ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming City Council is moving forward in its search for a city manager.

One of two closed sessions in Council Chambers will be held at 4 p.m. Wednesday to review city manager applications due to applicant requests for confidentiality.

Upon closed session review, the council will consider inviting selected applicants for a formal interview, according to the meeting agenda.

Ishpeming Finance Director Jim Lampman acted as interim city manager for several months following the departure of former manager Mark Slown who retired in June. The role of interim city manager shifted to Ishpeming Police Chief Steve Snowaert in September.

After searching for a manager for nearly four months and offering the position to two candidates who ultimately declined, councilors entered into a $14,000 consulting services agreement with the Michigan Municipal League in August.

According to the MML posting, the starting salary for the position is $75,000 to $85,000. Applicants are required to have either a bachelor’s degree in public administration or related field or four years as a city manager or any other municipal or public employment in an executive capacity.

The confidentiality of the candidates, if requested, is “allowed for and provided by Michigan law,” according to the MML documents.

The deadline for resume submission was Oct. 4.

The council will also consider two bids for the Teal Lake Lodge boiler.

The council will conclude the meeting in a closed session to consider the purchase or lease of real property.

Lisa Bowers can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 242.