Pennsylvania-based executive search firm Affion Public previously was selected by the council in September, 2011 to deliver a list of eight to 10 semifinalists for the position, which opened up after former city manager Ted Staton stepped down in October, 2011.

As city manager, Staton oversaw the implementation of ordinances affecting both MSU students and residents, including laws related to party litter and snow removal at residences.

Deputy City Manager George Lahanas has been serving as interim city manager since Staton stepped down.

Once the council views Affion Public’s presentation, three to five finalists are slated to be selected by the council and then invited back to participate in a community reception and round-robin interviews with panels of city staff.

The city hopes to have a new city manager selected by the end of January.

The firm’s search process involves talking with community members to determine key issues and then conducting both a background check and grading process for each of the qualified candidates based on their knowledge of local city topics, Affion Public CEO Scott Reilly said in a previous presentation before the city council in September.

ASMSU Community Liaison and international relations senior Paddy La Torre said she hopes the candidates are receptive to student concerns.

ASMSU is MSU’s undergraduate student government.

“(We want someone who) will be open and available,” she said. “It’s been a great relationship (with the city), and we just hope to continue that.”

Mayor Pro Tem Nathan Triplett said he will look for a candidate with a proven track record of financial management and experience.

Triplett said he also will be looking for a candidate with a wide variety of skills in
interacting with community members.

The council plans to consider community feedback on each of the candidates, Triplett said.

“At this early stage, I want to leave every option open,” he said. “I think people come from different backgrounds with different experiences … this is just another step in an ongoing process.”

East Lansing resident and Glencairn Neighborhood Association President Ben Eysselinck said he thinks the ability to maintain a high level of engagement between MSU and East Lansing will be critical for the new city manager.

“Balancing the needs between the neighborhoods and MSU is key,” he said. “One of the things I think (Staton) did very well is open communication lines (between both communities).”

Eysselinck said oversight of the city’s finances also is a hot-button topic, but city services shouldn’t be sacrificed to help East Lansing’s budget.

“Keeping the budget for East Lansing fiscally responsible, I think, is important,” he said. “East Lansing is known … for having high taxes, and the main reason that our tax structure is what it is … is the services we get.”