By DAVE SCHULTZ
Two public safety hires and the promotion of a veteran firefighter were the highlights of Tuesday afternoon’s meeting of the Bluffton Board of Public Works and Safety.
Mike Miller, director of the city’s 911 Dispatch Center, asked the board to approve the hiring of Madison Newton as a dispatcher. Newton was the choice of the 911 hiring committee. Her term of service will begin after she has made proper notice to her current employer.
Also, Fire Chief Don Craig asked for permission to hire Chelsea Dick as a new part-time firefighter. Dick comes well qualified for the position, Craig said, and told the board that she has several firefighting certifications.
Both employment requests were unanimously approved by the board members — Mayor John Whicker, Scott Mentzer, and Josh Hunt.
Craig also asked the board for permission to promote firefighter Kyle Morphew to be a lieutenant on the firefighting roster. Craig said Morphew, who is an officer in the city’s animal control program, already assumes leadership at fire scenes and the promotion “will allow him to continue to do so in a recognized role.” Morphew’s promotion fills a vacancy created by the promotion of Justin Gerdom from lieutenant to captain.
In other business, the board:
• Approved the transfer of $16,000 within the Parks and Recreation Department’s budget. The money will be moved from the salaries line item to the medical insurance line item.
• Approved an expenditure by the Bluffton NOW! downtown revitalization organization to pay for part of the demolition of the building at 125 S. Marion, which was severely damaged in a fire July 7.
• Approved a payment of $778,525 to the James S. Jackson Co. for work on the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The State Revolving Fund has provided the money to pay for the work, and after the Board of Works’ approval the request for the payment will be sent to the SRF.
daves@news-banner.com
