Mik Kilpela, Assistant City Engineer, has been promoted to the position of City Engineer effective July 1, 2020. Mik was hired on as an Engineering Tech II/Civil Designer in 2006 and promoted to Staff Engineer in 2009 and again promoted to Assistant City Engineer on June 1, 2017. Mik holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University and is a licensed professional engineer. Mik worked as a civil engineer for a company in Traverse City before joining the City as an
Engineering Tech II/Civil Designer in 2006. Mik is replacing Keith Whittington, who will be retiring effective June 30, 2020.

The City Manager recommended, and the City Commission confirmed, the appointment of Wastewater
Treatment Plant Supervisor, Mark O’Neill, to the position of Director-Municipal Utilities effective July 1, 2020. Department Head positions are the equivalent of administrative officer positions under the Charter
and City code. The appointment is to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of current Director, Curt Goodman, on June 30, 2020. Mark has a Water/Wastewater certificate from Northern Michigan University as well as an EGLE Classes B, C and D Wastewater Treatment Certificate and Waterworks System Operator Class D-1, F-1R, F-4 and S-4 certifications from the State of Michigan. He was hired by the City in 1990 as a part-time Relief Operator at the Water Plant then brought on full-time in 1993 as a Water Plant Operator. In 1997, Mark was promoted to Wastewater Treatment Plant Lab Technician/Operator and was promoted again in June 2013 to Supervisor-Wastewater Treatment Plant. His background, education and experience make him uniquely qualified for this position. As the Department Head for Municipal Utilities, Mark will oversee the Water and Wastewater divisions of the City.

Curt Goodman, Director of Municipal Utilities, has announced his retirement effective June 30th. Curt joined the City as a Wastewater Treatment Plant operator in 1980, in 1984 he was appointed to Water and
Wastewater Plant Assistant Superintendent, in 2006 he was promoted to WWTP/WTP Superintendent and in 2014 he was named the Director of Municipal Utilities. After 40 years of public service we would like to
wish Curt the best in his future endeavors.

Keith Whittington, City Engineer, has announced his retirement effective June 30th. He started with the City in July of 1989 and has worked as an Engineering Technician, Assistant City Engineer until his promotion to City Engineer in 2006. Keith also took on the responsibilities of Street Superintendent and Capital Improvements Plan Coordinator. After nearly 31 years of public service we would like to wish Keith the best in his future endeavors.

Mark Brandel, Special Equipment Operator in the Street Maintenance Division of Public Works will be retiring June 26th after 33 years of service to the City of Marquette. Mark started with the City on July 1, 1987 as a Laborer in the Public Works Department. Prior to joining the City full-time,
Mark served in the U.S. Army, worked for K-Mart and worked a temporary position with the City. Congratulations to Mark and we wish him the best in his retirement.