Board Accepts Police Chief’s Resignation
Anderson’s Board of Aldermen voted to formally accept former Police Chief Daniel Gardner’s resignation during the council’s regular meeting on April 18.
Gardner served as police chief for just shy of a year before resigning on Tuesday, March 28.
His resignation letter makes no mention of his motivation for stepping down. Instead, Gardner contends it was a pleasure serving the residents of Anderson.
Friday is the deadline to submit an application for the position to City Hall.
Departmental Reports
The council discussed the best approach to filling the recently vacated police chief position.
Alderman Don Hines suggested selecting a board of individuals to review applications, but Sellers said he believes the council can determine which candidates are worth interviewing. Sellers also inquired about who would be on the board and what type of law enforcement background they possess.
“I’m hesitant to use a hiring board because board members may have unknown prejudices about applicants,” he added.
Alderman Chester Neel asked only that the applicants be prohibited from contacting council members in an attempt to campaign for the position.
The council voted to hold a special meeting on Tuesday, April 25, to discuss applicants and choose the most appropriate people to interview.
Until a permanent replacement is hired, Jerry Hatfield will serve as interim police chief.
Ben Shoemaker was designated interim Public Works director in the wake of another recent resignation – that of former director Dane Small.
Shoemaker presented the council with bids for a new lawnmower, prompting Sellers to ask about the condition of the city’s current mowers. He said the mowers are, for the most part, in fair working order. With this in mind, the council discussed various lawnmower models and the city’s needs — but no action was taken.
Shoemaker notified council members that the Water Department is no longer able to find replacement parts for the UV system at the wastewater treatment plant. As a result, the system needs to be updated.
Sellers noted that, despite this, the city’s wastewater was tested by the Department of Natural Resources last week and “passed with flying colors.”
The council began brainstorming potential locations for a 160,000-gallon water tank the city plans to purchase from Pineville. This addition will increase Anderson’s storage capacity 150 percent and provide 24-hour water storage in the event of a power outage.
Alderman Chester Neel noted the importance of this development, especially when considering the city’s often-overlooked responsibility to maintain water service to the high school and the McDonald County Living Center.
Shoemaker presented the council with quotes to build a structure over the pressure regulator valves along River’s Edge Lane, on the east side of town. He also requested approval to set a new water meter and install pole lights at the building.
After granting approval of the proposed projects, the council voted to accept the low-bid of $4,500 from Premier Construction to build housing for the pressure regulator valves.
City Clerk Andi Browning asked permission to obtain a drop-box key and safety deposit bags from Arvest in order to make deposits after hours. The council voted to approve this action.
New Business
Mayor Sellers presented council members with a bid from Denali Water Systems for sludge disposal at the wastewater treatment plant.
Representatives with the company figured the project at a cost of $56,000, but there may have been a overestimation in capacity. Sellers noted that the company was also willing to work out a payment plan.
The council voted to accept Denali’s bid. After an initial deposit of $25,000, the city will pay $10,000 quarterly.
After studying the city’s second-quarter budget, Sellers commented that accounts are looking “surprisingly well.” He said revenue and expenses for most internal operations are fluctuating around 50 percent, although insurance increases did create an occasional overage.
“The General Fund has three mouths suckling from it — the Police Department, the Fire Department, and summer rec,” Sellers said.
He went on to thank the constituency for voting to renew a local property tax which helps to sustain these services.
“If you get a kid to play baseball in the summer, that’s one kid not throwing rocks at someone’s window,” Sellers said.
Ken Schutten, director of Anderson Betterment Club, appeared before the council to update members on the Anderson Betterment Club’s activities. He said the organization is considering a new installation for the park at City Hall. The new equipment is geared towards young adults and emphasizes fitness.
On behalf of the Anderson Betterment Club, Schutten donated $500 to the council for the purchase of new playground equipment.
Council members also reviewed a contract proposal from Mike Schlessman in regards to directing the Summer Ball Program.
Alderman Chris Cable suggested one alteration – setting a time limit on the director’s ability to hold competitive or recreational tournaments at the ball fields.
The council voted to accept Schlessman’s proposed contract with the addition of an established summer ball season, from April 1 until July 31.
In other business:
• The Anderson Betterment Club will be hosting a citywide trash pick-up event from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29. Efforts will focus on areas in town where trash notoriously collects, such as Town Hole and along Patterson Street. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Those interested in participating are invited to drop by City Hall shortly before 10 a.m. on April 29 and volunteer to serve the community.
• Municipal Judge Erin Willis requested the city help subsidize the cost of her regular judicial training by splitting the cost with the other cities she serves. The council voted to pay $240.55 for Anderson’s portion of the fee.
• The council voted to open an account with Arvest for the deposit of items or funds seized by the city.
• The council voted to transfer $3,000 from General Revenue to Summer Rec to pay wages and utilities as well as $5,000 from Street Fund to Operations and Maintenance to repay an internal loan.
• The council voted to renew the city’s health insurance plan with Anthem/Blue Cross Blue Shield.