CENTERVILLE —
The Centerville City Council Tuesday night passed the first reading of an ordinance by a 4-0 vote that will change the mayor's rate of pay, benefits, hours, duties and vacation time.
The city council must pass the ordinance as is two more times before it goes into effect, which is scheduled to be Jan. 1, 2012. The second reading will be done at the next city council meeting.
The ordinance will make the mayor's position part-time, duties related to the performance of the office, salary drops to $10,000 per year and it does away with benefits and vacation time.
The changes will apply to the individual who wins the Nov. 8 election for Centerville mayor.
Marsha Mitchell, who is the Centerville mayor, announced during the council meeting at City Hall that she will not seek re-election.
Ron Creagan, Centerville Street Department commissioner, watched the council split their vote on his request to hire two part-time workers this summer.
Councilmen Bill McAfee and Wallace "Moe" Carter said yes while Darrin Hamilton and Rob Lind said no.
Creagan said the workers would be paid by short-term financing, which would be paid back by bonding in 2013.
Hamilton said he wanted to see if it was cost effective to hire part-time workers, who could draw unemployment insurance in the winter, versus the cost of hiring a contractor.
Creagan said hiring part-time saves the city money.
Kim Crego, city clerk and commissioner of municipal services, said the city would have to find a funding source for the short-term financing and the council would have to approve the terms at the next meeting.
The council voted 3-1, Hamilton no, to approve the purchase and demolition by fire of the property at 902 E. Jackson St. in Centerville and the subsequent clean up and sale. The city will pay $200 to buy the property.
This was despite one resident's plea for the city to stay out of the junk house market.
"We've got to start someplace and do what we can to get rid of these junk houses," McAfee said.
George Johnson, city building official, said the city would have to do asbestos abatement but the Jackson Street property is a good start.
"It's a good start to try to rid an eyesore and do something to help the safety in that neighborhood," he said. "It needs to come down."
In other action, the council voted 4-0:
• To enter a contest to win $100,000 in all inclusive handicap-accessible playground equipment and $50,000 in project development, design services and educational programming from a company called Playland. The contest is nationwide, eight winners will be announced and applications are due Aug. 1.
• To appoint Leona Fogle to the Airport Zoning Commission as the at-large representative to be selected by the commission.
• To allow the Centerville Fire Department to hold a car show on the Square Saturday, Aug. 6. A fire department employee said the event would be held in conjunction with the chamber. Last year, 90 plus cars displayed and the fundraiser generated approximately $4,500 for the voluntary association to buy equipment for the city. Go to carshow.centervillefire-ia.com for more information.
And Max Ervin's request to hold a pro-life rally at the intersection of Highway 5 and Highway 2 in late October was discussed but no vote was taken. The council asked Ervin to return to the next meeting with more information.
Mitchell at the end of the meeting said the Appanoose County Community Fund will give the city $1,775 to pay one-half of the cost to paint the city swimming pool.
The council will operate with four at least until Aug. 1 when they are expected to fill the seat vacated by Robbie Morgan.
The next Centerville City Council meeting is at 5:30 p.m. Monday, July 18 at City Hall.
Local News
Related Photos
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The Centerville City Council Tuesday voted to purchase this house at 902 E. Jackson St. for $200. The city plans to burn down the house, clean the debris and then resell the land. Photo by Michael Schaffer/Daily Iowegian
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Centerville Mayor Marsha Mitchell said she will not seek re-election. Daily Iowegian file photo
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