LAKETOWN TWP., MI (WHTC-AM/FM, May 18, 2025) – Any hopes that a new manager for a Lakeshore community could be in place by July 1st has gone by the boards … literally.
Due to the absence of Trustee Mike Koeman, the Laketown Township Board decided at its monthly business meeting last Wednesday to suspend any discussion about filling the operational leadership vacancy until its next meeting on June 11th, when Koeman is expected to attend. No word from township officials as to why Koeman was absent.
Laketown Township has been without a full-time manager since January 3rd, when Al Meshkin’s retirement after 35 years took effect. A dispute by past and current board members over who should have the final say on appointing such a leader may have led to two finalists withdrawing their names from consideration, necessitating a new search.
Supervisor Steven Ringelberg agreed to step up and handle the managerial duties on an interim bases, with the arrangement set to expire on June 30th. Due to last week’s board developments, Ringelberg reportedly expressed his intentions to remain at the post through 2026.
Former Holland City Manager Ryan Cotton, now with retained consultant MGT, continues to guide the board through the candidate search process. Current Park Township Manager Howard Fink, who is also affiliated with Community Design Economics Consulting, has worked with board members on smoothing out operational differences.
Along those lines, the Laketown Township Board will hold a special meeting at 6 PM this coming Thursday, May 22, at the Township Hall (4338 Beeline Rd.), to continue efforts on developing a strategic plan, something that Fink has advised the members on.
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