Northville City Manager Patrick Sullivan Receives the 2013 Outstanding Service Award from the Michigan Municipal League

LANSING, Michigan – The Michigan Municipal League honored Northville City Manager Pat Sullivan during the League's annual Capital Conference held April 9-10 in Lansing.

Sullivan received the League's Outstanding Service Award on Wednesday. The honor is given to recognize those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty in supporting the League's legislative efforts in Lansing on behalf of Michigan communities.

In his role as Northville City Manager, Pat Sullivan has been instrumental in working on legislation to give communities additional pension flexibility. In the last session, Sullivan worked with the League on a package of legislation designed to maximize resources and allow communities to make more cost-effective pension decisions. Last fall the governor signed a bill that allows communities with an AA bond rating to bond for the cost of switching from defined benefit to defined contribution plans. The League continues to work on legislation allowing communities to switch from DB to DC more easily, as well as remove barriers to more cost-effective pensions. Sullivan has come to Lansing to testify on multiple occasions as well as worked regularly with the League reviewing legislative language and talking to legislators. Sullivan has been instrumental in working on this legislation, and the League is grateful for his invaluable counsel.

East Grand Rapids City Manager Brian Donovan, Rochester City Manager Jaymes Vettraino, and Grand Rapids Economic Development Director Kara Wood were also honored during the awards ceremony.

Michigan Municipal League advocates on behalf of its member communities in Lansing, Washington, D.C., and the courts; provides educational opportunities for elected and appointed municipal officials; and assists municipal leaders in administering services to their communities through League programs and services.