CRESWELL— With city manager Michelle Amberg’s last day being Dec. 13, the Creswell City Council and staff have been reviewing resumes and letters of interest. Last week, the council unanimously appointed Spencer Nebel as the interim city manager.
“I had an opportunity to spend some time in Creswell to really make sure that this was going to be a good fit and I would be a good fit for the community before the interview process,” Nebel said. “I really liked what I saw and the direction that the City is heading in.”
On Dec. 3, Creswell City Council convened a special meeting to conduct 45-minute conversations with interim hopefuls Nebel and David Clyne.
Councilors and mayor Dave Stram read from a list of questions about leadership approaches, navigating workplace challenges, and goals for the city of Creswell. Councilors were also granted the ability to present questions of their own.
Councilor Norma Jean Osborn asked, “What did you like best about being city manager?”
Clyne said he loved the “variety” of the role and never once being bored.
“Every opportunity brought a fresh set of problems, fresh opportunity to help a city move forward from where it was when I started,” Clyne said. “Any job that I do, my first primary motivation is that I leave a place better than I found it.”
Nebel felt similarly, spotlighting the importance of considering the lived experiences of others in the role.
“Even though sometimes citizens can be challenging, I do enjoy understanding what they’re going through and trying to put myself in their shoes and really trying to be as empathetic as I can in working through issues that they have,” Nebel said. “Can’t always resolve them, but a lot of times, if you listen, you understand that sometimes that’s all they’re looking for.”
After the proceedings, the council heard public comments before deliberating themselves.
“They both were really good. Spencer caught my eye a little bit more just because he’s very knowledgeable, and relatable. He was a good communicator,” Said council-elect Mark Kremer.
Councilor Clark Kent expressed positive sentiments regarding Clyne’s “honesty and candor.” councilor Clark recognized Clyne’s “depth and breadth of his experience” in an interim role.
Alonzo Costilla, council president, felt that Clyne “had a better understanding” of the interim role. Nick Smith, mayoral-elect and councilor, raised concerns about the cost difference between candidates and Clyne’s being “more open to non-recruitment” replacement efforts.
Councilor Osborn said that despite Nebel’s lack of interim experience, he would “do really well” for the city of Creswell. Councilor Staci Holt said that Nebel “was more professional in his interview.” Mayor Dave Stram conveyed a sense of favor for both candidates but leaned towards Nebel.
“Right now, we have huge issues coming up in terms of wastewater, roads, airport. So while David has a lot of experience with all those, Spencer is just coming off of 11-plus years in a city doing that. So there’s a part of me that feels like he’s very fresh,” Stram said.
After council deliberation, Nebel was unanimously appointed to the interim role.
With a wealth of experience from a four-decade career in city management, Nebel most recently served as the city manager of Newport, Ore. He retired from the post in July 2024 after ten years in the role. Previously, Nebel held the same position in Sault Ste. Marie and Munising, Mich., and also worked as an assistant city manager in Marquette, Mich.
When asked about his management style during his interview, Nebel described himself as an “orchestra conductor.” Stram noted that outgoing Amberg described her leadership style similarly.
“This is the first interview I’ve had in over 11 years,” Nebel said. “It was good to get back in the saddle of doing an interview again for a job, and I really kind of enjoyed it. It was, I think, a good experience. I think the council did a nice job going through the process.”
Smith, who is slated to begin his term as mayor in January, has felt increased pressure with Amberg’s departure but is looking forward to Nebel stepping into the role.
“I’m excited that he’s fresh off retirement and has the knowledge and experience, and in his interview, he used a lot of the same words that I’ve used in meetings, and so I feel there’ll be a good crossover, good communication between the two,” Smith said in a comment. “I think it’ll work out for Creswell that we won’t skip a beat, and we’ll be able to move forward, and hopefully, we can find somebody like him for the future.”
More information about the council’s next steps in the search for a permanent city manager will be published as it becomes available.
