Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
ETNA GREEN - What a difference a day makes.
During a special Etna Green Town Council meeting Thursday, it was announced that an electric superintendent was hired. At Tuesday's regular meeting, the council said it is seeking to fill that position.
Rich Walls, the man hired to replace David Fritzel, opted to remain at his current job. Fritzel resigned from the post in October.
Council members will meet in executive session at 3:30 p.m. Friday to discuss the employment of an electric superintendent for the town. There are two applications on file for the job and the position also will be advertised as seeking a general laborer with an electrical background.
The council is hoping to set up interviews as soon as possible.
In a related matter, clerk-treasurer Laura Baker said Fritzel has not responded to letters from the town regarding the repayment of training fees. An employment contract spells out terms, including repayment if Fritzel was to leave the job before a specified timeframe.
Baker said the most recent correspondence was sent certified mail and, according to the return receipt, was accepted. Fritzel has until Thursday to respond to that letter.
In other matters, the council:
• Voted 2-to-1 to increase the reconnect fees for utilities. Baker said the list of disconnects has been steady at about 15 per month and many customers come in right away to make payments toward unpaid fees once their service is disconnected. Then town employees are dispatched back to reconnect. Baker said the $10 reconnect fee doesn't serve as enough deterrent for people to keep their bills current.
Council member Andy Cook made a motion to increase the reconnect fee to $25, with payment of the utility bill and the reconnect fee prior to service being returned. The motion passed after a second by council president Eileen Cook. Council member Jeff Klinefelter voted against the increase.
• Agreed to pay the estimated $300 per year cost of a cellular telephone to be kept in the rescue truck for use by Etna Green Fire Department and First Responders during emergency calls.
• Appointed Patti Cook as the civil defense coordinator for the town.
• Hired Virginia Hall to clean the Heritage Park building and town hall for $6 per hour.
• Approved removing an overgrown bush from the northeast corner of the Heritage Park building. A smaller plant will be placed there.
