Eric Keaton was selected as the newest Chelsea City Council member on Jan. 18, and after being sworn-in at the start of the meeting, took part in the proceedings.
He fills the vacancy left on the council when Jane Pacheco was elected mayor, and his term will run through November, 2023, the date of the next City Council election.
Keaton was one of three residents who applied for the open position.
It was also announced that long-time City Manager John Hanifan will retire on Jan. 31 after almost 15 years with the city.
Current City Clerk Laura Kaiser has accepted the deputy clerk position left vacant with the retirement of Karon Barber, and the city has posted a job opening to fill the clerk’s position.
Sharon Castle was unanimously chosen for an open position on the city’s parks and recreation commission for a term that will expire on March 1, 2024. A city resident since 2019, she told the City Council she was looking for ways to get involved in the community.
In other business, Council Members chose a number of assignments as liaisons the city’s boards, committees and commissions. Rather than doing this after the November election, they waited to fill the positions until a full council was seated.
Council Members referred to the city attorney a request from the mayor for the city’s boards, committees and commissions to meet virtually. Further clarification of the Open Public Meetings Act was requested. (The request is attached below.)
By a unanimous vote, the City Council approved an unbudgeted purchase of a new truck for the electric department to replace a 2002 bucket truck that is no longer operational. The truck will be ordered from Custom Truck and Equipment for about $167,240.
The Water Department will also get a new vehicle to replace a 2001 Ford model that will be retired. The budgeted about $45,000 purchase will be a GMC 2500 from Todd Wenzel GMC.
If you would like to listen to the full meeting proceedings, please click here for the video from Randy Lee on the city website.
