Betty Bruner
NEWELL-A special meeting was held at the city offices on May 1 to handle a bit of business and to accept the resignations of several members of the commission. Mayor Ken Wetz sited health issues as his reason for resigning effective that evening. Sheila Smith has accepted other employment, while Kendal Wetz also sited health issues. Commissioner Tiffany Tennis noted that there would be a conflict of interest with a relative in the position of Mayor.
Prior to the resignations, there were several business items that needed attention. There was a transfer of funds for the Fire Department Capital Outlay in the amount of $7,6936.78. The money will be used to replace fire equipment.
A Quitclaim Deed was returned from Newell Economic Development. The property never actually changed hands and the project that it was slated for could not be financed. The property is the large lot on the north side of town that has been used as camping and tractor pulls.
With the resignations, there are several openings in the offices of Newell. With the resignation of Mayor Ken Wetz, Commissioner Don Adams was sworn in as Acting Mayor.
At the meeting held May 8, newly elected Mayor Tara Tennis took the gavel after a vote by the commissioners. Because of the situation in the town’s office, there has been no official to write minutes from the May 1 Special Meeting. Linda Velder was designated as the Recording Secretary.
Velder was hired as Temporary Office Worker through the month of May. Judy Heisler was hired to work in the Finance Office, with one dissenting vote.
Commissioner Concerns focused on the future. A Letter of Intent needs to be sent to the Town Office for the Commissioner position.
Town business will be handled with the new Mayor and three commissioners until the vacancy is filled.
