The Fennville City Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 3:
Police chief: Unanimously agreed to offer the Fennville Police Department chief position to Rudolph Johnson III of Charleston, S.C. A committee interviewed four candidates for the position that came open when Greg Rekucki announced his resignation effective Jan. 1. A salary range of $50,000 to $60,000 was advertised, though a specific amount has not been decided, according to Mayor Dan Rastall who led the interview committee. The offer is contingent on Johnson clearing a background check.
Johnson is now assistant chief of police at the Allendale Police Department in South Carolina. He has been a narcotics detective, probation and parole agent and officer.
The city still plans to move the police offices into city hall, 125 S. Maple St.
Police administrator: Discussed hiring Douglas Police Department officer Tony Brown as an interim police administrator to oversee state licensing issues and the transition to a new police chief. Though he would be a sworn officer for the city, he would not patrol. “Tony would be a guide” for staff until a new chief was on board, Mayor Dan Rastall said. No decisions were made.
Cemetery mapping: Unanimously hired Prein & Newhoff of Grand Rapids with an office in Holland for about $11,500 to survey Fennville Cemetery, develop geographic information system mapping of plots to link the database and create an interactive map with online access for the public. The project will allow people to choose and purchase plots online.
Land sale: Unanimously voted to sell three parcels along Main and Maple streets to the Fennville Downtown Development Authority for $1 after the DDA finishes paying off a $303,000 debt used to buy the land in 2003. The loan will be paid off soon due to the recent sale of the building at 220 E. Main St. The land is now a parking lot and green area used for concerts and art displays over the summer.
Financing: Completed the first reading of the Downtown Development Authority Tax Increment Financing Act to renew the guidelines that expire in February. A public hearing is Jan. 11 and adoption could be Jan. 16.
Lead water lines: Was informed by City Administrator Kathryn Beemer that 10 homes have had their lead water lines replaced by Ottagan Plumbing Inc. Work will continue in the spring on other homes needing the replacement.