In a rescheduled meeting held on March 11, 2014, City Administrator, Jason Myers read a letter of resignation from Chief Jonathan E. Jones.
In this letter, Jones thanked the city for the opportunity they had given him to realize his dream. Chief Jones went on to express his thanks for the welcome he and his family received from the citizens of Parsons and Tucker County and added that he had really enjoyed the people he worked for and the cooperation of the different law enforcement agencies. Jones went on to say that this resignation was one of the hardest things he has ever done.
Council voted to accept Chief Jones’ resignation with the deepest regret and agreed to advertise for the soon to be vacant Chief of Police position.
Council had numerous personnel issues to resolve during this meeting. Accepting another resignation and new hires were on the agenda, as well and the decision of to advertise for some other positions.
To start things off, the vacant spot in the business office that was created when Misty Bolyard resigned was filled. On the recommendation of the Personnel Committee, council voted unanimously to offer Shanna Suesli Wratchford the benefited position of Administrative Support Specialist.
Council also approved the hiring of Richard Stone for the Seasonal Ground Keepers position for the city parks, per recommendation by the Park Board.
In addition, council accepted William Dilly’s resignation as building inspector. Mayor Judy turned this vacancy over to the Building Committee for a recommendation. It was agreed by all to advertise for two seasonal ground keepers for the Parsons City Cemetery and for a part-time Sanitation Laborer.
Council also acted on some issues that are to the benefit of the citizens of Parsons.
Parsons residents will once again enjoy the benefits of the annual spring clean up. This year it will be held from Monday, April 21 – Friday, April 25. There will be a cost for tire disposal and no flowing liquids or televisions will be accepted. Any resident requiring assistance can contact the Parsons Business office.
In other business, Councilman Tim Auvil speaking on behalf of the Park Board told council of planned changes to the Wellness Center. After much discussion about the parking availability for the handicapped in the front of the Wellness Center, Council approved the recommendation of the Park Board to add a ramp to the front entrance, and make the rear door an emergency exit only. Council also approved the board’s plan to separate the weight area from the dance area at the Center.
Auvil went on to ask for approval to extend River City Park from the skate park area straight back to the Rail Trail. Everyone agreed with this request and thought it would give the area more “curb appeal”.
Council wanted the residents of the Pulp Mill bottom to know that they have not been forgotten. Region VII is expected to do an assessment of the storm drainage problem in the Pulp Mill Bottom area with the hopes of securing funding to alleviate the problem.
Parsons ON-TRAC and PRO will be partnering to bring improvements to the 300 Block of First Street. Mayor Judy expressed her hope that improvements will be underway soon.
Representatives of Parsons ON TRAC will be attending the Spring Main Street and ON TRAC training in Wheeling, WV in April and Rachelle Puelle will attend the National Main Street Conference in Detroit, MI in May.
The next Parsons City Council Meeting has been rescheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, March 25, 2014 in the Council Chambers of the Charles W. “Bill” Rosenau Municipal Building.
