Bay City Commission requests second interviews for two city manager finalists

The Bay City Commission on June 8 voted to invite two finalists — Rick Haymon and Brian Chapman — back for second interviews as it continues the search for a new city manager.

Consultant James Vrano, who has been facilitating the recruitment process, told the commission the vote would identify a "preferred candidate" for subsequent contract negotiations and urged members to focus on candidates' skills and qualifications while avoiding discussion of protected characteristics. "I encourage you to focus on what you appreciate about the candidates or the skills, talents and qualifications that you observed in candidates that you think are best fit for for Bay City," Vrano said.

The decision followed a public comment period in which multiple residents endorsed Haymon. Devin Pomeray Rupert read a prepared letter supporting Haymon's infrastructure plans and experience at federal, state and local levels, saying, "He has the right ideas with our tolling system and his desire to find every avenue possible to increase our funding for our roadways is honestly a breath of fresh air." Dustin Casic, another local resident, told commissioners Haymon "said that you guys are his boss and we are your guys's boss," and urged the commission to choose a leader who will respond to residents' needs.

Commissioners debated procedure before voting. An initial nomination of Haymon drew an objection and requests for broader discussion; several commissioners said they wanted more time or a second choice to ensure staff and the public see a strong consensus. Commissioner Dit moved that the commission "request Mr. Rick Heyman and Mr. Brian Chapman to return for a second interview with a new set of questions to be cited through the commission and the consultant." The motion was seconded on the floor.

During follow-up discussion, commissioners and staff clarified what vetting steps could be completed before an offer and which steps require an employment offer, noting pre-employment contingencies such as background checks, drug testing and a physical exam would be required before hiring. Vrano said he would solicit suggested questions from commissioners and work with the city manager's office to schedule the second interviews; potential dates such as June 22 were discussed but no final interview date was set during the meeting.

The commission held a roll-call vote and the motion to invite Haymon and Chapman back for second interviews passed. The clerk recorded commissioners' votes on the record during the roll call. The item closes this phase of the recruitment: the consultant will collect suggested follow-up questions, coordinate scheduling with staff, and return to the commission with the second-interview plan.

No employment offer was approved at the June 8 meeting; the motion directed staff and the consultant to pursue a second round of public interviews and to proceed with legally permitted advance vetting steps. The commission adjourned the special meeting after the vote.