By Andrew Walsh
awalsh@wbcowqel.com
New Washington Village Council found out Monday night that they would be saying goodbye to a long time veteran.
Council member Gertrude Durnwald announced that she would be resigning her seat effective at the end of the year. Durnwald is bringing to a close 20 years of service to the village, and her husband more than 30. Gene Durnwald has been the village building inspector for more than 30 years, and his resignation will also be effective at the end of the year.
Durnwald stated that she and her husband were making the decision to protect their health insurance in retirement.
“I wish to thank everyone for the opportunity to be part of this council for 20 years,” Durnwald said.
As council accepted the resignation of Durnwald, they welcomed a new member to the police ranks. Police Chief Jeff Shook recommended that council hire Brian Nutter to fill the part-time role vacated by the outgoing Officer Kessler. Resolution 1285 approved Nutter on a part-time basis for a six-month probationary period, and Solicitor John Berger administered the oath of office.
Council also approved the hiring, on a part-time and seasonal basis, of Jeremy Clay to assist with Street Department duties as they look for a replacement to the departed Steve Aichholz. In the short term, Clay will be helping primarily with leaf pickup.
On the subject of this vacant post, at the last meeting it was decided to advertise the position as part-time. At Monday’s meeting, Jerri Lucius revisited the issue with the prospect of returning to the position to full-time. She cited safety and workload reasons for her decision.
Paul Forster countered that it would be much more expensive to install someone in a full-time capacity than a part-time capacity. He also reported that Rocky Wechter, who was to head the Street Department upon Aichholz’s resignation, told him he was unsure if he could keep a full-time person busy.
Joe Blum stated that he wished to see the position stay part-time, but added, “Let’s see who the part-time applicants would be and if they meet our standards.”
“I think a good part-time person would really help us and be the way to go,” Forster said. After canvassing the table, the rest of council agreed with him and the position remained advertised as part-time, at less than 24 hours per week.