The Union Township Board of Trustees unanimously voted Brian A. Smith as their top candidate for the position of township manager at their regular meeting Wednesday evening.

“I think Mr. Smith is a very impressive candidate,” said Trustee John Dinse at the meeting. “I think he has a lot of familiarity with the area. He has been a resident.”

Trustee Phil Mikus said Smith meets the criteria set by the Board.

Smith has worked for Isabella County in the past, according to the meeting.

In a 4-3 vote, Eric Cline, a former assistant city manager in Alpena, was named as an alternate candidate.

“If we have some difficulty in negotiations, then we have an immediate fall back,” said Supervisor John Barker.

Trustee Tim Lannen said Cline also met the Board’s criteria and has spent more time in office than Smith.

Of 33 applicants for the position, five were interviewed.

The Board will begin to conduct negotiations of wages and duties through a lawyer and does not have a hiring date set.

Barker said the manager’s basic duties will be working day-to-day person with the township staff to reach goals set by the Board and that Board may call a special meeting before the next regular meeting on Aug. 12 to further discuss negotiations.

Check cm-life.com for update.

E-mail the author: Lindsay Knake