council minutes & packets

City Council

J​ohn Gilbert - At Large

First elected to City Council on November 6, 2012, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is serving his fourth term on the Swartz Creek City Council.   Mr. Gilbert has lived in the Swartz Creek area his whole life, graduating from Swartz Creek High School.  Mr. Gilbert is actively involved with the Veteran’s Memorial Committee and the American Legion, as well as being on the Zoning Board of Appeals since October of 2008.  Mr. Gilbert stays active in his community and can be seen regularly walking his Old English Sheepdog through the City.  Mr. Gilbert and his Wife Edna have three children, four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

J​ohn Knickerbocker -  Ward 1

First selected to fill a vacancy on the City Council on January 9, 2023, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is a longtime Swartz Creek resident with much community involvment. Councilmember Knickerbocker is a graduate of SC High School, and a graduate of Central Michigan University with a degree in Business Finance. Married to Kathy since 1988, and the father to son Andrew, and new grandfather to Cooper.  Knickerbocker has served on the Swartz Creek School Board for 21 years, Flint Township Central Business Development Authority, Michigan Association of School Boards Legal Trust Fund, Swartz Creek Kiwanis, Swartz Creek Chamber of Commerce, Swartz Creek Sons of American Legion Squadron and the Swartz Creek Area Fire Board.  He enjoys family, friends, sports and camping.  John works at PFCU Credit Union as a Community Engagement Coordinator.

Rae Lynn Hicks - Mayor Pro Tem
Ward 2

First elected to City Council November 7, 2006.  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is also an active member of the Park Board since 2001 and the Swartz Creek Women’s Club.  She currently serves on the Swartz Creek Area Fire Board and Metro Police Authority Board.

David Krueger- At Large

First elected to City Council on November 4, 2008, David Krueger is serving his fifth term as Councilmember.  Mr. Krueger has lived in the City since 1977 and served as pastor of Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church for 35 years, being semi-retired at this time.  Mr. Krueger was a precinct delegate for 20 years and is currently a member of the Swartz Creek Senior Center and serves as liaison to the Swartz Creek Area Chamber of Commerce.  

David Spillane - Ward 4

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. is a lifelong resident of the Swartz Creek community and graduated from Swartz Creek high school in 1977. He is a retired member of Swartz Creek Area Fire Department after 25 years of service and served on the Parks and Recreation Board, and the Swartz Creek Area Fire Board.  He is also President of the Swartz Creek Fine Arts Association, and President of the Swartz Creek Area Historical Society. He has been employed by Ascension Genesys Regional Medical Center for over 35 years. Mr. Spillane is involved with other local volunteer groups including Hometown Days, AYSO Soccer and travel soccer. He has been married to his wife Lisa for 40 years, and they have three grown children and three grandchildren. Mr. Spillane enjoys cars and mechanics of old cars, northern Michigan, and spending time with his family.

Walt Melen- At Large

First elected to city council on November 5, 2024, Walt Melen was a dedicated Swartz Creek firefighter with over 20 years of service to the Swartz Creek community, five of which were spent as a Lieutenant. His commitment extends beyond his role in the fire department, as he is actively involved in various local nonprofit organizations, including the local Boy Scout Troop and Swartz Creek Masonic Lodge. Walt is a graduate of Mott Community College, holding an Associate's degree in Applied Science in Automotive Technologies. His professional journey includes serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals, where he contributed his expertise to local development and planning decisions. Currently, Walt works as a Senior Technical Author, where he leverages his skills in technical writing and automotive technology. Outside of his professional and civic duties, Walt enjoys spending time with his family and friends, working on cars, and camping. Walt has been happily married to his wife Kelli for 28 years, with 3 grown children. Together they enjoy a fulfilling life centered around family, community, and the great outdoors.