BOSCOBEL - The Boscobel Police Department is close to being fully moved into its new home in the former Old National Bank building at 202 W. Oak St.
“My plan is to go public by the end of the week and say we’re in there,” Police Chief Jaden McCullick told the Common Council Monday. McCullick also mentioned the possibility of holding some sort of open house celebration once the move is complete, probably by the end of next week.
“I think we should. That way people see what you’ve got,” said Mayor Steve Wetter.
Per McCullick’s request, the Council approved former Boscobel officer Jeremy Kass working for the department as a volunteer in the new facility.
“Jeremy approached me about three months ago about volunteering for us,” McCullick said. “Now that we have the new building, I think it’s a perfect time to get him in here. I guess it’s our way of getting him in and out of the house, because he’s going stir crazing sitting in the house all day.”
Kass was forced to step down from the department about a year ago due to health issues, but his doctor has cleared him for light duty.
“There will be no law enforcement duties, just a warm face to greet people when they come in and to help out and answer questions,” McCullick said.
The Council also discussed possible uses for the old police department at the back of City Hall.
“We were thinking that might be a good spot for the Chamber,” said City Administrator Misty Molzof. “They are kind of the right arm of the city. We currently give them $1,000 a year and maybe we could just wash that.”
The Council agreed, unanimously approving Molzof’s suggestion.
Groom retiring
The Council also accepted the resignation letter of Street Department Supervisor Ted Groom, effective Jan. 2, 2020.
“On my 43rdanniversary, I am submitting this letter of resignation after a lot of thought,” Groom wrote on October 17. “This was not an easy decision; however, I have decided that it is time for me to retire.”
Director of Public Works Mike Reynolds said Groom will be hard to replace.
“Ted has put in a lot of good years for us and won’t be easy to replace,” Reynolds said. “I think we can fill it from within and we getter get to it quickly because winter’s coming.”
Groom has been spending a lot of his time lately trying to clear the blockage from Sanders Creek at Highway 61. On Monday, Reynolds updated the Council on his meeting with DOT and DNR representatives on the matter.
“They’re looking at some options, but I don’t think you’re going to see anything fast or drastic,” Reynolds said. “I think somehow we’ve got to clear the blockages downstream from the highway. I think they’re going to start by clearing the blockages under the highway.”
“We’re not holding our breath,” Mayor Wetter said of a speedy solution to the problem.
“It just happens so frequently,” added Reynolds. “We haven’t been able to get in there and clean the walkway all summer.”
Blaine Theater
Improvements at the Blaine Theater were a topic of conversation Monday night as well, with the Council agreeing to spend approximately $600 from the Theater Project Fund to repair the neon sign on Oak Street.
“It needs to be fixed; it’s been broken pretty much since he put it in,” said Ald. Milt Cashman.
New manager Clifford Monroe also asked Molzof to consider replacing the floor behind the front counter as he moves forward with improvements.
“I look forward to working with your and making the Blaine better than it already is,” Monroe wrote Molzof last week. “After we get the new popcorn machine I’m going to build new shelves in the back to better utilize the space.”
Monroe mentioned a possible fundraiser to limit the cost.
“It needs to be fixed,” said Ald. Angie O’Brien. “Have any of you been back there? It is so bad, sticky and gross. It really needs it.”
In other action, the Council:
• Approved spending $14,700 to install heat in the main hangar building;
• Approved a new procurement/purchasing policy for city employees;
• Approved upgrading City Hall to Windows 10 at a cost of $2,400;
• Approved the following mayor’s appointments: Bev Nice and Sandy Moran, Tuffley Commission; Andrew Nass, Tom Pelz and William Fast to the Airport Commission; Dick Kilian and Howard Drake to the Zoning Board of Appeals.
