surrounded by big city cultural and arts opportunities.”
• “Hoffmaster State Park, Black Lake Park, The Lake Michigan Shoreline, Lake Harbor Park and incredible bird watching. Norton Shores really is the poster child for Pure Michigan.”
THE RIGHT FIT
The City of Norton Shores is most interested in meeting candidates who possess the proven ability to foster a cohesive and team-oriented work environment. While experience and education are important factors, Norton Shores seeks more than an Administrator. The City Council is seeking a talented leader who is ready to lead our vibrant West Michigan community.
The ideal candidate will bring the following characteristics to Norton Shores:
• The Mayor and City Council are seeking a dynamic City Administrator who will work well amongst the entire group of policy makers.
• Strong business skills with experience in promoting a thriving business, recreational and industrial economy.
• An Administrator who has a well-defined history of providing excellent customer service. The Administrator’s focus shall be first-rate service!
• Our next Administrator must continue to think beyond our borders and build regional cooperation in West Michigan. Norton Shores is a pivotal component of the Lake Michigan shoreline communities.
• An effective communicator with the City Council, staff and community. Everyone in our organization should have a positive relationship with our leadership.
• A team builder….not a micromanager
• Norton Shores has been blessed with dedicated professional Administrators. Our next Administrator must be a dedicated leader who is visionary and a proven problem solver.
• Don’t shy away from offering suggestions to the City Council that takes the City out of their comfort zone.
• We seek a City Administrator who will treat our community, and our 25,030 residents, as if Norton Shores was your hometown. Treat us like you grew up here!
NORTON SHORES AT A GLANCE
The City of Norton Shores is a full-service municipal corporation providing a wide range of services to the citizens it serves. The City Administrator oversees five departments including Police, Fire, DPW (streets, water/sewer, motor pool, building & grounds maintenance/cemetery) Finance, Administrative Services (Human Resources, Building Division, Clerk, Parks & Recreation, Planning & Zoning and CDBG). Economic Development is a division under the City Administrator. The city employs approximately 126 full-time employees and 40 part-time employees within seven departments
The City Council consists of the Mayor, who is the presiding officer elected at large and eight Council members, four elected at large and two elected from each of the two wards of the city. Each member is elected to a term of four years. The City Administrator works closely with the nine-member City Council and reports directly to the Mayor. The Norton Shores system of government has provided an oasis of stable government since its inception in 1968.
The following are specific duties of the City Administrator as provided by the City Charter:
• Provide for the efficient administration of all departments and divisions.
• Prepare an annual budget and provide the administration thereof after its adoption by the City Council.
• Prepare and submit to the City Council an annual report of the finances and administrative activities of the City.
• Keep the Mayor and City Council advised of the financial and physical condition and future needs of the City.
• Act or designate another person to act as purchasing agent for City purposes.
• Act as administrative assistant to the Mayor in the performance of his or her duties.
OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES
The City of Norton Shores highly anticipates the selection and arrival of their next City Administrator. The City Council and stakeholders look forward to success with the opportunities and challenges awaiting our new leader.
Here is a snapshot of the major issues facing Norton Shores:
Norton Shores seeks an opportunity to strengthen our local housing. The City plans to be strategic in our quest to offer more different types of housing options.
Norton Shores, not unlike every other local government in Michigan, needs to develop an attractive recruitment and retention program to serve our 25,030 residents. Going forward, the retention of a talented team is a paramount concern for the City Council.
Norton Shores faces financial challenges as the community looks forward to maintaining an unparalleled quality of life. Legacy costs, and a limited millage rate, will continue to challenge the City Council and our new Administration.
The Norton Shores City Council, and City Administrator, will continue to seek options to connect our team and build upon our previous Administrator's team building efforts.
The Norton Shores City Council is interested in strengthening our relationship with our surrounding communities. We all want West Michigan to prosper!
The new City Administrator will face challenges as we seek to determine a long-term solution to the future of the Muskegon County Airport. The Airport is located within the boundaries of the City of Norton Shores.
The City Administrator will need to focus on continuing our excellent relationship with Mona Shores Public Schools. The City and School District partner on a successful school resource officer program.
APPLICATION PROCESS
DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023
To join the Norton Shores team, 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 Norton Shores is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
