By JONATHAN SNYDER
An official job description for the Wells County Economic Development Director position was approved by the Board of Public Works and Safety on Tuesday.
The need comes after former Executive Director Chad Kline’s resignation April 12. An offer has since been extended to an individual, but no hire has been made.
Additionally, two nuisance dog items were discussed by the board. A timeline of Brandy Singleton’s nuisance dog order was presented by the Wells County Animal Shelter, which included Singleton neutering and microchipping her dog according to ordinance standards. Singleton, however, has not put in the required outdoor enclosure for her dog.
Singleton responded that the wording of the ordinance was unclear to her, which is why the outdoor enclosure has not been made. Singleton stated that she has an indoor enclosure, but the “or” clause in the ordinance made her believe that the enclosure could be indoor or outdoor.
The exact wording of the ordinance, cited by Singleton, is as follows: “‘Proper Enclosure’ means a secure confinement indoors or, if outdoors, a secure confinement in a locked pen, fenced yard, or structure measuring at least 6 feet in width, 12 feet in length, and 6 feet in height.”
The issue has extended since the initial aggressive call March 9, which the board took notice of when they decided to give a two week extension for Singleton to establish an outdoor enclosure. Singleton clarified that she is willing to comply, but her confusion over the ordinance wording is the reason why she is not in compliance.
Furthermore, the board approved Wastewater Department Supervisor Tony Fey to look into buying a new truck for his personnel. Fey stated that they only have two vehicles for the wastewater plant, leading to his workers waiting for hours at a time for another truck to arrive if they need it. Fey stated that the expense for the truck has been in the department’s capital improvement plan for about three years and that funds are available in their budget.
While Fey requested a half-ton crew cab truck, Hunt advised Fey to look into options for double cab trucks, which are slightly smaller and potentially less expensive. Fey stated in his request that the truck would be primarily used for out of town expeditions, and for testing at sites with significant snow drifts. Fey accepted the board’s suggestion and will look for options to bring to the board.
Additionally, the board approved Bluffton NOW!’s request to reserve parking spots for two events throughout the summer months. They reserved spaces for the Parlor City Market event, held on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. and for Music On the Plaza concerts, held June 21, July 19, Aug. 8 and Sept. 5.
Audry Dudley, representing Bluffton NOW!, stated that they wish to block spaces on the north side of the parlor city and courthouse plazas. Dudley stated that Bluffton NOW! will provide their own cones to block the spaces and that will block areas on an ‘as needed’ basis. Dudley also requested that Walnut Street be closed from 4:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. on concert days for public safety when they cross Walnut Street.
A water adjustment discussion was held for Wayne Monticue on 403 East Central St. Monticue’s April bill saw an unexplained rise in usage. Utility Supervisor Jon Oman stated that they changed and tested the water meter and it passed tests. While there were no leaks detected, the water usage has inexplicably returned to normal rates for May.
Monticue stated that he does not know where the water went or even if it went. He accepted Oman’s statement that the meter passed testing and both of them agree they do not know how more water got used up. Board member Scott Mentzer stated that these mysterious circumstances are difficult to navigate, as the lack of information means they do not know how to keep treatment equal among everyone.
Mentzer stated that if there is no identifiable leak, there is no way to tell if the water was treated by the wastewater plant. Normally if there is a leak, the board gives the sewer upcharge back to the property owner as credit while also crediting half of the excess water bill beyond the normal monthly consumption.
Mentzer and the board gave Monticue the benefit of the doubt and decided to credit half of his water bill, but did not adjust any of his increased sewer rates.
Water Treatment Plant Supervisor Todd Shady also presented his annual water quality and consumer confidence report to the board. Shady noted that this report, containing the regulated contaminants detected throughout the year, will be mailed out today to residents.
The board also approved the following personnel changes:
• Wastewater Department Assistant Plant Supervisor Bill Vaughn and Wastewater Department Lab Technician Erin Pezo was given a $1 hourly raise.
• Kierstin Krueger has been hired as a summer intern at the Wells County Animal Shelter.
• Zack Turner has been hired by the Street Department as a truck driver and laborer.
jonathan@news-banner.com
