Imlay City hires new DDA Director

Former Brown City manager; “Great potential downtown”

 

IMLAY CITY — The Imlay City Downtown Development Authority has been functioning without an executive director since earlier this summer when Christine Malzahn resigned her position to take the city manager job in Marlette.

Imlay City staff at city hall and others have stepped up to fill in due to Malzahn’s absence, prior to the hiring of their new director.

Charles Bennett, the former city manager in Brown City, has hammered out a contract with the DDA. He will begin his duties in Imlay City on Oct. 29.

“I was just in town (Imlay City) this past weekend and took in the corn festival,” Bennett told the Tri-City Times Monday by phone.

“I’ve discovered in my time here at Brown City, even though I can do the day-to-day duties as a city manager, my real passion is for downtown development and I am super excited about coming to Imlay City and hit the ground running.”

Bennett said he learned of the opening in Imlay City from Lapeer County Development Director, Sam Moore.

“I was excited and wanted to check it out,” Bennett said when learning of the opening. “I have been part of the team here (in Brown City) in working to get the city some grants and we have been successful, including one for around $1.5 million. So, I do have some background in the grant writing process.”

Bennett, according to Mayor Barbara Yockey who is also a member of the DDA, will receive an annual salary of $63,000. Other details of his contract have not been made public as of this week.

In an email to the Tri-City Times, Mayor Yockey stated, “There is an agreement to hire the new DDA director at $63,000 per year.”

She, nor Chairman Walt Bargen, have shared any further contract details.

Bennett, who has been city manager since October, 2022, came to Brown City with over 15 years management experience in the private sector.

He turned in his letter of resignation on Aug. 27.

“When I get started there, I plan to spend time getting to know the office staff, Bennett stated. “Then I want to get downtown and meet all the business owners. It’s a beautiful downtown with great potential! I want to hear what the owners have to say. It’s important to listen. You can learn a lot from them, just letting them talk.”

He submitted his letter of resignation and gave 60-day notice as per his contract.

In leaving Brown City in a few weeks, Bennett said, “I am proud of the progress we’ve made together from a new electric police car to a new sewer lift station. I remain deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with the residents, city staff and community partners who care so deeply about Brown City’s future. I am confident that the city will continue to move forward in a positive direction, and I will always look back with appreciation for my time spent as Brown City’s manager.”

Bennett is a 2003 Peck High School graduate who took over the position from former city manager Clint Holmes, who served over 20 years with the city.

Bennett attended Ferris State University for three years for automotive management. Prior to coming to Brown City, he worked in the private sector at various companies.