Dougherty named administrator

Toby Dougherty accepted the position of city administrator during the regular meeting of the Gallatin Board of Aldermen held April 21 at city hall. Mr. Dougherty will start on May 19.

Alderman Schweizer made a motion to separate the gas payment from the rest of the accounts payable. Motion died for lack of a second.

Election certification results submitted by the Daviess County Clerk were accepted as read:

Mayor – Gene Schweizer 275, Becky Wycoff 101; east ward – Bob Snidow 129, Donald Smith 67; west ward – L.B. Davis 89, Tim Andrew 88. The newly elected mayor and aldermen were read the oath of office.

The board accepted the letter of resignation from L.B. Davis (as mayor and)) as newly elected west ward aldermen.

Mayor Schweizer made the recommendation: “The fact that L.B. declines to serve nullifies the wishes of half the voters. However, this does not give us justification to ignore the wishes of the other half, by not considering their choice in the election process. Therefore, I recommend Tim Andrew to serve as alderman of the west ward until the next regular election.” No motion was made.

Tim Andrew stated that he was having a recount on the votes for the election of west ward alderman.

Mayor Schweizer said he would like suggestions of names who would like to serve as west ward alderman from the board by the next meeting.

Becky Wycoff was appointed president of the board. Autumn Acree was appointed city clerk.

Bill Lewis, Andereck, Evan, Milne, Peace & Johnson, L.L.C. were appointed city attorney.

Roger Loxterman was appointed planning and zoning administrator.

Discussion was held on the swimming pool.

The board rescinded the motion to close the pool for 2003 summer session with Snidow, Schweizer and Wycoff voting yes; Griffin, no.

Police Chief Jim Wycoff inquired about painting murals on the swimming pool building that would promote D.A.R.E. and Teen Beat programs. He stated the supplies would be donated. The board agreed that this would be a good idea and to go ahead with the project.

Chief Wycoff gave an update on the burglaries that occurred last month.

Joe Griffin and David McLey of the Gallatin Park Board received the approval of the board to place gates at the four entrances of Dockery Park, as they would like to lock the park after hours, and to lock down the porta potties at the park so they can’t be knocked over.

The city liquor license for Rich’s Corner Store owned by Rich and Julie Reynolds was approved with Snidow and Wycoff voting yes; Griffin, no.

Kenneth King discussed the new gas rates and the amount of gas the city has in storage. The board accepted Mr. King’s bid on leasing his four wheeler while conducting the annual leak survey for the city.

The board voted to approve an ordinance amending the city code relating to the establishment of natural gas rates after first and second readings.

Mayor Schweizer made the following statements:

1. Without objection, the city will notify USDA and the project engineer of our intent to provide the resident inspector along with a resume of Roger’s qualifications. Discussion was tabled until the next regular meeting.

2. Without objection, the city will schedule a meeting with the “agent” to discuss the gas system financing in an effort to find a solution short of termination.

3. Without objection, the city administrator is designated as the person acting as treasurer to fulfill the requirement of section 95.365.

4. Without objection, each board member will be assigned a specific area of responsibility: Norma Griffin – general fund; Bob Snidow – water/sewer fund; Becky Wycoff – gas fund and pool; vacant seat – electric fund and cemetery.

Working with the city administrator, Roger Loxterman and the people in the department, we will try to get a handle on future needs so we can plan on how to pay for them. I urge everyone to keep a folder with the information gleaned and copies of this information, maintained at city hall also. Hopefully, this will help maintain some continuity in the future, even with the normal turnover of elected offices and other personnel.”

The board passed an ordinance amending the Gallatin City Code establishing stop signs at designated city street intersections after first and second readings.

City Clerk Acree informed the board of written dog complaints that were filled out at city hall.

She also stated that she will meet with Sullivan Publications on May 20 to review the final draft of remodification of the city code book.

Bills in the amount of $289,982.88 were approved for payment.

During comments by aldermen, Bob Snidow commented on dog complaints and dog licenses in the city. The new security light put in on Cedar Street is not lighting properly. He commented on filling in cemetery lots and wanted to know how many utility poles we have left at the dump and what should be done with the remainder of the poles. He also discussed the vandalism with the gas line that occurred at Elbert’s Department Store last week. He would like to have an update from Bill Lewis on unsigned sewer easements.

City Clerk Acree will call Bill Lewis to see if he could attend the next meeting.

Mayor Schweizer commended Bob Snidow for sitting in as mayor during the last month. He also thanked L.B. Davis for the years of dedication he gave to the city of Gallatin as mayor.

Mr. Schweizer reiterated his appreciation to all of the city employees and volunteers who have been working on the swimming pool. In addition he thanked Autumn Acree for the work she has been doing during the absence of a city administrator.

The above are the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting for the city of Gallatin held on Monday, April 21, at city hall. Present were acting Mayor Bob Snidow, Aldermen Norma Griffin, Gene Schweizer, Becky Wycoff, City Clerk Autumn Acree, Police Chief Jim Wycoff, Toby Dougherty, Trudi Burton, Kenneth King, Tim Andrew, Joe Griffin and David McLey.