Todd Stenner was promoted to Boscobel Police Chief from assistant chief in unanimous action by the Common Council last Wednesday evening. He replaces Jim Reynolds, who worked his last day on the job Monday.
"Jim has retired, and al-though he will be receiving accumulated sick pay and remain chief through February 27th, he won't be back to work," said Mayor Steve Wetter. "That's why we're doing this now, for a smooth transition."
Stenner has been working as an officer with the police department for 23 years, the past six as assistant chief.
The Council also ap-proved hiring officer Kevin Copus as the new assistant police chief. Behind Stenner, Copus has the most seniority on the police force with 12 years. A new police officer to replace Copus will be hired later this month. As of last Wednesday the city had received 18 applications for the job from interested parties, with more expected this week. The deadline for applica-tions being submitted is Friday.
Razing action
The Council also approved a bid of $18,750 from Reynolds Brothers LLC, Boscobel, to demolish a building owned by Mi-chael and Karen Riddet at 1021 Wisconsin Avenue, formerly Hawkshead Gallery. The city must provide dumpsters and pay landfill fees.
The city issued a raze order for the building on Oct. 11, 2011. "Based on inspection, I have determined that the building is old, dilapidated and out of repair to the extent that it is dan-gerous, unsafe, unsanitary or otherwise unfit for human habitation, occupancy or use and that it is unrea-sonable to repair," wrote Building and Zoning In-spector Dennis Hampton.
Hampton wrote that the assessed value of the building is $29,600, but that the estimated cost of repairs exceeds $300,000.
"So far everything is where it's supposed to be," Wetter said. "Asbestos removal has been completed and everything is ready to go. We want to go now so next year we can get our money back from the county."
City Administrator Arlie Harris explained the payment process by saying: "Everything that goes into this we have to pay up front. Then in November it goes to the county and that's when we'll get our money back. There will be a lien on the property and the county will probably end up with it."
In other action, the Council:
•Approved requesting bids for a new truck, plow and sander, which is expected to cost about $50,000. "It's been four years since we got a new one. This is just a request to get bids," said Director of Public Works Mike Rey-nolds.
•Approved the following mayor's appointments:
Library Board: Rev. Charles Koester, Carole Young, Margaret Mezera;
Tuffley Community Building Commission: Brad Bodenbender, Glenda Rey-nolds, Ben Nelson, Steve Hanson, Vanessa Koester;
Room Tax/Tourism Commission: Vicky Camp-bell, Resa Norwood, Karl Krogen, Melinda Patchak.