Welcome to the City of Hart
The charming City of Hart is located along the shores of the all-sport Hart Lake, just miles from Lake Michigan. Its historic downtown is an excellent place for shopping, eating, and entertainment. In addition, Hart is home to Michigan’s first rail-trail that spans 23 miles south, used year-round by bicyclists, snowmobilers, runners, and walkers.
While many enjoy this area as a vacation destination, it is also known for its thriving business climate with companies whose products are marketed locally and globally. Hart welcomes new residents, businesses, and year-round visitors with a team of professionals ready to help you every step of the way.
If you’ve dreamed of a friendly place to raise your family that offers an active outdoor lifestyle, rich history, great schools, and good jobs... Hart is a place you can call "home."
City of Hart Selects Finalists for its Next City Manager
October 13, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Hart Selects Finalists for its Next City Manager
HART, MI - The City of Hart convened on October 6, 2025, to select finalists for the position of City Administrator.
The discussion was led by Mitch Foster, Partner and Recruitment Lead with Double Haul Solutions (DHS), who outlined the recruitment process and presented each finalist to the City Council. Foster noted that applicants came from across Michigan and the region, representing diverse experiences in municipal leadership and community development.
How did the City Council choose the finalists?
After a preliminary review by the DHS team, candidates were presented based on their alignment with the desired characteristics outlined by the Mayor, City Council, and staff. These included skills in municipal leadership, communication, strategic planning, economic development, and team management.
“The City Manager plays an essential role in shaping the direction of our city,” said Mayor Amanda Klotz. “As Hart continues to grow, we’re looking for a leader who values collaboration, transparency, and community engagement—someone who can guide our organization through both opportunities and challenges with a steady and inclusive hand. Each of these finalists brings a unique perspective and proven experience that reflects those values.”
The City Council selected the following three candidates to move forward in the process:
•
Connor DeYoung: DeYoung currently serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Ferrysburg and has spent more than a decade in public service with the State of Michigan. His work has included leadership in cross-departmental coordination, organizational improvement, and regulatory compliance. DeYoung holds both a Master and Bachelor of Social Work from Western Michigan University and a Citizen Planner Certificate from Michigan State University. His professional background emphasizes community collaboration, team development, and innovative solutions in public administration.
•
Nichole Kleiner: Kleiner currently serves as Hart’s Interim City Manager and previously as the City’s Economic and Community Development Director. With more than 19 years of experience in local government, she has successfully managed numerous grants and partnerships, securing millions of dollars in funding
for downtown improvements, infrastructure, and economic development initiatives. Kleiner has also played a key role in Hart’s collaboration with West Shore Community College to establish Oceana County’s first higher education campus. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing Hart’s community and business development goals.
•
Samuel Demel: Demel most recently served as City Manager of Purcell, Oklahoma, overseeing a $35 million budget and leading major infrastructure, capital improvement, and community development projects. He previously served as City Administrator of Kiowa, Kansas, where he directed essential municipal services and managed an $8 million water infrastructure project. Demel holds a Master of Public Administration and Graduate Certificate in Public Finance from Wichita State University and is a Certified Economic Development Professional. His experience spans local government leadership, strategic planning, and intergovernmental collaboration.
Next Steps
Looking ahead, finalists will participate in on-site interviews with the City Council on Thursday, October 24, 2025, at Hart City Hall (407 S State St #1, Hart, MI 49420).
Following the interviews, the City Council will deliberate and move forward with contract negotiations with the preferred candidate.
About Double Haul Solutions
Double Haul Solutions (DHS) was enlisted to provide executive search services for the Hart City Manager role which officially began in August 2025.
DHS was founded in late 2021 to help local governments tackle obstacles and promote vibrant communities of all sizes. This dedicated team of government consultants boasts decades of shared experience; each deeply committed to their craft. Offering a range of services which includes executive coaching and human resource support, facilitating and leading significant economic development projects, and offering interim management services. DHS brings a personalized approach and a wealth of expertise to every project they take on. Learn more at www.doublehaulsolutions.com
Energy Rebates for Residential Customers
The Energy Smart Residential Energy Efficiency Program helps qualifying Michigan residents, like you, make energy-efficient choices for your home by offering a free virtual assessment, along with rebates for qualifying energy-saving products or equipment.
LEARN MORE HERE
PUBLIC MEETINGS
Public meeting agendas and public hearing information will be posted at least 18-hours prior to the meeting. You can find the information under the "Connect" menu tab above or the link below.
Printed meeting packets are available upon request at Hart City Hall.
Visit Online:
Public Meeting Calendar/Schedule
Past Public Meeting Packets & Minutes
Upcoming Public Meeting Agendas/Packets
Discover John Gurney Park
Plan a stay or visit John Gurney Park and Campground, walking distance from downtown Hart, situated on a picturesque bluff that follows the eastern shoreline of Hart Lake. The campground offers sites ranging from rustic to full hookup, nightly to seasonal, a camp store, playground, boat lodge, bike rentals, activity pillion, a picnic arbor, and numerous outdoor sports amenities.
Visit Online:
John Gurney Park & Campground Website
Historic District Village & Museum
Hart Historic District Museum and Village is located on the edge of Chippewa Creek just blocks from Downtown Hart. This village invites guests to tour the historical buildings and numerous old-time attractions throughout the museum that will take you on a journey 150 years into the past. Tour a restored 19th-century church, one-room schoolhouse, log cabin, Chief Cobmoosa’s house, Hart Train Station, an original grist, flour mill, and windmill. In the mill, watch the animated doll display in action. The church basement houses the extensive and unique “Seymour Rider Indian Artifacts Collection”, a must-see for antique Indian and history buffs. During the month of December, the Historic District is adorned with old-time streetscape holiday decorations.
Visit Online:
Historic District Village & Museum
Every Picture Tells a Story
Discover the Hart-Montague Trail
Hart is proud to be known for the William Field Hart-Montague Trail State Park - the first paved rail-trail spanning 22 miles south to Montague, Michigan with picnic areas and scenic outlooks along the way. It is utilized year-round by outdoor and recreation enthusiasts.
The City of Hart marks the north end of the trail, providing easy access and plenty of amenities. The trail was once a Grand Rapids to Pentwater railroad line dating back to 1872.
Find convenient free parking at our trail access point with refreshments and food nearby. Check the links below for trail information and maps, courtesy of Michigan Trails Magazine and website.
Download a File:
Bike Trail Map (PDF)
Visit Online:
Hart-Montague Trail Information Page
Hart-Montague Trail Map
Google Map, City of Hart
Watch Our Video
City of Hart
407 State St. Map
Hart, Michigan 49420
Phone: 231-873-2488
Fax: 231-873-0100
City Manager: 231-873-3546
Clerk: 231-923-0012
Accounts Payable: 231-923-3810
Utilities: 231-923-3837
Hart Police Department: 231-923-0696
or 231-923-0851
Central Dispatch: 231-869-5858.
Hours:
8:00a to 5:00p, Monday-Friday