News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Alpena Engineer Rich Sullenger is retiring from his job at the city in early July. He said he fell in love with Alpena the first time he visited it, and intends to stay in the area. Sullenger said he intends to hunt more while retired, as well as operate a Christmas tree farm he is starting.

ALPENA — Another long-time city employee in Alpena is saying goodbye.

Engineer Rich Sullenger lived downstate and was hired by the city in 1992. He said he never visited the northeast side of Michigan, but when he arrived in Alpena, he knew it was a match made in heaven.

“I came up here and absolutely fell in love with it,” Sullenger said. “I have a lot of things I want to do when I retire, but I plan on remaining here. I love it here.”

Sullenger said he will officially leave his post in early July, when city manager Rachel Smolinski returns from medical leave. Sullenger is acting as interim city manager during her absence.

During his tenure with the city, Sullenger put his fingerprints on many projects that added to the quality of life for residents. He said constructing three-lane roads near Meijer and on Long Rapids Road years ago, was important because of the development that followed in those areas. He also played a large role in helping acquire funding for the renovation of Starlite Beach, and worked with the Rotary Club in having the splash park built at the park. He also helped to update large swaths of the city’s water and sewer system.

Sullenger said his time with the city, and working and serving with many people, is something that will be special to him. He said he considers himself lucky to have been a part of a team that has helped put Alpena on the map and help it grow and develop.

“I have been very fortunate to be able to work with the city for almost 29 years,” he said. “When I look back at some of the work we did for future planning and future growth, and see those being utilized to their full potential now is nice. Helping to position the city to go forward is very satisfying.”

Sullenger’s replacement has been part of the engineering staff for many year. Steve Schultz has taken the reins, and along with the balance of the department’s staff, is working toward future goals and projects.

Sullenger had high praise for Schultz, Assistant Engineer Charie Kendziorski, assistant engineer and harbormaster Shannon Smolinski, and administrative assistant Cassie Stone, and said he expects them to continue to do great things when he’s gone.

“The city is very blessed to have Steve and the staff. Steve is as knowledgeable or more knowledgeable than I am, and has a different skill set than I have,” he said. “That will be a big asset. I can not say enough good things about Steve and the staff, and the support they have given me.”

Sullenger is an avid outdoorsman and loves to hunt, fish, and snowmobile. He said he will do those things, plus, dabble in small business.

“My wife and kids have decided that I need to start a Christmas tree farm,” Sullenger said. “So we planted 200 trees in the ground this spring. It’s more of a hobby, but we are looking forward to it. I have a lot of projects planned and a few hunting trips planned. It will be a lot easier for me to do those things being retired.”