Published: November 23, 2009 07:20 am      

Few criticisms in city manager's review

TRAVERSE CITY -- Traverse City's city manager hit the one-year mark on the job and his reviews are in.

Community members from across Traverse City touted R. Ben Bifoss as a quiet, balanced and responsive city official, with few criticisms.

"He's practical. He's smart. He has strong analytical abilities to take a situation and turn it around in his hands and look at all the angles," said Mayor Chris Bzdok.

That ability helps Bifoss make good decisions and recommendations to city leaders, earning a grade somewhere between an A and A+, Bzdok said.

Bifoss said the job isn't easy, but he enjoys the work and his new community.

Bifoss became city manager a year ago last week. He earns $98,000 annually -- up from $90,000 after eight months on the job -- and could receive another raise in July at the next fiscal year's start.

Bifoss, 56, said he had a slow start in Traverse City because he required an unexpected back surgery just after his arrival, though he recovered and dove into the city's strategic planning efforts. Beyond the hectic work schedule, Traverse City has grown on Bifoss since he came here, he said.

"You drive down Front Street or along the Open Space, or you walk, and you just feel the energy. People here care about the community and issues. That's pretty cool," Bifoss said.

Running city business can be overwhelming at times, and Bifoss said he often has too much to do.

"That is the nature of the business. Nobody should ever think this job is boring or not challenging," he said.

But he's doing well, many say.

"He did a good job on the budget this year. He's been very responsive to the commission," said Commissioner Barbara Budros. "Getting questions answered has been really easy and I feel like I'm better informed."

Traverse City developer Jerry Snowden said he also believes Bifoss is doing well.

"He does a great job on the business of running city government without the politics. He's thoughtful and measured and helps the city commission make decisions," Snowden said. "I think he does the job of being a city manager without trying to be a politician."

Local environmental activist Ann Rogers, a former city commissioner, said Bifoss seems to follow the commissioners' will.

"That's what he's supposed to be doing. That's his job," she said. "I like his low-key presence at meetings and I certainly hope he'll continue to look at all facets of the city, not just development and job issues."

Larry Gerschbacher is president of the North Traverse Heights neighborhood, where Bifoss attends meetings. Bifoss is "in tune" with residents' concerns and very well-informed, Gerschbacher said.

"I think he's done well. He's pro-active, not reactive, on issues concerning all of Traverse City," he said.

Former Mayor Michael Estes believes Bifoss has all the credentials to do great things for Traverse City.

"I think Ben has the potential to be a very good city manager, but I think the No. 1 issue the city commission has to make sure of is that they continue to dictate city policy and that they take an active role because I think Ben is so good, he could take over the functions of elected officials if they're not adamant about what they really want," Estes said.

Nathan Elkins, who sits on the city's Downtown Development Authority board and is chairman of the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, called Bifoss is a good listener.

"The thing I like most about him is he sits quietly, listens and takes it all in," Elkins said. "He's worked in the private sector, so that's a benefit for him now coming into the public sector."

Bifoss was a project manager for Abonmarche Consultants in Manistee before he came to Traverse City. He also served as Manistee's city manager from 1987 until 2001. His work history also includes West Michigan Dock and Market Corporation and administrative positions in Montevideo, Minn., Anaconda-Deer Lodge County in Montana and Grand Haven.

Bifoss and his wife, Elizabeth Ann, married 31 years ago and have two daughters, one in law school and the other studying biology in college.