Grantsville town council met in the courthouse
little court-room on Monday at 7 p.m.
Chief Charles Stephen’s official letter of
resignation was read aloud. Due to a position with the Division of
Natural Resources, Stephens asked for acceptance of his resignation,
with the intent of continuing some affiliation with the Grantsville
Police Dept. Council approved his resignation.
“Thank you for an exemplary job. We wish you the
very best,” said mayor Gary Knight.
Tim Meeks requested a draw down of $283,058.93 for
four entities involved in the sewer project. Council approved the
resolution.
Meeks also reported that the project is going well
and had passed the Dept. of Environmental Protection’s
inspection.
Meeks said that the water project design is ready
for submission and could possibly go to construction bid by late spring
or early summer.
If all goes as planned, Grantsville will be
allotted $3.6 million in stimulus funds for the water and sewer
projects.
Brenda McBride presented a project proposal by
Calhoun County Committee on Aging. She requested approval to complete a
site survey and feasibility study on the property formerly housing the
town office building and parking lot.
The request would determine options for a possible
development of a fitness center through the collaborating efforts of
local non-profit and service/community oriented groups. Council
unanimously approved the request.
During the citizen’s open forum, the mayor was
asked when the Christmas lights would come down. He said that due to
weather and other complications, the lights have virtually been
impossible to get down.
“I tell people it is always Christmas in
Grantsville,” said Knight, “but truly we are doing our best to get them
down as soon as safely possible.”
Recorder Helen Johnson reported that budget work
will begin next month. She requested that Pam Davis be added to the
sewer project finances, which was approved. She also requested an
increase of Jo Anne Dunn’s weekly hours. Council approved 20 hours a
week for Dunn.
Connie Schoolcraft retracted last month’s
resignation as a member of council. She said that she is still a
resident of Grantsville.
Extensive discussion took place between the mayor
and other council members. The situation was brought to a vote and
council was split.
Dorothy McCauley and Helen Jordan voted to accept
the retraction, while Loretta Stevens and Katheryn Kerby voted against.
Knight said that he had to go with the legal advice
given by the town’s attorney, Loren Howley. He voted to approve the
resignation retraction, allowing Schoolcraft to continue in the
position.
The following Grantsville Police Dept. law
enforcement report was given for January: 44 calls for service, 51
citizen contacts, 6 criminal investigations opened, 1 traffic crash
investigation, 6 warnings for traffic stops, 1 K-9 call, 4 callouts, and
3 arrests for the following: DUI, obstructing an officer, leaving the
scene of an accident, and driving while license suspended.
Council went into executive session from 8:15 to
8:50 p.m. After reconvening, it approved Jeff Starcher as interim police
chief at $11 an hour.
The council also approved the posting of the police
chief position.
Council adjourned at 8:55 p.m. The next meeting
will be on Monday, Apr. 5, at 7 p.m.