Burge leaves commission

By Melissa Wentarmini
Associate Editor

Munising City Commissioner Brice Burge has resigned after roughly two years on the commission, citing changes at his employer that he said will significantly reduce his income and interfere with his ability to attend city meetings. 

The commission formally accepted his resignation and declared the seat vacant during its meeting Monday night.

Burge, who was employed by The Munising Beacon under previous ownership, said he joined the commission after leaving the newspaper because he still wanted to contribute to the community and no one had stepped forward to run for the seat. His term was set to expire in 2027.

In his resignation letter to the commission, Burge said his current employer, Timber Products, had announced the shutdown of the sawmill portion of its Michigan Hardwood plant, a change he expects will substantially reduce his annual income and interfere with both commission meetings and his other work.

“I had already decided not to run for another term, but with this change, I need to focus on stabilizing my household and future,” Burge wrote. 

He reiterated that explanation in an interview with The Beacon, saying the Timber Products announcement came the day of the commission’s previous meeting and that the resulting scheduling changes were what prompted his resignation. 

“That was what was sparking this,” he said. “I can’t make these meetings.”

Burge’s resignation also came shortly after an Aug. 5 arrest by the Munising Police Department. A Michigan State Police criminal history record lists the arrest as misdemeanor assault and indicates that a warrant was requested. The record contained no charge or judicial information. 

During Monday’s commission meeting, City Attorney Bill Nordeen was asked whether the arrest affected Burge’s resignation and said he did not know. Burge attributed his decision solely to his employment and scheduling changes.

Looking back on his time in office, Burge said the prolonged transition between city managers limited what the commission was able to accomplish. 

“I don’t think we had one meaningful discussion about housing the entire time I was on the board,” he said. 

He identified housing and ordinance review among the issues he had hoped to see addressed more fully, saying some city ordinances have not kept pace with changes brought by the area’s tourism growth. His resignation letter also raised broader concerns about utility costs, taxes, property values and the financial pressures of a seasonal economy, arguing that city decisions should more carefully consider their effect on residents and business owners.

City Manager Michelle Harrison thanked Burge for his service. 

“I appreciate the dedication and effort that Commissioner Burge brought to the table,” Harrison said. “He was able to bring unique perspectives on city issues, and that will be missed.”

The city is now seeking residents interested in filling the remainder of the vacant seat. The commission voted to accept letters of interest through the close of business on Friday, Sept. 4, with letters to be submitted to the city clerk. 

Nordeen told commissioners they have 30 days from declaring the vacancy to appoint a replacement, and the majority of commissioners must agree on the appointment. Commissioners expect to hold a special meeting after the Sept. 4 deadline to consider the submissions.

Harrison called serving on the commission “a rewarding experience” and invited anyone interested in the vacant seat to contact City Hall. Commissioner Rod DesJardins offered a broader appeal during Monday’s meeting: “I would encourage every person in the city with an interest in how their city is governed to consider putting in a letter of interest for the open seat.”

For details, visit cityofmunising.org/city-commission.