Brueggeman is new City Superintendent, Viacanti interim
By Samantha Goff
Grant Tribune-Sentinel
A special meeting of the Grant City Council was held on Tuesday, March 25 at 5:30 p.m. with the purpose of a public interview of Derek Brueggeman for the City of Grant Superintendent position.
Before questioning began, Mayor Lisa Schmitt opened public comment to up to four individuals, during which two residents expressed their concern in Brueggeman’s qualifications for the position.
Mayor Schmitt also passed out paper and pens for the public to submit questions to be asked, if appropriate, during the public interview.
Several questions were asked of Brueggeman during the approximately 30 minute long special meeting public interview, where roughly 20 residents were in attendance.
Council members Sam Sims, Tierney Peterson and Kimberly Bishop as well as the mayor asked questions of Brueggeman one at a time including the questions submitted by the public. Council member Andrea Brueggeman was absent from the meeting.
When asked by Council member Bishop what legacy he would like to leave if chosen for the Superintendent position, he answered that he would like to leave it better than it was received.
During the interview, Brueggeman discussed the importance of “keeping the community growing,” his views on conflict resolution tactics, budgets and cost control, time management and infrastructure.
The public hearing meeting to interview Brueggeman was adjourned at 5:58 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING
Following the special meeting, the Grant City Council held their regular meeting which began at 7 p.m.
During the regular meeting, discussion was had on the Bowling Alley Project.
Dr. Cliff Colglazier submitted an estimate from Shelco Asphalt and Paving for “concrete to concrete” work for a cost of $28,760. Dr. Colglazier proposed 3 options to the Council: Option 1 included the $14,000 of the funds raised by the Bowling Alley Project to pay for the asphalt on the north half of the lot and leave the south half gravel to allow drainage, and Shelco could have it complete in the next few months.
Option 2 proposed that if the City wanted to pay for the full asphalt on the entire lot at the $28,760 price, the Bowling Alley Project would donate $14,000 to the parking lot.
Option 3 was that if the City did not want to move ahead with asphalt at this time, the $14,000 raised by the Bowling Alley Project would stay in that account until it could be put to use in the future.
Discussion and advisement of City Engineer Tom Werblow, led the council to ultimately decide to vote for Option 3, and give the property a chance to absorb some moisture before asphalting. Werblow explained that damage could be created to the new parking lot if the land was not acclimated properly before installation of the lot.
Action was taken on the bids for City of Grant Armor Coat Improvements, with the approval of B&H at a cost of $78,750.
Discussion on an Addendum to the Interlocal Agreement between the City Of Grant and the County of Perkins made in October of 1992 was had.
A draft Addendum was presented to the Council drafted by Rick Roberts stating that the City desires installing improved bathroom facilities at the “City Ballpark” and, despite the estimated price being left blank as of yet, “The parties agree that the City shall pay one-half of the cost and the County shall pay one-half of the cost,” and continued to read, “In the event that the Interlocal Agreement is terminated prior to the end of the primary term in 2042, the County agrees to reimburse the City for a prorated amount of it’s contribution to the cost of the improved bathroom facilities.”
The Grant City Council decided to table the issue until budget time, which will be in the summer.
In the matter of the Housing Authority Board, a Mayoral appointment was made of Brenda Styskal, which was approved with no opposition.
Discussion and action were made on hiring Al Viacanti of Viacanti Municipal Consulting Services, LLC, as an interim superintendent. Council approved having Viacanti come for 8-12 weeks for the purpose of catching up the work load created in the absence of a superintendent, as well as to train any potential permanent candidate they wish to bring on board in the future.
The meeting went into closed session at 7:45 with the council members, mayor, clerk and city attorney and lasted approximately 45 minutes.
Upon the meeting coming back into regular session, Council member Tierney Peterson took action to move forward with Derek Brueggeman as the City of Grant Superintendent, which was followed by a second from Bishop and the motion passed with all present members voting yes.
The City will move forward with Al Viacanti as an interim for 8-12 weeks, and are working on contracts to determine an official start date for Derek Brueggeman.
EDITORS NOTE: In last week’s issue of the Grant Tribune, the special meeting story read that Al Viacanti had been working as the interim superintendent since the approval of his hiring at the January 28 meeting. However, despite the council approving his hiring, Mr. Viacanti was un-avalable to begin at the time due to health concerns. According to the City Attorney, those issues have resolved and Mr. Viacanti is available to begin as soon as next month. The Grant Tribune strives for excellence and regrets the error.