Dunn begins job as city superintendent

Edward Dunn began his duties as Grant’s city superintendent on Monday, April 29. 

With the approval of his appointment and contract at the council meeting on April 23, Dunn resigned his seat on the council due to conflict of interest. 

Dunn read his resignation letter to the council, stating he thanks the citizens of Grant for their support and understanding and to let him know how he can be of assistance. 

“I am extremely grateful for my experiences as an elected official and will always look upon my time here as being positive and beneficial,” said Dunn. 

He said he looks forward to continuing to move Grant forward. 

With the acceptance of his resignation, Dunn took a seat in the audience. 

John Long told the council he appreciated the appointment they made in Dunn. 

“This guy comes in with enthusiasm and a vision.”

Long spoke about the upcoming rural leadership program being taught by his son Andrew Long, and asked that Dunn could attend without any deductions in pay. 

Council vacancy

The council vacancy is published in this week’s paper on page 8. Those interested in the seat should contact Mayor Lisa Schmitt or submit a letter of intent or resume to the city office by noon on Friday, May 10. 

At the next regular meeting on May 14, Schmitt will submit the name of a qualified registered voter to fill the vacancy for the balance of Dunn’s term, which ends December 2022.

The council will vote upon such nominee, and if a majority votes in favor of such nominee, the vacancy shall be declared filled. If the nominee fails to receive a majority of the votes, the nomination shall be rejected and Schmitt will submit another nominee to fill the vacancy at the next regular meeting on May 28. 

If the subsequent nominee fails to receive a majority of the votes, Schmitt shall continue at such meeting to submit the names of nominees until the vacancy is filled. 

The Tribune questioned if majority in this case is considered two of three since the council is now operating as a three-person council. 

Faced with a council vacancy last year, the city required three votes to fill the vacancy. 

City Attorney Tawna Holmstedt is researching this. 

Aviation appreciation

May 2019 was declared General Aviation Appreciation Month in Grant by a unanimous vote of the council. 

• Nebraska is home to 80 public-use airports, which serves 3,661 pilots and 2,501 registered aircraft. 

• Nebraska is home to 70 fixed-base operators, 13 repair stations and five FAA-approved pilot schools. 

• General aviation in Nebraska contributes over $1.2 billion to the state’s total economic output.

Action items

The council voted to approve:

• The resolution accepting fair parade duties. 

• Dunn’s appointment as airport manager. 

• Dawnya Dreiling’s appointment to the cemetery board. 

• The ordinance approving compensation of city officers and employees.

No bids were received for the surplus garbage truck, therefore no action was taken.