City Council hires interim Superintendent to fill vacancy after Miller’s resignation
By Becky Uehling
Grant Tribune Correspondent
Recently hired City of Grant Superintendent Jeffrey Scott Miller submitted his resignation with the city on January 22 citing his desire to seek a different position that had just opened up in local government. Miller’s last day with the city was January 31. Miller was appointed Perkins County Sheriff on Monday, Feb. 3 by the Perkins County Commissioners. (See related article in this edition)
In his resignation letter to the city, Miller stated the position he was pursuing was in the best interest for his “career growth” and “personal life”, and he thanked the city for the opportunity to serve as superintendent, and said he hoped he would be able to still have a “great working relationship” going forward.
Three of the four City Council members and Mayor Lisa Schmitt accepted Miller’s resignation during their Tuesday, Jan. 28 meeting after discussing the issue for nearly an hour in executive session. Those voting to accept the resignation were Mayor Schmitt, Council members Andrea Brueggeman, Sam Sims, and Tierney Petersen. Absent from the meeting was council member Kim Bishop. After approving Miller’s resignation, the council moved to allow City Clerk Jessie Faber to advertise for the open position of City Superintendent.
Also discussed by the council was the option of hiring an interim city superintendent on a par- time or as-needed basis until another permanent Superintendent could be hired. City Clerk Jessie Faber made a suggestion to hire Al Vacanti of Omaha to fill the position. Vacanti has served as interim city superintendent for other communities, and would be willing to serve in Grant, Faber said.
Sims made a motion to move forward with hiring Vacanti on a part-time or as-needed basis once Vacanti’s reference check and contract parameters were verified on behalf of the city by City Attorney Tawna Holmstedt. Councilmember Petersen made a second to the motion.
During discussion, Councilmember Brueggeman said she was not comfortable with the motion, and questioned exactly what the council was asking Holmstedt to clarify with Vacanti.
Holmstedt stated she intended to reach out to Vacanti and find out answers to questions that she had specifically, and if she had concerns would relay those to the council for more consideration, if needed. Holmstedt also said she would be happy to ask Vacanti any specific questions that the council had for him. Brueggeman said she was still concerned about the process.
“What if we don’t like what he has to say,” Brueggeman said. “And if we approve to hire him now and we don’t like his answers then we are” getting ahead of ourselves.
She went on to say she just had a lot of unanswered questions.
After further discussion by the council, Sims amended his motion to have Holmstedt establish such parameters with the interim superintendent concerning needed lodging while in Grant and associated fees, what specific hours he would be available and for what fee, and specifics on mileage. Voting yes to accept the motion were Sims, Petersen, and Schmitt, with Brueggeman voting no and Bishop absent.
New Snow Removal Policy Approved
The city council unanimously approved an updated snow removal resolution for the City. The resolution, as well as an addendum action plan, clarifies when and how snow removal will take place within the city, including how the city would allow citizens to assist with snow removal.
Jeff Skeels from HomeTown Agency was on hand during the meeting to discuss the council’s new proposed snow plan, and specifically the importance of the wording related to community volunteers that releases the city from any liability if citizens choose to help. Skeels said he had looked over the plan and approves how it was worded.
Specifically the plan states the following guidelines for community volunteers who are helping remove snow. The city will:
• Create an open line of communication with volunteer community members that want to help with snow removal using their own equipment.
• Let community members know that they do not fall under the City’s insurance policy when pushing/removing snow on City streets and that by engaging in snow removal activities that they imply acceptance of liability for damages caused.
• Refer community members to the City of Grant Revised Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 6, Section 6-103 and Section 6-301 as they relate to snow removal and where snow can be placed. • Advise volunteer community members about the locations of valve control boxes that need to be avoided as well as the adverse effects of piling/collecting snow in areas that may affect proper drainage.
• City employees shall not provide any sort of direction or oversight as it relates to volunteer community snow removal, nor shall they provide any sort of compensation for volunteer services rendered including but not limited to fuel, money, formal recognition, etc.
A complete copy of the new snow removal resolution and action plan can be requested from the city office.
Library Update
Robin Quinn, librarian at Hastings Memorial Library, was on hand at the meeting to give her annual report, and present to the council several statistics related to the library. The council unanimously accepted the report from Quinn. Please look in future editions of the Grant Tribune-Sentinel for a more detailed article on Quinn’s report.
Faber Appointed to Positions
The council voted to allow City Clerk Faber to serve as interim Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and Liaison Officer and Interim Airport Manager in the absence of a permanent City Superintendent.
Next Meeting
The next meeting of the Grant City Council will be Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.