2008 Year in Review

City Hammers Out Wood’s Contract - Jed Renkes Hired to MPD

by Ben Wolf - The Morrison Post

The Morrison City Council agreed to continue the employment of the interim community development director, Robert Wood. Wood’s contract is now expired, and no action has been taken on either hiring him, or a replacement for the position. The council thought that it would be in the best interest of everyone if the position were not left vacant, so a new 90 day contract was written up and agreed to by the council.

Council member Jim Blakemore asked if a list of accomplishments would be helpful when filling the position. It was agreed that it would, and also that Wood would be asked to attend the next council meeting to give an update on current projects. Chief Huling reported that Officer Brock Helms submitted his resignation effective August 8th. Huling is disappointed since Helms was doing well during his probationary period. Helms cited time missed with his family due to working shifts as the reason for finding other employment.

Huling announced that Jedediah Renkes will be starting as a new officer for the city. Jed has local roots and is welcomed by the department.

Gary Tresenriter reported that there was no change in the items needed for completion by Fischer Excavation, so the pay request from them was again tabled.

Shive Hattery was chosen as the design firm for the Jackson Street to Morrison Sports Complex Recreational Trail. This project will consist of construction of a 10-ft wide asphalt or aggregate trail which will begin near the Pleasant View Nursing Home and end near the northwest corner of the Sports Complex. The total length of the trail is estimated at 3320 lineal feet. The estimated construction budget for this project is $300,000.(which is included in the sports complex cost estimates) The schedule for completion of the trail is fall of 2008. Design costs are not to exceed $22,000.

Council members commented on how great it is to see the lights for the sports complex up in the air. It shows some of the progress that is now being made. Change orders were considered and approved for work being done by Stichter Construction in sewer, foundation work and grading for the complex.

The council was presented more information and a plan by City Administrator, Tim Long for defining and adjusting the pay scale for certain non-bargaining positions employed by the city. Arguments for the changes included keeping the city competitive enough to attract replacements when positions open up, and positive motivators for employees to go above and beyond. The council approved the changes to the scale.

Lastly, the council discussed the option of having the City Clerk position being elected as opposed to appointed, as it currently is. Mayor Roger Drey said that in the past, he has had some strong opinions supporting the position being elected. He said he also understands that not everyone who is elected understands or can perform the duties of the position. The point was also raised that the city has invested in the current clerk’s (Melanie Schroeder) education to perform the duties the best way possible. That would be lost if the position was turned over at every election. This subject will be considered at the next meeting.

by  Editor, theCity1.com
August 6, 2008