Local meeting primer: Three Rivers City Commission

The Three Rivers City Commission will meet tonight, Tuesday, October 20 for a regular business meeting. Commissioners will take the first steps toward searching for a replacement for City Manager Joe Bippus, who announced his forthcoming retirement during their October 6 meeting. 

Commissioners will also consider approving $175,000 in engineering services for the planned asphalt replacement project in the Orchard Lane Subdivision, and authorize the sale of the city-owned property at 810 S. Constantine Street.

City manager search

Beginning January 14, 2027, Bippus will no longer be the city manager of Three Rivers. Bippus was the longest serving manager in the city’s history, holding the position for over 23 years. 

The process following that decision will begin during Tuesday’s meeting, as commissioners weigh which firm will conduct the search for a new city manager.

The agenda packet includes information from two potential service providers, Walsh Municipal Services (WMS) and the Michigan Municipal League (MML). However, Walsh is the only firm with a proposal specifically prepared for Three Rivers included in the packet. 

WMS submitted a proposal to conduct the search for a maximum cost of $14,550 including recruitment services, advertising, and a background check.  

The company’s president, Frank Walsh, previously served as Meridian Township’s manager for nearly 11 years before resigning in 2024 amid allegations of misconduct, according to WKAR. The township board did not publicly state why Walsh resigned, but an investigation by WLNS reported that complaints against Walsh were being investigated, including allegations that he created a toxic work environment, and used township resources for his private business. 

Mayor Johnston, who has been critical of Bippus since she was elected last November, expressed frustration with the lack of options presented. 

“This is a decision that should not be rushed and should be 100% transparent,” Johnston wrote to Watershed Voice. “We should post an RFP and be sure that we’re evaluating all potential search firms, rather than just Joe’s [Bippus] friend’s firm and the MML (the only search firm I was able to get a proposal from in one business day). I have one other firm sending me a proposal this afternoon.”

Johnston added that she is open to considering an interim manager, and emphasized the city should take its time with the decision.

“There are at least three highly qualified, professional interim managers available and willing to help our community make a smooth transition. There is no reason to rush such an important process that will affect our community for years to come, especially by way of a late addition to the agenda.” 

Selecting a search firm is the first step in what will likely be a months-long process. Once a firm is selected, they will hear from the city on what they are looking for in their next city manager before initiating a search for candidates that fit the city’s desired profile. After that, interviews will likely begin with the candidates. During this part of Kalamazoo’s recent search for a city manager, these interviews were held during a special meeting in the commission chambers. 

The city manager is appointed by and accountable to the city commission, which has the ultimate authority to select Bippus’ replacement.

Orchard Lane subdivision

Commissioners will also consider whether to authorize $175K to OHM for engineering services on an Orchard Lane Subdivision asphalt replacement project, estimated to cover just over one mile of road. 

“Orchard lane subdivision is in the northeast part of the city and is made up of six streets measuring roughly just over one mile of road,” OHM states in their letter included in the agenda packet.

810 S. Constantine

Commissioners will also consider a resolution to authorize the sale of 810 S. Constantine St. by the city. The property has been listed for sale through realtor Heather Martell, who also serves as a member of the Three Rivers Housing Development Corporation, as noted in the agenda packet. 

The sale was initially considered by commissioners during their September 15 meeting, when they placed it on file with the city clerk for a required 30-day period, which has now expired. The lot is divided into two with the city retaining the riverfront portion and selling the other. 

The listing price of the lot has not been disclosed. 

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.